Track orientation Panzer iii / Stug iii

[LesBernell]

I was looking at the track orientation (Perspective from the leading edge of the track) and I noticed that different sources have different orientation.
I have 2 WWII photos that show the recesses in the track that form an "W". Or, the inside recess is an upside down "U", depending how you look at it.
I have a picture of a restored tank, and the drawing of the front details from Armortek, and they both show the recesses in the track that form an "M". Or, the inside recess is a "U".
Can anyone comment on their thoughts on the orientation?

[Stephen White]

Les, yes.

As the tank lays the track, moving forward, it applies a force to the track which pushes it backwards in relation to the ground. The horizontal bars on the tracks, the GROUSERS, resist that force by increasing the track grip or friction. The triangular bits sticking out either side, the SPUDS, are reinforcements to prevent the grousers from deforming under load. They need to be on the opposite side to the direction the track is being pushed ie as the tank moves forward, in front. Looked at from the front, they should be above the grousers, ie as you describe it, an M.

The two wartime photos above, as you’d expect, have got it right.

The top photo is the Saumer Pz III, which is doing things differently. (I’m being tactful).

[John Clarke]

Maybe they were fitted that way for a rear guard action.

The Crusaders are coming !

[Stephen White]

I was looking earlier for a photo of the Bovington Pz IIIL, which has the tracks as described above and shown in your wartime photos.

John, I wasn't going to speculate about some nations preferring a high reverse.........

Before anyone picks me up, I should add that on post war British tanks such as Centurion and Chieftain, the tracks are fitted with the grousers trailing as the track passes forward on the top run, ie the opposite way round. I have no idea why this is the case other than to suggest it has something to do with maximising traction, particularly on tracks with pads.

[LesBernell]

Les, yes.

As the tank lays the track, moving forward, it applies a force to the track which pushes it backwards in relation to the ground. The horizontal bars on the tracks, the GROUSERS, resist that force by increasing the track grip or friction. The triangular bits sticking out either side, the SPUDS, are reinforcements to prevent the grousers from deforming under load. They need to be on the opposite side to the direction the track is being pushed ie as the tank moves forward, in front. Looked at from the front, they should be above the grousers, ie as you describe it, an M.

The two wartime photos above, as you’d expect, have got it right.

The top photo is the Saumer Pz III, which is doing things differently. (I’m being tactful).

Stephen,
It's always good to know "why" they are orientated this way, not just "how" they are oriented.
I really appreciate your explanation.
Les

[John Clarke]

Stephen
But the thought crossed your mind did'nt it!

The British themselves have had some cracking rear guard actions turning many into famous victories.

[florian rudolf]

At the Famo I had the same question. - Some Photos in the right way, some te other way round. - I think at the StuG it does'nt matter. Actually I would choose the way from the original Photos.

cheers
Florian