This session is building the tracks. This will be the first time ever I will attempt to put a track set together. Not the band type vinyl tracks I have worked with over the years.
Now to be honest this process will have one large upper piece track and a lower piece for the bottom set/ Building the ends to wrap around the front and rear sprockets,
Building the end portions of the track will entail a set of interlocking pads to assemble.
So not a true individual set, but a hybrid let say of a track that is partially complete and assemble the section that wraps around the front and rear sprockets. The tracks are moulded in a steel color which will be enhanced with silver pencil and a rust wash.
I start by placing the upper 1 piece track atop the road wheels. And 1 track link at a time at each end.
Using a quick drying cement at the contact point and let sit for a couple of minutes before attaching the next link. There are 2 types that are to be used. One with a center guide and the other is a flat link. One after the other as you assemble the track. A wedge is place between the track and fender well to keep the top piece from moving around as you assemble.
-
1. Wedge keeping upper track in place
Next is to place the lower 1 piece track under the road wheels and center it and make sure the individual track will be equally placed on both ends as you finally get to the last piece on each end.
And it is quite a relief that the darn thing actually fits with no gaps or too tight of a fit, it all goes together rather nicely. whew!
A bit of sag on each end looks great. Now to let it sit and dry so I don't accidently push the tracks in on each end while handling the tank.
Now with just one side completed, I set the tank on its track for a look see how it looks.
Now with the turret mounted.
It has the unique T-34 forward look that Soviet armor tend to have.
Some rust wash applied and now to complete the other side.
Next to paint the upper deck and turret.
More to follow