Hi everyone,
I have a Tamiya T-55, with one CMK engine update set, i'm currently waiting for the other CMK set.

Since it's the first time i'm working with resin sets, do you have any advise or help to deal with these sets ?
Any painting / glueing difficult outcomes to deal with resin sets ?

Thanks again !

I forgot... the Tamiya tracks are good ? should i get an aftermarkeet set (is it worth the money ?)

Tamiya tracks are fine, but if you want that nice sag you will probably want to go with aftermarket ones: Fruil metal tracks (which most people swear by but I swear at..) or else resin sets, Masterclub are good ones.

Dealing with resin just remember to wear a mask when sanding, and be in a well ventilated place. Take your time as anything over sanded has to be rebuilt with plastic. Use superglue or 5 minute epoxy, not plastic cement (really, you would not believe the number of people who think tamiya thin cement should work on EVERYTHING.) and remember to clean the resin parts with a sopa and water scrub (lightly) and once the kit is ready for painting, a good grey primer to help unify the base color before paint is applied.

That should be enough to keep you busy!

I have the CMK sets as well, but haven't been able to get around to them yet. No real issues with resin. Obviously, use CA glue, on unpainted surfaces. I usually sand the larger pieces on a piece of wet/dry sandpaper laid out on a piece of granite. Even the smallest leftover bit of casting block can greatly reduce your glueing surface.
Make sure you thoroughly clean the resin. I use "Greased Lightning" after construction. I hardly ever prime models, but for resin/PE I almost always do. It helps the paint adhere to the resin.

Back in the day, when I was building lots of model cars, the trick to cleaning resin car bodies was to use a product called Westley's Bleche-Wite. It's a tire cleaner, and contrary to it's name, it has no bleach in it at all. It seemed to do a great job of getting rid of the mold release agents used back then. I know that resin casting technology has changed quite a bit in 15 years, and I'm not sure what folks are using now, but I'm sure good old Westley's still works...at least I hope so, since that's what I still use on resin model parts!

A friend of mine swears by Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner for cleaning the mold release from resin, but I've never used it, so I don't know how well it does (or doesn't) work.

Regarding the Tammy T-55 tracks, I think Friulmodels are the way to go if you don't want to use the kit items. I've seen some very nice tracks done with ModelKasten pieces, and I'm sure other resin sets would work just as well. Personally, I like the natural drape of the metal Friuls, although they do cost more.

Just my two shekels.

-YL

Thanks guys !
As soon as i start the T-55 i'll post some comments and pics too of the progress.
I can't find those cleaning products around here.
is there something else to clean the resin ? water+soap ?

I'll have to check the prices of the tracks at my local shop and decide.. i'll also ask for some resin cleaner replacment.

i'm getting a little over the top with this kit, since i usually OOB kits.
Tamiya T-55 + 2 CMK update sets + Jordi Rubio GBarrel + Eduard Big Ed set + 2 Aber P/E sets for fenders and tool boxes....

Thanks again guys !