The Fruil T66 tracks. I've had Fruils arc before, but not like this set. They do look ok when put on the model, but the tension is too much. I think drilling out the inner, 2 segment hinge side, will loosen the tracks up just enough to relieve the stress.

I also got the Spade Ace T66 tracks, but over all the Fruils were better. Less clean up inside the guide horns is needed.

Back to the turret. I used Evergreen plastic strips to bulk up the armor across the top of the turret front and filled in all the gaps in the add on armor. The bustle box is just a little wider than the turret bustle to avoid any cutting this time. I glued an old scrap nut inside to add some weight. With a little trimming and fill in it will be ready for some welds and a vent.

The hull is 99% done. I decided on only 1 front light, and doubled up the spare tracks. Yes I put on a side hull escape hatch for the driver. It would be staggered like a submarine hatch, and only opened in an emergency. The hatch is from a Asuka M4A3E8. I will add a bullet splash strip. The only other thing the hull needs is the tail lights. I'm waiting for a set.

This ones getting close to the finish. Except for the tracks I'm happy with the project. Time to wrap up the turret.

Work on the turret today. Most of the welds are on the added armor, and I started on the bustle. In a moment of dumb I tossed the top of the turret I cut up for the add on armor. Now I have to search the trash, so far no luck.

On the hull I moved the gun holder to the left rear, and cut a small wedge to fit under the outer leg. A thick splash guard is on in front of the side hatch, and the tracks are on again. The springs on the driver/co-driver hatches are copper wire for the springs and plastic blocks drilled out for a bent brass rod j-hook.

I drilled out one side of the Fruils as planned on the left track. It worked, but only a small amount. I won't bother on the right track, but I might try using a thinner brass rod for the track pins. Very annoying, but the tracks look very nice once on the model.

This ones at 99% complete. The outer road wheels are not glued, so look crooked. I decided to use the wire that comes with the Fruil tracks since it is thinner than the brass rod I normally use. I don't like the wire as it is very stiff, and has a bend that creates a spring effect and the tracks don't lay flat. However, it did loosen up the tracks.

Brass rod and copper wire for the loaders hatch springs. I took the gunners periscope sight cover from the Tamiya 'E8 and fittings from the Asuka M4's. The antenna base is Panzer Art, and I forgot the welds on the protective ring. I decided to use a hull ventilator on the bustle since you get them on the M4 sprues as extra parts.

Until the tail lights are done this one is on hold. I can do the missing welds, and add some texture to the cast parts of the turret while I'm waiting.

Very interesting!
I have to say I'm disappointed to hear about the Friuls and their tendency to curve. I have a couple sets of the T-66 tracks for future projects in the stash myself. I've seen the same thing on their Merkava1 and -2 sets, but a little persuasion with the tracks laid on a flat surface has been sufficient to get them cleanly mounted.

I've used several sets of Fruil Panther tracks, Tiger I and II, T-34 and T-55 sets, and all had a slight arc, but nothing like these. I drill all Fruils out with a #75 (.51mm) drill and use .020 (.5mm) brass rod as pins. On the next set of the T66 tracks I'll get some .015 brass rod. Once on your model they look great.

I think the Kaizen tracks are the best T80 I have tried. Maybe they will do the T66 for us.

Very nicely done. The small details like adding a splash guard for the side hatch and using a loaders hatch for the side hatch adds a high level of authenticity.

Outstanding job on this one Randall. Your attention to detail makes this a complete and convincing tank. Your innovation makes it interesting and fun to look at.

Thanks!

Thank you!

It has been a while, however I had some time and wrapped up this build. I finally got the tail lights installed, and the light covers on. Both are from Shapeways. On the turret I added some welds to the antenna protective ring.

Paint will come later.