Panzer tread link

[bobcam1]

Hello, all.....
I just received this tread link with pins, which was described to me as being from a "Panzer IV" tank.
Can any of you provide a bit more information on this piece?

In addition, I'd like to clean this up. There is a lot of surface rust, and one of the center holes that the pin runs through, seems to be blocked with rust (last photo). Any suggestions on a good method for the removal of this rust?

Thanks,
Bob.

[Gene]

Look for someone who does "bead blasting" to remove the rust; can't help with the ID though

[Stinch]

Maybe the hole is dirt with rust mixed in. I would think it could be knocked out. The track link looks identical to two that I have. Mine had thick dirt in the pin holes as well. I left my tracks alone since the rust gives them some character. Bead blasting with a specialized rust removing media would bring it back to bare metal, but would also remove some metal in the process. Any pits would just get a little deeper. The metal would have to treated/coated to prevent more rusting and the rust does that now anyway.

Nice to have these links although they are on the bottom shelf since they are so heavy. Someone was selling on fleabay Tiger and Panther links in Europe but shipping to US would be $$$$.

Rich

[Erwin L]

hello Bob

Very nice. I wouldn't clean it. It looks pretty good in this condition. With bead blasting you blow all originality away imho.

regards Erwin

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Bob, other than poking out the dirt/rust from the blocked hole, I would leave it as is.

Nice item!

Cheers, Ade.

[Recymech]

Track Link Bolt/Pin

Thanks for sharing this with us Bob,

As mentioned by others, you should be able to clear the blocked part - unless of course there is a broken part of a track pin still in there.

I have just got hold of a German Track Link Bolt/Pin.





It is 70cm long and 3cm in diameter.
One end is hammered over like that of a rivet head.
The other end has a hole for the securing ring.

How would the end ring be secured to the Bolt/Pin?
Not sure if split-Pins were invented by then.

If any anyone has any pictures that would be great.

Kind regards, Pete.

[Frank Nick]

I cleaned mine lightly with a wire brush and a slightly damp rag. I cleared the holes for the pin with the wire brush and I tapped a little with a chisel. I used a rubber mallet to tap the pin through the holes.

This is a link with photos and measurements for tracks. I don't speak German but I still found it helpful.
http://www.fahrzeuge-der-wehrmacht.de/Kettengl.html


The top link in my photo was cleaned (not sure how?) and painted with a primer before I bought it. The bottom link was pretty rusty and it still is. I just cleaned it a little. I like the look with the pin added.

You should post this in the panzer forum great info there.

I also would love to own a tiger or Panther link or some panzer projectiles, casings. They're hard to find in the US and the shipping from overseas is crazy $!

You have some cool pieces (panzer III or IV or Stug).

Frank

I just noticed how old this thread was. Sorry. I'm sure all questions were answered long ago!

[Recymech]

Thanks for the Link Frank,

I also just noticed how old this thread was, but at least it's here.

Still need some close-up pics or diagrams of correct securing method.

Kind regards, Pete.

[me6_130]

Certainly it is one of the 7 or 8 variants for the PzKpfw IV. It is a late war model. The link pin should be secured by an S shaped pin. See the method in this manual pages, photo credited to Akira Takiguchi. I believe it was posted in this same forum. Also pic of one of my track links with the original pin.


Carles

[me6_130]

Sorry, my mistake, it was in this web by Akira :

http://www.history.jp/wehrmacht/011.htm


Carles

[Recymech]

Thanks for the reply and link Carles,

I think I will use your track pin example for locking the end ring.

Thanks again.

Kind regards, Pete.

[Recymech]

Tiger 1 Early or Late Track Link

Hi,

Does anyone know what a good example of a Tiger 1 Track Link is worth, or would cost to get hold of - Either Late or an Early version ?

Kind regards, Pete