So there I was...

While attempting my first "shot" at putting together a set of Fruilmodel Tracks for my Tamiya Mobelwagen, I've started putting together set # ATL-27, and have a question.

After assembling a few runs of 5 links each, then linking these runs together, the longer track run has started to take on a curve. Is this something "normal"? If not, any thoughts on the problem (my initial thoughts are that maybe the wire is a bit too long, into the closed end of the other link???), and what I might do to correct it, if necessary?

If I flex them a little bit, the run straightens out slitely, but I'm cautious to work them too much.

And help/suggestions/ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks all!!!

Cheers!

Tim

Tim, they do this, as long as they aren't curving "too much." I wouldn't worry about, keep assembling the tracks, and test fit on your model as you go. I am sure in real life that metal tracks have variations in them as well...

The set of Tiger tracks I have assembled right now curve a little bit. Hope this helps.

Scott Gentry

Thanks Scott! The curve isn't bad, but I didn't want it to get worse as the track length was increased, if I was doing something incorrect.

Appreciate the heads up!

Tim

Tim -

Like Scott, I had the same results with a set of "Friuls" for my Dragon JagdPanther. They went on fine and look great. A couple 'check fits' should confirm this for you. Also you might want to try the 'resin' snap together tracks fro WWII Productions as they have the same type of flexibility and hang. I'm going with them for my Tamiya Tiger I (Mid) and Dragon King Tiger.

Blade48mrd

I've experienced the same thing with my Elefant tracks. They sit fine on the model and the "lean" isn't noticeable once mounted. Hopefully, it will be the same for you.

Hello,

I've done a few sets of these tracks for Tiger, King Tiger and panther; they all had quite a pronounced skew on them. But once fitted the skew straightens out. - There is a picture of the tiger tracks once they are installed in my gallery. (its not a great picture of a not particulary good built )

Mike, Steve and Goose -

Thanks all for the comments! Does my confidence a bit of a boost knowing that I haven't messed it up...yet anyway!

Hope to post some pics when I finish the kit!

Cheers!

Tim

yes, they should straighten out alright. if you're really paranoid, you can alternate between the "left" and "right" set tracks. of course then you'll have to clean up the area where the wire goes in.

I know this is an old topic but this just might help
others with thier first set of Fruils.

Yesterday I started on my first set and I didn't get
very far before I figured there had to be a better way.

Drilling out the holes was bad enough but foolin
with that wire just didn't suit me at all. I remembered
my mother did a lot of sewing and she had some really
small straight pins. Now that was just fifty years ago, so
I set out on my quest about town to find some.

After stoppin at Wally World and some fabric stores without
any luck,the wife suggested a quilting store on the other
side of town.

Guess what?they're arn't called tiny straight pins but
Applique/Sequin pins and they work like a charm.

I use a #74 drill bit and it's 1/2 inch between the ends of the
track, that makes a perfect fit for the pins.

Good Luck with your first set.

.....Mutt....

Hi Tim;
My first set of Fruils for my Centurion started to do the same thing. If you lay the completed run down on a flat surface and GENTLY flex them back and forth (to the left and right) as they lay flat, the curve will eventually dissapear. I think it has to do with each piece being slightly less than square and overall, the long sets of links pinned together may develop a gently curve to them. because they're made of soft white metal, it's easy to apply a little bend in the opposite direction of the curve and they'll straighten right out. It helps the general fit as well and I've found the links seem to fit together better after I've done this. The key is a GENTLE bend in the opposite direction.

As it is with gas mileage and alcohol consumption....your results may vary......

Bob

:-) :-) :-)

Great stuff Bob.

Henk

That's hillarious. Why would anyone replace DML King Tiger tracks? the kit ones are a piece o cake and gorgeous

I can definitely vouch for WWII Productions. It takes about two weeks to get their tracks, but they are just aboslutely wonderful. I ordered a set of late and initial (handed) tiger tracks. They not only have cast in detail which is already better than Dragon, but they have the correct hollow guide teeth pattern as well. As soon as I can get some time off, I will post some pics of the tracks I got.
Nic

Just finished a set of ATL-06 last night, i also wondered about the Curve. However they fit like a glove once I tightened them up a bit.

Hi all,
i think your problem is due to the wire you use to assemble the links ! If it is too thin (the wire issued by Friul is indeed), so you'll get some distortion simply because this creates a gap inside the assembling "tunnel". Try to get a thicker wire.
All in all, when in place the tracks won't give you this bad feeling any longer thanks to the sprockets and the teeth guides.

HTH
Olivier