Quote:
Originally Posted by Legbreaker
The Stuart was not highly regarded by Australians in the jungles, mainly because they were too highly geared and had to be kept in 1st most of the time. The Matildas on the other hand, although a much older design and completely outdated was generally loved. With a top speed not much more than a man could comfortably jog, they were ideal for the slow movement of jungle fighting. Heavily armoured (compared to other AFVs of it's period) it was able to withstand almost all the AT weapons the Japanese had at their disposal. It's only real drawback was it's armament of the 2 pounder peashooter of a cannon which was never issued explosive rounds.
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Don't forget the other major drawback of the Stuart...it used aviation gasoline for fuel (due to the shortage of a decent tank engine, Wright Cyclone radial engines were mounted in many US designs).
Stuarts were also very vulernable to having metal rods thrust into their road wheels, the design had open spokes with external bracing, ideal for immobilizing the vehicle with something as simple as a piece of rebar.