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You can add some texture like pitting or tiny gouges on the track contact surfaces (rubber pads). If you are using the Dragon (DS) tracks from a dragon kit you can lay the tracks down (while not on the tank) and apply Tamiya thin cement to a few sections (3 or 4 links) at a time and then pressing them (NOT RUBBING) with #60 or #100 sandpaper to give a used look.
When you weather them, those small impressions will pop up and give a more realistic appearance. If you don't feel at ease trying this then try it first on a bottom area of the track that won't be seen.
Getting in a hurry only brings it's own problems.
Aways think ahead.
Good Luck.
Click or copy for info on DS Tracks
https://cs.finescale.com/fsm/tools_techniques_and_reference_materials/f/13/t/179437.aspx
ok I watched a YouTube on tracks and I'm thinking I make learn to be ok with them..............like i have a choice
HeavyArty The above posted model is not an M4A3E8, but a standard M4A3.
The above posted model is not an M4A3E8, but a standard M4A3.
You're right. It's been twelve years since I built that.
Just wasn't thinking....
Below is the A3E2 kit that I used.
A lot of scratchbuilding was involved using the older kit.
I have an airbrush that is a sandblaster I used it on the rubber tracks it removed all the gloss and left behind a nice Matt finish with micro size pits to hold the paint it did not remove any detail it's not that aggressive I airbrushed the primer and it looks like it may work ok
finally got the tracks painted and mounted and I have determined I don't like rubber band tracks
genuinely nice build and diorama
thanks for the track links. I have an idea on the rubber. i may try etching the rubber to eliminate most of the gloss. I may try TSP like the old days when you use TSP to etch prior to painting. I'll test a rubber piece first. If that does not work, I have an airbrush sandblaster that blasts small grains of etching powder. I know the difficulties with paint and rubber, but I sort of enjoy a challenge..........to an extent
The M4A3E8 used a HVSS (Horizontal Volute Suspension System), not the VVSS (Vertical Volute Suspension System) like the standard M4A3. It also used wider T66 tracks.
Tamiya's M4A3E8
Back to the initial question...
You need to look for metal T66 tracks for your M4A3E8.
Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!
Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
Below is the Tamiya 35346 1/35 US
Look on Scalemates to see what metal tracks are available for this kit, and check out some reviews on the products. Metal tracks often require some drilling and wire work to assemble them, as well as "blackening" the metal to give them a proper appearance.
F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!
U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!
N is for NO SURVIVORS...
- Plankton
LSM
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