Question for anyone thats ever used Fruil Model

[Adam Baker]

I just started working w/ a set of Fruil Model tracks that I've had for about 5 years, ATL-25 Tiger 1 Early Production.

I was thinking that all Fruil Model tracks all required a pin to be inserted into the tracks to get the articulation that the tracks create.

However, I discovered that in this set, that the pins are molded into the track, and that the linking end is actually an open joint that goes over the pin, and then the joint has to be closed. Included w/ the tracks is a little support block thing to hold the tracks while the joint is closed.

I was just curious if this is a common setup, or an older design that has changed, or what? I dont have any pictures at the moment of the tracks, but I'm hoping to get a few tonight.

 

[moon puppy]

how do you close the open end?

 

[Adam Baker]

Just push down the tops of the tabs, I was using the rounded end of a pair of tweezers to close it.

I'll have to get some pictures of the parts tonight when I get home from work.

 

[cb1]

that sounds like the older design. I remember back in the late 90's when I first started using the Fruli tracks that some of them were as your describing. I had to use a small screw driver to bend down the "hook" to fit it over the pin. I had to do that for the Panzer III and IV and also the King Tiger. The Panther and Tiger were the pin style.

Makes for longer assembly, thats a fact. I also felt that it was not as sturdy as the pin design.

 

[Adam Baker]

Yea, I was thinking the same thing, that it would lend itself to a less sturdy design, so I guess I'll have to be careful and make sure I get all the joints closed completely. The last thing I want is for it to come apart on me.

 

[Adam Baker]

Got a couple pictures of the track's I've got.

This is the little support block that came w/ the links

And some tracks sitting in it

I've found that using the end of a pair of needle nose pliers works pretty good for closing the links completely.

 

[moon puppy]

I kinda like the idea.

Not to highjack but...

I remember reading someone talking about using something other than the supplied wire as pins. What was it?

 

[pipesmoker]

That is the older design. I put a set like that on an MB resin StugIII some years ago. IIRC, after a while the links tend
to separate.
Instead of using the supplied wire, try 26gs. stem wire. Can usually be found in craft stores. Save the wire from the Fruil track
and twist your own 1/35 tow cables.

ron

 

[TomN]

Hmmm...those actually look prett cool...nice work.

I kinda like the idea.

Not to highjack but...

I remember reading someone talking about using something other than the supplied wire as pins. What was it?

Umm...paper clips, staples, brass wire, straight pins, guitar strings...could probably use anything.

Tom

 

[jknaus]

Cool. Never seen a set like that before. Kind of neat though.
James

 

[Adam Baker]

That right there is my biggest fear, but at this point there's not much I can really do about it other than just move forward and hope its not an issue. I suppose it depends on how much tension is on the tracks after they're on the model.

That is the older design. I put a set like that on an MB resin StugIII some years ago. IIRC, after a while the links tend
to separate.

 

[moon puppy]

That is the older design. I put a set like that on an MB resin StugIII some years ago. IIRC, after a while the links tend
to separate.
Instead of using the supplied wire, try 26gs. stem wire. Can usually be found in craft stores. Save the wire from the Fruil track
and twist your own 1/35 tow cables.

ron

Thanks Ron and welcome aboard.

Wonder if they made them out of white brass like the GFactor landing gear they would be more robust..but then again, probably couldn't bend the clamp down... :pinch:

 

[Adam Baker]

Well, w/ the newer design w/ the pins, its really a moot point. I'm gonna just go w/ what I've got. I've been waiting for like 5 years to use these tracks, and I cant afford to buy newer ones, so its all good.

 

[Von Bulow]

G'Day Adam, i've been thinking of diving into using Fruil's myself but have been a bit hesitant,

until i read Tony Lee's SBS in the Sprue University section

changed my mind straight away, i think he'd be the person to fire any questions to!

Adrian