What was the purpose of the variations of tracks on the Sherman.
T-49
T54E1 Semi- Chevron look to them
T-48 Rubber Chevron w/ duck billed end connectors for vvs bogies ( Model Kasten Set)
T-51 Block tracks
All these I named from the line tracks that are available from hobby shops and I saw these from Squadron's Model Kasted collection.When and why were they used would help and also if you could reccommend a book that has good refrences on them.

Thanx

Jack, go HERE: Sherman Register - Track Types for more specifics on the track types.

In general, rubber block tracks would provide a better (smoother) ride, while the steel types provided better traction. Another consideration is the terrain the vehicle was in, ie: sand, grasslands, paved, etc.. Also, steel became more prevalent as rubber supplies became strained.

Jack,if I were you I wouldn't go with the Model Kasten Sherman tracks They have waaaaaaaaaay too many parts The track shoes are upper and lower You have to put in two pins between the upper and lower halves Then you have to put on the end connectors Also you have to put on the little nuts on the end connectors
I made a mistake in ordering a set of those a couple years back If you can get the RHPS indy links Way less parts Friulmodel also has some Sherman indy links HTH

On the Subject I am using the Friul tracks T-51 on the M-10 right now the way to go.
I have tried the AFV club ones also they make them but the Friction fit does not hold and you will have to glue all the little end connectors on or it will fall to pieces.
On the other ones have not used them so no comments on them but "pulling the slack out with little Plastic pins does not strike me as much fun after they break off"

As for me I like the Friul also, matter of fact i'm looking at a full box of the T48 type now, I like the way the look, more like the real thing, even made a small jig to hold 20 pieces at a time.
My 2 wheats worth