Darren Baker reviews and builds a set of injection moulded workable tracks for the Challenger 2 from Armour Track Models.

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If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Thanks for the review Darren, weird issue with the drive sprockets

Nice close ups on the parts


cheers

I am pleased you like the pictures Rick (I wonder why). On a separate note it took me about 2 hours to complete each track run, and as can be seen from the pictures I don't have the daintiest finger. I am really pleased with the finished item and it gives you about10 spare track links.

These have just been re released in the Trumpeter range (along with others from the range) but no longer contain the Idler and Drive sprocket which in this case is no great problem
Cheers
Al

AL if they are of the same quality they are well worth considering.

I have the Abrams track set from Armour Track Models which resemble this sit quite well, however I don't think there is the same issue with oversized sprockets.

Regarding the Chally II set, would you recommend these over the Bronco track set?

Jeremy I would say that they have a better profile than the Bronco set and are very well detailed with minimal cleanup required. Not having to use glue results in the tracks remaining workable where as a slip with the glue on the Bronco set will result in a none workable segment. I have the Bronco set of tracks as well and I will check the detail tomorrow and let you know how they compare on that score. That all said the Bronco set is half the price at £9 so are well worth your consideration.

Since I'm considering it for my campaign build, the cost difference is relatively minimal to me for the time being. I look forward to hearing what you have to say once you check the Bronco tracks out again. Thanks!

hi
these tracks like broncos are only good for up to gulf war2 straight after that they started to change the track and even arv uses the new ones.
it has been mentioned heer and on missing links modern.
the type used now is totaly differant , end connectors and link shapes.
Ossie

While what you have said I have been told is fundamentally correct, there have also been pictures of Challenger II’s in the Gulf with the older tracks. I guess this just proves that where the military is concerned there is no such thing as an absolute.

Jeremy I have constructed a partial run of the Bronco tracks and they are identical size wise, except for being slightly thicker, The detail is there but fractionally softer than on the Armour Track Models offering and now being sold under the Trumpeter name minus the resin drive and idler wheels. It is my opinion that the now Trumpeter tracks are a better option when it comes to retaining functionality.

Very good Darren, just for clarification purposes, what you are telling me is that Trumpeter now owns the tooling for the Armour Tracks links and are now selling them under their brand name?

It also looks like I need to make sure to specifically identify the track type for whatever particular Chally II I choose to replicate? I was not aware of the existence of a newer track type, but it looks like I need to find a solution for this as I intend to mostly depict vehicles in operation during this century.

To the best of my Knowledge no one at this time sells an after market version of the very latest tracks, however the difference is minimal so I wouldn't even bother at this point. In answer to your second question it does appear that Trumpeter know sell these tracks under there own label, price wise look for them under the old name as you will likely get them cheaper.

Very good then, and much thanks again for the review and for the valuable information you have provided

Jeremy I have found the Trumpeter boxed version of these track for as little as £11.50 and as much as £19.99 in what can be loosely called a LHS so shop around and you should get a fair price.

The Aerite Tracks are very close. time frame they were being fitted from 2006 onwards they do look differant with the over hang on the sprockets . all uparmoured versions have the new tracks .
some tanks still have the old style but not many .
the new track is a differant beast i was compairing them to day at work with two links of each.
Ossie

Michael I fully accept what you said as being accurate and as you have said it was not followed 100%, however we currently have no other options that I am aware of.

How will these fit with the Tamiya kit?

Jon working on the belief that the Trumpeter drive wheel is accurate then I suspect they will fit the Tamiya offering, I do not however have a Tamiya Challenger 2 to compare against. They were designed specifically for the Trumpeter offering.

I picked this set up in 2004. Is it even available?

Kevin they are still available in the old manufacturers packaging, however Trumpeter now have them under their own name minus the resin Idler and drive wheels.

Darren: Awesome, I'll keep my eyes open and ask around.

Jon: I have the Tamiya Chally 2 as well. If I can get a set of the Trumpeter tracks, I'll let you know how they fit.