RHPS T48 Sherman tracks

Thanks for the heads up Andy, I've just completed construction of that very kit. I'm going OOB with it for a break and haven't test fit the tracks yet. I'll have to check that out a bit more carefully now. Thanks again.

Considering all the odd-ball equipment fits found in the M4 series, 78 Shermans is not a excessive as one might think if the idea was to model each variation. On the other hand, if I owned a Hobby Shop, I don't that I would insult or be condescending to those people upon on whom my income depended. I live in San Diego, and have encountered a similar proprieter of a local hobby shop, that now seems to be out of business. Funny how things work.

As far as your Sherman tracks, I can be as nit-picking as the next guy when it comes to esoteric detail, but I too would vote for reoving links to get the right length and remove as sag. I just put the kit treads on a Tamiya M4 Early-Production, and they are probably a tad long. If I were building it over again, (no.2 of 78) that is, I think I would have done some additional test fitting and perhaps cut out a link.

Speaking of test fitting, if your suspension bogies aren't glued to the hull yet, you might want to check the widths of the return rollers on the bogies with respect to the track's guide horns. I didn't do that, and found that the distance in the stock tracks is a smidgen narrower than the rollers, leaving me with an imperfect fit on top of the bogies. It's not real noticable, fortunately, but something to remember for future Shermans.

Only thing to be cautious of is sag introduction if you remove too many links. Sherman tracks were "live" meaning no sag.

I'm still shaking my head in amazement over the 78 Sherman guy..."bring it in when you're done and I'll show you everything you did wrong"...next time take in a knitting needle and pop his head to keep it from swelling any further...

I've crossed paths with the likes of your local hobby shop guy. They volunteer more information then you really care to swallow. It's an ego thing I guess! Anyhow pop out the extra links and we'll be none the wiser. semper fi, mike

QUOTE: Originally posted by garthbender QUOTE: Originally posted by RAF120 Like Steve said only "joy sucking rivet counters" would know. I wouldn't, I didn't like counting them when I was put them together, what makes you think I'm going to count yours on the tank. ha! that's awesome! they are a total pain in the butt. i was down at a lhs a few months ago and i told the guy i was working on a sherman and he goes: 'nice, i've built 78 of them. bring yours in when you finish and i'll tell you everything you did wrong.' to which i replied in my head: 'ok dude... first of all, what are you doing building 78 shermans... think about diversifying. secondly, i try to make things as realistic and accurate as i possibly can, but isn't this supposed to be fun too?' then he went on a 20 minute rant about how all primer is is paint, how he owns 3 airbrushes and solders all his pe. all of this and all i wanted was to buy some lead foil. needless to say, i don't think i'll frequent their establishment again. guys, thanks for the advice. i'm glad that i won't be seen as a huge chump for some impromptu modifications. you rock! ~ garth

I guess this is as good a definition as any between an enthusiast and a fanatic...glad to see you are still on the enthusiast side of things.

QUOTE: Originally posted by RAF120 Like Steve said only "joy sucking rivet counters" would know. I wouldn't, I didn't like counting them when I was put them together, what makes you think I'm going to count yours on the tank.

ha! that's awesome! they are a total pain in the butt.

i was down at a lhs a few months ago and i told the guy i was working on a sherman and he goes:
'nice, i've built 78 of them. bring yours in when you finish and i'll tell you everything you did wrong.'

to which i replied in my head: 'ok dude... first of all, what are you doing building 78 shermans... think about diversifying. secondly, i try to make things as realistic and accurate as i possibly can, but isn't this supposed to be fun too?'

then he went on a 20 minute rant about how all primer is is paint, how he owns 3 airbrushes and solders all his pe.

all of this and all i wanted was to buy some lead foil.

needless to say, i don't think i'll frequent their establishment again.

guys, thanks for the advice. i'm glad that i won't be seen as a huge chump for some impromptu modifications. you rock!

~ garth

Yes, I had the same problem with those track links and I think someone else also had the same problem.

If I remember right 77 links is what you need.

Like Steve said only "joy sucking rivet counters" would know. I wouldn't, I didn't like counting them when I was put them together, what makes you think I'm going to count yours on the tank.

I know it's an after thought thing, but when ever I put indy links on a vehicle for which I have the vinyl tracks, I always make the indies the same length as the vinyl. You have to keep in mind that even if you put the right number of links together, they have more space between them than vinyl tracks and will almost always be a little long. I also prep a couple of extra blocks for just in case they're too short. Just drop a few blocks off and don't worry about it. Only a "joy sucking rivet counter" would count them on display anyway.