I have Taymiya’s 1/35 scale M40 self-propelled gun, which is based on an M4 chassis with an HVSS suspension, and I want to replace the rubber band tracks with something better, like maybe workable tracks. Can someone recommend a good aftermarket kit for me? I believe the M40 chassis was actually modified by making it longer and wider than a standard M4 chassis. If that’s the case, hopefully that doesn’t make this too difficult.
The tracks are either T80 (steel) or T84 (rubber pads) tracks. AFV Club makes them in plastic, but they are a bitch to assemble and break easily.
There are other metal options on eBay, but I have not used them before, so know nothing about them.
2 Likes
I can highly recommend the R - Model T 80 metal tracks. They are well priced on EBay and the detail is great. They include pre - cut brass pins and assemble easily. No sink marks!
3 Likes
You can also get T80 tracks in plastic from Rye Field Model. They’ve got many parts and assemble more easily in another way than the instructions tell you, but they do look good and they’re nowhere near as fragile as the AFV Club ones. Also, unlike the AFV Club sets, they don’t fall apart if you breathe on them.
2 Likes
Kaizen of Hong Kong make extremely realistic and sturdy T-80 tracks. BUT: each link consists of 9 (nine) parts, and assembly is just as extremely laborious. On the box they say “Just be patient!!” and, like somebody wrote somewhere about a different kit: “Being a member of an SM club isn’t a must, but it helps”. For details, see my Tamiya M40 build report at Baubericht - 155 mm M 40 GMC
3 Likes
Actually it’s not a tank hull at all but a completely new, longer, and wider box with a Sherman drive train and HVSS units bolted on the sides. You are right to be concerned about number of links in because an M40 takes 87 blocks per side while a tank only takes 79. Some of the aftermarket sets really cut it close with the number supplied.
KL
1 Like
the R-Model track sets give you a fair number of extras, just so you know. I have some leftover tracks myself that I can left you have if you come up short.
1 Like
Welcome aboard.
2 Likes
I used the AFV Club T80 tracks with no problems. I used a GodHand nipper for removal from the sprue and installed them prior to painting and weathering to reduce the chance for breakage. There were enough links in the set for the M40.
1 Like
I take it you didn’t try and file off the two ejector pin marks from each block, then? Because every time I tried that, the block wanted to bend in the middle, where the two pins for the centre guide are. Add to that several end connectors dropping off every time I turned the track over, and I very quickly decided to sell the set on to some other sucker.
2 Likes
I removed the ejector pin marks with an oscillating “electric toothbrush” style battery operated sander before removing them from the sprues. I’ve used 2 sets of the AFV Club T80 tracks without issue.
3 Likes
I use AFV tracks for many kits.If I see knockout marks,I just scrape them while still on the sprue. More support that way.
2 Likes
And welcome to the network … 
2 Likes