My first two tanks had solid vinyl tracks that I just had to attach the ends. This tank (M3 Grant CDL by Takom) has some precast sections of various sizes and some individual links, plus a Jig. I would appreciate some guidance on using the jig and building the tracks. Also what kind of glue to use.
If they are kinda rubberie glue shouldn’t be needed, however I suggest a simple white,( Elmers), glue can be used.
Without actually seeing the jig and indy links, I recommend studying that section of instructions closely, dryfit what you can to build a picture of the finished section. I believe the jig allows yoy to assemble about 5 or 6 links at a time which will be carefully joined to make the runs. Hope this is helpful.
The jig is at the bottom of this pic. It seems that you lay the links on the jig…but then what you see is the top of the track…not the bottom, which I think is the glue surface (or is it?)
Those are called “link and length” tracks. It has lengths for the long upper and lower runs, shorter lengths for lower transition runs to the sprockets and idlers, plus indie links to tie them all together. These are easier to use than full indie link tracks, but not so simple as the single length old school flexible tracks.
Personally I cant give any advice on using the jigs, as I’ve never used one. But I’ve done plenty of indie link and link & length types over the years. As well as the old school flexible tracks.
Anyways, on those tracks, the gluing surface is the inner face of the end connectors, that connect each link. If you test fit each two links, you will see where you need to glue. Use a slow setting glue whe you actually commit, so as to give you some time to adjust position and fit. Do not use CA type glues.
Hi! The jig is used to assemble the tracks then you glue them together with thin glue off the jig. These videos might help.
I am currently building a Takom Merkava which gives a really nice template to build these link in length tracks, but, I found a video that shows a step by step build of these exact tracks from the Takom M3A1 Lee.
Fast foward to 9:44 for when he explains how to build these tracks.
Good luck. Hope this helps!
Edit: I have the Takom M3 Late and it has the same track as the CDL. I guess I’m a bit spoiled by the template supplied with the Merkava!
If you use a solvent glue, you’ll have time to tweek them. I glue them together and let them sit for 15 minutes or so. Then fit them onto the vehicle and adust as needed. If you haven’t glued the ends together, it’s not hard to get them off once the glue is dry.
Andy’s Vid was very helpful…I would not have known that the jig is used for a slight rise in the upper track! Thanks.