TrumpeterTrumpeter
KV-1S / SU-152 Split Link track
1:35 Scale Track Set comparison
Review by Terry Ashley

The Sets:
Following the release of the Trumpeter SU-152 (kit #05568) and KV-1S (kit #1566) kits which unfortunately include the incorrect 700mm wide split track instead of the narrower 650mm track as they should I will compare the available aftermarket tracks applicable to the two kits.

This is just a brief summation of the available track sets with a full review of each set via the links below, also note this comparison will only look at the tracks as they relate to the Trumpeter kits with most sets being applicable to other kits as well as noted in the reviews.

The track sets included in this review are:
Friulmodel: Set #ATL-54
Masterclub: Set #MC135028W
Miniarm: Set #B35018
Modelkasten: Set #SK-14
Spade Ace: Set #SAT-35024

There are also quite a few track sets labelled as for the KV-1S/SU-152 or as “lightweight” but aren’t really, these of course are applicable to other KV types. I have listed a few here but there are also some others I have yet to see plus of course a heap of standard 700m track types that are outside the scope of this review.
Friulmodel: Set #ATL-51. Labelled as lightweight but are the 700mm split track.
Masterclub: Set #MC135030W. Represent the narrow split track but with the angled end spuds that weren’t actually used operationally on the KV-1S/SU-152.
Miniarm: Set #B35021. Represent the narrow split track but with the angled end spuds that weren’t actually used operationally on the KV-1S/SU-152.
Trumpeter: Set #TK-12(02042). Is the narrower 650mm track but not the split type with all links having a guide tooth and none without the guide tooth.
WWII Productions: Set #35014. Is the narrower 650mm track but not the split type with all links having a guide tooth and none without the guide tooth.

Below are the tracks sets listed in ranking IMHO with brief explanations for the ranking.
1: Modelkasten: Set #SK-14
This set is dimensionally accurate with nicely detailed and cleanly moulded links with minimal clean-up required. The pin assembly aided by the jig provided is quick and easy with the resulting track runs very robust and articulate freely. Being plastic are very easy and clean to work with and the fit to the Trumpeter kit sprockets is excellent.
Rating 9/10

ModelKasten

2: Masterclub: Set #MC135028W
While this set is fractional wider it is nicely detailed with cleanly moulded links and minimal clean-up required. The pin assembly is quick and easy with the resulting track runs very robust and the fit to the Trumpeter kit sprockets is excellent.
Rating 8.5/10

Master Club

 2: Friulmodel: Set #ATL-54
This set is dimensionally accurate with nicely detailed links although there is some additional clean-up required and the pin holes need to be drilled out. The kinks are handed with the larger outer bolt pin included with the links for a good appearance and the resulting track runs are very robust and articulate freely with excellent fit to the Trumpeter kit sprockets.
Rating 8.5/10

Fruilmodel

3: Miniarm: Set #B35018
This set is dimensionally accurate with nicely detailed and cleanly moulded links with minimal clean-up required. The pin assembly lets this set down due to the small pins resulting in track runs that are very fragile although they do articulate freely. The fit to the Trumpeter kit sprockets is excellent.
Rating 8/10

Miniarm

5: Spade Ace: Set #SAT-35024
This set is dimensionally accurate with nicely detailed and cleanly moulded links with minimal clean-up required and is the only set with the split links are actually provided as individual parts for a good appearance. Unfortunately the set is badly let down by the poor representation of the large track pin bolt by the use of the hard steel pin wire that is also very difficult to work with. The links do though articulate freely and fit well the Trumpeter kit sprockets.
Rating 7.5/10

Spade Ace ModelsSpade Ace Models

References:
KV Techical History and Variants
by Neil Stokes
Published by AirConnection, Canada
ISBN 978–0–9781091–2–7
Book
SU-152
Tank Power Vol.XCI
Wydawnictwo Militaria No.332
ISBN: 9788372193322
Book


Page created June 2, 2012



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