Introduction

The very recently released T-35 Heavy Tank from HobbyBoss is supplied with link and length tracks, Better than vinyl they maybe but workable tracks are better still. The addition of these link and length tracks to the model will also be difficult if the instructions are followed to the letter; however all is not lost as HobbyBoss has at the same time released a set of workable track links for the T-35.

Contents

These individual workable track links are supplied in a heavy cardboard box, which should protect the product from all but the roughest handling by any postal service. Inside the box you will find a bag of track links with a jig and these are separated from a bag of pins by a cardboard divider.

Review

At the start I should say I was unable to locate dimensions for the track links used on the T-35 and so I have to go on faith at this time that HobbyBoss got it right. There are at least 276 individual links supplied as 2 links to a small sprue, HobbyBoss state 275 for reasons unknown and there is not an odd link in the bag. There are 2 nipples of plastic waste on the other side links not attached to the sprue, so before you start there is a fair amount of clean up to be done to each link. The numbers provided give you 6 spare track links which could be used as the spare track links stored on the vehicle.

The jig supplied allows 14 track links to be put together at a time, which does mean the 135 track links in each track run can be assembled fairly quickly and easily once cleaned up. The pins supplied are not spaced correctly on the sprue to allow the insertion of more than one track pin at a time, which means with 270 track pins required for each track run it will take some time; on the plus side each of the pins and its sprue carrier are easily removed via a quick twist, the pin can also be removed from the carrier by bending the carrier at 45 degrees to the pin and a little twist. So is it worth it? In my opinion it is worth the added work and time to use these workable track links as the finished result will I believe look better than the link and length offering with the kit due to the ability to show track sag.

Conclusion

A nice set of workable tracks for a model that will benefit from them I feel. I would have liked to see them included with the model rather than as a separate product. But then again £10 for the tracks is not going to break a deal. Clean up is reasonable, only requiring a quick swipe over each side, the 270 track link count however will end up making this a chore.

related Reviews

Soviet T-35 Heavy Tank (Early)

Soviet T-35 Heavy Tank 1938/1939