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Armor/AFV: Modern - USA
Modern Armor, AFVs, and Support vehicles.
Hosted by Darren Baker
Dragon M1A1HA OIF
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Metro Manila, Philippines
Joined: August 28, 2003
KitMaker: 190 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Monday, January 05, 2004 - 09:50 PM UTC
I was wondering if I could use Tamiya M1A1 tracks with this kit - I have a spare set lying around, and wasn't really happy with the results of the Tamiya kit (not to fault the kit - it was one of my first, and great fun to build!) Also, how is this kit in terms of fit and ease of assembly?

Herchealer
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Indiana, United States
Joined: July 31, 2003
KitMaker: 1,523 posts
Armorama: 710 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 12:41 AM UTC
Actually the most accurate tracks I have seen is by AFV Club. they are about 12 bucks or so and are Individial links, I have a few sets and really like them.

Jeremy


Grasshopp12
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New Hampshire, United States
Joined: September 28, 2002
KitMaker: 757 posts
Armorama: 459 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 02:12 AM UTC
I'll second Jeremy's suggestion of the AFV Club tracks. I used them on a model about a year ago and was impressed by the results. They take a while to clean up and lay out, but the results are worth it.
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 04:05 AM UTC
The Tamiya M1A1 tracks are from their original M1 kit and not proper for an OIF M1A1-HA. The Tamiya tracks represent the original T-156 tracks with non-replaceable pads that are canted to produce a chevron appearance. Tamiya tracks also have a manufacturing error. It molds the centerguides in the middle of a track block instead of straddling two adjacent track blocks.

The current track used on Abrams series tanks is the T-158 track. This track has bigger, flat track pads that are replaceable. Also the centerguides differ from the T-156. The teeth of the T-156 centerguides are paired like a barbecue fork tines. The centerguides on the T-158 tracks are solid.

AFV Club is your best bet, but Armour Track makes both T-156 and T-158 tracks as well. They run about $30 a set though and include replacement drive sprockets.
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