Just in time for the new AFV Club and Skybow M41 family kits, this latest "Model Kasten"-esque set of track links from China faces a tougher time of it than some of its comrades.  Unlike the T-54/T-55/T-62 tracks we reviewed earlier, the vinyl tracks in both the AFV Club and Skybow kits appear to be quite acceptable .  Furthermore, AFV Club has released both vinyl and injection-moulded individual link aftermarket tracks for the M41 as part of its marketing approach.  I have not seen inside of those boxes, so I cannot make direct comparisons.  Suffice to say, however, that ATM does not have the field to itself.

This set, like the other ATM sets I have seen, include resin idlers and sprockets.  The detail on them is nice, but the mould plugs on the sprocket especially look difficult to remove.  The holes in the inner face of the sprocket are present, but the idler included in the kit is of the rubber-rimmed variety.  I do not know whether either the AFV Club or Skybow idlers are in need of replacement, although the sprocket probably should be if only because you can be certain that this one interfaces with the ATM track correctly.

The system of assembly for these tracks is identical to Model Kasten's, with an alignment jig and very delicate separate track pins that twist off their sprues once press-fitted into place. They are not, however, as precisely engineered as their Japanese equivalents: some pins fit much tighter than others, so care must be taken. At first glance, the rather brief but well-drawn instructions also appear to be from Model Kasten.  The rubber blocks for the links are separate pieces, which means that you can paint them separately, if you are so inclined, or damage the pads before attaching them, thereby allowing you to build a well-worn vehicle quite easily.

One of this set's shortcomings is the fact that it is recommended for, of all things, the ancient Tamiya kit.  That may have been the only kit in existence when these tracks were designed, but I cannot imagine anybody who is serious enough about armour to buy these tracks passing on two state of the art kits of this subject in order to tackle Tamiya's dog.

Moulding quality on these tracks is, overall, superior to that of the T-55 tracks, with very crisp detail and no punch marks visible on the links at all; the track pads seem rather lacklustre, but should be fine when installed.   

There are 160 links in the box, with exactly enough pins to put those links together. This is just a few more links than are necessary to equip the vehicle (76 links per side equals 152 links, so you have 8 spares).  Fortunately, M41s and M42s are not known for being festooned with spare track links, but I still wish that aftermarket track producers would include a few more links.  Once again, don't lose any pins, or you will not end up with working tracks.

All in all, these links represent fairly good value for the money; they are a bit more expensive than AFV Club's links, but they include the resin idlers and sprockets (not that I am certain how necessary those are on the new kits). They are not terribly difficult to put together, and two or three evenings in front of the television should give you a complete run. The separate track pads offer intriguing possibilities for "dinging up" the vehicle.  No matter what, these tracks will enhance any kit that they are put on.  My set is eagerly waiting for a Skybow M41 to provide it with a good home.

Armour Track also have several other track sets listed on their website, including 2 sets for the M24 Chaffee, BMP tracks, and T66 links for HVSS Shermans and the upcoming M40 SP gun from AFV Club. As a final note, these are supposedly snap-fit, but a tiny amount of glue should be used to hold them in place, and the tracks will still work. Check out the link below for further information and images.