Best Of Detailing the Micro-Trains DODX M1 Abrams Tank Sets

[Mark W]

I also compared the tread replacements that @Mark W makes, and they have the same offset .. probably because he used the MT pattern .. so the only "fix" would be the see through and tread detail .

I don't model worth a crap, sometimes jump to rasch conclusions -- but I can at least contribute some research

Yes, the asymmetrical wheel alignments are indeed correct.  My version 1 treads were originally incorrect, being a mirror reflection.  I didn't realize there should be an offset until I saw it on the MTL treads, then confirmed with diagrams online.  Luckily, this was during the version 2 redesign, so all correct now.


https://i.imgur.com/jRdM5lB.png

[engineshop]

I was M113 driver during my time in the Swiss Armee. As mention earlier, because of the torsion bars for each wheel, they don’t line up. On the M113 the different spacing impacts even the numbers of tread links. Since one side had one more link, the vehicle always pulled to one side. This was not a big deal offroad but driving on a regular street with 40 mph, I had to constantly break one side to keep the vehicle straight.

[MarcVanCleven]

Thanks,

I appreciate your images. I have stood next the Abrams on more that one occasion and never noticed that the road wheels are slightly outset. I stand corrected!


Marc in Madison WI

[MarcVanCleven]

Thanks for asking about what I meant about "de-stressing".

Here are a couple of images of my Deluxe Innovations DODX flatcars that were stressed as if they were unloaded. Each set of four cars has two cars bent. The "intent" was to show a slight bow but this was a real miscalculation. So bowed you can't run them.

I thought I read that someone used a "warm" iron to soften the bodies of these flats to bend them back to flat. I'm real hesitant about doing something like that.

Maybe someone out there has correct theirs, and can tell how they did it.

Marc in Madison, WI

[John]

I've never seen the Deluxe cars, but it looks like they were resin cast ..

These might be of help

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[MarcVanCleven]

Thanks!

I'm going to remove the trucks, and anything else removeable, and try the bowl of hot water. See if I have luck with that.

Marc in Madison, WI

[CHUCKGEO]

Test fitted my Dragon Bradley M2A2 (1/144), Dragon MLRS (1/144), Trumpeter AAVP7A1 Amphibian (1/144), and MT Abrams M1A1 (1/160), and placed the models on an MT US Navy flat for comparison. Although these units, except for the Bradley (a couple feet shorter) are about the same length (actual lengths), the scale variation gives the 1/144th models a heftier look. That said, I will not place the gun turrets on the Amphibian and the Bradley, or rocket pod on MLRS (making it a cargo hauler) further reducing the height. As I have ten Abrams (with five tri-axle DODX flats) and two Bradleys, two MRLS, and four Amphibians (and six 89'4" DODX flats), it's likely to give the consist a better visual impression if I place a couple of DODX tankers or boxcars to separate the 1/160th tanks from the 1/144th loads. I plan on using a winter camo, so that should further confuse the viewer on actual model size on a consist of a dozen or more cars. Waiting on new Abrams tread sets before painting models.

[Rio Grandeous]

Just saw MT is going to release the DODX flats in a set by themselves and some with Humvees on 'em!!  Surprised there hasn't been any posts about this.
It's getting better and better for sure!!
 Now, if I could only get some HEMTT's please, pretty please Joe??

Chuck

[JoeD]

Just saw MT is going to release the DODX flats in a set by themselves and some with Humvees on 'em!!  Surprised there hasn't been any posts about this.
It's getting better and better for sure!!
 Now, if I could only get some HEMTT's please, pretty please Joe??

Chuck

It's on the list. 

Joe

[peteski]

Just saw MT is going to release the DODX flats in a set by themselves and some with Humvees on 'em!!  Surprised there hasn't been any posts about this.

Chuck

There has Chuck - in the Product Doscussion section (where the new products are usually discussed). 
 https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=45687.0

[CHUCKGEO]

Received two CGNscale A1A2 detail kits this afternoon. I'm in shock. I expected a soft resin product, but these treads are substantial, and will be easy to fit (once I cut away the MT treads). No complaints at all, as each piece is crisp, with no flaws. I'm extremely pleased with their product, and I consider it worth the money (and from a cheap-skate, that's really saying something).

[Mark W]

Awesome Chuck!  Once you remove the parts from the support platform, I highly recommend taking a minute and literally break the platform into pieces in your hands!  Use an xacto and see how it cuts and a file to see how it files.  This will help you get a feel for the durability of the printed resin, and help prevent accidental breakage on the actual parts.


Here is my process for preparing the skirts.


https://i.imgur.com/LEYXCGE.jpg

[jj3]

Just wanted to add up the photos from the cars I just had completed. Paint done by Cortez at cgrpainters.com, I just supplied the parts and proto photos (some from here) to get the magic to happen.

Now I just have to find some nice 89 footers for the vehicles, hmm, or stage a train heist by putting them across the tracks!

These are WIP photos:




These are the finished train cars:




Extra vehicles ready to find a home on some nice flatcars:

[Mark W]

Those are just fantastic JJ!   

Thanks for sharing.

[jj3]

By the way, I have two of these M88A2’s coming, I’ll report back how they turn out.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/GXS3WA5VH/1-160-scale-m88a2-hercules-arv