Building the tank tracks of Airfix's Cromwell Mk IV 1/35 Scale Model Tank - Part 9

Part 9 of my build of Airfix's newly tooled Cruiser Mk. VIII Cromwell Mk. IV tank in 1/35 scale. Product Ref A1373.
Today I build the tracks. The kit actually comes with two versions, the first are rubber/vinyl tracks that simply loop round. They actually have just as much moulded detail to the linkage as the plastic tracks, however they don't sit properly (though they could be easily glued to wedged into position), and the material they are made from does not take paint very well. However, if you are looking to have a tank that is finished to a "clean" finish (or just don't want to deal with building up the tracks) then this is a great and simple solutions that takes less than a minute!
So that I could paint and weather the tracks, as well as conform to the wheels and fix in the realistic sag of the track under the weight of gravity I (as most modellers will) wanted to the use the plastic tracks.
When removing from the sprue take care to sand down the sprue gates. I initially didn't thinking that they wouldn't be visible, but found that some of the sprue gate did push the linkages a little too far apart as some angles.
Keep track which parts are which. Fortunately all the straight pieces are of different size so if they do get muddled up to can count the linkages on the piece and on the instructions. Also ensure you have the linkages the correct orientation.
Though I started using Tamiya Extra Thin glue, it was far more effective to use little dabs of Revell Contacta adhesive to create the initial join which had enough grip to build up lengths of track and enable it to be manipulated around the wheels and sprockets into position.
I started along the base and half way around the drive sprocket at the rear that kept the track in position, then work back to the front and up around the front wheel, dropping to allow for the sag, and finishing around the sprocket. The teeth of the sprocket kept the track in position, but the final link was not glued; meaning that the track could carefully be removed.
Once removed I gave the tracks a brush with Tamiya Extra Thin glue to help strengthen the joins.
They were then primed using Mr Surfacer 1200 (thinned with Self-Leveling Thinner). Then painted with MRP metallic Gun Metal paint. This gives a good solid dark metallic base to the track, and will be further enhanced with dry brushing the weathering.
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[@mauricemckinley1904]

Thanks. Wanted to know if airfix 1/35 came with rubber tracks. Much more preferable than ones with individual links

[@RobsModels]

Hi Maurice - apologies for the massive delay in replying. Yes, the 1/35 Airfix Cromwell did come with rubber tracks. I decided to go with the plastic ones for the following reasons:
* The rubber ones don't tend to 'sit' right, with the tracks going straight across the top and not sagging down
* I've found the rubber tracks don't take paint and weather well, once dry it flakes off
* In this kit you don't need to be individual links, but is done in sections that are pre-moulded to fit correctly. There are some individual links, but these are only around the tightest parts.
I found the tracks were actually quite easy once I'd worked out a technique to let the glue part dry so it was tacky enough to hold itself, but could still allow for the tracks to be manipulated into position.

[@mauricemckinley1904]

@@RobsModels Hi Rob,thanks for that. Have done American T29 heavy tank by Chinese firm Hobbyboss. Was Chinese torture.Tracks individual links 113 links each track but each link had 2 side components so worked out as 678 components. Did it and tank looks good but swore would never do a Chinese kit again . Regards, Maurice

[@RimsModels]

excellent video my friend nice job on the tracks never easy to do thanks flor sharing

[@RobsModels]

Cheers Rob! Was dreading doing tracks for the first time in 1/35 - and have heard plenty of horror stories. Once I found a technique that worked it went a lot easier than expected, though admittedly that could be more to do with the kit than my own skill! 🤣🤣

[@RimsModels]

@@RobsModels lol they do look great though the whole build is coming along nicely keep up the good work my friend 👍👍