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The following review is from www.armorama.co.uk and was written by Mark R Smith in Nov 2004
This review is of Master Box Limited's, Seperate Tracks for Models Kit, fourth in a series of reviews covering MB Ltd's line of 1/35 scale armor kits.
Next time that you need a set of Pz-1A or B style tank treads for one of your conversions or scratchbuilds, I suggest that you try these out...very simply, a good accurate set of 1/35 scale AFV treads.
IN THE BOX...
When you buy your kit and bring it home, the first thing that you will notice is quality packaging. MB Ltd. packages their kits in medium weight cardboard boxes, always with plenty of illustrations and text decorating the outside of the box. This time, we see 5 different model subjects, the Panzerwafer 42auf Maultier, the Jagdpanzer 1 Ausf B, the Befeglwagen 3klb, the Opel Blitz Maultier, and the Pz1 Ausf B, all in full color on the front of the package. On the back of the box are the assembly instructions, in both text and photo's, very simply explained, I might add.
Inside the box you will find a sealed plastic bag with basically, 2 sprues of seperate tank treads, molded in black plastic. On these two sprues are enough seperate treads to build 1 set(pair) of complete tread assemblies for a 1/35 scale tank or Haltrack...104 seperate tread pieces on each sprue. As I have said in previous reviews of this company's products, Master Boxes plastic formulation is a real joy to work with, as it is softer than other manufacturers which makes it easier to cut, trim and sand...also less chance of breaking tiny parts.
BUILDING YOUR TREADS...
Building these treads is a fairly simple task, following the five basic steps as shown in the instructions.
1. Seperate the tread pieces from the sprue.
2. Trim the parts (if necessary).
3. Lay out the pieces on a flat surface, ( I glued about twenty pieces together at a time)
press a ruler in the middle of the parts to hold them together, spread a little glue on the
tops of the tread pieces(I use a pin point gluer).
4. Draw the pieces together tightly. I do this by holding down slightly on the ruler with
one hand, and using the same hand's forefinger hold one edge of your tread assembly
while pushing against the opposite end with your other finger. Carefully slide out the
ruler.
5. After about seven to ten minutes of drying time(depending on what type of glue that
you use-I used Testors standard model glue) form the treads to your model subjects
drive system, carefully remove and set aside to dry.
I've found that if you build these tracks in four seperate sections, top, bottom, front and rear respectively, you will hold your form much better. Then after the sections are dry, I recommend gluing the top, front, and rear piece together on the model, carefully remove and let these dry before proceeding. Then, you can paint and finish your treads in the method that you choose, and when cured and dried carefully work the section onto your model, then glue the final bottom piece on, and Voila! Done...
I personally like this little tread kit, not hard at all to work with, and they finish up to be a decent looking set of treads for your 1/35 scale armor project...Give em' a try next time!
Many thanks to Mr. Alex Surzhenko, Director of Master Box Limited, Ukraine, for providing this and all review kits to date.
Keep Modeling!
Gunny
SUMMARY
OVERALL RATING 70%
Rating:  [4 of 5 Stars!] |
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