PMMS
Friulmodel
M2 Bradley/LVTP 7/MLRS
Late Type "Big Foot" Track Links

Friulmodel 1:35 Set No. ATL-79
Review by Terry Ashley

This set of the current "big foot" style metal tracks is for any available kit of the M2/M3 Bradley, LVTP-7/AAVP7A1 or MLRS and consists of 180 handed metal track links 180 separate end pin bolts in two plastic bags plus a length of wire for the track pins and replacement white metal drive sprockets to address one of the poorest aspects of most kits.

Minimal cleanup is required with just one small pour burr to be cut off each link but you will need the pin holes opened up by drilled through ensuring you don’t drill all the way though damaging the opposite pin bolt included on the link. A minor pour bur and some thin metal "flash" has to removed from the drive sprockets but this is easily dealt with.

Metal track links, pin wire and pin bolts
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Metal drive sprockets
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This is best done by inserting the appropriate sized drill bit in your pin vice the exact depth required so when you drill the link will butt against the end of the pin vice stopping it going through the end, this way you can happily and quickly drill out the pin holes without worrying about going right through.

Track pins cut to length and the links showing the very minimal cleanup needed
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Set drill bit depth in pin vise to safely drill through the link
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Detail on the links is very good with well defined end pin, track pad and the inside pad retaining bolt with the links representing the real links nicely and are far better than any of the kit vinyl tracks.

After cutting the wire into lengths assembly is quick and easy but you should take care to cut the pin short enough to leave the pin bolt opening clear to insert the bolt which in turn traps the wire pin in place. Just a small dab of cyanoacrylate in the bolt hole is enough to glue this firmly in place with the resulting detail being excellent and very well defined.

The metal drive sprockets are very nicely detailed with the correct rounded profile lightening holes and inner support stubs as well as the outer rim bolts and tooth disk details and are clearly superior to any available kit drive sprocket. There are two inner sprocket wheels provided with differently designed axle stubs to fit either the Academy, Tamiya or Dragon kits so choose the appropriate one for the kit you are using the sprockets on. Some minor alterations may be needed to fit the sprockets but test fitting will determine this.

Details of the links showing the pin inserted leaving the bolt locating hole free for the separate pin bolt
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The assembled track runs articulate freely and fit snugly around the metal drive sprockets but note this is live track and doesn't sag between the return rollers when on the vehicle like dead track will but the link detail especially the end pin bolt detail is superb.

Assembled drive sprocket and tracks around the metal rive sprocket
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Shots of the real drive sprocket and "big foot" tracks
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Comparison of the Friulmodel sprockets and those from the Academy M2A2, Dragon MLRS kits,
Tamiya M2A2 ODS and Tamiya AAVP7A1 kits (left to right).

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Conclusion:
A very nicely detailed track set for any applicable kit and while there is no marked track sag required the details such as the link depth and link details is far better represented than on any kit tracks and the inclusion of the excellent drive sprockets will give a more realistic finish to your kit.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to my Credit Card and the excellent service from Rainbow Ten for the review set.



Page Created March 23, 2006

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