I have two questions, and maybe both have been asked before, but here it goes.

First, I was looking at picking up DML's Firefly Vc. I've heard a few things about there being certain problems with it, and was wondering how extensive the reworking would need to be to build up the Polish Tank Corps' "Rycerz I"? Second, having just finished building Academy's Stuart, I don't really look forward to dealing with three piece tracks again. Is there any way to obtain a vinil track that'll fit this model?

And while on the topic of tracks. Can anybody point me to a definitive article on how to PAINT tracks. I see all these great photos and even the occasional how-to article. But I just can't seem to get it right. Is there a step by step guide anywhere out there?

Ok, I guess that was three questions.
Thank you in advance.

Ralph Koziarski MS

yes i just picked up rubber tracks for my,
firefly, they are the AFV CLUB TRACKS.
t-49 tracks
AFV Club 1/35 scale T-49 Track for VVSS Extended Body Tanks. Kit #35028

Just a little note to tell you that RYCERZ I was a M4 and not an M4A4..or in British words it was an Sherman IC It also had a late low bustle turret without the pistol port and re-enforced cheek armor.... For the tracks I'm not sure but they look like the tracks in the Academy Achilles kit but they might be T54E1. You can find those tracks in the old M4A3 kit but the have extended end connectors.

Hope all this is not too discouraging.

Rick

Yes,as Christopher posted,use AFV Club T-49 tracks. Bear in mind,sometimes these may come up 'short' on connecting up.Can add some length by hair dryer on lowheat setting with the trackshanging verticaly with a little weight clamped or taped onto them.Might also try cutting between the track pads with x-acto chopper blade to allowsome seperation between links.Go slow is the key.
cheers,
Rick

Christopher,
if I remember rightly those are the 'three barr' type tracks, whereas (I think) Fireflies generally had steel chevron types, as provided in the Dragon kit.
Having spent two hours last night swearing at the 3-part of each link and ending up with the two bottom lengths I can sympathise with you Ralph- the Academy achilles tracks would be a good alternative, plus you get two pieces of track extender.

Try painting tracks gunmetal, add some very thinned rust (so it runs into the nooks and crannies) highlight with silver the bits that will be worn from contact- eg the tops of the chevrons, the guide teeth etc. Then add your dirt and mud...

hope that helps.
Mark

thanks guys. Looks like Rycerz I will have to wait some time. I have neither the time or (especially) the money to go investing in aftermarket parts right now. Although for the record... how much does a set of AFV vinil traks run for?

Im just curious if the prices on the web are a bit inflated or not

they also used the 'three barr' type tracks, on the fireflys. the tracks i showed in the link are for the firefly.
they are longer.
they run about 8 bucks

I used the AFV Club tracks on this Firefly which was built for a veteran of the Guards Armoured Division, they do stretch to fit, and they are not so strong as to break the idlers like some other vinyl tracks!

Tazz you are right that alot of Fireflies did get these tracks but I have pictures of the actual tank he wants to build and it does not have the three bar cleat track on it ..It has the steel chevron type track..It looks like a T54E2 track.

Rick