Track tension animation reversed

[some1]

On some tanks with front drive sprocket the tracks animation is incorrect. Top of the track looses tension when the tank is accelerating and gains tension when the tank is moving backwards, where it should be the opposite if the drive wheel is at the front. 

 

As far as I can tell, this is the issue with Panzer III, IV and Sherman tanks. 

 

Tank going forwards

 

Tank going backwards

 

[Goosevich]

There's a dude that explained a theory why those tracks are backwards

[some1]

Nope, that's completely different issue. 

[SCG_Neun]

If you’re south of the equator they work fine.  ?

[HagarTheHorrible]

I don’t now if there should be any difference.  The track length is the track length regardless of which direction its going in.  When moving the track will bounce, or flap about, between the return roller, or if fast enough, float.  The real difference is speed, slow they sag, fast they float. There isn’t any play under the wheels so any lack of tension is always going to show along the top whether going forwards or back.  I think the only time that it’s different is when a tank is turning, the track can sometimes be gathered, or bowed, slightly, in between the drive sprocket and the first road wheel.

 

Good advice for tank crew,;  Always, but always check your track tension, never go near puddles, especially deep ones with mud in them and never, ever, and I mean ever, try to be clever and do something fancy, like trying to make a turn in one.  There’s Gremlins in them that like nothing more than making a tankers life miserable.

Edited February 28, 2020 by HagarTheHorrible

[some1]

On 2/28/2020 at 11:02 PM, HagarTheHorrible said:

I don’t now if there should be any difference.  The track length is the track length regardless of which direction its going in.  When moving the track will bounce, or flap about, between the return roller, or if fast enough, float.  The real difference is speed, slow they sag, fast they float.

 

Nope, there's always some slack, the track is not rigid and it has to account for suspension travel, so it can't be super tight. Depending on where the powertrain is pulling and what is the tank speed over the ground, the track before of after the sprocket will be under more tension. Not that much different as with chain on a bicycle really. 

 

A good example of Panzer IV moving around. The tracks on Panzer in game behave exactly opposite. 

 

Edited March 2, 2020 by some1

[Feathered_IV]

That's really interesting.  Makes sense now that I take a second look.  Thanks!

[migmadmarine]

I will note, there is always some slack on the Russian and German tanks, but the Americans favor "Live track" systems, where the track is always under tension, so there should not be sag or slack in the track. 

[SCG_Neun]

Right now I'd settle for tracks that turn whereas in multiplayer they are locked and currently slide along.  Can't wait for the update and the fix for this immersion breaker.

[=362nd_FS=RoflSeal]

The German tanks are "front (sprocket) wheel drive", so when going forward, the top of the track is under tension as the sprocket is pulling it towards it.