Jens, Google Images found this: https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgu...act=mrc&uact=8
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Maybe it's something like a timing mark?
PeteComment
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Huge thanks for the find!!! :smiling: :thumb2:
None of the reference photos I've got have got such a hole in it, but this one clearly has!
I've got a scanned Panther manual somewhere and I'm going to have a read in that one tonight to see if I can find any references to this hole?
It's not in great resolution sadly since it was scanned many years ago, nor is my German exactly native but I usually scrape by.
It could be a timing mark but I'm clueless at the moment. Perhaps an indicator of sorts for putting the tracks on in the field? Like I said, I'm clueless...
Many thanks Peter!Comment
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looks an interesting build Jens.,
do like the detail parts will be interested in the tracks and running gear,Comment
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Nothing in the manual sadly, only transmission, mechanical, electrical and such. No mention nor illustration of them holes on the drive sprocket - and my manual is for Ausf. A and D.
This might indicate that it's for something less important, but that's guessing...Comment
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It was time to start with the tracks. Road wheels and tracks are probably the most common reason for stalled builds so I've decided to get this done in the same session. One side of the tracks anyway...
87 links per side and 2 guide horns and 2 track pins per track link means it's going to be a long night...
[ATTACH]292756[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]292757[/ATTACH]
There's some flash to clean up on many track links too which I hadn't planned on but after a few you either find the flow or you take a break.
So far this Meng kit is very nice! A bit softer plastic than I'm used to, but very nicely moulded! Sprue design isn't as great but it's impossible not to have the tabs that connects all pieces when injection moulding. One is never totally happy
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Thats coming along nicely Jens.
With the sprockets, I assume they would have been cast, so I wonder if the hole is something to do with the casting process??Si vis pacem, para bellum.Comment
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Jens, there is, without question, a single hole through the drive sprocket. It should be directly in line with one of the 'spokes'. Just on the outer rim edge.
I found a picture of one leaning against a wall. I've saved the picture but I don't know how to do links.
But a hole there is, for sure!Comment
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I was thinking that too first but a hole in the cog would make it weaker so I think they must've had a very good reason for putting it there...?
I've only found the hole in the drive sprockets for Ausf. A, not the later ones, but that could also be due to other factors and the wrong.
Yes, a hole there is. On both the inner and the outer sprocket rings. Why is the conundrum of the week...?
There's a whole lot more than just putting plastic pieces together in modelling for sure and I like it!!!
I'm no "rivet counter", or at least I don't think I am, but finding tiny unknown details like this I find intriguing and exciting - and it makes the whole "building" part a mystery quest too and hopefully finding the solution! :smiling:
This hole isn't exactly stopping me but I admit to spending the night searching for answers instead of gluing the guide horns to the track links... :smirk:
Many thanks to all of you for helping me (re-)searching this mystery hole so far!Comment
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The holes in both the inner and outer sprocket rings are for the insertion of a long rod. This was used to ensure the sprocket 'Teeth' were in correct alignment prior to a final tightening before tracks were added.........
Worth a punt.........:smiling4:Comment
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Almost forgot to apply the zimmerit decals and I only had to cut one in half since I'd already attached the toe hook assembly.
Flat surfaces went smoothly but they don't bend well so it was a bit tricky around the stowage bins, but it worked out after some tinkering.
I don't know how well they'll stick so that's something I'll discover the next few days but they felt a lot better than Tamiyas sticker zimmerit I used on my Elefant.
The negative thing about these water slide decals is that the pattern isn't deep enough if you ask me, but that'd be impossible...?
Obligatory pics:
[ATTACH]292787[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]292788[/ATTACH]
Also I'm not used to the red plastic Meng is using but small pieces are easier to see when handling them so someone's been thinking here I think!Comment
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coming along nicely looking good,:thumb2:Comment
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Neat work Jens, I see what you mean about the decal zimmerit. I agree with you, it does look too thin. I've never seen diagonal line etched into the stuff before either. Mind you, with the mind boggling different patterns used, it's not surprising!
Taking shape nicely.
RonComment
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