German Tank Tracks

[jknaus]

One of my pet peeves is the modelling of German Tank Tracks and adding rust to them. I've mentioned this before, but having watched the newest Night Shift you tube video I commented there and figured I mention it here again also.
German track was made of highly rust resistant steel.
From Google. "German WWII tank tracks were primarily made from high-manganese steel alloy for durability and wear resistance, though early tracks might have used other alloys or even been made of magnesium-heavy alloy. This high-manganese steel contained corrosion-inhibiting elements that prevented the rapid, bright red rusting seen on simpler iron, instead wearing to a dull, dark brown or goldy-brown surface."
James

 

[Heavens Eagle]

I always do the bare steel surfaces on the track links where there would be wear from the road wheels and other parts doing constant wear. Then the rest is just dirt, mud, and dust on them with paint that hasn't worn off. You never see that much rust on the old WWII vehicles anyway. There was moisture and mud, but no salt. The salt that is used on roads is what causes fast rust and anything that was in Africa would definitely NOT have any rust on it over the period of years the DAK was in Africa.

 

[moon puppy]

Only thing I know about german tracks is what I learned here. And it was probably from you James.

 

[Rhino]

There was a 1/35 Panzer IV in one of the last IPMS Journals I received with rust-encrusted tracks, as if it had been parked in sea water for YEARS. It looked just like hammered dogshit. The modeler also added a basket of fruit and bread that looked fairly fresh. Would the bread and fruit not rot away while this poor ol' Panzer languished in it encrustation? This poorly thought out over-weathered vehicle won a gold award at local show. Madness!

 

[moon puppy]

This poorly thought out over-weathered vehicle won a gold award at local show.

Club dues must have been paid up.

 

[Rhino]

Club dues must have been paid up.

Too bloody right, mate!

 

[Brokeneagle]

Agreed James, they will rust eventually but combat ready in WW2 no. I think if you are modelling a knockout sitting in salt water that may be an exception like the German vehicles knocked out on the beaches in the Baltic during the retreat in 1945.
The modern Russian vehicles are the same. Only rusty if they have burned or are in a scrap yard.