Review of Friulmodel metal tracks for the VK 45.01 (P) Tiger prototype

Friulmodel offers the reference ATL-192 specifically designed for the VK 45.01 (P) Tiger prototype. This tank was designed by Ferdinand Porsche, and later would become the Elefant. 

The main feature of these tracks is that they had teeth on all links, unlike the Elefant, which only had them on alternate links.

 The VK 45.01 that served with the sPzJg Abt 653 was equipped with the same tracks as the Elefant, so this reference is only valid for the prototype, which is available as a kit from Italeri and, more recently, Amusing Hobby. 

In the classic Fríulmodel cardboard box, we find a roll of wire to make the pins and two bags of links, one for each side. As the pin is inserted through a side hole on the track link, having different one for each side allows the pin to be on the inner side and remain less visible. 

The material is white metal as usual, and the casting is crisp and well detailed.

Apart from the aforementioned opening for the pin, the track links are the same, including the casting marks typical of these tracks. The links have some casting burrs that can be easily filed down so that they can fit well. 

On the other hand, unlike other Fríulmodel track sets I have tried, in this one it was necessary to drill all the links to ensure that the pins fit properly. With these two precautions, assembly had no issues. 

To test them, I used the Dragon model -even though it is not correct in the sense that it represents the model delivered to the sPzJg. Abt 653. In any case wheels themselves were the same, so it was sufficient for testing purposes. Both the sprocket wheel and the idler fit perfectly, with no problems with the width or the distance between teeth. 

Idler Wheel

Idler Wheel

Sprocket Wheel

Sprocket Wheel

Conclusion

A good set of metal tracks that significantly improve the Italeri model, and give the Amusing Hobby kit a natural look thanks to their weight. The test on Dragon kit, although not specifically intended for it, did not show any problem.

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