I am trying to find out what is the best way to install
tracks on the sprockets. Do you start at the front drive sprocket and work
your way around the wheels, or from the middle? Weather first then glue?
How are you able to bend the plastic around the sprocket without it coming apart from the other pieces of track?

I start with the long part of either the top or bottom and lightly glue each piece to the next piece and tape them with Tamiya tape {make sure the track does not glue to the wheels} I continue around leaving 1 piece out then remove the track and paint/weather

you can see in the picture one finished and one in the process. these will only be painted black as I am doing a tank in an Israeli Museum so they keep painting to cover the rust

some suggest not gluing the wheels on and remove the wheels to remove the track. That is what I started, but find this easier. Keep in mind the multiple small sections going around the ends should be glued one at a time, with each drying before the next one is glued, I find it hard to hold several in place while they set so I glue one and well, come here and answer a question

I find it hard but not impossible to paint on the tank

[IMG][/IMG]

hope this helps,

Dan

I think we've all asked this same question. I believe the rule of thumb is to start with the sproket and follow the Arrows given in the directions. Then, when you get to the last piece, the sproket can move a little to help the last piece fit. The other thing to watch is if you press the link tracks too tightly together, you end up with a gap at the end. Or, if you leave too much slack, the last piece won't fit.
As far as painting/weathering you decide, but I go by the Shep Paine philosophy "if you can see it, then you can paint it." So, I glue it all together and it seems less messy for me to paint afterwards.