This model was shelved a year or so ago because the tracks were so poor. I recently scored some Friuls at a show and was able to get going again on one of my favorite tanks. Admittedly a little loose, still better than the poorly represented kit tracks, but it’s back in progress. I used the supplied wire for the pins, secured with a teeney dab of Elmer’s glue. I also did a set of KV tracks last night using .020"steel wire for pins and just pressed them in w/o drilling the links. They’re in securely enough to not need any glue to secure them, and assembled much quicker than the Merk links. I had the whole KV set done in under 2 hrs, while watching a"chick-flick" with my wife. Best of both worlds…
Yepper, just as soon as I decide if I want any AM on it…I have the Legends dingleballs (can I say that on TV?) that look to be a royal pain, but really make the thing look like a Merk. That’s the next major step. Stowage from Aves 2-part putty for the turret basket will pretty much negate the need for any more detail inside it ( Legends stuff = too much money) and there’s really not much left. I may actually finish this one by the end of the year, unless I get diverted, which almost never…er, always happens…[:-^]
TrakMaster makes an excellent tool to help in building the fruil tracks together. Im working on the 2008 Dragon Expo Stug…its looking pretty good so far. I also use Blacken It on the tracks to weather the links.
“Blacken it” is on the list, got several sets to do now. Soaked the KV tracks in vinegar overnight, very little darkening. Friuls are so sweet…OK, I’m OK now. Had an emotional moment.
