Creating the tracks

In this section, we will model a single track, duplicate it with an Array modifier, and wrap the tracks around the wheels using a curve:

1. Add a thin plate, just long enough to fit in between the teeth of the sprocket:

Figure 10.37 – Track plate

2. Add a cylinder with four loop cuts along the side of this shape. This will act as a hinge to connect the tracks:

Figure 10.38 – Cylinder with loop cuts

3. Duplicate two of the face loops and mirror them to the other side of the track with the 3D Cursor:

Figure 10.39 – Mirroring face loops

4. Delete some face loops to create an interrupted cylinder, like in Figure 10.40. This is the basic shape of the track:

Figure 10.40 – Basic track shape

5. Use a plane to create some borders around this shape. When solidified, this will be the tank-track equivalent of tire tread...