December Preview: Type 6 Type 7 and Ostketten track links

For once this one is getting delivered on time to active "stl-level" subscribed Patrons via Patron-Only post. The roll-out is prescheduled to Monday the 5th of December 10pm GMT+1. : )

December 5th update: Renders are now showing the final version.

Topic for December are 1/35th scale single link workable track links for Panzer III / IV, this time the Type 6, Type 7 and "Ostkette".

Type 6 Track Link Family

This Family of tracks are a development based on the Type 5, eliminating all  undercuts around the "Griffleiste". (= the large cross brace where the track makes contact to the road, "Griffleiste" is made from grip and bar/brace). It was produced from roughly autumn 1942 on -> a good example of how many designs were made and used in parallel during production. Render below shows the difference compared to a Type 3 B using 1/35 scale digital track links.

On a side note I'd guess these are different approaches by manufacturers to either compete for the best overall design or compromises reflecting different manufacturing capabilities. Most features and dimensions of a track link were specified by the army ordonnance department, leaving only some room for improvements to the manufactures...

Both main variants were made with and without ice cleats. This was made on purpose, there are factory new links proofing this. The reasons why this was done are not documented in public literature. I have not picked up a further variant carryng 6 ice cleats, instead of 4, because no photographic evidence is available to me. Just like with the other families, the main difference can be found on the guide horn used.

Type 6 A   

This time we start into the first variant using the guide horn we already know as the 2nd variant of the type 5, Type 5 B. I have no information on how common this type of link was.

I have included variants with and without ice cleats, both pre-supported and blank files are included in 1/35th scale.

Type 6 B

This variant uses the last iteration of guide horn, already known from the Type 5C.
I have no information on how common this type of link was.

I have included variants with and without ice cleats, both pre-supported and blank files are included in 1/35th scale.

Type 7

This is the first time since the Type 2 (and Type 3) redesigning a main feature of the core dimensions. The Type 7's central sleeve is about 100 mm wide, compared to a Type 2-6 with 65 mm. This does strengthen its tensile strength while additional "H-bracing" does support the running surface. The Griffleiste was redesigned as well, avoiding all undercuts.

On the rear surface we can find the latest type of guide horn. This track link was produced from 1944 on and is at least documented to be used on a few Brummbär-Variant Panzer IVs.

I was lucky getting access to a original track link, therefore the dimensions are pretty accurate. 

Pre-supported version included:

Ostketten

This is a further development of the Winterketten combined with the latest iteration of track link. Using a Type 7 core an additional segment was added to widen the link and reducing ground pressure as a result.

There are lhs and rhs versions of this track type as well as documented cases where only one type link was used on both vehicle sides. I have included versions for both sides, so you don't loose the cast markings due to mirroring. 

Pre-supported and blank files are included in 1/35th scale.

Track Pins (reissued)

I have included non-generic half-length track pins in blank, pre-supported and patterned versions. Inner side is the side towards the hull. Here the pin heads are disc shaped with rounded edges. There is a plate mounted to the hull driving pins back in when they have lost the securing pin, therefore it makes sense to use them right way around...
Outer side is pointing away from the vehicle, here we can find a bend wire securing the pin to the track. For printability reasons the pin itself is smaller in diameter than the real one. I've made up for this with the part usually sticking out being the right diameter again.

Christmas special?
Unfortunatly not. First I have not enough spare time and 2nd operating this channel this year did cost me a 4-digit sum without even accounting for my time. Therefore I can't justify it, maybe next year will be better, we will see.

I do hope this realease does meet your expectations,
thank you very much for your support.
Kai