"Borrowing" heavily in packaging and style from Model Kasten's SK series of working track sets, this Chinese company's set of T-54/T-55 links fill a much-needed void.

The resin sprockets and idlers are mentioned on the box as "Limited Edition," which may mean that future sets will not have these parts. In that case, buy them now, for these links are far superior to those in any of the kits now available. Furthermore, these tracks will not fit the Esci kit's sprocket without modification.

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.

One of this set's shortcomings is the fact that it is not designed for a specific kit. The instructions list "Tamiya, Esci, Trumpeter, and C.C. Lee" for kit compatibility, but the sprocket and idler will not fit either the Esci or Trumpeter kit without modification.  The Tamiya T-62 sprocket does fit this track without modification, however. The moulding quality of the track links is a touch spotty as well. There are two punch marks on the inner face of each link, and the detail overall is not as crisp as that of Model Kasten or AFV Club.

There are 170 links in the box, with exactly enough pins to put those links together. Two potential problems arise from this. First, one must be very careful not to break or lose any of the very delicate track pins, or else they're not working for you. More seriously, perhaps is the fact that a typical T-54/55 series vehicle, according to the instructions, uses from 78-81 links per side, which does not leave much in the way of spares. If you are going to use these links on a T-62, a more serious problem might arise, in that this vehicle is significantly longer than its predecessor. I have not tested this yet, but there may not be enough links in the box to do one T-62.

All in all, these links represent good value for the money, and are most welcome. They are not terribly difficult to put together, and two or three evenings in front of the television should give you a complete run. And these tracks will definitely enhance any of the models they are intended for, so in that respect they are money well-spent.

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.