Heng Long Panzer III detracking issue

[quitcherbitchen]

So I have had two HL Panzer IIIs and of course they suffer from the same issue. Both had metal tracks and idlers/sprockets. My early version from 2015 didnt have adjustable idlers, so I added aftermarket Mato. It would still detrack occasionally. The newer H version from 2023 has the HL version of the track tensioner/plastic. It will detract every time I use the tank on the left side only. My older L version with the Mato adjuster same side. I have carefully looked at all the fittings and fitment and have tried to take out much of the play as I could to ease the situation without any effect on the detracking. The only observation I can see is that the Idler is out of alignment with the rest of the drive train. It has a noticeable angle that looks impossible to remove without modify the arm or the side of the tank. I thought the side flexed but it doesn’t. Any ideas or advice? image widget

[DavidN]

The last wheel before the idler is what guide the track teeth into the idler. If that wheel is loose, your tank will de-track. You need to tighten that wheel almost to the point that its arm becomes unmovable.

[quitcherbitchen]

I'll give that a try