Greetings all,

I have a strange question to ask. How similar are the tracks for ZSU-3 (SA-6, 1/35 Trumpeter kit) and the PT-76 (again same scale Trumpeter kit).

The reason I am asking is that because I'm not too well versed in the ZSU chassis. A friend of mine will buy the PT-76 for me. He has the SAM-6 kit by Trumpeter and he hates anything except vinyl tracks (the kit has L&L tracks). I hate vinyl (PT-76 tracks are vinyl in the kit). He asked me if it would be possible to switch the tracks, so that we could all be happy.

Thanks in advance for answers.

My first thought is that no, they are not interchangeable, but I admit I will have to look into it to be sure. My problem is that I did most of my research on these tracks for the ASU-85, which DEFINATELY has it's own style tracks. But it is POSSIBLE that the PT-76/ZSU-23/4 and SA-6 all shared the same tracks. Anyone else? (While I consult references... )

Well, there are options it seems:

1. I could not confirm that the tracks of the PT-76B and the ZSU are not the same. But the earlier PT-76's did NOT use the same tracks as the SA-6.

2. If they are NOT the same, they are fairly close and you could probably change them out without anyone but a hard-core soviophile knowing the difference. Check out the tracks in the kits and compare CAREFULLY. If they are the same, or close enough...well, who cares what the rest of us think?

Thanks a lot Jacques! Close enough would do it for me, as long as the tracks fit the rollers and the wheels.

Now let me get my hands on that PT-76.

Well, gary has the proof. Thanks for the info Gary, I was pretty sure that they were quite different.

I think , and I stress think, that the prototype PT-76M may have had the ZSU style tracks on it, but then again, it was never put into production and it is also not what is in the kit you are getting.

Also, you may want to make sure that the kit sprockets you have will work with the tracks you have. They may have different teeth spacing which will ruin the look. However, if they do work without any modification, then it is always possible it was done in the field as well. But it would not be common by a long shot.

If your buddy just has to have indy links, Historica Books is now carrying the Masterclub indy resin snap-fit tracks...they are a excellent replacement.

Well, we tried anyway, huh?

Too bad. My buddy likes vinyl tracks Jacques (he's an aircraft modeller and he is lazy when he comes to armor, he freaks out when he sees indy links or link&length). I will have to find indy links for my PT-76, no big deal.

Thanks again for your help Jacques and I thank Gary a lot for the clarification.

Masterclub also carry PT-76 indy links. You can get them from Historica Books in the USA or Hobby Easy from Hong Kong.

I'll check it out right away. Thanks Jacques.

Ah, I don't want to create a new topic about it, so if you don't mind me asking... Would you recommend Panzershop resin tires for Dragon's old BRDM-2 kit? Or what else would you recommend?

Has anyone ever successfully fitted the kits vinyl tracks to any of the PT-76
kits. The ones I tried are way too short, won't even encircle the drive and idler
with the road wheels removed. My old eyes aren't up to using Fruils.
I'll probably splice in a section from a second kit and build that one as a damaged tank and stick it on a transporter or something.

The ZSU-23-4 Shilka and SA-6 Kub system and the PT-76 is based on the vehicle, but different types and sizes of the chain as well.
Shilka which is identical to the chassis, the parachute assault forces of the Soviet light armored fighting vehicles, the ASU-85th
Which is the same as the PT-76 chassis: BTR-50/P/PK/OT-62 Topas armored reconnaissance and , Frog-5 carrier rocket launching vehicle.

PT-76 (BTR-40,50,Frog-5) Track: Friulmodel ATL-97+drive sprockets,
Masterclub MC135047W+drive sprockets.
Wheels: Masterclub MC235008.
Shilka, Kub, Asu-85 Track: Friulmodel ATL-103+drive sprockets.
Masterclub MC135044CL.
Modelkasten SK8 (Track-Drive sprockets-Wheels).
Lionmarc.
Wheels: Masterclub MC235006.
Lionmarc.

ASU-85 track is unique to the vehicle. It absolutely is NOT the same as the tracks on the SA-6/ZSU-23-4.

You're right.
Indeed different, perhaps PT-76 would be a good track, but I do not know whether shilka drive with a width of Sprockets, the guidance fins need to be drilled, it became easier for air transport.
Shilka the same, except that they are clinging to the surface, stiffening ribs, and there is no easing in the guidance fins.

Asu-85

PT-76

Asu-85

PT-76

Masterclub PT-76 track left, Asu-86 Track right.

Asu-85 left, PT-76 Right.

I think the mystery is solved.

Thanks for the photos and research. I would be a incredible pain to drill out all those tracks for the authenticity, but maybe when Trumpy puts there kit out, they will have this small detail attended to since we have pointed it out (Hint hint).