sounds like some expensive machinery. I don't know how the WWII ones were but I know the newish ones theres just some pin sticking off the 4 corners of the pads and some connector that slides over them to link them together. they should just be able to slide on but usually some private ends up beating on them with a sledge hammer for awhile before he either gets it or everyone gets tired of him sucking and the motor sgt. comes over and gets it first try. The civilian tracks are just a giant chain sorta thing in the middle with metal plates bolted on them correct?