HPM Member, Robert, submitted this tip for replacing broken and missing tracks on tanks and armor.

Here is an idea I came up with for dealing with lost or broken 1:72 scale tank or armor tracks. I had a couple of German Sd.Kfz half-tracks that were in need of track, which I had misplaced, and after searching online for replacement, which I could not readily find, I decided to try and construct my own.

I was looking through my 1:72 scale material box and I came across some metal screening, which is what window screens are commonly made of. To begin, I created a template from a manila folder to ensure accurate depth and length for the track. After positioning the template on the armor, I cut a piece of metal screening to match the required dimensions. I laid the cut screen on the armor to ensure a proper fit and then cleaned the screen with isopropyl alcohol before priming it with black paint.

I started at the top of wheel section and superglued the replacement track and using a pair of tweezers, I molded it
to the wheels – it looks more realistic that way. Taking the loose end, I moved it up and over the rest of the wheels and slightly overlapped the beginning of my track, then glued it place with superglue.

Once everything had dried, I made a mixture of Plaster of Paris, Tacky Glue, and brown acrylic paint. I made it resemble the consistency of mud. Taking a paint brush and a stick, I began to cover the track and wheels with my mud mixture.

I coated the under carriage, tracks and wheels. Once it had set, I came back with a dark brown wash and touched up the muddy areas. You don’t want to rush putting on the mud, making sure it is thoroughly dried before doing any touchups or applying a wash.

I completed the piece by applying decals, then performed a wash and dry brushing techniques. Later, I added the figures to complete the model.

Good luck with your hobby efforts! — Robert