Magic Tracks?

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

I came across the term "Magic Tracks " in a Dragon model ad. What are they and how are they put together? Are they very difficult to assemble. I have always bought Tamiya and/or Italeri models with single piece tank treads.

Thanks for your comments,

Leddy

2

“Magic Tracks” are individual track links which need to be glued together. They are different to “normal” indy links in that generally speaking, they aren’t moulded on a sprue, so minimal clean-up is required. (Some, like those in the M1A1 AIM kit, have a small sprue stub attached.)

3

They also aren’t workable and while they have a tight friction fit usually, still need glue to hold them together. Some have made the mistake of thinking they are clickable but the only “Magic” to them is that they are somewhat easier to deal with since the do come off the sprues. In addition to small sprue points, they can also have ejector marks that need to be sanded down depending on the kit in question. All in all though they are better than the older style indies.

4

I don’t know why Dragon couldn’t have made them so they click together without the need for glue like Tamiya’s Char B1 bis tracks. Saves so much time and hassle!

5

[:D] Yes, even though I like the tracks, the real “MAGIC” in “Magic Tracks” is the term itself, [tup] which has proved to be a very profitable marketing term for Dragon.

6

I built the 1/35 Panther D Premium Edition with Magic Tracks.I don’t know about magic,but not having to cut them off a sprue and trim them was awesome.

7

As a follow-up to Magic Tracks how many are needed to make up your average 1/35 tank tread? Fifty, 100, more? Are the pieces really tiny or can you estimate what the size would be per tread?

Thanks for sharing your expertise!

Leddy

8

Depends on the vehicle…the Pz I-A Smart Kit “Magic” tracks are really small…but the ones on the Tiger are substantially bigger. [;)] Usually, but not always, the number of links per side is around the 90-100 range depending, the instructions won’t give you an exact count because there are little variables that will creep in when you assemble the suspension, position the idlers, etc. There’s also the question of how much sag (or none on Shermans for example) you want to replicate.