Hi Matt,
Well done giving replacement track this detailed investigation!
I would like to offer a few comments, set out below.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt_mcleod
...to help a friend draw up the front armour plates for reproduction (if anyone is interested in these drawings I will send copies when they are finished).
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From memory I think RichardT10829 and also Martyn have done a lot of work in respect of armour drawings for English/Canadian Carriers. If that's news then search MLU or you might wish to PM Richard to compare notes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt_mcleod
[5] Lead plugs: Pros - can't think of any, Cons - another part, another material, more cost, questionable whether we can reproduce the dimensions and achieve acceptable pin retention.
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I've seen NOS lead plugs and while they're another part, the ones I've seen were simply a cylindrical slug of lead. Deforming them into the end of the track seems to be the effort required for assembly. I do admit however that I'm not familiar with what shape the track link takes that accepts the lead plug. I don't know if it's as cast or machined.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt_mcleod
On the topic of strength using split pins, I don't believe this is valid option. When turning the carrier, the track is curved and hence the forces generating the turn are transferred to the washer and therefore the small split pin is loaded in shear. This would be acceptable for joining service link sections, but I would consider this poor engineering practice if used to join all the links.
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I've reread this and see your point about using it only for joining such as a master link in a drive chain. But my observation, if I understand its function correctly, is that the interlocking of the track links defines the total sideways movement of adjacent track links, so if the pin is long enough (and not seized in either track link) then the washer or retainer should not receive load that would shear the pin. The question to ask seems to be is there a history of these pins being sheared during operation?
Regards
Alex