Cromwell Tank Tracks, Pattern C

by

Panzerwerk Design

INTRODUCTION

The British Cromwell tank appeared in time for landing in Normandy, and played a major role as the backbone of armoured regiments, alongside the M4 Sherman and Firefly.  The Cromwell was very fast and reliable, a great improvement on the Crusader, and with its powerful 75mm gun, it was very successful.  Although the Cromwell did serve in Korea, it was soon largely replaced by the Comet and Centurion.  The Cromwell and Centaur (different engine) had one prominent style of tracks, but variations in pattern did exist.  The style in this set from Panzerwerk Design is unusual, and I needed to refer to Dick Harley, who has written a series of groundbreaking articles on the Cromwell for MAFVA magazine Tankette.  Apparently, this pattern of tracks was only fitted to some of the earliest trials and training tanks armed with 6-pounder guns, like the Cromwell Mark I Type C or the Centaur Mark I Type A.  Those early tracks tended to break too easily so they were quickly replaced in production by the stronger and harder-wearing tracks that you will find on the majority of photographed Cromwells and Centaurs. 

PHOTOS OF THE PATTERN C TRACKS ON 6-POUNDER PROTOTYPES:

The advice, therefore, is to check whether your model needs this pattern of track, or whether the more common Pattern A style - also available from Panzerwerk Design - is better for your needs.

REVIEW OF THE TRACKS

The tracks come extremely well packaged, with the pins and the links in separate boxes, each enclosed in separate plastic bags.  The quality of the product is clear from the packaging alone.

The links and the pins are beautiful, with no flash, no marks, and no clean-up at all.  You simply take them out of the bag and use them....

The quality of the parts is simply incredible.  I compared the links with some cast metal examples from a well-known producer of metal tracks.  Honestly, the difference in quality of shape and precision is eye-watering. These links from Panzerwerk are a million times better.  

The assembly instructions are simple...... just push in the pins.  The pins have sneaky ridges that hold them in place, so there is no risk of them dropping out by accident.  However, they can be removed if necessary.

Assembly takes seconds.  The links from some other producers are fiddly, and the pins don't always fit.  These ones from Panzerwerk are perfection.  The pins go straight in, with no issues at all.

The assembled links fit on kit sprockets with NO issues, and they are nicely flexible to get the correct sag or fit to groundwork.

I like to pick holes in products, and point out errors.  No chance here!   ...... these tracks are absolute perfection in every way.  I can't find any aspect to criticise, the parts are just put together in moments, no need to clean them up, and they fit the kits straight away.  On a scale of one to ten, these are 10+++

The only caveat is that this particular track pattern apparently saw restricted use, and I recommend checking with your references before choosing which Panzerwerk set to buy for your Cromwell.  And honestly, I know that I WILL definitely be ordering a set of Pattern A for my Cromwell, as these are way way better than any other tracks that I've seen on the market.

Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders.

Thanks goes out to Panzerwerk Design for this review kit.

Reviewed by Chris Lloyd-Staples, 2VP (International)

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