Hello there

I'm planning to buld a T-55, and I find this picture of the T-55 sag track!!
It's from a Czech page...so i would apreciate if somebody could translate it...i really would like to know what it says..



Cheers

Erick

The title basically says "the track tension".

The first picture illustrates sag for "normal conditions".

The second for "muddy or boggy conditions"

And the third for "sand terrain or snow"

Hope it helps...

-Ales-

Much of the problem lies in track maintenance. I've seen all three types in Afghanistan. with the first type being fairly prevalent. It would not be incorrect to depict the third option, although it is not seen as often.

A T-54, but close enough:


Even parade vehicles are not immune:




As you can see, you have several options available to you. I'd base the ulimate decision on where it's bein used, and more importantly, what you like.

By the way, ever see the one on the cover of Osprey's "Modelling the T-55Main Battle Tank?"
That's as extreme as it gets. I would hope it was modeled on an actual photograph.

I suppose the correct question to ask here is what is the most common track lay seen on this vehicle? While I suspect Gary is correct in the information he has provided and the last image displayed in the line drawing would I believe be asking to throw the track, I would most likely go somewhere between picture 1 and 2 in the line drawing.

Thanks you all for your replies....

Well it's really an interesting subject.....I think I'll go for the track tension showed in the second drawing....

Cheers

Erick

Gary Owsley responds:
[quote]Ok, what would I know? I'm not one of those high speed, low drag types[quote]

No apology necessary.




And I drove a T-62 in Afghanistan. It has nothing to do with these photos of OTHER tanks, nor does it make me an expert on track tension. Not even close. BUT, we all know what's proper and what IS are often two different things. That was the intent of posting these photos. To help the guy out. Not to disparage anyone because of their MOS.

As far as I can tell, unless someone is having fun with Photoshop, those weren't would be's or could be's, but actual real tanks less than ideal tension.

Might want to adjust your meds there...

Hello,

Yes, the cover shot and build of the Serbian Hellcat/T-55 Hybrid I did for the Osprey Modeling book indeed did exist..
The Idea came from a photo spread of the vehicle in an older issue of Tankograd Gazette and also I was lucky to know the person who took the photos and supplied more detail walkaround shots of the interior turret as well.
as for the Tracks...I just go by the photos..

Hope it helps,

Nick Cortese

That was a very unusual and well done build. Not kacking on it in the least, it (the actual prototype) just illustrates the point all the better.

Thanks for helping substantiate what MOST of us have known all along...