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Model Forum / General / Models / August 2005Tank tracks
Is it only me ....or are most individual tracks for Tanks ..just to much hard work........for no great result. > Is it only me ....or are most individual tracks for Tanks ..just to > much hard work........for no great result. For "dead" or "dry pin" and "flat" tracks they are very nice, pretty much required, and not that much work, in comparison. Single piece sets like the Academy Pz IV and Tamiya Panther only took about four hours total, each. Some of the Modelkasten sets are too complicated to be worthwhile. For "live" track, as on Shermans, there is little gained except in detail. Trumpeter's new KV series uses link and length tracks which are molded with the proper sag in place on the top runs. Esci also used L&L tracks. These are the desirable solution, I think, for live tracks, and perfectly acceptable for others. KL >> Is it only me ....or are most individual tracks for Tanks ..just >> to much hard work........for no great result. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > KL What do you mean, "live tracks"? I have some armor waiting for me to feel confident enough about my skills to dive in, some have one-piece vinyl and some have single links. Any info is good info. TF > What do you mean, "live tracks"? I have some armor waiting for me to feel > confident enough about my skills to dive in, some have one-piece vinyl and > some have single links. Any info is good info. Live track has (generally) rubber bushings in the track blocks where the pins go. The bushings are keyed to the track pins such that twisting of the track pins is resisted by the bushings. Also (generally) the pins are keyed such that two loose track blocks will be preset to a <180 degree angle on the inside, between the blocks. A series of blocks will tend to "curl" up. The point is that the assembled track always "wants" to curve toward the inside, or more specifically, curve around the idler and sprocket. This reduces rolling resistance. Most American tracks have been live. Most Soviet and WW II German tracks were dead, meaning the pins were loose or free-spinning within their holes. Flat track is a suspension arrangement without return rollers where the upper track run hangs freely between the idler and sprocket, sometimes resting on the tops of the road wheels. I will make an exception to my previous statement about live Sherman tracks being difficult. The T66 tracks do not use end connectors, so they are much easier. KL >> What do you mean, "live tracks"? I have some armor waiting for me to >> feel confident enough about my skills to dive in, some have one-piece [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > KL Thanks very much. Fruil(sp?), can never keep that straight, white metal tracks work great. Sure there is a little clean up needed, but what doesn't need clean up. With these tracks you will need to run a small drill bit to clean out the holes for the track pins, but the finished product looks excellent, complete with sag. I have a picture somewhere if you'd like to see the end result. > Is it only me ....or are most individual tracks for Tanks ..just to > much hard work........for no great result. |
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