I recently retrieved a bunch of kits from storage. One is a Tamiya Kampfpanzer Leopard…whose tracks are now warped. Would I be better off trying to fix the kit pieces–and, if so, how–or replace them with aftermarket parts?
I take it they are link and length tracks? If so, I’d replace 'em…
If, by “link and length,” you mean the rubber pieces that you join with a heated screwdriver, you are correct.
If I’m not mistaken, Tamiya’s Leopards have vinyl tracks - strange…
If my vinyl tracks have kinks, I usually put them on a reversed “quick release” clamp (used as a “spreader”) under light tension for a couple of days and they usually straighten up fine.
No. Link and length tracks are usually moulded in hard styrene like the rest of the kit - in “lengths” for long straight runs (usually upper and lower) and individual links to wrap around the sprockets and idlers.
The tracks could be vinyl–they’re soft and malleable, and that’s all I can say for sure. Do you have a photographic demonstration of the process you described, by chance?
Oh, ok… Nope… Those are the vinyl loop tracks, or “Rubber Band” types… Link and Length tracks are made up of styrene sections, with individual links to join the long pieces together…
Even so, I’d still replace them if I had the choice… The only way to fix the vinyl tracks would be to dip them in boiling water and try to straighten them out, but you run a real risk of destroying them that way without a jig of some sort to hold them in place… I suppose you could try to use heat in certain parts of the warps, like from a soldering iron. Putting a piece of sheet brass on the tracks and applying heat to it while pressing down on the tracks would be my likely course of action…
You should be able to find after-market replacements for around 10 bucks…
Now I’ve got some good ideas. I’ll return to this thread when it comes time to resurrect the Leopard project.
Thanks, all!
I would use hot tap water in lieu of boiling water. If you go the boiling route, you may need to check to see if there are aftermarket tracks available, you could end up with melted tracks.
I just had a similar problem with my Tamiya Sherman tracks. I used a hairdryer and slowly went up and down the tracks and got them back in shape. Just don’t get the hairdryer too close or have it too hot, or you may melt/damage your tracks.
I’ll second the hairdryer technique, much more controllable than hot water, but still be careful not overheat them.
I would take this as a good excuse to replace, you are going to put time and effort into fixing something that is of lesser quality then aftermarket tracks.
If you decide to fix them my recommendation would be to go from non destroying techniques like Phil_H suggests to tougher beating.
Svenne
Off Topic;
Good to see you posting on the Forum again Kykeon [bow]
Svenne
Thanks for missing my presence, Svenne.
Chronic neck injuries can really ruin your life, especially when you can’t sleep. Hopefully now that I am receiving proper treatment this situation will improve so that I can pull out of the tailspin I’ve been in and fly a bit more level course. I am so thankful for modern medical treatment, otherwise I probably wouldn’t still be here. [xx(]