Depending on how accessible the upper run of track happens to be, I typically paint the road wheels, idlers, sprockets, return rollers and lower hull separately - just to make things easier. I'll then install the running gear and tracks, etc. I'll then paint/weather the track then touch-up the wheels as necessary.
On ocassion, I do build the entire model, then paint.
However, in the case of using individual track, sometimes I'll teporarily install the wheels then glue the track to them. When dry, I'll carefully remove the running gear and track as a unit, making painting and weathering even easier.
It's really half-a-dozen of one thing, and six of another!
As for primer, I ALWAYS prime - essentially because I use acrylics for my base coats. But, sme say priming is unnecessary, so it seems to be a matter of persoanl preference.
It really depends on the type of paint you use, or what you thin it with...
Tamiya acrylics stick fine to bare plastic. Often I just use a first layer of paint as "primer". Some paints like Poly Scale do better with a primer since they just flake or peel off bare plastic easily. Vallejo paints don't stick to bare plastic at all...
it too...we're talking painting models right ????? Anyway as for primer, depends on the color of the plastic, those kits that come in orange, tan, light grey plastic get primed...a Sherman in green plastic normally doesn't, I'm using Model Master enamels 90% of the time. Mike
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