LionMarc Model Designs has just released another Tiger I track link set. It is late type track links with chevron clips.

Contents

The set contains 220 track links and 220 brass pins packaged in a cardboard box. The quality of molding and casting is very similar to the former Anvil products. The only difference between the two is LionMarc Model Designs uses pins to connect the links. Although a little bit more work is required, the finished tracks are much stronger then the snap-in type.

A few of the track links had air bubble holes, but considering only 197-199 links are required for a kit, the non-bubble links should be more than enough for 2 complete tracks.

Accuracy

This would be a difficult task since there are no scale drawings just for the track link in the references I have. What I did was comparing it with close up photos.

And here is what I have identified.

1. Pin end on the inboard end (close to the chassis) is sticky out of the track link. It should be smooth out with the inboard end. Fortunately, 95% of it will be hidden after the track is fitted to a model kit.
2. The extending plate of outboard end is rather on thick side.
3. The thickness of the cleat does not line up. This is caused by the molding rather than casting.

Construction

More work is required than for the snap-in type track links but less than the other pin type ones. I repeated the steps below with 8 - 10 links every time and spent around an hour completing a track. During the construction, I did not find any link that required re-drilling.

Fitting to Tamiya, AFV Club and DML Tiger I sprockets all went well without any problems.

1. Insert brass pins to connect the links.
2. Keep the pins sticking out from only inboard side. This will make the cleaning work easier.
3. A drop of super glue on both ends.
4. Cut the brass pin.
5. Smooth out the brass pin on the outboard end of the track link.
6. Use a toothbrush cleaning up the tracks.

Conclusion

LionMarc Model Designs has provided another selection of track link set with the amount of required works between snap-in type (i.e. WW2P) and pin type (i.e. ModelKasten and Friulmodel). It would be even better if they can improve the set with less works required, the Friulmodel pin type of track link and the pins with just right length for instance.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to LionMarc Model Designs for providing the review sample.

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