*...Hi!
The "handedness" in Dragon "Magic Track" link-sets neatly reflects the reality of how tracks were assembled on most German WWII tanks: Most used a "dry-pin" "dead" track with links connected by a metal hinge-pin, and tracks sagged between rollers depending on the track-tension. The subtle but important detail is that these pins were inserted from the vehicle side thru the link. In some cases, the pin was then secured with a cotter-pin at the outer end. In other cases - notably on Panzer 38(t), and I think Panthers too -, the pin was left free-floating! These floating pins were kept in their place by a "strike-plate" or "pin-knocker" which pushed or tapped pins back into the track as the vehicle moved along.
Couple this detail with another - the links have an "obvious" asymmetrical form with a putative "front end". The links assemble into tracks with an apparent directional bias which kit instructions usually show for correct assembly. In reality, the pin could be inserted from either side of the link in Panzer I, early II, III and IV tracks, and maybe in others, too! As those pins "always" have to insert from the vehicle side, (specially if they must be knocked back into place...) this meant that the track could be placed facing either way! As long as the pins were running from inside to out!
But... ALL the links on a side have to run in the same direction. You cannot of course reverse only some of a run!
IF one looks at many pictures of these vehicles, you will find some with "reversed" tracks and even cases where one set is running one way, and the other side reversed! Quite common on the Pz 1 and II, less common on larger vehicles. One of the special cases apparently occurred with those modified tracks called "winterketten", where the links MUST be fitted with the extension piece to the outside. That famous StuG III which was recovered several years ago with the winterketten on it may be one of these, where all the links were "one side" and so the other side was assembled "in reverse". While I am pretty sure that both "left" and "right" links were available, it is pretty likely that both types may not have been equally available all the time and everywhere... So crew may well have been allowed to "reverse" one side as needed.
Now... as the Magic Tracks have the pin-ends molded on, it is very difficult to show this on most builds - unless you have two kits and can use both "left sides" on one tank! IF one does fruils or MK pinned tracks, you can create the "reversed" sets by pinning from the "wrong side" - IF doing Magics... and you only have one tank kit... you'll have to cut and swap all the pin-heads. TEDIOUS.
Cheers! ..........."
Some tracks appear to have 'chevrons' on them. I'd always assumed that where the chevrons formed a forward-pointing 'V'shape , this would indicate a forward travelling tracks, as the V' would grip better. At least, That's what I assumed.
Here's a couple of pics I took at Munster's Panzer Museum, back in 2018 (when it was safe to travel, and not catch the plague en route...)
Have a look at the tracks on this full-size plastic replica of the Tiger 1, at Munster. On the horizontal bars, you can see embossed chevrons. If the tracks were fitted the wrong way round, these 'V's would face backwards.
Tamiya always say that track pins should be fitted from the inside- going out. I think this is also how track pins were fitted on full-scale tanks. If anybody knows, do pipe up.
This Tank Destroyer has forward-facing triangles between the cross pieces. Again, did this improve grips, and clear crap away?
Also, tell us why they have the 'correct' orientation.
) there are more than enough examples depicting tracks on PZ4s running in both directions to muddy the waters of that argument, 
support YOUR TOTM competition, I'm doing my part, are YOU?
Yes, I agree they're meant to travel forwards mosy of the time, Mick 
