I'm new to modeling after many years. I'm not sure what the proper steps are to painting a tank. I just built a dragon panther type A. I started to pre paint the parts before assembly ( wheels, tracks, etc). Should I have built everything first then paint? If so what about the tracks. They are individual links. How do I paint them realistically without applying them to the wheels? Any help would be appreciated

I tend to paint the tracks prior to installing them, after the vehicle has been painted. For individual links, I will assemble and glue them, usually in two section, and form them to fit. Once the glue is dry, I will paint and weather.

Hope that helps.

After forming, make sure that you can still take them off. That way is much easier to paint them. Then all you may have to do once you install for good, you only have to maybe touch up a couple spots.

Makes sense. However my other questions is what is the normal building procedure. Paint while building or build,prime, and paint after assembly ( minus the tracks)

I tend to complete the build, including tools mounted, then paints. But it all depends on the vehicle. Open top armour usually requires assembly and painting of interior, then masking off prior to completing and painting exterior.

You really can't say that a way is the "proper" way.Whatever works for you.I assemble indy tracks,take them off,paint weather,and put them back on.I assemble almost everything including tools,then prime and paint,afterwhich I carefully handpaint tools and equipment,antennas go last.However you will get many different answers,whatever you get used to

Thanks for the input. I'm learning as I'm going. Next stop is the air brush. Like everything else practice and see what works for you. Thanks again to all

An experienced modeler once said to me, "If you can see it, you can paint it." It's much easier to assemble everything (except tracks) and paint. I use microbrushes to paint small stuff.

A lot of good advice, I like the idea of gluing the tracks together first and then painting them.

There is no proper or right way , whatever works for you is the right way .