hello all. i was wondering if anyone could help me. i tried searching the forums but couldn’t figure out what key words to use. but my question is. how was the additional tank tracks installed on top of the panzer tanks, usually on the front plates or hanging off the top of the panzer ivs? also how were the spare tires held on to on the panthers turrent? and help would be appreciated. i know that styrene might be involved. this is all for 1/35 scale. thanks. joe
I know the Panther road wheels had a couple of studs welded to a plate, then welded to the turret so the wheel could bolt on. This was more for carrying a spare than supplemental armor.
On Allied armor the tracks were just welded where needed. Might be the same for the Axis tanks, but I’ve never seen them up close. Some Shermans had studs welded to the turret for track storage.
HTH
Below is a link from the Pz IV page of the Achtung Panzer site. You can see that some of the track, minly the stuff on the lower front of the hull, is held by a purpose made holder. The other track, some of it from T-34’s, doesn’t appear to be secured at all, so thats probably welded on. Though if you look at the pic of the Ausf H about half way down. That has some T-34 track on the flat surface. There is an access hatch under there so its possible that was just laid on so they could still get to the hatch.
Some tank has purpose built holders for spare track, like on the turret sides of Tigers. But if it was only for added protection, then any track could be used and it would most likely be welded. Some vehicles with lighter tracks, such as the 251 series, you can sometimes see spare track held on my wire.
I think the important step that you’ve realized is that as a builder, you should model something to show how these were attached. How often have we been distracted by the annoying “floating” and “magnetic” stowage on the sides of models we’ve seen?
I have a reference photo showing a Panzer IV Ausf J with a bunch of T-34 treads all over it. The photo doesn’t show any attachment points and the way the tracks are situated appears that they may be just laying on the tank. Coincidentally I modelled this tank and it’s pretty awesome to look at. And for all of you guys (a.k.a. “doog”) that are waiting for a picture of some of my builds–it ain’t gonna happen soon. There’s just so much space on the PC and I just can’t get the wife to let me have some to add digital pictures to our PC. She has a business (her hobby) and the hard drive is pretty full with over 4,000 messages. LOL Maestro
Maestro: If I can suggest otherwise – knowing that a tank at speed over rough terrain would be quite the wild ride, I don’t see how any crew with half an ounce of experience would leave gear not securely attached – especially items like loose links that could get in and jam a turret, jar optics, crush other stowage or get fouled on the engine deck or suspension.
I think this is the effect of the Verlinden style of busying up a model scene with a half dozen tellermines and about 50 Panzerfausts lying on every conceivable surface! LOL
thanks for the link it helps. but the panzer iv ausf. H half way down the page with all that t-34 track links over is exactly what i am talking about. to me it looks like it is just thrown on top without any means of securing it. but also T26E4 makes a good point that without securing the additional items, it could become a problem while going cross country. so when you guys are saying that the items were welded, how would you replicate this on a 1/35 scale model? would you just glue them in place?
On areas where the pieces actually come in contact, a weld can be modeled using 2-part putty, or styrene strip or rod softened with glue and textured. Think it through, and try to model the welds in places that make sense, structurally. The extra links are glued to the model, and the welds are for realistic portrayal…
For instance, on Polish and British Shermans, you’ll frequently see the entire glacis and/or turret covered with spare tracks. Usually, the guide horns were welded to the tank, so you have contact areas visible on the model that would be appropriate to place a simulated weld bead on. A point to remember, lots of track shoes were made of metals and alloys that were difficult to weld to, so these type tracks would have to be bolted to the tank or suspended in brackets made from something that could be welded to the tank.
Study your reference photos…
These links were hung from existing rails,
…while these were actaully welded to the tank’s hull
Hope this is helpful…
Cross country,hell… Wouldn’t make it across the motor pool…[:D]
The track on the vertical face would of course have been welded. Its the one bit thats laying flat that i think might have just been laid on. Like i said, its right on top of an acess hatch, if its welded down, they can’t get to the hatch. And sitting there theres nothing for it to block. The worst that can happen is that it falls on the floor.