Reviews - Introduction
Track-Link exists to help AFV modellers share information about their hobby. Reviews of kits, books and accessories are one of the most important ways of sharing this information. Track-Link's Reviews Database lets modellers quickly access other modeller's reviews and to contribute their own.
As Track-Link is an independent site, all reviews should express the modeller's own opinions based on their examination of the products and their experience building it. Most reviews are from modellers who purchased the kit themselves and wish to share their experiences. It is Track-Link's policy to display all reviews received, which follow the spirit of the Review Guidelines, with the exception of reviews written by manufacturers.
You are welcome and encouraged to use and contribute to the growth of Track-Link's Reviews Database.
Using The Reviews Database
Reviews on Track-Link can be accessed several ways using the options on the left-hand side of the main Reviews page:
New Reviews | Lists all reviews added or updated during the last 10 days by default. There is an option to select another period of time. |
Category | Lists all reviews for a category (e.g. all Complete Kits or all Decals). |
Manufacturer | Lists all reviews of that manufacturer's products and often provides background details about the company. |
Search | Lets you search by key words. Keywords are selected by the reviewer when they submit their review. Search is available by clicking the link in the menu bars at the top and bottom of this page. |
Hints For Reading Reviews
When reading reviews, it's good to remember that everyone has the right to voice their opinions. One person's experience with a kit may be very different from another's due to levels of skills, access to references, or personal expectations. For this reason it is a good idea to consult other references such as the Track-Link news groups and model magazines.
One hallmark of a well written review is a clear statement on why the kit or other modelling product is successful or not. This statement will typically be supported by reference to photos, historical documents and scale diagrams, the experience of building or using the product and/or subject appeal. Examples of subject appeal include that a kit is the first model of a particular AFV, or that a resin set corrects a fault in a popular kit.
"First Look" ("In the box") reviews should be considered an introduction to the item and an estimate of its general quality. "Construction" reviews typically have greater practical value as they discuss the reviewer's experience with the "buildability" of the kit and the final result.
Many reviews include both discussion of the kit itself and background information on the real vehicle or soldiers. The later, although useful and interesting, is not an assessment of the kit.
Many models in the Track-Link photo gallery have been improved with items such as etched metal, brass wire and after market tracks. When assessing a model based on photos it is advisable to allow for any added detail.
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