Aluminium meshing

HEKI aluminum mesh for terrain building

This is not a model or a kit but a construction material. The aluminum mesh is stretched over a framework of strips, foam or cardboard and shaped by hand into hills, slopes, cuttings and rock formations. The manufacturer recommends it as a supporting base under modeling compound and states that the mesh holds its shape firmly enough that broken rock can be seen on it even before the surface layer goes on. Aluminum can be crumpled and straightened again without springing back, so the terrain can be corrected until the surface layer sets. The size of the sheet is not stated here.

Use

• the supporting layer of hills, embankments, cuttings and rock faces on layouts and large dioramas
• the base under modeling compound, plaster bandage, papier-mache or a thin layer of plaster
• transitions between a finished board and terrain, closing the gaps above a framework
• it is cut with tin snips or cutting pliers, and joints are overlapped and sewn together with wire
• it is stapled to the board or glued with a hot glue gun

Who it is for

For layout builders who make terrain by the classic method of a framework and an applied shell, and for builders of larger dioramas, where solid foam would be heavy and wasteful. The work is quick, the material light, and the resulting shell carries vegetation and ballast.

Once cut, the mesh has sharp edges; work in gloves and clear the offcuts away so that they do not get into the carpet. Modeling compound, plaster, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.