TRACKS

[Graham Ord]

On the plans for the Panzer IV the track pins are shown knurled on one end to hold them in the track links. How were the track pins held in place ( both inner and outer ends ) on the real thing? I have looked at several photo,s which show some kind of pin (split?).

[Dave Dibb (Armorpax)]

Hi Graham,

split pin through the end of the track pin, not a great picture as they are badly corroded and can't find my others but it should give an idea,

Best regards

Dave

[Kent Wiik]

Maybe this one can be of any help?


Cheers
Kent

[Allan Richards]

Graham,

The split pin system will work well on the model, RS do a 1.2mm diameter split pin that will be ideal. On the early Tiger models Armortek used the sprin washer system, but lots of us had problems with these coming off. You may find that knurling and pressing the pins in will be ok but with the cast track links the push fit may be compromised if you have to drive a pin out and re-fit it.

[Graham Ord]

Thanks for the replies, seems like its got to be split pin and washer on bothe inner and outer ends of the track pins.

[Graham Ord]

As a matter of interest what is "STEEL EN1PB" the actual specification for the track link pins on the Panzer IV drawings. A search of the WEB produces nothing usefull.

[Mike Kasputis]

Graham,
You only need the split pin and washer on the outside of the track pin. Look at the picture Kent Wiik posted and you can just see the inside of the track pin (lower left). They are like the Tiger track pins.

[Armortek]

Graham

This is lead bearing mild steel. The addition of a very small amount of lead in the steel makes it much more freely machinable. It is the grade we use for all turned steel parts and is readily available from all bright steel stockholders.

Mark