Old Leman Russ problem

[Master Antaeus]

Calling all old-school Guard players!

 

I just came into possession of a bunch of old Leman Russ battle tanks (the nightmare ones where you had to make the track links fit around a series of wheels).  The only problem is that I have run out of the wheels that hold the tracks in place.  Anyone have an idea how I can mount the track links (have plenty of those) without anything to stick them to?

 

Note for newer players who have no idea what I'm talking about: modern leman russ tanks have grooves around their skirts for you to fit the tracks and they all go together perfectly every time.  Before that kit, if you were going to build a Leman Russ, it was going to take you an afternoon and you were going to get superglue all over your hands as you stretched, cut, swore and cajoled these track links.  Show me a Guard player from that era, and I'll show you a hobbyist who has bled actual, real-life blood on his tanks.

[Aothaine]

I say look online for bits. Failing that you could size up a wheel with wooden dowels and have them cut down.

[Master Antaeus]

That ain't half bad.  Thanks!

[Kinstryfe]

I still have 3 of those I've had for years I got second hand, fully assembled aside from the tracks I can't bring myself to deal with. Good luck.

[Arkhanist]

Oh man, that's bringing back bad memories.

 

The short answer is you cheat, and only use some of the wheels in key spots, i.e. where the track changes direction. Use micro-mesh or very fine grade sandpaper to sand the side of the track links smooth, then you just glue the track pieces directly to the inside of one side plate. It's near inevitable you'll need to shorten a link at the bottom to make it fit, but what's new with that fething awful design!

 

Here's the photo guide where I lifted the idea from a while back :)

[Major_Gilbear]

Depending on the diameter needed, you can also buy piece of plastic pipe from your local plumbing/DIY store, and use slices off it for wheels.

 

Otherwise, I wish you the best of luck with this endeavour - given how the old kits (don't) fit together, I think you'll need it! :P

[SW1]

Track guards over the bulk of the tracks mean you don't need to worry about the placement of the tracks. ;)

 

Who'd not up armour the weak spot on their tanks?

 

The other option is cast some of the missing parts up if you have any of the originals still not glued.

 

Or see if anyone has any spare? Who's got some in their bits boxes? If you have send a PM to the OP and make his day!!!

Edited October 1, 2017 by SW1

[Major_Gilbear]

Track guards over the bulk of the tracks mean you don't need to worry about the placement of the tracks.

 

An excellent point!

 

Lay the bottom track, then come up over the font/rear ends, and then just ignore the top and use a track guard to hide it. Bonus points for not needing to muck about shaving track links at the bottom to get it all to fit. ;)

[Stoic Raptor]

Now it's probably been over 20 years since I built one of those, so I don't recall what the part in question looks like... but is there any chance that it's comparable to a road wheel used by any modern or historical armor kit?  Usually that sort of thing is sold separately in sets.