I’m assembling Panther Fruil tracks right now. This is my first experience with them. I’m cutting the wire pieces and joining the track blocks . But, how does one secure the wire? The instructions are not to clear on this. They say to CA the wire but I’m afraid it will glue the blocks. I want this track to maintain it’s flexibility. I’m thinking about soldering the ends…any advice ???
Steve
I have build a couple of sets of these and to date I have not secured any of the wires… They stay in quite well by themseves… If you want to you could put a drop of thick superglue on the open end of the link where the pin stick out. that would secure it to that link but not the one int the middle… Make sure its thick superglue like gel though or capillary action will invade your world and destroy it… I wouldn’t suggest solder for that reason if it starts to flow good your in trouble…
Those are some sweet tracks, got em on my ausf A.
If you use CA just apply a small amount to the end of the wire where it enters the link and use thick (gel) type CA to prevent it from wicking down the wire into the links.
Soldering would probably work if you use a low heat iron and low temp solder. The metal that the links are made of is very similar to solder so testing would be good.
My set came with enough links to do both runs plus enough to replace all spares (turret and hull) with some left over so you should be to experiment and not come up short.
Edit: Kenneth beat me! [:O] I need to type faster![:o)]
I used the wire first and then I tried someone’s idea on the Panther build using dress making pins, I used the type with the big balls on the end so I could find them after I sniped them off
They bend a bit first to the side, but don’t worry they straighten them self’s out
here they are as a test fit with the pins
and here they are with the pins cut
HA HA Derek…!!!
Capt… For a minute there I though I had missed something in the Osprey book… Some kind of grouser I hadn’t seen before…Those are Puuurdy!!![:D]
Another method that a friend told me about and uses (I have yet to try them on my one set of Fruil tracks): He takes staples from the stapler and straightens out one leg so the staple forms an “L”. He then inserts the staple instead of the included wire. Then cut the end of the staple off once the CA glue has set.
Just cut the wires a bit long , insert the wire into the tip of the glue tube and squeeze gently , applying just a small amount to the wire , it will wick into the joint , and if it glues the track together simply move it back and forth after a couple of minutes , it will loosen up the track itself and not the wire , I have never had any problems with fruil tracks , the look great , weigh a scale ton when finished , and sag like no tomorrow !
Love that top pic Jon! Is that the dazzle track pin system? Used to mesmerize enemy gunners?
OK so next dumb question, How do you tell which track is RS and which is LS? I was planning on the side where I insert the pins would be inboard. The instructions don’t identify Left or right for the Panther A.
Steve
pins inboard from my experience
The pins/wire go in from the inside. I just put a tiny little drop of Zap A Gap on the end of the pin once it was in and cut to length. (I just run the wire in and then cut it to length with a small side cutter. If it’s a little too long, just tap it in till it’s flush) Never had any trouble with the glue wicking into the rest of the block.
The pins go in from the inside
There only on the Jagdpanther from the outside for the adjustment of there length and the pins would get in the way
Thanks guys!!!
Steve