BTR-60PA and BTR-60PB

[Stuart]

I received mine today, and it is a splendid kit, a great companion to the T-54 I purchased a couple of weeks ago. I have long been impressed with Rubicon kits, having built about 25 or so, but that is not why I am posting. I believe I am starting to have a budding love affair with rubber tires. They are great, and add so much realism to the model. My only hope is that all the forthcoming wheeled vehicles have these rubber tires. If I could have any wish, it would be that Rubicon goes back and produces the appropriate parts and tires to allow converting older models to this new standard.

[Rubicon Models]

The "Cold War" (or Nam) stuff is basically a new range where we can "explore" new ideas in our design and production.  While we are happy with our rubber tyre, it requires much more attention during manufacturing.  The tyres are made from synthetic material but have inherited disadvantages with durability.  If not appropriately kept, it might turn brittle, particularly in low temperatures.  We are already using higher-grade material and had tested it under different conditions but there is no guarantee.

[Tracks]

The problem with rubber tires is that, well, they are rubber and so you have to deal with rubber rot and cracking over time.
Click on the picture below to see an example:



I have some old models with rubber tires/tracks and some old models with plastic tires/tracks. Most of the ones with the rubber tires/tracks show rubber rot and cracking like what you see in the picture above. Those with plastic tires/tracks look just fine.

The rubber tires/tracks also deteriorate over time in an unopened model kit. Even if stored correctly, rubber just deteriorates. I have an old model kit with rubber tires, but after opening the kit, I discovered the rubber has deteriorated to the point were the parts can't be used.

In the short run, does this make a difference? No. It does take a few years for the rubber to begin to show signs of it deteriorating.

[Stuart]

That's why I come here - to learn. Thanks.