I have built 3 armored vehicles so far each being not entirely satisfactory, the link and length tracks included with this kit are quite nice. not so easy on my first effort but got her dicked 
I like the sag on this type of track, rubber tracks are a pain trying to replicate this. I let the fast set Tamiya CA cure over night for the crucial links prior to installment. nervous about the final step here.
5 Likes
My method is to make a deep U like you did
BUT
I leave out one or two short sections for the sprocket wheel.
The deep U only reaches a few teeth, typically 2, 3 or 4 depending
on the size and shape of the teeth and wheel. I want to be able to
get the track onto the sprocket and possibly also remove it again.
I mount the deep U on the wheels and then close the gap on the
sprocket wheel with the short sections.
2 Likes
trying to replicate the the high manganese content of the tracks pictured here, not rusty like steel. a subtle reddish tinge base layer. my tracks will be enhanced with MIG pigments later in the build.
1 Like
it should connect as is, I trialed the fit. i see what you mean about tooth engagement. the track has been removable a few times off the drive sprocket last night. thanks for your response, man these tracks take ALOT of patience 
the kit includes these nifty link jigs.
2 Likes
Yep! They sure do.
But they look good afterwards 
2 Likes
its always something to improve my patience on builds, ships railings, fighter plane camo and tank tracks each have their unique challenges. this model is the 1:48 version, very odd scale to me. great sale price though, bought three of em
2 Likes
Yea, 1/48 is mostly an aircraft modeling scale. A lot of people like it because it takes up less room than 1/35 vehicles.
As to the track color, how are you painting them? If you are using an airbrush, you can try adding a little brass or copper to the mix. You could also try red or orange. Test your mix out on something else to get it the way you want before using it on the tracks.
Ken
1 Like
came up a few links short
the kit includes spare track links. the instructions are rather vague, tracks look proper assembled to me? it’s a given I suppose that you have to use more links than specified. the sag points have to be aligned with the return rollers. I have to wait a good hour for the extra links to fully cure the CA before having a go at it again. a bit dodgy on the fit after adding 2 links, I will cement top track to rollers to mimic track sag, drop some fishing lead weights into hull to have bottom track engage on road wheels. yikes…its done…yeah!
4 Likes
airbrush so far for a base coat, will apply pigments eventually. pictures as usual are not portraying reality as to what I have here. I am looking for the high content manganese steel look. thanks for your post . I am imagining this look on tracks with some mild weathering.
2 Likes
Looking forward to your next post about this build.
1/48 is my favorite scale. In the 1970s Bandai had a range of dozens of tanks and softskins, infantry and scenery subjects in 1/48. All tanks had interiors. I am very happy Hobby Boss and Tamiya are reviving and expanding the range of 1/48 military subjects.
2 Likes
my picture of the tracks looks like a light beige color airbrushed applied, in reality it has a red/orange tinge to them as you suggested. trying to portray early war KV with no damage, just a bit grungy. I am not very good at this yet.
1 Like
nice to display with 1:48 aircraft, will look good with my MIG 3
2 Likes
I think your KV looks great. Coming along very nicely.
2 Likes
quite a bit more accomplished today, trying to avoid watching the superbowl 
not real pleased with the starboard side front return roller or whatever that is. I really want to avoid link and length or “workable” plastic links. too much to go wrong with setting the links precisely around the drive sprocket etc. I have a ways to go including weathering. any feedback will be appreciated. rubber tracks or something else next, frustrated somewhat. track color looks good, bottom part not finished. hard to tell from my crappy photography.
5 Likes
The sag and colour look pretty smart to me. Tracks have always been an area that I’ve never been 100% happy with but, “with practice comes perfection”
Your KV1 looks very good 
Build more kits for the practice, thats my excuse…
Watto.
2 Likes
thanks I purchased 3 hobbyboss KV-1 models, the 1:48 scale is an odd size to me affordable at $23.00. my same thoughts on practice so these are great for that. the tracks are the link and length type, so the top and bottom tracks are molded in length and the end links around the sprocket and return roller are individual links. top length is sagged molded. have not come across tracks that are not a pain the arse.
2 Likes
Well if you do, please let us know! So far, they are all a pain. And if you think these little model ones are difficult, try putting together a set of real tracks.
Ken
1 Like
