Preventing tracks coming off, my solution

[lazio55]

Hello, I do have a Heng Long 2a6 Leopard. The plastic tracks comes off too often. So I have glued strong quality steel plates on the most aft side skirts, next to the sprockets. 1 1/2mm thick on the right side and 1mm on the left side, and 9 cm long . They block the tracks and so they can't come off anymore. Works for me. I first tried alu plates but they were not strong enough, the tracks scraped slowly through it.

[Rubicon99]

Hello, I do have a Heng Long 2a6 Leopard. The plastic tracks comes off too often. So I have glued strong quality steel plates on the most aft side skirts, next to the sprockets. 1 1/2mm thick on the right side and 1mm on the left side, and 9 cm long . They block the tracks and so they can't come off anymore. Works for me. I first tried alu plates but they were not strong enough, the tracks scraped slowly through it.

You could also change the sprockets to metal ones with track retaining rings. The rings greatly help keep the tracks on by capturing the guide teeth as they wrap around the sprockets.

Also make sure you have the tracks properly tensioned this too will greatly help keep the tracks on.

[lazio55]

Thank you. I use the plastic sprockets with track retention rings which came standard with my tank. It helps but not enough with my copy so that's why I did this mod. It is one of the mods which really works for me. The tracks want to come off but they are blocked. I will replace the plastic sprockets with metal ones, when I have found a reliable dealer/ shop.

About the tracks properly tensioned, at the moment the tracks are fine. I put the road wheels number 7 at the stronger spring position and put stronger springs at wheels number 1.

[Rubicon99]

Thank you. I use the plastic sprockets with track retention rings which came standard with my tank. It helps but not enough with my copy so that's why I did this mod. It is one of the mods which really works for me. The tracks want to come off but they are blocked. I will replace the plastic sprockets with metal ones, when I have found a reliable dealer/ shop.

About the tracks properly tensioned, at the moment the tracks are fine. I put the road wheels number 7 at the stronger spring position and put stronger springs at wheels number 1.

An opposition for you is to upgrade the tracks to Tamiya Leopard 2 tracks. These are dual pin (more accurate and flexible) with taller track guide teeth (hold better In retaining rings). They are about the same price as a set of HL or Mato metal tracks, but at lighter because they are nylon, metal pinned and have rubber pads. They are just as durable as well.

Lastly does your tank have drive axle support bearings? If not add them as this will go a long ways to improving track retention reliability.

It is kind of surprising your Leopard is having track issues because they are known as rather reliable tanks.

[lazio55]

The Tamiya tracks are on my wish list too, but I have spent above my budget allready. They will come later. I have axle support bearings and these are indeed really good to have. They make the whole drive line much more sturdy.

I have read quite a few posts from people who have problems with track issues on the Leopard. That's why I am very happy with my mod. Apart from that it is a well designed and built tank. Just like the real one..