Hi, can the T-34 front idler wheel be placed forward or rearward in combat? My other discussion group was hoping to find someone with experience using a T-34. Here's the short thread link to see pics and questions. Any help appreciated, Thanks

http://www.track48.com/shop/forum.htm

That link didn't work right but here's a pic of the debate as the Tamiya kit has the Front idler close together and the Hobby Boss does not. Thanks again

The idler is adjustable to maintain proper track tension. However, once it's fully extended the the track will eventually sag. For your model, adjust it to where you want it to achieve the look you want, assuming you're going to get some individual links for it. It's been ages since I did a Tamiya T-34 variant, but if I remember correctly you need to adjust a clamp over the front axle. Pointless anyway with their horrible tracks. Most other T-34 kits have a rotatable pivoting idler arm.

The answer to your question is in the photo you posted....look at the two T-34s and note that the idler on the near tank is farther forward than on the tank to the rear. The idler on most tanks is also a tensioning wheel, meaning it is adjustable to ensure track tension is correct. The crew can adjust the T-34's idler (as with most tanks). On the T-34 the tension adjuster is on the forward armor slope The two smallish nuts/bolt heads close to the idler are the track tension adjusting bolts.

If you've ever built a Pzkw-III, or a Churchill, on both vehicles the tensioning mechanism is very visible to a modeler. Most other tanks have an analogous device.

So, in combat having the idler wheel closer would be fine then as in the pic. I guess tank drivers just have some play in the number of spare track links they add and adjust the idler accordingly. Thanks again

It's not (note proper use of apostrophe) your (and proper use of the word "your") spelling that makes you what you are, it's your (there's that word again) lack of people skills.

Say, while we're on it, does the pathetic email you sent me telling me to "stay off of your threads" mean all of them in which you participate, or just the ones you start?

I'm in it. What's the penalty, more witless comments from you?

PM me if this bothers you. Oh wait, you can't - it's been shut off.

I ain't even mad atcha, Dawg. It's worse than that - I pity you. It's laughably easy to get under your skin, even easier than the privates I had in Basic.

Merry Christmas.

Thanks for the replies. The 1/48 Tamiya and Hobby Boss use link & length track, but apparently different amount of links to show the idler position either forward or rearward. The real-life stretch effect makes sense.

Here's a pic recently posted in a Spanish forum by Tomek Rogala:



I think the idler wheel seems a little low. Merry Christmas. Best regards.

José.