Perishing tracks

[Forrester]

I was disappointed today to have a rubber track snap on one of my 44 RTR Shermans.
I shouldn't have been surprised, the tracks were the least impressive feature of the Forces of Valour Sherman M4A2, sticky to the touch and difficult to align properly, and I broke one trying to straighten it.
Looks like repairs are needed, and I may as well do the others two as well.

I know there are aftermarket tracks but that's expensive.

So looking possibly at..

Get an Airfix Firely, use the spare track lengths lef tover if you use the easy build option

Get a box of PSC Shermans, and use the tracks.. probably the easiest to do, but also the most desperate solution as it means chucking the rest of the box.

Bodging repair with track link sections, in fact Ive ordered a pack from S&S to experiment with. The metal is easy to bend.

I think I can leave the upper part of the track which is well sandwiched between hull and running gear, amd just do the lower parts.


Mercifully all my other tanks are hard plastic.

I want to preserve this troop, so something needs to be done.

Any ideas Ive not thought of gratefully received!

[John Green]

Do you own any of the Heller M4A2s (if not, why not?).

They come with two separate vinyl track lengths on the M4A2 kit.

I would say this is the cheapest option, and still have a complete Sherman leftover (<£10 RRP).

[7dot62mm]

The cheapest option might be getting a friend with a Resin 3D printer to print you some track and road wheel sets.





This is a free model from WindhamGraves at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6121169

You can print just the wheels & tracks which are one piece.

[Forrester]

Thanks the Heller looks great but I don’t fancy more vinyl track. ! As to printing unfortunately I don’t have a printer or access to one because that would be ideal- just print 3 tanks worth and rip out the current tracks and running gear. I did look on Etsy but couldn’t see anything. I was amused to see on E bay someone was selling just the left hand track and running gear for the Airfix Firefly. I couldn’t work out how anyone would have that for sale or why anyone would need it?

[Adler]

Seem to remember that there are alternative tracks with the PSC Sexton, I'll have to check the box to be sure. Have a look over at Henk for sprue shots. Not entirely sure they fit on a Sherman as I used them for some Kangaroos.

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/missing ... 8#p1727558
L

[Adler]

Just had a look and have three sets of the Sexton tracks so have a spare if useful.
L

[Forrester]

Just noticed an error in my original post when I mentioned the M4A2. It should of course be the A1. Aka Sherman II. I don’t think that affects what I and others have said. Yes I see the Sexton does indeed have optional tracks but I definitely don’t need three more Sextons! Thanks for the responses. I shall ponder further

[sandsmodels]

hi
i can do you a set of resin track & wheel units, do you have an order with us?
can do it cheaper if posted with an order.
thanks
shaun
s&s models

[Forrester]

Yes I do just for some track lengths if you’d like to email me to let me know price?

[Trockledockle]

Regarding the 3D printing option, every public library in Scotland has a 3D printer and they are usually happy to print files for a low cost. In my local authority, they review the file and give you an estimate first. They will also resize. I’m guessing you are in England but the same service may be available. I’ve had 1/1200 ships and an M10 turret printed.

[sandsmodels]

Yes I do just for some track lengths if you’d like to email me to let me know price?

hi
pmed you
shaun

[Alanmccoubrey]

Even I have been known to use Shaun's track units and his Airfix US Half-track interior.

[robh]

Base them, then you won't even notice

[Forrester]

Regarding the 3D printing option, every public library in Scotland has a 3D printer and they are usually happy to print files for a low cost. In my local authority, they review the file and give you an estimate first. They will also resize. I’m guessing you are in England but the same service may be available. I’ve had 1/1200 ships and an M10 turret printed.

Sorry, may I laugh hysterically at this?

I think an English library could do photocopying. That's all the printing we'd get!

Our city library is in a building that shares space with a theatre and cinema, part of it is in a noisy cafe, and you have to squeeze past the tables of students, presumably, using the wifi., to get at the shelves.
I miss the old library with its hushed stillness and the old men in the reference library hiding from their lives.

At the risk of being Mr Picky, that thingiverse Sherman has Armourfast plain track disease.

[Trockledockle]

Our main library is pretty similar to yours. The reference library has essentially been closed except for local history. 3D printing has been added to attract younger creative people. It’s what libraries are having to do to survive.

Friendship Models also sell separate resin track units in 1/76 and 1/72.

http://friendshipmodels.co.uk/epages/92 ... ring=Track

[Forrester]

Sorted out nicely with help from Shaun. I looked at the tips and tricks section which I don’t usually visit and noticed some threads about nasty tracks. I’ll avoid in future!