Gentlepeople, this may be a dumb question, but I haven't been able to find a solid answer with other research.

I'm building an M4A3 105mm (VVSS suspension) for BOTF, and I need to know what's appropriate for the tracks. Some pics I've seen show all metal, others show metal pins and rubber shoes. Which is correct?

And as an aside, for my future reference and to make sure, an M48A3 has metal pins and rubber shoes, correct?

I'm fairly certain that with the VVSS you can use any of the sherman tracks, with the 105 some might be outdated though. Check your references for later war shermans.
track list
this may help. Good luck!

As eric said, the tracks were interchangeable. However, the ones I've seen mounted in period photos are T-48s, T-51s, T54E1s and T54E2s. All the M4A3 (105)s were made at the Detroit Tank Arsenal so there is similar supply situations.

Also here's a better URL than Eric's

http://web.inter.nl.net/users/spoelstra/g104/track_vvss.htm

Only a fraction of the many Sherman track types are available in kit form. Quick answer--if the chevrons are skinny in section, they are steel, and the track is an all steel type. If the chevrons are fat, the type is a rubber block track with steel end connectors. If the cleats are the straight type, it's steel. If it has no cleats or chevrons, it's a rubber block track with steel end connectors.
Early M48 Patton tracks are rubber block tracks with rubber chevrons, and rubber pads on the inner face where the tires actually roll--the outer part of the track's inside face is steel, as are the end connectors. Late M48-M60 tracks (circa 1980 onward) were steel with replaceable octagonal rubber pads on the outer face, and rubber pads on the inner face where the tires roll.

Guys, thank you. I do appreciate it. Gerald answered the question perfectly, and the links are also very useful. (I've put them into my modelling folder for later reference!)

So I now know that my Shermie is wearing T48 rubber block tracks, and that the M48 waiting on the sidelines will have the rubber blocks that mate to the roadwheels. So, now I can paint them both accordingly. Cool.

In regards to painting tracks (at least Sherman ones), in the past, I would basecoat the metal areas a dark brown/rust color. Later I'd weather them and maybe put some graphite to show "wear" on the bare metal.

Recently, I was looking through a book of color WW2 photos. In all of them with Allied tanks, the metal portions are NOT rusty at all. Rather the metal just looks to be dull metallic color (with lots of dust and mud of course). No hint of rust due to the constant rubbing on the terrain. I'm changing my previous painting schemes from now on....

HTH