The Friulmodel tracks have been on the market for many years and are well known for their quality and realistic sag effect. For those who still do not know them, they are metal track links that remain workable once assembled. In addition, thanks to their metallic composition, they can be easily treated with specific products that blacken them, giving them a used look without the need to be painted.

The ATL-159 reference for the Leopard 2 at 1/35 scale has an additional feature: pads are separate parts and made of black rubber.This eliminates the need for painting.

The set is packaged in a cardboard box with a large sticker. Inside there are three stapled plastic bags of links, one for the rubber pads and thin wire for the pins

There are track links for the straight parts of the track and another different ones (small plastic bag) for where the track curves around the sprocket and idler wheels. These links have the connector slightly rotated, just like happens on the real ones.

Additionally, the large plastic bags are different as well, for left and right tracks. They have the hole for the pin at different sides, so when the track is installed these holes are facing the inside and thus hidden.

Although the curved track links are together in the same bag, there are equivalent types as well.

You can see on the second image both main types, the ones for curved areas are on the left.

And here are the rubber pads, which fit into the holes in the links.

For assembly it is first necessary to clean two small nubs left over from the casting process on each link. The metal is soft and can be removed quickly with a file, although it takes some time due to the number of links.

Following this, a wire segment of the appropriate length is cut and inserted between two links, ensuring that the curved links corresponding to the two wheels are positioned correctly in the whole track.

During the test assembly,  it was only necessary to drill one of them to fit the pin, with the rest fitting without any problems.

Once the track with all its links is in place, it can be treated with a blackening product or simply painted, and then proceed to fit the rubber pads.

As they are made of rubber, they can be easily damaged with a blade to simulate real wear. The fit is quite tight and I don't think they will come loose easily, but to be on the safe side you can put some glue on them.

The fit of the track in the teeth of the drive wheel of the HobbyBoss kit 82401 of the Leopard 2A4 is perfect.

Conclusion

An interesting set of tracks for the Leopard 2, with specific links for the curved areas around the sprocket and idler wheels so that the connectors show up correctly. Cleaning and assembly are simple processes, and having the pads separated in rubber adds the advantages of being able to simulate damage easily and not having to paint them.