Tank modelling

[Ian M]

Perhaps Fred, it is time you considered joining the forum as a supporter and then you can ask away as much as you need. As in the news paper shop, its ok to read the front page but if you want to do the cross-word you'll need to buy the paper.
In 99.9% of Tamiya tanks, the sprocket wheels are held on with soft plastic rings; "poly-caps" they just push on the shaft and do not need glue.

 

[Airborne01]

Welcome Fred
Steve

 

[Jakko]

do l have to cement the sprockets to the body of the tank or they stay loose for the travks?

You can do either, but it will be much easier if you leave them loose. As Ian says, the poly caps (those little soft plastic bits you have to put inside) will grip the axle and hold the sprockets on tight, but still let them turn if you don’t use glue. BTW, you don’t need to put glue on those poly caps: they’re made from a plastic that you pretty much can’t glue even when you want to, and in any case the whole idea behind them is that they will allow the wheels to stay on without needing glue

With the sprockets loose, the easiest way to put the tracks on is to have the sprocket off the tank, put the track around all the other wheels, and then hook the sprocket into the track and push it into place.

 

[Frodrigues]

Hi and thank you for the answers, they have been useful. I am thinking about joining the forum and will probably do in due course. Thanks

 

[Aberbear]

Like Fred , I'm in the process of building/completing the Sherman tank from Academy/Asuku. Having a real
problem getting the plastic treads to fit. Am finding the tank undercarriage is a very tight fit. Any ideas what I can do to allow the treads to fit?

 

[Jakko]

First question: is it Academy or is it Asuka? They’re two very different brands And second, which kit is it? There’s a stock number somewhere on the box, usually at least on one or both short sides; if you post that we’ll know exactly what kit you’re talking about and may be able to give better advice.

 

[Jim R]

Welcome to the forum Fred. You can see it's a great place to share the hobby. You've already had helpful answers to your problems. It truly is worth the £10 annual supporter fee. That way you can fully join in.