Currently started Trumpeter's BMP-3 IFV. I like the kit except for the track. I was considering on getting the Miniarm set but it cost to much. So I thought I will use the track that came with the kit and I will pin it like metal track.This is as far as I got.IMG_1237 by jay g, on Flickr

IMG_1236 by jay g, on Flickr

You sir seem to be a glutton for punishment. I have often thought of doing this, with MT's. However, I came to the determination that I would rather retain my sanity.

I just started on the troop compartment. I am using Eduard photoetch BMP-3 instruction sheet to scratch build some details.

IMG_1261 by

[url=https://flic.kr/p/27hBvZd]IMG_1262 by

[url=https://flic.kr/p/27hBtN9]IMG_1263 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/161854923@N04/]

thanks for checking it out. More to come.

Not really thats as far as i got before i threw in the towel.

You threw in the towel for the whole kit or just the tracks ?

I suggest leaving the tracks for a while and concentrate on the rest. It will be easier to tackle the tracks when the rest is finished and sitting there on your desk begging for the tracks.

Stop trying to pin the track links, it is a waste of time and effort. Glue the straight runs solid and save the energy for those few links that bend around sprocket, idler and the first and last roadwheel.
The issue with these tracks is that the end connectors are moulded solid with one track link. When the track curves around a wheel the end connectors will be at an angle with BOTH of the track links that it holds together.
Try joining two links on the sprocket and it will be rather obvious. The links that curve around wheels need to be cut apart and then rebuilt at the correct angles (this is a lot easier than trying to pin all the links). The pads of the links can be glued to the wheels and the centre and end connectors added afterwards.
The rest of the track is built up as solid more or less straight sections between the modified curving parts.


This shows a BMP-2 but the general principle is the same.
The 3E has some sort of cover/fairing/guide ring on the sprocket which hides most of the problems.

/ Robin

Sorry about the misunderstanding. I meant i threw in the towel on pinning the track. I built a jig to assemble the track. I formed the track around the suspension as the glue set.

Good to hear Joe!
Dan

Are the photo-etch instructions from your own stash or can you get them online?
I'm about to begin building Tumpeter's UAE BMP-3 and am hoping to scratch build the turret basket.
But I would be interested in trying my hand at further detail if I had a guide.

About the track links: I use to bend the end connectors where joined to the link, not to cut and glue them. It is easier and safer. I can do it with my fingernails or some tool.

Eduard has a set for the UAE basket. As it is flat, I used it as a template to make my own frame. If you are interested I could send you a copy of the instructions.





Olivier

That would be excellent if you could.
That turret basket looks great also, beautiful work.

Very nice work. But you can also copy the basket images from those found on eBay and scale them to the correct size. That is what I have done.
The real disappointment is the turret interior detail.

Hi;

After Six month's of adding extra details to the turret enough was enough !! There is just to much detail that needs to make, that it is not worth it in the end.
I even went so far as adding all the ammo that is in the armor carousel in the floor; The Biggest problem was for myself, was the Ammo Hoist that has to be added to the turret side that runs from the top to the bottom starting from the turret inner ring to the carousel outer ring.
So all I can Say; Is Good Luck trying to add all those missing details.

CHEERS; MIKE.

Paul,
thank you for the comment.
Better than sending you a scan of the instructions, here is a link to Eduard instructions https://www.eduard.com/store/out/media/36178.pdf

Olivier

Thank you so much.

You're welcome. I can send you a couple of drawings with measurements of the baskets I built if you're interested in. Just give me an email address by PM.

Olivier