Track in service reference photos

Plus a few more of steel tracks on M4s

and some of the rubber chevrons

Some nice pics there. A point to note is that even on those spare tracks there does not appear to be any rust.

that is correct, it takes a while for rust to form. In my time as a Bradley Driver/Gunner I never saw rust, even after a few weeks in the motor pool sitting.

That all depends on the climate. At Ft Polk, the tracks on our 113s and ITVs would turn bright orange with light rust overnite- literally, if the vehicle was not driven. I am pretty sure that the damp area  and high humidity there was a factor.

Thanks for the great photos......I think.

Now my thoughts are turning toward building Monogram model tank re-issues,,,,,,,,,,,,

Also of note to us armor modelers is the significant lack of evident chipping - even on the sharper corners and edges of plates and heavy-metal items - this in contrast to evident cracking and wear on the rubber track-shoes, and oil stains....  These pics are very informative for those doing tracks which have rubber shoes...!

As to rusty tracks...  Seems we all have our version and perspectives / experiences on this...  I served in W-germany in the 70's - had lots of close experience with US and NATO armor from several countries in both major training maneuver circumstances (road marches, field-EX, bridging games, etc. during the annual Reforger exercises) and at other times in major training grounds and sites (Graf, Hohenfels, etc.). I saw the mud, blood and beer (lots of the latter) and took beau-coups of color slides.  I saw very little rust  on tracks - either in-service or the spares (and hardly any chipping or rust on hulls)- even after weeks "in the field".   Some careful "touring" over in the east side revealed that they also seemed to be mostly rust and chip-free, although lots of stuff looked a little shabby and disorderly and soft stuff was more often frayed. And many vehicles looked more "permanently dirty" as if there was less clean-up going on after maneuvers... Just my experiences!

Cool pics and FINE color, given their age!

Bob

stikpusher

That all depends on the climate. At Ft Polk, the tracks on our 113s and ITVs would turn bright orange with light rust overnite- literally, if the vehicle was not driven. I am pretty sure that the damp area  and high humidity there was a factor.

Agreed. that what i noticed during my time on Warriors. Though perhaps not that bad over night. When sat in the garage, after a few days, there would be light spots of rust on the worn surfaces. If left standing for a while, the tracks would be covered. But this would soon come off once the vehicles were moved. Not to see some evidence on older tankls. There have been a couple of times when i have posted pics of armour i have built, and the lack of rust has been picked up.

Thanks again for posting.

The only real AFVs I ever saw as chipped and rusted as some current build trends are range targets, War Trophies, Musuem pieces, and gate guards- stuff that is not maintained by a crew, but left out in the weather for years on end. Not to say it doesnt happen, but... Fads die hard... especially artistic ones that look cool...

I don't even think its a case of being maintained. When it comes to rust, simple use keeps that away. As for chipping, i only saw that on areas with lots of foot fall and even then only after a couple of years of wear and tear. Granted our Warriors wouldn't have as much wear and tear in a couple of years than your average Sherman or Tiger would in a few months.

But your right, fads do die fast. Even i have succumbed to it in the past, partly because that what others did and its sort of expected. I must restrain from such fashions in the future.