Panzer 1F tracks (resurrected)

[CharlieC]

Given the recent problems on the forum where this thread was hosted I thought I'd try to preserve the thread in more or less it's original form.
Fortunately I had all the images I used in the original. I've dropped the comment posts except where a reply extends or clarifies the thread.

This is the start of the documentation on my technique of building tracks.

As an example I've picked the tracks for the WAK 1/25 Panzer IF. These are complicated enough to show some of the attributes of the method.

To start with I've included images of the original tracks - this will give a build target and hopefully the finished product will approximate the original. These images are from one of two surviving Pz IFs at Kubinka, Russia. The images are details taken from the www.jagdtiger.de site.

Charlie

[CharlieC]

The WAK model gives a choice of flat strip or individual track elements. The individual track elements are quite small and look to be quite difficult to get right.

Starting with the flat strip sheet - print on 200gsm (I scanned it at 300dpi) laminate the inside of the track (where the guide plates go) with 160gsm. This is to get the track thickness approximately right. Don't cut the strips out of the sheet - we'll need as much support as possible later.

I've shown only a few track links in the images - the rest of the track is simply
repetition.

Charlie

[CharlieC]

No pain so far - this is about to change.

Cut out the drive slots, etc on the inside of the track and once finished cut
across the track on the hinges lines. These are shown in red on the image.

On the outside of the track cut out the pieces noted - don't cut across the hinge lines yet on this side.

Charlie

[CharlieC]

Back both sides with baking paper - make sure you get good surface coverage with the glue of choice. I used slightly thinned PVA glue and brushed it on.

When the glue's dry cut out the inside of the track and the hinge lines of the inside of the track. If you try to cut the hinge lines on the outside of the track without the support of the baking paper it will almost certainly fail.

Charlie

[CharlieC]

Back the inside of the track with baking paper - when dry - cut out the track side.

At this stage we've got two track sides - both supported by a layer of baking paper but capable of hinging around the cuts on the track hinges.

Charlie

[CharlieC]

Now glue the two sides together making sure that the hinge lines are aligned and the track sides are oriented in the correct directions. One the glue is dry
cut out the drive slots (again) - the slots will be obstructed with the baking paper layers but it's easy to cut out with a sharp #11 blade.

I found it's easier to work from the inside of the track for this rather than guess where the slots are from the outside.

Trim off the edges of the track - the Pz I track is wider at each hinge. I used a ground down chisel blade to do this (thanks Jim Nunn).

Charlie

[CharlieC]

All that's left to do is add the grouser bars on the outside of the track and the guide plates on the inside.

The track will need to be painted since there are large white area exposed on the outside of the track.

I'll add a couple of images of a completed track section when I get it painted but .... that's all folks....

On second thoughts - I'll put up a couple of images of the completed track section before I hide the mistakes
under a paint layer...


Charlie

[CharlieC]

And - just to prove that the thing is flexible - a view from the other side.

I'll leave it to others to judge how reasonable this is compared to the original.

A couple of things which could be improved:

1. The original grousers had a couple of slots on the outer surface which aren't represented.

2. The profile of the guide plates is not quite right - they should be more pointed.

Once I've got the tracks done I guess I've got to build the rest of the tank to hang them on.

Charlie

[CharlieC]

Here's the painted version.

I'm aiming at the "rust and dust" look.

It's a fairly thin coat of acrylic with grey highlight on the grousers.

Charlie

[CharlieC]

A view of the inside of the track.

Charlie