introduction

I received a Tamiya Pz. IV H early version for Christmas and decided to add some aftermarket improvements to the kit. After going with the full Voyager photo etch set I reviewed on this site earlier I realized that the vinyl tracks just wouldn't do. Fortunately Tristar has come to the rescue with a box kit of aftermarket tracks that will work out just right.

contents

The set is the Panzer III/IV 40cm mid version workable track link set. The front of the box has the title and the rear has the instructions and paint call out. The instructions show to click the links together and indicate no glue is needed. Paint colors are indicated for Tamiya and GSI Creos Mr Color/Aqueous Color in Metallic Gray. Pretty simple.

Inside the box there are four identical orange/tan colored styrene sprues, each containing 36 each of left and right handed track links, attached to the sprue by two connector tabs. This gives you a total of 144 links of each, providing plenty of spares, which is a very nice bonus. Detail of the track links is very nice, with varying amounts of flash on the tracks in the sprocket holes, which is easy to clean up.

the links

Removal of the individual links is very easy as the plastic is soft and easy to cut. Once cleaned up the links are designed to snap together and be held by friction. There is a small bump on the inner mating surface on each link, and a corresponding indent on the opposite mating surface. Some of the links I assembled held together just fine, but others were very loose, so a little glue will be needed to hold them all together.

I compared them to the Dragon Magic Tracks I have on hand from a StuG III and they match up very well in size and detail. They fit the Dragon StuG drive sprocket just fine but on the Tamiya Pz IV sprocket the fit was a little tight. I had to trim the drive tooth holes on the individual tracks to get them to set nicely.

As far as assembly goes, each track pad has to be removed and cleaned up individually, but once done they click together with no trouble. They were quite easy to work with, requiring only a little patience. Because of how they click and hold they may be easier to assemble for those who are new to individual tracks.

conclusion

I purchased my set from Lucky Model for about $10.00 US, but they can be had from many other retailers as well. If you are looking to replace your vinyl tracks with individual track links this set provides an excellent option.

Tamiya Pz.IV Early Review

Voyager PzKpfw.IV Ausf H Upgrade Set Review