OKB Grigorov

Tracks for Pz. III and Pz. IV,
36-cm width Standartketten

This OKB Grigorov set is comprised of six lengths of Standartketten track on pour plugs, 7-cm long each, for a total of 42-cm of resin track run. Based on measuring the track in several kits, for a Pz. IV we will need about 16-cm of track per side for a total of 32-cm; less for a Pz. III track. This leaves us extra for another kit or for spare track links on the tank hull.

The German Panzer III, Sturmgeschütz and Panzer IV tanks used the same track. These 1/72 scale tracks for Pz. III and Pz. IV represent the early 36-cm wide track used on early war Panzer III Ausf. A up to the Pz. III Ausf. H, and the Pz. IV Ausf. A through to Pz. IV Ausf. D, the Hasegawa plastic Munitionspanzer IV, and initial variants of the StuG III. Older Panzers could be rebuilt with the later, wider track and appropriate wheels. I believe a good rule of thumb to identify the track is that on the Pz. IV, the sprocket wheel for the 40-cm track would be slightly dished, i.e. concave.

This narrower track was dropped in favor of 38-cm and then 40-cm Standartketten track which provided lower ground pressure and better flotation on soft ground.

This track is about the best detailed track I have yet seen. No defects such as bubbles or deformed or broken parts were noted.

Removing the track does not appear difficult with a sharp X-Acto blade. Wash well with mild detergent to remove dust, molding lubircant and fingerprint oils.

There are no instructions on assembling, such as which way the track is oriented on the model. Refer to your reference photos for that.

The 36-cm track set S72117 at left, compared to later war period 40-cm track set 72203 at right, showing a noticeable difference in track width. Because this 1/72-scale 36-cm track is narrower by a millimeter or two, the sprocket teeth on the later Pz. III model kits (like the Pz. III L and M), and later Pz. IV model kits (like the Pz. IV F and H etc.) should not fit in this track. I understand that this narrower track also used narrower roadwheels as well as narrower sprocket wheels.

This track accessory was purchased by the modeler.

Article Last Updated: 10 May 2020