I am building a Tamiya T-34 1942 version and I want to purchase aftermarket individual tracks for it. The ones from Model Kasten (Japan) run $27.00. The ones from Maquette (Russia) are only $6.00. I realize you get what you pay for but I’m wondering if the ones from Maquette are fairly accurate and decent to work with. Obviously I wouldn’t mind saving the $20.00.
Thanks for any info. you can give!!
I would definatly stay away from the model kasten tracks , They look great when finished , but god help you when you go to put them on the tank , ( especially after paint and weathering , they simply fall apart then ! ) I would go with fruilmodel tracks , you can use those as a collar for a doberman . they are tough as hell and they look good too ! I have no experience with the russian armor as of yet , but the german ones have been very nice , I would expect the same of the soviet stuff .
I’ve got several Maquette T-34 track sets (early and late). I think they look good and are priced right. Not too high for an old Tamiya upgrade.
Just my opinion here, but throwing Fruil or MK tracks on a Tamiya T-34 is throwing good money after bad. For the cost of the Fruils, you could buy a DML T-34 (any) and have a better overall tank kit at less than the cost of Fruils.
[#ditto] I second the opinion about the Maquette tracks. I have a set that I bought that I intend to put on an Italeri/Zvezda T-34/76. Maquette also makes a nice mine roller for WW2 T-34’s, if you can find it.
I had excellent results with Friulmodel tracks. They are cast in metal. Check out the links:
http://www.discountmodels.com/images/atl38.jpg
http://www.discountmodels.com/images/atl09.jpg
We sell the Friulmodel tracks and I use them. Done a Tamiya T-55, Dragon Panther “G” with the nightfighting equipment, Dragon T-34/85 1944 UTZ and am now working on a Merkava MK.III. Friuli used on all. They look great and real too. They got me building armor again after 25 years! Not cheap, but worth it in my opinion.
Cheers, Ken Pacific Coast Models, Inc. www.pacmodels.com
Maquette’s tracks are really good, but nothing beats Fruils in my opinion. They are worth the time and money, but Rob has a very good point. The Tamiya T-34 are pretty crappy. When will Tamiya retool the hull for the T-34’s!?!
Have you concidered trying to order just the spur with the tracks on them from Dragon? I have never built a Dragon T34, but the kit tracks look like they are pretty good to me. I actually have considered doing this myself to replace the Tamiya ones.
Why wait with baited breath for a new Tamiya T-34? Dragon’s got very nice T-34/85s and has just started releasing the T-34/76 series, not that Zvezda’s T-34/76 are bad.