Hetzer sprockets -Toast!

[DaveMacri]

Well it finally happened, I was observing these sprocket teeth wearing down over the past 6 months driving in the sand and dirt here-today they fianally gave up the ghost! Need to replace with steel sprockets as the aluminum is a tad to thin, any ideas for source?

[Brian Ostlind]

Yeah, but it will cost you…

[Gerhard Michel]

I would prefer aluminium, nevertheless. It's better to loose cheap sprocket rings than a complete set of track links. These rings you can order at a water jet cutting manufacturer according to your demand and complete it with drilled holes and so on. I made this at my King Tiger and my Hunting Tiger.

Here 2 types of water jet cutted rings at reworking on lathe:



And here a completed water jet cutted sprocket ring mounted (all parts used on non-Armortek models):

[DaveMacri]

hmmm

[DaveMacri]

Better pics of deterioration level of the teeth with just about 2 hours total of run time in prairie grass and sandy surface.

[Jerry Carducci]

I've used a laser /water jet machining outfit here, actually down in sili valley. They're quick, reasonable and J Littlefield used the same outfit
to cut sprocket rings for his 1:1 scale models..

PM if you want their info. They do prefer working off of at least a good drawing with dimensions with a CAD file being a best bet.

Jerry

[DaveMacri]

Thanx for the intel, Liam Mahoney is planning on doing steel sprockets and tracks for his Hetzer after looking at his kit since this occurrence. I will be getting a set from him...

[Roy Maynard]

I’m currently building a Hetzer and would be interested in purchasing the steel replacements. Is there contact information available?
Thanks
Roy
Minnesota USA

[Chang]

I’m currently building a Hetzer and would be interested in purchasing the steel replacements. Is there contact information available?
Thanks
Roy
Minnesota USA

Hi Roy,
Liam Mahoney's email : liam@lsm.net.au

Good luck.

[DaveMacri]

Update on the steel sprocket rings, received replacements from Liam Mahoney and tested them out on the tank, they run perfectly now with no signs of wear on either the track links or the sprocket teeth. I have about an hour in on the test time in sand terrain...

[Brian Ostlind]

Woohoo I need some too!

[Kees van Rijswijk]

Hi,
count me in for a set.
kind regards Kees

[Roy Maynard]

Are steel sprockets still available from Liam?
Please email me at roydefiant@aol.com
Roy Maynard

[Liam Mahoney]

Hi Roy
Yes still available, email sent.
Thanks Liam