RE: Update - New Australian Jagdpanther [TANKS]

["Steve Tyng" <stevet-at-stcharlesmd.com>]

Amir wrote:

> That is profound, I hadn't thought of skipping the goop
> process for production tracks - I had only done that on the
> test tracks.

I know Frank has not used any glue in his TTS and I know it is working fine (for 
now).  About not using glue in a TTS, at least over the belt joint, all I can do is 
relate an experience I had when assembling my first track.  After I had my first 
track completely assembled I was a little anxious to see what it would look like on 
the tank.  So that day, while the glue was still gummy, I fitted the track on the 
T34.  After admiring it for a little bit I decided to see how well the track 
tensioner would work so I started cranking down on it.  At this point I noticed 
skewing of the track pieces located over the belt joint and a gap widening at the 
belt joint (see attached graphic).  At this point I took the tension off, removed 
the belt, and pushed everything back into alignment as best I could and let the glue 
set over night.  Needless to say, I waited until the second track was completely set 
before mounting it.  While battling the T34, particularly in wet conditions, I would 
really crank on the track tension to keep the friction drive working.  With my glued 
tracks I could crank on the tension until my 1/2" hardened steel drive and idler 
axles were bending with no apparent affect on the track joints.

As to why Frank has not reported this phenomenon with his tracks.  All I can think 
of is that his rivets are applying enough compression on the pieces located over the 
belt joint to keep the belt clamped tight enough to the belt from spreading apart.  
If the rivets ever loosen up, you'll have no tension on the friction drive thus 
giving you a nice target to shoot at.


    Steve Tyng


[[ TTSSTR~1.JPG : 4634 in TTSSTR~1.JPG ]]