Introduction

The M4 Sherman actually needs no introduction being the most numerous Allied tank of WWII. It was produced in a number of modifications combining hulls, turrets, guns and at least 10 types of track. The subject of the review is the not-so-popular T56 all-steel track, fitted with square Extended End Connectors (EECs), also known as “duckbills”.

Contents

Since the EECs was too wide and couldn’t clear the hull they were only installed on the outside edges of the track. So the supplied 6 lengths of track are handed – there are 3 “left” and 3 “right” strips.

Observations

OKB’s products are mainly familiar to 1/72 modellers. The company is now using the same dark grey resin to produce aftermarket sets in the Quartermaster (1/48) scale.
Each track run can be easily separated from the casting block with a sharp craft blade. Any flash can be quickly removed with a few swipes with an old toothbrush.

All features of the tracks are well defined on the castings. The EECs are properly separated from each other, which means you will have no problem when bending the tracks around the sprockets or idlers. You can also realistically damage or break the duckbills off just as this happened on the actual tanks.

Conclusions

The set will come in handy if you are willing to build your M4 using more exotic pair of tracks. These tracks are drop-fit replacements for those supplied with the Tamiya kits.

I would recommend using hot (not boiling) water or hair drier (moderate heat) for bending the track runs.