In the process of fighting with Meng's GREAT idea for track chain. Such a calm peaceful build! Anyway, since I have to build in a track adjuster for the lack of one, to bring tension properly on the tracks, the directions call for 43 links per side. Now, they give you that supposedly handy dandy final link to seal the deal and make the chain one piece. So, what I need to know is, is it 43 LINKS and then the special closer or 43 WITH the special closer? This thing is too poorly designed to play around with, so, I would like to have it right the first time. Appreciate any past builders experience with this.

You should adjust the running gear by cutting it on the part behind the first wheel and make it longer with styrene. The 43 tracklinks are without the special closer. I found this on how to adjust the running gear.

partshttp://www.militarymodelling.com/forums/postings.asp?th=112340&p=7

Thanks Leon, Yeah, I have already cut the carraige in two and have tube ready to go in . The number of tracks goes as 43 with the closer provided or 43 not counting the closer. I just don't want to come up short or too many. The track is delicate and the less I have to cut would be good, or cut and add means stress on it. I think I will just roll the dice and hope for the best. Appreciate your getting back to me.........

If you build the track adjust like the real thing has and push the front return wheel out about half a millimeter 43 links including the closing one fits spot on with the correct tension seen on the real ones.

As for it being "poorly" engineered, sorry man, no way. That kit for the complexity of the subject was nearly perfect fit and construction wise. In my experience those tracks one were of the very few that could be put together out of the box and kept workable . How man other kits with individual tracks can you honestly say that about? And what was more impressive was that that kit was one of Meng's very first kits they ever produced.

Rob, send me an E mail. I have run into what I cannot figure out on these tracks. [email protected]