Friulmodel

1/35 PT-76/GSZP-55/BTR-50/BTR-50 PU tracks For the Trumpeter PT-76

Stock Number: ATL-97

Reviewed By  Mark Aldrich, IPMS# 39295

MSRP: $44.95 Website: www.friulmodel.hu If you are an armor modeler, tread head or airplane target builder you know the name Friulmodel. They are the makers of some of the most realistic, easy to assemble, all-metal tracks on the planet. I have no idea how long they have been around but I have known about them for over 20 years. Their first sets were a complicated open-claw-clamping-over-the-track-pin-of-the-previous-track-shoe assembly process. The assembly process is now simplified by basically assembling them as you would real track. Every shoe has two holes in them and you cut and insert a small piece of metal wire between the shoes. These are very simple to use and require very minimum cleanup and time. The price tag per set may be considered hefty but they are well worth the cost. The realistic sag that can be created is incredible and the fact that you can actually attach them after all assembly is done is another neat feature. I purchased this set after getting the trumpeter PT-76 and after attempting to use the provided rubber band track and failed. I then purchased a set of Master Club and failed miserably at assembling them. I was thrilled when I found these. Inside the little white box you get 200 links of shoes, three pieces of wire and two sprockets. The track shoes will not fit over the Trumpeter sprocket. The Sprocket Friulmodel included is three times better looking anyways. The sprocket might need a little drilling as it is a snug fit unto the Trumpeter hull. These are not a necessary addition my any means. Some will find the cost expensive for a mere addition. However, when you are a lazy modeler as I am sometimes referred to, you simply can’t beat the ease of assembly. I do not use Friulmodel for very vehicle I build. These are usually reserved for my Russian Armor projects that require a certain amount of track sag to them. Those of you that have the ability to assemble link- to-link track and make them look right are the real modelers in my eyes. For those of us that want a quick-and-easy assembly with outstanding results EVERY TIME, Friulmodel track is the way to go. Friulmodel track sets can be purchased at any well-stocked hobby shop, numerous web hobby shops and from Friulmodel directly. I would like to personally thank Friulmodel for making this set, my wife for allowing me to purchase it, and to IPMS/USA for having a place for others to see this review.