Hey Guys,
I just got my first set of individual track linksT-48 Rubber chevrons and they look very complicated and hard to put together.Well I want to know any suggestions on what to do first and flaws to look for and what kind of rods to buy from Evergreen stock.I built only the M4A1 by Italeri and it was OOb and no problems.So I am taking a shot at doing a kit with indvidual tracks ,PE set,bras barel,and maybe a small Dio.

Any help would greatly appreciated.

Thanx

AHHH!!!!!! to many pieces of track.

"Jack"
They may look intimidating but they aren't really that bad. As with many other areas in our hobby patience is the key. Once you get started you will get used to them and they become easy. Unless I'm building a set for one of the big German tanks (Tigers, Panthers) I use the wire that is supplied and I haven't had a problem doing this yet. (about a dozen sets) Put a small drill bit in a pin vise to keep handy while you assemble them because some will need to be drilled out. Likewise keep your trusty X-acto knife handy to trim any excess flash off the links. I usually assemble runs of 12 to 15 links at a time, then put the short runs together. When you feel you are getting close to the right length begin test fitting them. If your kit has "rubber band" type tracks you can use them as a starting point for the length. (don't glue the last 15 or so till you have the length you want) Also don't glue the idler and sprocket wheels on till you are ready to mount the tracks, this makes doing this much easier. Oh yeah one more thing, if they start forming a gentle curve while assembling them don't worry. This is just the way they are, when you attach them to the tank they will be fine. I hope this helps you get started, I'm sure others can add to this.

Good luck & have fun,
Mike

Jack,

If they're Fruil tracks they should be straight forward on putting them together. I've never done Sherman tracks but if they're anything like the other ones I've used they should go together the same. Usually I first drill out the holes on each track to make sure that the wire you use to link each one together will go in smooth. Make sure you don't drill completely through all holes. If you notice one end will be closed, only drill half way through the last link. After you have them drilled out just slip the provided wire through the two tracks linking them together. Cut the end flush and put a drop of super glue on it. Keep on linking that way untill you have enough to go around the sprockets and idler wheels and back again.

Use straightened staples instead of the provided wire. They are stronger and will push through better, cutting down on the amount you have to drill. As they are all the same length, it is easy to spot the ones that are not pushed in properly! Then proceed as Kelley has already suggested. Good luck!

I have used the staple method and I will always use it. They are strong and there is no reason for drilling. Just push it through and then after they are all done, clip off the excess and put a drop of CA glue where you put the pin in. They are, in my humble opinion, the best tracks on the market. Hope this helps

Heya, Jack,

I agree with the rest of the bunch: the Friul tracks are great. I just spent three nights putting a set together for a Centurion, one night cleaning all the links up (mainly taking a pin drill and running it into the track pin holes to make sure that they were all clear... then two nights assembling. Instead of the wire supplied (which can crimp up), I use the thinnest brass rod I can get at the hobby shop. It's cheap, relatively strong, and easy to push into the holes.
Save the wire for detailing engines and other things --- it's great!!

Take your time! Your effort will pay off in a set of sweet looking tracks!

Aloha,

Johnny B.

Thanx
Guys for the advice I hope I will do them right .By the way the two little papers that came with it said I was supposed to get some detailed instructions .I didnt get anything but two little papers and some great tracks.

Well might be to late to say anything but I have just finished mine rubber block track.
I would suggest you go with Havoc said and use brass wire as the best one for this set as holes are very different then regular ones larger.
after drilling every hole open and applying the wire nice tracks they are!
You will enjoy them.

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