I posted this on another forum as part of a discussion about some new MA metal tracks for Meng's D9R dozer which has generated some discussion regarding track tension. When using the Meng tracks, they seem to be either way too tight or way too loose. There is a relatively easy and very inexpensive fix to solve this issue.
As you may or may not know, the main 'undercarriage' unit adjusts to set track tension with the front and rear sections joined with a hydraulic ram as shown here...
Meng have set this so it is fixed hence the issues people experience with the track length. First set is to cut through here with a razor saw....
The idler wheel end gets a nice piece of styrene tube...
The other end gets a piece of tube the next size down so the first part will slide over it. It's important to get this straight and fixed in place so the suspension unit won't go out of alignment...
'A' is the same diameter as the idler wheel end with 'B' obviously being the next size down. 'C' is a small spacer required to assist with correct and secure positioning. And viewed head on...
The tubes simply slide in place....
Without tension.....
And with.....
The beauty of this is you can set whatever tension you want. And the hydraulic ram tube can easily be painted chromed silver by permanently assembling later on during painting....
Gary
Meng 1/35 D9R Dozer track fix
- Gary Boxall
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Meng 1/35 D9R Dozer track fix
Hi. My name is Gary and I'm an ex-Shermaholic....
- Justin Wooding
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Re: Meng 1/35 D9R Dozer track fix
Gary, has anyone told you that you are a genius!
Fantastic solution mate!
Fantastic solution mate!
Woody...
Trying hard to do some modeling!
Trying hard to do some modeling!
- Vlad Seabrook-Smith
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Re: Meng 1/35 D9R Dozer track fix
I remember you highlighting this on MA, and a good reminder as I'm just about to do the tracks on mine!
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- Steve Hutchinson
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Re: Meng 1/35 D9R Dozer track fix
Great fix Gary,
Makes so much sense, makes you wonder why Meng didn't produce it that way?
Makes you wonder if they ever build one too!
Nice one
Steve H
Makes so much sense, makes you wonder why Meng didn't produce it that way?
Makes you wonder if they ever build one too!
Nice one
Steve H
""I need to be creative, to feel ALIVE!""
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Re: Meng 1/35 D9R Dozer track fix
Have this kit and I will come back here to view this again when i get started. Thanks. The tracks are very intimidating.
Charles K
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Be different. Build different.
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Be different. Build different.
- Shaun Symonds
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Re: Meng 1/35 D9R Dozer track fix
Hi Gary
A Guy at My local clubs just about to start this kit.
I'll give Him the heads up on the tracks & the "patented" method to fix it.
Neat fix & so logical a way of doing it.
Shaun
A Guy at My local clubs just about to start this kit.
I'll give Him the heads up on the tracks & the "patented" method to fix it.
Neat fix & so logical a way of doing it.
Shaun
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