I am not a Russian tank builder, but I managed to secure an Italeri JS-2 kit. I am anxious to start it and place it within the collection. The molding is fine, but the tracks are vinyl. They are really poorly made with a great deal of flash. I am looking to replace them with an aftermarket linked track product. I just do not know where to begin. Can I request information on the best track to buy and where I can locate the product?
thanks for your assistance
DJ
Hosted by Darren Baker
Italeri JS-2 Metal Track
210cav
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 6,149 posts
Armorama: 4,573 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 12:29 AM UTC
210cav
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 6,149 posts
Armorama: 4,573 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 06:10 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I am not a Russian tank builder, but I managed to secure an Italeri JS-2 kit. I am anxious to start it and place it within the collection. The molding is fine, but the tracks are vinyl. They are really poorly made with a great deal of flash. I am looking to replace them with an aftermarket linked track product. I just do not know where to begin. Can I request information on the best track to buy and where I can locate the product?
thanks for your assistance
DJ
Well, I did some research and found that both Modelkasten and Friulmodels make track for the JS-2 (ATL-14). The prices go all over the scale but I believe the best value comes from dealing with the Barrel Store for the Hungarian Fruilmodel set. Cost is about $38. I am hesitant to go to Modelkasten because the challenge of gluing vice wiring the track has always gotten the best of me. Whereas, I can relate to the metal track.
jjumbo
Joined: August 27, 2006
KitMaker: 2,012 posts
Armorama: 1,949 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 07:51 AM UTC
Hey DJ,
I ran into the same problem with my Zvezda/Italeri JS-II.
I picked up a couple of sets of Model Kasten's workable tracks for the JS-II.
While a bit tedious and finicky to build, they went together nicely using regular plastic glue:
SK09
SK14
Not as weighty as the metal Fruil type but very realistic.
MK is also cheaper at about $30 CDN versus Fruil at $43 CDN before shipping and taxes from the Barrel Store
Cheers
jjumbo
I ran into the same problem with my Zvezda/Italeri JS-II.
I picked up a couple of sets of Model Kasten's workable tracks for the JS-II.
While a bit tedious and finicky to build, they went together nicely using regular plastic glue:
SK09
SK14
Not as weighty as the metal Fruil type but very realistic.
MK is also cheaper at about $30 CDN versus Fruil at $43 CDN before shipping and taxes from the Barrel Store
Cheers
jjumbo
210cav
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 6,149 posts
Armorama: 4,573 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 08:52 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hey DJ,
I ran into the same problem with my Zvezda/Italeri JS-II.
I picked up a couple of sets of Model Kasten's workable tracks for the JS-II.
While a bit tedious and finicky to build, they went together nicely using regular plastic glue:
SK09
SK14
Not as weighty as the metal Fruil type but very realistic.
MK is also cheaper at about $30 CDN versus Fruil at $43 CDN before shipping and taxes from the Barrel Store
Cheers
jjumbo
John-- I also heard that Modelkasten is difficult to paint...did you experience this challenge?
thanks
DJ
GeraldOwens
Joined: March 30, 2006
KitMaker: 3,736 posts
Armorama: 3,697 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 09:56 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextHey DJ,
I ran into the same problem with my Zvezda/Italeri JS-II.
I picked up a couple of sets of Model Kasten's workable tracks for the JS-II.
While a bit tedious and finicky to build, they went together nicely using regular plastic glue:
SK09
SK14
Not as weighty as the metal Fruil type but very realistic.
MK is also cheaper at about $30 CDN versus Fruil at $43 CDN before shipping and taxes from the Barrel Store
Cheers
jjumbo
John-- I also heard that Modelkasten is difficult to paint...did you experience this challenge?
thanks
DJ
Model Kasten tracks are ordinary styrene, so enamels or acrylics are fine. When applying washes, beware--do NOT use an aggressive thinner like lacquer thinner, as it will penetrate the joints and melt the unpainted styrene track pins, and your beautiful new tracks will fall apart. If there's any doubt, set aside some of the MK plastic scraps and test your thinner on them first, or just stick to water based washes.
The correct track set for a wartime Stalin is SK14, which has the split links without centerguide teeth alternating with the full links with the centerguides.
jjumbo
Joined: August 27, 2006
KitMaker: 2,012 posts
Armorama: 1,949 posts
Posted: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 01:03 PM UTC
Hey DJ,
I avoid using enamel based thinners and washes as I've had problems with parts coming unglued.
IIRC, I painted the tracks on my JS-2 using a mix of dark brown and black Gunze Sangyo acrylics.
I then weathered and dry brushed them with various grays and silver to get a rusty but worn metal effect.
Hope that helps.
Cheers
jjumbo
I avoid using enamel based thinners and washes as I've had problems with parts coming unglued.
IIRC, I painted the tracks on my JS-2 using a mix of dark brown and black Gunze Sangyo acrylics.
I then weathered and dry brushed them with various grays and silver to get a rusty but worn metal effect.
Hope that helps.
Cheers
jjumbo
210cav
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 6,149 posts
Armorama: 4,573 posts
Posted: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 - 12:19 AM UTC
JJUMBO- interesting, I shall try your technique.
thanks again
DJ
thanks again
DJ
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