Christie Tanks

Stellan Bojerud (RIP) · #1 05-02-05, 11:15

If I understood it right the Soviet Union adapted the Christie-system but the US did not. Why?

Here Mr Walter Christie is giving a demonstration of his M/1931 tank. He was in 1932 aged 67.

I read that this type were made by U.S. Wheel Track Layer Corporation. Seven for US and two exported to the Soviet Union.

Stellan Bojerud (RIP) · #2 05-02-05, 11:16

Another photo of the Christie M/1931 tank.

#3 05-02-05, 20:51

Quote:

Originally posted by Stellan Bojerud
If I understood it right the Soviet Union adapted the Christie-system but the US did not. Why?

Broadly, J Walter Christie was so unreasonable and impossible to deal with that the US authorities gave up in despair.

R.

Steve Guthrie · #4 06-02-05, 01:56

Hi there

There was a long flamefest in AFV News many years ago, before the internet on Mr. Christie. I use the word flamefest because that's the best description of the statement, rebuttle, re-phrasing, insults and threats that flew. It all began in a review of a book about J. Walter. The reviewer mentioned the problems Mr. Christie had with army. Who writes in then but Christies son! This fellow apparently saw his lifes work as polishing his father's reputation and attacking all those who disagreed with his assertation that Christie Senior was the most brilliant designer of tanks ever born, made to suffer by the hordes of lesser men who tried to pull him down.

It went on for months.

Steve

Stellan Bojerud (RIP) · #5 06-02-05, 10:47

Thank You!

Did J stand for John? I was told that Christies system was used by USSR when designing the BT-tanks and also the T-34.

Here is a 1919 Christie tank.

One built by Front Drive Motor Company. Weight 13,5 tons.

Stellan Bojerud (RIP) · #6 06-02-05, 11:15

Rebuilt from 1919 tank in 1921 by Front Drive Motor Company.

Stellan Bojerud (RIP) · #7 06-02-05, 11:18

One built 1928 by U.S. Track Layer Corporation. Weight 8,6 tons.

Stellan Bojerud (RIP) · #8 06-02-05, 11:29

Christie M/1931 of which two were exported to USSR.

Stellan Bojerud (RIP) · #9 06-02-05, 11:32

Changing from tracks to wheels or vice verse required 30 minutes.

Stellan Bojerud (RIP) · #10 06-02-05, 11:38

Interior of Christie M/1931. Complement 2 men. Commander/Gunner and driver. 1-37 mm gun and 1-.30 MG.

Jacek · #11 03-06-05, 16:07

I have an idiotic question for the connoisseurs of tank hardware. It comes form my laziness, although I really tried to find something useful, really.

So: Was there anything more about the "Christie" concept than just the ability to drive fast and with/out tracks?

Another, a little a propos question: Under what designation did Christie sold his two tanks to USSR? Suvorov aka. Rezun says: as agricultural tractors, without turrets (and despite reservations of DoD). Is that correct?

Thanks in advance.

Ponysoldier · #12 07-06-05, 09:27

The major problem the army had with Christie was he
kept changing the design in midstream,driving the cost
up from the first proposal.
In the first picture you are seeing one of the tracks
bought and put into service by the army(3 were put into
actual service) this track was named tornado and was
assigned to Co.F 67 Infantry Division.
The reasoning behind the acceptance of the Christe
was its ability move much faster cross country,the crew
could tolerate the ride much better.
A secondary reason was the army's fleet of tanks
were bought from Great Britian and were well past
their prime,as well as being well behind the times
Pat