Tracks, Wheels & Suspensions

This category contains aftermarket upgrade parts that enhance the realism and detail of vehicle models, primarily tanks and armored fighting vehicles. The standard plastic running gear components included in model kits are often a compromise between quality and cost. Using dedicated tracks, wheels, or suspension elements enables a more faithful reproduction of the historical vehicle's details, improves its appearance, and corrects any potential errors from the kit manufacturer. This is an excellent way to make your model stand out on the shelf and be truer to the original. Investing in these details is a key step in advanced scale modeling.

Types of Tracks, Wheels, and Suspensions in Scale Modeling

The range primarily includes two main types of products. The first is model tracks, most often available as individual metal links or as pre-assembled resin or plastic sections. Metal tracks are heavier, which allows for a natural sag over the road wheels—an effect that is difficult to achieve with plastic parts. The second group is wheels and suspension components. Replacing stock kit wheels with resin counterparts often provides a more accurate tread pattern, tires with realistic sag under the vehicle's weight (known as 'weighted wheels'), or more precisely replicated bolts and hub details. Complete suspension sets are also available to correct simplifications in the original kit.

When choosing the right set, several key aspects should be considered. The most important are the model's scale (e.g., 1:35, 1:48, 1:72), its manufacturer, and the specific vehicle type (e.g., Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H by Dragon). Aftermarket part manufacturers always specify which kit a particular set is designed for, which minimizes the risk of a mismatch. For beginner modelers, resin wheels can be a great starting point, as they are relatively simple to install and provide a noticeable improvement. More advanced modelers might opt for metal tracks, which are more labor-intensive to assemble, but the final result is often spectacular.