T34 engine trouble #3

Keeping Track(s)

The tracks have been the greatest cause for concern so far. I originally had Friulmodel tracks in mind for this project so that everything could be kept separate for painting, but a friend has placed doubt in my head, saying they are too good to use for an old Italeri kit. I listened and have gone with magic tracks from one of the newer Dragon T34/85 kits instead.

I have often seen guys who complete the tracks in one solid piece, who form them over the wheels and when dry, can remove them to paint separately. I had to try this for myself. I use Model-Master liquid cement to glue the tracks, as it so slow drying; the full length can be made at the one time and then placed. To get the sag between each wheel, I place marbles, “borrowed” from my daughter. They are perfectly weighted and give a more natural curve to the finished tracks. The wheels are held in place during this time with a little blue-tac or silly putty. I left these for a few days before removing, to allow them to cure fully.

Although the tracks and wheels are now removable, I will have to make a break in the tracks, because when the upper hull is fixed in place, it wont allow the tracks to lift enough to insert the wheels over the rather large alignment teeth. The tracks can then be slid in from the back. Although the cementing has made the joints pretty solid, they are still very flexible.

In these last images, I have placed the upper hull to ensure there’s no surprises when its time to fix in place. It also allows me to get an idea of what can be seen through the open grills. I had originally decided to keep the top grills as the plastic is so thick in this area, it may be hard to cut out, but as progress has been good so far, I’m prepared to tempt fate some. I guess this wont be the only detour before I’m finished!