[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally posted by Richard Farrant
Alex,

It was in 1936 that Lord Nuffield became aware of Walter Christie's designs. Lt-Gen Martel had been to Russia in that year and was impressed with their fast tanks, on discussing this with Lord Nuffield on his return, an engineer was sent to the US and he bought an example of one of Christie's tanks on the behalf of Morris Commercial. Due to the American Neutrality Act, it had to be sent over less turret and described as a "tractor". Christie himself followed over to England in 1937. The Nuffield engineers designed a Cruiser tank, the Crusader, developing the suspension from Christies design, but much improved upon. An offshoot of the Morris empire was started near the end of 1937, namely Nuffield Mechanizations Ltd., they were to undertake the tank design and build. The engine was a development of the old Liberty engine.

Richard

Thanks Richard..
I see the Christie influence in the Crusader road wheels and track...