Hello
I am fairly new to this site and have been getting fsm for quite some time now, I am currently building a German Halftrack model by Dragon, the sd Kfz 251/22 Ausf D. and need to learn of ways to assemble tracks and ways to paint them,Paint lists are aso apreciated, I dont know how to post pictures as I am only 13 and have not learned how to do this yet but if i figure It out I’ll show you my King tiger and my half track when its done[:D]
Tigertankman
[#welcome] Tigertankman (great name BTW [;)]) . You are the youngest member that I’m aware of. [8D].
I haven’t assembled the Dragon 251 tracks, but my method would probably apply. I start from the drive sprocket and work my way to the idler, then around to the sprocket again. I do runs of 15-20 letting them cure slowly before applying. I prepaint and clean every track before building. Some build everything first, then paint. I, myself would find it hard to do, but perhaps that is just me. I would love to see your K.T. Not sure what you mean by paint lists.
As for pictures, you need a host (www.photobucket.com) is quite popular. You copy and paste your URL within with no spaces between. Good luck, we look forward to your work.
First of all, welcome to the forums.
As far as the tracks go, this is the way that I’ve found works best for me (be aware that you’ll find that in some cases there are as many ways to perform a certain modelling task as there are modelers). I paint the lower portion of the hull and wheels first. Using Testors tube glue (the orange one) with an applicator tip, assemble a length of track long enough to extend from2/3 of the way around the front sprocket, across the top of the road wheels to the same point on the return roller. The glue is slow drying and will allow you time to form the tracks around the wheels. Form whatever sag you need and leave it on overnight to dry. Then assemble a length long enough to make up the bottom portion and put it aside to dry as well. Repeat for the other side. After the sections are dry you can take them off and paint and weather them as you prefer, then replace them, gluing the ends with super glue (regular model glue does not adhere well to paint). Do this all before you attach the side fenders, which will be in the way if attached first. After attaching the fenders I mask the wheels and tracks with tape and spray the upper portions of the model.
To build the tracks I’ve built a jig consisting of a 4" wide piece of balsa about 8" long as a base and two 3/4" wide strips of balsa glued to the base about 1/8" apart. When building the tracks place the guidehorn of each tread into the groove between the upper pieces of balsa, which keeps your track lengths straight.
I hope this long winded explanation was helpful.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.
hey, welcome taigertankman!! glad to see anothr junior in the ranks!
looks like the othr guys have got questions pretty well down, so all i can add is tht i cant wait to see yer tiger! [:D]
c ya!
Hey thanks all really apreciate the help, yeah my K.T. is nothing special because I only started the hobby about oh 7 months ago, but Its the best and most recent model ive done ( I destroyed my other other ones for extra parts because they looked bad)Oh and Tigerman, What I mean by paint lists is that I would apreciate any Names of paint that are used to paint tracks and the way they are used to paint them.Thanks all!
Tigertankman
Hello and welcome.
All the advice is good, when I build i count the No of links in one side; I find this helps when building the other side. Be aware tho’, one side may be 1or 2 links different.
Good luck
[#welcome] to the FSM forum.
For painting the tracks, which brand of paint do you usually use/prefer?
All the metal parts can be done, for example, in a steel colour. The rubber portions just paint them flat black. There are other things you can do afterwards, such as washing and drybrushing to bring out more detail, so when you feel comfortable enough to try it, give us a shout, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of people who are willing to explain how it’s done [:)]
Well thanks again I would also like to how to make the tracks have that Iron worn through to the metal look with a litte rust, can you help?What process do you use In painting the tracks? I will post pictures Of my HT and My KT when I can take pictures but my dad says wait for the weekend lol, anyway thanks for all the warm welcomes all![^][tup]
]Tigertankman
I prefer Model Master acyrlic rust, followed with Humbrol polished-steel, finished with Tamiya metallic-grey. I prime them first with a rattle can of flat black. I usually give them a raw umber wash before I highlight them. If necessary, you might finish them with Tamiya buff for a dusty look. Lots of different ways and everyone probably does it different.
I used to base coat the entire track with rust (I use MM enamels), the heavy dry brush with gunmetal, then hit the high spots with a dry brush of oiled steel. But after reading what others do, I’ve gotten away from such a heavily rusted look (a vehicle in pretty much constant use would not have that much rust on it’s treads). Now I base coat with gunmetal, then a rust wash, then a dry brush with oiled steel. The subtler rust looks better and is more accurate to an actual vehicle.
Hey thanks
I think Im ready to try it now,once I buy the paints I Will begin to finish my model
(funny)Oh, hey Tigerman this is kinda funny, just after I named myself , I found out you were there lol, kinda bummed me Im fine with it now. Anyway TO THE MODELS!
Tigertankman