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AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Matthew Toms
Simulating Wear on Rubber Track Pads
B2Blain
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Posted: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 05:35 AM UTC
I seem to remember a while ago - there a build where the modeler simulated physical wear on an Abrams rubber track pads. I am unable to find it. Does anyone remember?

Thanks!
B2Blain
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Posted: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 06:02 AM UTC
Never mind.

I found it. I have a soldering iron, but I am not sure I want to attempt this.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/features/6257&page=2
amoz02t
#192
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Kentucky, United States
Joined: November 25, 2009
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Posted: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 07:45 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Never mind.

I found it. I have a soldering iron, but I am not sure I want to attempt this.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/features/6257&page=2


Just experiment a little and give it a try. I think you will find the effect really adds to your model as seldom see brand new track pads in use. Extra links, or hidden behind the skirt is always an option if you over do! Good luck


Scarred
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Posted: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 08:06 AM UTC
Try it on a few of the pads and if you don't like it you can always put them at the top of the track run where they won't be seen by skirts or the hull.
bison126
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Posted: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 11:06 AM UTC
I usually do it with a modeling knife and a file. To soften the hard edges, I apply some liquid glue. The weathering completes the job.
Bravo1102
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Joined: December 08, 2003
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Posted: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 11:19 AM UTC
Dremel tool with a fine burr and just let it go. If you go too far have a chalk mark on end connectors for the ones needing to be changed. You can always depict a tank in need of track maintenance.
j76lr
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Posted: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 02:31 PM UTC
great question great answers
B2Blain
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Posted: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 11:53 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Never mind.

I found it. I have a soldering iron, but I am not sure I want to attempt this.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/features/6257&page=2


Just experiment a little and give it a try. I think you will find the effect really adds to your model as seldom see brand new track pads in use. Extra links, or hidden behind the skirt is always an option if you over do! Good luck




Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. I am not a big fan of the soldering iron technique. It looks a little too uniform. The pic above is preferable - more subtle and random. I ran across this pic of an M-113 track. Maybe I will attempt with a knife and scriber and see what I can come up with.
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