Assembling Individual Link Tracks

Make sure you heed the advice about a straight edge. This is essential to fit and apearence. best plan though is to make a jig which is like using two straight edges. I believe I got a set with the Academy complete interior Tiger 1 kit which I have used on every kit I do with individal track links

josho in the May '99 issue of "FineScale Modeler" there's a fine article by Joe Morgan on individual-link tracks. When I built a panzer IV by Dragon I followed his advice and the tracks came out looking great.

Trevor

Keyword ..... patience. They build into an excellent looking track. I usually build them into about six pieces before placing them on the kit. Did I mention patience. And measure .... measure too.

Thanks for all the help guys. I kinda figured I would have to assemble them in chunks and paint them while they were on the sprue. I appreciate all the help, and I'll even try to post some pics when it's finished.

I actually can't wait to have seperate links. I cringe at the thought of another vinyl disaster waiting to happen.. I remember a M163 Vulcan from Italeri with seperate-ish links. Much more enjoyable and ended up looking great.

josho,
I just finished the Academy KIFV, and the only easy way I found to do the treads was to paint them while still on the sprue, and assemble starting with the drive sprocket. From there, I made small sections to fit the drive wheels, just enough to reach the next wheel. In all, except for the bottom treads, I never assembled more than 5 or 6 treads at a time. This also gives a little time in which the treads are still flexible for positioning. The final join point to complete the treads was at the rear lower curve, just under the return pulley. Hope this helps...

demono69

Josho- find something to use as a straight edge. I think I still have my Tamiya Tiger instructions and they are pretty good, I followed them EXACTLY and had no problems.
The tamiya Tiger comes with a straight edge and they aren't difficult IF you follow the instructions. They are assembled in sections.
Contact me if you want a copy.

Those links don't snap together? I'm never going to build my Tamiya mid-pro Tiger. O.K., I'm with Josho now. What is the trick to putting those links together? I seriously thouht they snapped together. Now I remember why I build A/C.

Just write the word, links, in the search option and you will find the answer. Is too clear. The third one from top to bottom. Good luck.

Feria