I’d like to try that method of constructing Friuli treads by using normal pins and cutting them down to size using a jig. I think I read about it here, on this forum,a few months ago, but don’t recall for certain. Anyone recall what I’m talking about? Any suggestions? I’d rather do that than all the trimming of the wire and application of super glue.
With the pin method, you just determine the length you need and then tap the pin through the metal a bit, which fastens it. The only complicated part is cutting the pins down to a uniform size using a jig and tape (if I recall correctly).
It was on this forum, but it’s been a while. I can’t remember who was talking about it, though. Sorry.
I did my Friul tracks a little differently than the “normal” way, and I think it was easier. I put the wire in the links and cut it off about a half inch from the end of the link. Then after doing about 10 links, I’d go back with a brass wire with a drop of thick super glue and put a small amount of super glue at the base of the wire. Then I’d let them set up for an hour or so and go back and trim off the excess length flush with the end of the link. You need to make sure the wire goes all the way into the links, though. It was a pretty fast way to do it. I had very little trouble with it, other than the time the wire missed the inner “brackets” on the links. I didn’t notice and glued it up that way. I had to soak the link in debonder for a while to pull the links back apart. But even that wasn’t too bad.
I read someone was going to replace the Friul wire with brass wire. I think that would be a good way to go. The brass is much less flexible than the wire Friul gives you.
I use .020 brass wire when building Friul tracks. It works better than the wire that comes with the tracks. I’m going to build the AFV Club tracks for the M1 and see if they are any easier than Friul tracks.
I had the bright idea of just buying some of those #17 pushpins you see in stores – with the different colored heads? – and giving them a whirl. So far, so good! I just stick the pin through and clip off the plastic head and the remaining exposed pin shaft and go on to the next link.
I’m doing them in sets of 10 and then combining them, as always. Only thing you have to be careful of is sticking the pin too far forward and having the point emerge through the nicely cast pin head. [:0] I’ve done that a few times, but well that’s what mud is for! [:)]
Best thing is that I’m not even drilling out the links – I can force the pin through, because it’s got the plastic head. Works a treat so far. I did two lengths last night until the missus made it clear that she exists on this planet and maybe I should be paying attention to something other than all the plastic and metal pieces in my life! [(-D]
Kaleu, maybe the next time I build Friul I will try the brass wire. Do you snip them to the right size and hammer them in?
Haven’t tried it yet, but I think the pins I’m using might even work for a Tiger II. I may build Dragon’s Tiger II serien turm, and if I do I’ll use the friul treads.
works very well , i’ll probably do the same thing again next time i use fruil tracks. ended up putting a drop of CA on each pin to make sure it didn’t go anywhere
I think I’ll do the same thing, Pantherlehr. Thanks for turning me on to the idea. I’m going to work on my treads all weekend! (Well, hopefully not all weekend.)
