I have wondered if Rubicon could do the outside facing wheels separately and have the inside ones attached to the track (yes I remove the link pieces between the inner wheel faces), as that would make the painting easier, the outer faces being painted and then added to the black undercoated lower hull and tracks.
We have several design concepts before the final decision on how to handle the outer and inner wheels. For an average modeler or gamer, our current design works best for them.
Consider this:
1. A one piece outer wheel with connecting link looks very odd. On some vehicles, like on the Panther, it cannot be done.
2. Single piece wheel needs two plastic injection points, cutting it off, filing and sanding it, rarely give you a "round" circle wheel.
3. Whenever is possible and easy with assembly, we will have separate outer wheels, like on the SdKfz 251.
4. It is really a case by case thing, our current Panzer IV takes a different approach.
We will continue to learn and experiment with new designs based on feedback and new techniques.