So I finally get a tank I’ve wanted to build, a StuG III ausf/8 (winter campaign)
It’s a DML kit (Dragon) and contains (says on the box) 538 parts!!
What it doesn’t say is the tracks are individually composed links I have to fit together, and glue and adjust, etc etc etc.
Not gonna happen, not today, not ever.
Anyone make some aftermarket tracks for this kit that are easier to use?
What’s so bad about individual tracks? I’ve had nothing but success with them, and they come out great, with a bit of patience and a decent paint job. Everybody is always slamming ind. tracks, but I personally like them. If you don’t want to use them, send them to me!
demono69
Most if not all DML kits contain indy tracks. It saves on aftermarket ones! True not everyone likes the, but they look more realistic and work great for tracks that sag. It’s too bad kits can’t come with both, but then you’d be paying for something you won’t be using. [V] I don’t know of any aftermarket companies that produce 1-piece treads, perhaps someone knows of a company. Good luck.
“It is well that war is so terrible, lest we grow too fond of it.”-R.E.Lee
At least one company produces resin tracks that come in lengths that you warm up to bend. I’ve read that they are a real pain, and don’t know if they have a set for the StuG III. Sorry, not much help.
Good luck with it. (I don’t think indy tracks are that bad either, just time consuming!)
Bill
No offense, but what did you think? I don’t know how many tanks you’ve built before but the parts count should have given you an idea. Just look at that tracks as a separate model in itself. I have a couple of tanks that have individual links and I have no problem with that. I just understand that it will take me more time to do. It also helps if you make up a little jig to hold the tracks while you’re building them to keep them aligned. Don’t give up just because of an unexpected problem. Sometimes those are the kits that turn out the best. Good Luck!!!
Ray
Give 'em a shot, AD.
They ain’t that bad!
And ya never know…ya just may end up LIKIN’ 'em!
If you’re interested in aftermarket tracks, try Friulmodel (sp?). They’re white metal, and are held together by wire “pin” inserts. Just cut the wire to length, put a spot of super glue over the pin end, and you’re done. The really nice thing about these tracks is that they’re heavy, and have a natural sag to them, and for the Stug, I think there’s only about 98 or so links per side. I got a set for the Tamiya Stug III, and I got them with the winter ice cleats. Makes for a great-looking machine! I have to admit (confess?) that I’m not a fan of DML’s individual tracks, either…
Gip Winecoff
AttackDonut, the DML Stug III F/8 Winter is an awesome kit. yes the individual track links are a hinderence, and I too refuse to build them. But Fruil’s Osketten tracks are awesome, and perfect for hat kit. This particular DML Stug III is out of production, and I highly recommend it. Just make sure you obtain an aftermarket grill set, as this uses the kits plastic to simulate the grills. Do the kit!!!
THOSE tracks are easy, check out the DML Shermans!!! They will scare the bejeezus outta anyone (3 pieces to assemble to make just ONE track)
good luck, have fun,
I have done two kits with indy links, one Tamiya and one DML. Yes they make the build more complex but the look is the payoff and they are, IMO, worth the trouble. The Tamiya’s went together easily and looked great and the DML was a nightmare but still looked nice. Next DML kit will get aftermarket (so will my other armor that has the rubber band tracks),
Get yourself a 1/72 Revell Germany kit, such as their Pz IV, and get some practice with individual links plus longer sections of track… It’s not as hard as it looks!
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
The Panzer tracks do look a little imposing but they do build up nicely if you use patience, patience, and a little more patience.
Greatmodels has the kit in stock.
If you want to really get into it, check out Verlinden’s engine set for it! #1215
One thing I’ve tried is to make up “lengths” of the indy links for the straight parts. Let the glue set up over night, then use indiv. links for the “curvey” parts. Works out very similar to link and lengths. I’ve used Jaguer and Fruil AM sets and liked both very much.I’ve haven’t tried DML indys myself, yet, but have both the Panther D and Early A, so I’ll get the chance. My big problem with them are all the ejector pin marks. 
I personally have never figured out why so many hate indys that much. I just look at them as another part of the build, and one my fat fingers can handle a whole lot better than p.e. parts! (But I continue to get the p.e. sets and let them sit on my shelf for inspiration!! I don’t build(much), I just collect (a lot)!! lol
Have a fun build, and take lots of deep breaths
Bill
Well, individual tracks are great. I think the problem with Dragon is that these tracks usually need to be thouroughly sanded and cleaned before you can fit them together. Just imagine if your are doing a sherman like I did before(3 separate pieces per link) and you have so much link per side…whew! And I have just completed the tracks for the M1and it took me almost 3 hours just to link the tracks together (including the sanding and cleaning). It was the same storey for the JS-2.
Tamiya’s Tiger I Late Production came with indy track links too but those fit very well without the need for much cleaning and sanding.
Well, sometimes we have to do these things. Just be ready to crawl under the table to look for those links that got away.