I am just completing (no, really! I've almost finished a model!) my IS-M3.
The kit is not bad, but the tracks are impossable to paint. Has anyone found a way to do this? I'm about to give up and call the model done. Help me before I comprimise again.

I usually just spray paint them a base coat of dark gray or rust depending on the type of tank. Then a wash of black, brown or rust (depending on the base coat). Dry brush with sand and pick out some highlights with metallic.

Is it a problem of paint sticking to the vinyl?

Charles---I just finished this same kit about a month back. The tracks are fairly springy, don't hold paint well, and at least when I applied them, were too long.

I airbrushed on a base coat of acrylic Model Master rail brown, and then highlighted with acryllic rust/steel.

Let the tracks dry thoroughly, and when applying to the suspension system, expect some of the paint to flake off.

I used heat to melt the track pins together as none of the various adhesives I had would hold the tracks together.

Once the tracks have been applied, go over the visible flaked off areas with the rail brown/rust/steel to touch those areas up.

Just go in expecting some paint flaking, get the tracks on, and touch them up---it's just part of the ballgame with this one.

Good luck.

Steve

ps: I think Trumpeter has a winner with this kit, and would like to see completed pics of your model when completed (if possible). Thanks.

Rob.
There sure is. Worst I've seen. Other than that the kit is pretty good.

Steve,
I used a basecoat of ModelMaster Acrylic also. It was a bit humid here so I'm thinking that may have been the problem. I had major flaking, probably 90%. So I'll try again when things get dryer. I cut a link off each track to get them a little tighter. Then I stapled them together. A trick I use if that part of the track won't show. I'll post a pic when I'm finished. Are you going to post yours? Did you do a Russian or Egyptian version?

Charles---good luck on your tracks. Yes I did post pics and have attached the link address for you here. Looking forward to seeing yours Charles.

Steve
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/11978&page=1

Very nice Steve. The tracks look good.
I hope to get mine finished this weekend and I'll post a pic then.
Chuck