Interchangeability of metal tracks and wheels (HL Panzer III)?

[UltraVargen]

Yesterday I got my HL Panzer III, along with a separate set of metal tracks, sprockets and idlers. The metal parts are presumably Heng Long though got sent in an unmarked packaging. They have the solid guidance teeth, just like the plastic HL tracks.

When installing I noticed one track has 92 links instead of 93 on the other. so one link was missing (I counted them in the advertised picture which had 93). This makes it difficult to give the track a nice slack.

Now, I asked the seller if they have a spare part to send me. in which the reply was that they only have some Taigen links to send. They think it should fit (nevermind the aesthetic of having one link that looks different...). I feel kind of bummed: These metal sets aren't cheap, but am I complaining too much about one lousy track link?

So the question is: Will the Taigen link fit with the metal HL sprockets and idlers? If it does I have half a mind to just buy a complete set of new tracks (from an other vendor, mind you). And in that case I'm open to suggestions as to what brand is considered as a good replacement for metal tracks.

[Vaseline]

IIRC Panzer IV tracks are the same as IIIs if that helps, and you can get spare metal links in packets of 3 off Allieexpress. I have no idea if Taigen and HL tracks are interchangable. though.

[UltraVargen]

I think my Aliexpress search-fu is failing me. Will try again later. In the meantime I sent a question to another German online shop about what looks like Taigen tracks, and whether they will fit a HL Panzer III. The uncertainty is killing me, I want to continue with this tank, order aftermarket parts and get customizing.

[quitcherbitchen]

When installing I noticed one track has 92 links instead of 93 on the other. so one link was missing (I counted them in the advertised picture which had 93). This makes it difficult to give the track a nice slack.

I had the same problem. The rear idle wheel made out of metal is oversized for the fit. In other words, your tank will de track a lot. I ended up with 92 links each side and using the plastic Idler for the rear. I have since ordered the Mato track adjuster to mod, but it is coming slow boat from China. I will mod mine to make the metal Idlers work later. My slack is about 15mm right now. Any less and the rear idler will want to bend and any more you lose a track almost instantly. Give up on the metal idler until you can mod the adjustment.

[quitcherbitchen]

I remeasured my track sag. 5mm

[UltraVargen]

Huh, that sound bad to have such a niche play in slack to counter losing a track.

To be clear: By 5 mm slack/sag do you refer to the track over the return rollers or the track on the ground?

In my case I meant this:

[quitcherbitchen]

When I lift the tank off the ground the amount sagged at the bottom off the road wheels. 5mm gap. Tracks are pretty tight. Panzer III had tight tracks. Anymore sag and your teeth on the sprocket will slip.