Mikeresin is a Hungarian company that is focusing in 3D printing of accessories at 1/72 and 1/48. In this review we cover their 1/48 Winterketten track set for Tamiya Panzer III or IV.

It is presented in a 15 * 10 cm rigid cardboard box, with a large label that quickly identifies the product and at the same time seals the lid underside. The reference can be seen on the top as well as on the front.

Inside, wrapped in bubble wrap for added protection, are two zip bags (marked L and R for the left and right tracks respectively), a roll of fine wire and a small sheet with brief but clear instructions.

In each bag there are two plates with 60 track links in each, attached at the base by numerous short supports. To release the links, just push with your finger in the centre of the link and all the supports break off, most often without leaving a mark. Only in a few of them there was a tiny remnant that quickly disappeared rubbing with a fingernail. In a few minutes all the links are loose and clean, without breaking any of them.

The print quality is very good, without marks, deformations or errors and with great definition. They even have the casting markings (note the tiny size, the white square is 1cm x 1cm)

All the links are perfectly printed. To join them together, pins are made from the included 0,2mm wire, cut in 8mm long sections. To make cutting easier, and being so thin, I took a thick piece of sprue and drilled a hole in it with a 1.2 mm drill bit and the necessary 8 mm depth. This made a jig so that I could quickly cut them to size. The pins fit easily and there was no need to drill any links.

The assembly is simple but takes some time, like any link by link track. Considering the size of the links at 1/48, using a tool for assembly would make it faster.

Although the pins generally hold well, it is a good idea to put a little glue drop on the end once they are in place, to make sure they won't come out, as they tend to slip out if they are handled too much. 

My left track once assembled has a tendency to curve inwards, but when put in place they take the correct shape around the wheels effortlessly.  Perhaps I should have pressed harder the pins to ensure the went through completely.

As you can expect, once assembled they are fully workable.

The fit to Tamiya sprocket is perfect.  

Although they are designed for the Tamiya Panzer III and IV, they can also be used on the Tamiya Nashorn as shown below, and I suppose on the Hummel as well. 

Note that the photos represent my preference of track sag, there are still seven spare track links per side that can be used to add sag as desired.

Conclusion

An excellent set of Winterketten tracks for the 1/48 Tamiya Panzer III and IV. The links are perfectly printed and with great definition, they come out of the supporting base easily and are not difficult to assemble, beyond the time required.