OKB Grigorov

Tracks for Pz. III and Pz. IV, 40-cm width Type 1 with Ice Cleats

This OKB Grigorov 40-cm track set is comprised of four lengths of track on pour plugs, 8-cm long each for a total of 32-cm of track in my small plastic bag. This is just enough track for a 1/72-scale Pz. IV, or enough for a Pz. III plus extra.

These, other cast resin track and injection molded kit track for the Pz. III and Pz. IV have the solid guide horns (track teeth) while real track often had open horns.

A special feature of these tracks is that they have ice cleats cast into the outer surface for winter use. Compare the OKB track to the Maco Models track below which do not have ice cleats on the exterior surface.

Casting quality is very, very, good and I noted no defects or broken pieces.

The OKB track 40-cm track set is suitable for 1/72-scale mid and late-war Pz. III and Pz. IV model kits such as the ESCI Pz. III, Hummel, Wirbelwind, and Pz. IV kits. The Pz. IV Ausf. F and Ausf. G, and Wirbelwind and Ostwind kits come with very poor track with a long ridge instead of individual track teeth and the OKB track would greatly improve this otherwise good Pz. IV model.

If we replace the kit parts with these very nice tracks perhaps also replace the kit’s sprocket wheels with aftermarket sprocket wheels?

After cutting from the pour plug and washing in mild detergent, the resin track lengths can be immersed in hot water and carefully and promptly wrapped around the sprocket, roadwheels, and idler wheels. Some track sag between the return rollers would look good and be realistic.

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.

This track accessory was purchased by the modeler.

Article Last Updated: 11 May 2020