RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

MikeN wrote: ↑Tue Apr 16, 2024 8:51 pm

jee wrote: ↑Tue Apr 16, 2024 4:49 pm seems they used a lot of different version tracks

Yes, the type in my first post with the smooth tread plate is the only one I think I can fabricate reasonably well.

Also just realised that the smooth links are longer pitch so only 92 required instead of 136 of the other types.

coming days I am too busy, but after that I will see if I can find something more about those tracks

I could only find these pictures, but maybe you can calculate hte other dimensions this way. By the way, this seems the BT-5 track.

Thanks Jaap! As you know I have Martin Rek's excellent 1/10 3DP BT-7 files but given the thin stamped plates used for this earlier track, it's difficult to make them look accurate. Colin worked up a modified track design that is better but still not exact given the limitations in a printed link.

Xiaoshan_Sailor wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2024 7:21 am Thanks Jaap! As you know I have Martin Rek's excellent 1/10 3DP BT-7 files but given the thin stamped plates used for this earlier track, it's difficult to make them look accurate. Colin worked up a modified track design that is better but still not exact given the limitations in a printed link.

I think if you want to print this, it will not be strong enough.

I have leant that BT1-2 and 3 were all manufactured to inch dimensions, the BT4 was just a BT3 , but produced to metric dimensions.
With this in mind , I reckon that the early smooth bottom links were probably 10" pitch. Which converts to 254mm.
So my guess is that the actual pitch was probably rounded up to 255 (or maybe left at 254).
The early longer pitch smooth links look very weak as they wrap.around the idler wheel. But they are the simplest to make.
If I go ahead with this project I will have them laser cut from steel. I will still have a lot of machining to do to finish them.(Model Engineers Laser in the UK, provide an excellent service).

jee wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2024 10:13 am I think if you want to print this, it will not be strong enough.

Agreed & favor the later track you show here.