That’s exactly what it is, yes. Panthers had four rows of roadwheels, even though it doesn’t look like it at first sight. Not the greatest pic, but it shows how this all fit together:
Note that the third axle has the all-steel wheels that a limited number of Panthers got, while the first two have the more usual type like on your Jagdpanthers.
However, I now see I was wrong: the wheels in the middle pair are slightly different from the outer ones, in that they have a wider rim on the side coming into contact with the track teeth, which is lacking on the outer wheels. I’m guessing this is to prevent wear to the rubber. I thought that wider rim was simply on the back of all the wheels.
Probably not, no :smiling3:
Note that the third axle has the all-steel wheels that a limited number of Panthers got, while the first two have the more usual type like on your Jagdpanthers.
However, I now see I was wrong: the wheels in the middle pair are slightly different from the outer ones, in that they have a wider rim on the side coming into contact with the track teeth, which is lacking on the outer wheels. I’m guessing this is to prevent wear to the rubber. I thought that wider rim was simply on the back of all the wheels.
Probably not, no :smiling3:
Jakko
Thank you so very much for the above.....very helpful and informative. I have never seen it demonstrated so well. Can't help thinking though that VVSS/HVSS systems on Shermans and the like were a lot more straightforward to maintain and replace when damaged!!
Thanks again.
Andrew
They apparently gave a very good ride and low ground pressure (it wasn’t just the wide track that allowed Panthers to cross fields that the much lighter Shermans bogged down in) but having to take off up to seven wheels to change one on the inner row certainly wouldn’t have endeared it to crews. Mud also packed easily between the wheels, and could immobilise the whole vehicle if it then froze.
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