Ahead of their upcoming M109A7 Paladin, Rye Field Models has announced 2 separate sets of T161 Tracks that can be used on M2A2 ODS-SA and A3/A4 Bradleys, the M109A7 Paladin, and the M10 Booker. I don’t think they come with the new sprockets for them though. They do look to have the proper open center guide teeth.
Plastic multi-part links.
3D-printed multi-part links.
That’s great news!
Are these correct for the M2A2 Ukraine received?
Yes. Assuming they got the size right. The Magic Factory track is too large. If RFM modeled off of those they’ll be incorrect as well.
Yeah I was looking at options to replace the Magic Factory track, hopefully these are accurate.
The ones in my photos are.
As much as I enjoy 3D printing and how it revolutionizes this hobby, I really don’t like the look of this:
I don’t know why these companies keep over-engineering the track assemblies. You have 9 parts to put together just to connect 2 links/pads: 4 pads/blocks, 2 metal rods, 2 end connectors, and a center guide horn…
It’s going to be a PAIN and very time-consuming to build this. Plus, very fiddly and weak after the assembly. To me, it defeats the advantages of 3D printing vs. ejection molding. 3D printing should reduce the part count and not increase it. 3D printing should simplify the build and stronger assembly not more fiddly and weaker.
OK, enough with my rant.
I like yours.
I say ditch the RFM mess and get @JacquesD 's 3D printed tracks: T-161 Tracks for Magic Factory 1/35 M2A2/M2A4 Bradley | eBay. They’ll be cheaper in the US, too.
I have a set, and I’m pleased. I plan to show them in use once I can get back to modeling again. I took a break when I noticed my loss of manual dexterity was negatively affecting my builds.
Since i recently had to do myself all the hollow center guide teeth on my Leclerc, this set will save ton of works on my future Ukrainian Bradley!!!
Thanks Rye Field
I think metal pins is a great idea, and should make it a whole lot easier to get actual workable tracks out of it.
I have also made the T-161 as workable track: 2 end connectors with the rod, 1 center guide horn, 2 pads. However, it is not a very durable set of tracks. These tracks with metal pins may work better, they may not. Double pinned tracks are a HUGE pain in the butt to model…
“Tactical patience” also known as “hurry up and wait”.
News? I thought I had seen that somewhere before. 
Personally, I never had a need for “workable” tracks because all my models were in a static mode. I always like the plastic “link and length” tracks for their simpler, yet better detail and longevity than vinyl tracks. With the 3D printing, “link and length” is the way to go for those advantages. 3D print resin parts are usually more brittle than the plastic counterparts so indiv. tracks may not last too long.
Obviously, no “vroom vroom” effect or RC capability was needed for me. I guess the “workables” would be useful in diorama settings when the suspension height is modified or tracks are in off position for some reason. I am definitely not the right audience for those.
I love and absolutely need workable tracks since I push my finished builds along the floor making wroom-wroom noises …
No, no. no. It’s:
but the tank needs to make wroom-wroom
to get to the location where RPG makes Ka-BOOM
