No I am not talking about Amelia Matilda Murray the British botanist (1795-1884), writer (in support of slavery), and courtier, or the Co-founder of the active wear Stax (although in that case the pics would be more attractive), but rather the Australian improved version of the Matilda flamethrower tank.
The British Matilda Frog had to wait for the air compressor to recharge before it could fire again. In order to overcome this weakness in 1944 the Murray version was introduced which used a cordite charge as propellant, eliminating the firing delay. See more in a previous post.
A close up of the flamer barrel.
You can see one of the many Australian alterations. Given their experience in North Africa the Australians were aware that their was a weakness to small arms fire where the turret joined the hull. The addition of a metal strip clearly shown here eliminated this weakness.
The kit is the Warlords Australian Matilda which can make the either of the 2pdr, Murray or the 3″ howitzer CS versions.
The resin and metal kit goes together very well and I couldn’t fault it in any way.
I have another Matilda II Murray, and a Matilda II CS to finish painting and should post on these in a few days.
I am awaiting a set of decals to arrive to finalise all of the tanks.
Tomorrow some more Australian Infantry.
Nice looking model there, Dave (and I’m referring to your tank)! 🙂 I can see that the flamethrower and CS variants would be more use in the Pacific theatre than the 2pdr-armed tank!
Thanks John. A Matilda tank with 2pdr is more than adequate against the Japanese in a tank fight. It was also used a lot for bunker busting. On the table they still hold their own against unhistorical opponents because of their armour.
Great looking Tank Dave, and some interesting history as well.
Thanks Dave
Well painted tank indeed.
Thanks Mark.
A very nice model.
Cheers,
Pete.
A very effective tank on the table against the Japanese. Sadly I am likely to play against German SS or US Paratroopers!