This set of individual link working track sets from Bronco Models provides replacement Matilda II “Flat” type track which is the same type as in the recent Tamiya Matilda Mk.III/IV (kit #35300).
The set has 6 sprues with 56 parts each in light beige plastic for a total of 336 parts with the standard of moulding being extremely good. There are no pin marks and only the occasional bit of minor flash, the only cleanup needed is the sprue attachment points and a little care will help to not damage the parts.
Each tack link consists of just 2 parts, the upper section with the track pin and guide plus the lower cast track shoe section, the most notable feature of the links is the hollow track guides on the inner pad section.
The detail on the main track link is well done and includes the recessed H design with small bolt heads included as well as nice inner rib detail.
The instructions on the back of the box indicate 71 links per track run for a total of 284 parts (142 links) leaving you with 52 parts or 26 spare track links to use as required.
Just to clear up what may be confusing on the box where it says "2 sets needed". This actually means 2 track runs of 71 links each (left/right) not 2 actual track sets.
After the cleanup of the sprue attachments which is minor as far as individual track sets are concerned the actually assembly is very straightforward really.
You firstly lay one inner pad section with the track pin over the outer pad (pic 1) and attach another inner pad over the track link (pic 2) leaving the inner section ‘swinging in the breeze’ as it were. This will be used to connect the ends of the fully assembled track run later.
This is then repeated with each subsequent link by laying the track pins over the next link (pic 3) and securing with the inner section (pic 4). The most important thing to remember during the assembly is to be very sparing with the glue so as not to glue the track pin in error.
The assembled track runs articulate very freely and while there is no track sag once fitted to the Matilda the articulation makes for a very natural fit around the kit idler and drive sprockets. The fit of the track around the kit drive sprockets is also very good with a nice snug fit to give an excellent appearance.
The assembled track runs are very nicely detailed and are a considerable improvement over the vinyl track and link and length plastic track in the Tamiya kit, the open guides being the standout feature.
note inner giude left "hanging" to join the tracks on the kit.
Assembly tracks around the Tamiya idler and drive sprocket
A quick comparison with the vinyl and plastic tracks included in the kit show a marked increase in detail, especially the open guides as mentioned.
The instructions are simple exploded view drawings on the back of the box along with some CAD images of the assembled track links to help in proper assembly.
As mentioned it is essential to make sure you fit the pins/end connectors with the correct orientation and checking this carefully in the assembly drawings beforehand will avoid any problems.
This is another superbly moulded and detailed set of workable track links for the Matilda II and will allow you to replace the kit track to provide a marked improvement in detail for the final kit.
Detail on the links with the open guide horns are especially noteworthy as is the lack of pin marks on the track pads and links.Highly Recommended
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Matilda ISBN/EAN: 9788372192677 |
Matilda ISBN/EAN: 9788372192912 |
Matilda Infantry Tank 1938-45 by David Fletcher New Vanguard 8 Osprey Publishing ISBN: 1 85532 457 1 |
The Matilda Infantry Tank in Australia Service Military Ordnance Special Number 13 By Paul Handle Published by Darlington Productions, Inc. |
Thanks to my credit card and the excellent service from for the review kit.