Straightening tracks

[pingvuiini]

Hi! I'm finishing up on a vehicle with a Ferdinand/Elefant type chassis and the one piece rubber tracks came in the box folded up. One track looks ok but the other side has this huge nasty 'bump' that totally destroys the unique track profile that is characteristic of this vehicle (much like the Panther). No matter how I try to adjust that bump just ruins it. Is there any technique or method to get rid of this bump (chemicals?? hair dryer?? boiling water??)?? I am trying to avoid the expense and hassle of Friulmodel tracks, especially since the one side looks pretty good. Thanks!

 

[spud]

i would try the boiling water option

 

[Elm City Hobbies]

Stick it in your microwave. Wouldn't go any more than 30 secs at a time until you can get it heated up, then lay the track out and place a book on top to try and keep it straight while it cools.

Only problem I could see with that is any track horns that might be sticking up might bend under the weight of the book.

Other option would be a piece of soft wood, and once you have the tracks warm, pin them down so the cool completely flat.

 

[errains]

I would caution against the use of boiling water as it could cause more damage. I suggest bringing water to a boil and letting cool for a couple of minutes and then submerge the track into the water. Further if you could come up with a method of mounting the tracks so that they are flat and then apply the hot water would even be a better way of fixing them.

If yu have any additional questions please just ask.

Good Luck

 

[pingvuiini]

I done dood it! I went with the hot water route but instead of boiling water I just used hot water from the tap. Its still a little bent in two places, but this time I positioned the worst bend around one of the sprockets and the other one didn't behave so badly and it looks WAY better. *Whew!*

Thanks for your suggestions.