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Forums - Modelling / Construction |
The construction forum is for the discussion of techniques on the construction phase of AFV modelling and the tools and materials used. |
| Topics | 1893 |
| Messages | 8729 |
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| Subject: | Re: dragons individual track links |  |
| Date: | May 8, 2002 |
| From: | Neville Lord | |
> > I'm looking at replacing the tracks on my stug III, can I use dragons
pz
> > III individual track links set, if still in production. Or are there any
> > other options.
> >
> >
Hi,
I've used DML tracks on that Tamiya hull (but for PZ III L).
Of the DML tracks, don't use the late as they are for late 44/45, when the
DML kit is for an early StuG IIIG (circa 43-early 44 IIRC). The DML Pz
III/IV superdetail tracks would be my pick as they have the least injection
marks and chevrons. The DML Pz III?IV ealry which are sold separately are
really early-mid war era tracks.
Cheers
Neville
here's an extraxt from my review of the DML "early" tracks
By my count Dragon have used five different types of tracks on their Panzer
III, PZ IV, StuG and related kits.
To a reasonable extent the four 40cm wide track styles are interchangeable,
for example the standard 40cm "early" Track from a Panzer IV F2, could be
swapped with the Ostketten from a StuG III F with StuK 40 L/48 (provided you
are mindful of time and place). One of the more common of Dragon's link to
link tracks is their Panzer III/IV early (Type Kgs 61/400/120). This link
is sold separately and also included in many of their kits such as the StuG
III Ausf B, C/D and F, Nashorn, sIG 33B auf Pz III, Panzer III J, and Panzer
IV F2. Contents When sold separately the set includes 380 identical
individual links (the box advertises 400 links) spread over 5 sprues. These
5 sprues provide almost, but not quite enough for 2 vehicles. When these
links are included in kits, 3 sprues are provided. The links are an early
style pattern used on the Panzer III and IV chassis from when the 40cm
tracks replaced the 36cm tracks for the Panzer III (Ausf H), IV (Ausf F) and
Stug III (during production of the Ausf B). They have solid guide-horns
and no chevrons on the outer face. The general profile of these links is
true to the real tracks with indentations on the outer face and cast
recesses on the outer arms, although some people feel the side profile is a
fraction shallow. Each link is connected to the spruce by two points and has
two injection marks on the inside near the guide horns. I've noticed these
marks are more pronounced on some batches than others. As a result I have
found clean up takes longer than with some other kit's separate link tracks
and is best done with a fresh knife blade. Even after clean up these marks
the links don't look as good as those included in some other kits. These
problems are why some modelers replace these links with after-market
alternatives. Given this link is used in so many of their kits, I think
Dragon would win a lot of support if they redesigned it, to eliminate the
injection marks from the link. |
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