mmarsh said:
I disagree, their manoeverabilty was poor as was their relibility. I would image the poll takes all things into account. Relability, Speed, Menueverability, Armor and Firepower. I agree with Doppleganger I dont the the Sherman should be on the list, I would have put the Renault R-1 in that list somewhere. I surprised they didnt included any WWI tanks. I also disagree with the inclusion of the T-72, I think the T-64 was better. I knew a Russian tank commander who said he far preferred the T-64 when he was with the Red Army. Also the British Challenger 2 and the M-24 Chafee, probably the best light tank ever built.
Once again, I feel compelled to insert my 2 cents worth in the hopes that there is someone, somewhere who actually agrees with me. First of all, I do not believe for one minute that the Sherman should be on the list. Yes, they were simple, yes they were so easy to produce that the Allies covered the battlefield with them like ants, and yes, they were reliable. But I don't think that numbers make a good tank. The Germans called the Sherman the Tommy Cooker, and the Russians refused to use them. You can say a lot about the Russians, but the lads do know their tanks.
The T-64 was basically the preliminary version of the T-72, and did not last long. There is a little niggling memory that is trying to get out of my head about the mobility of the T-64. Apparently the T-72 replaced the T-64 (very quickly, I might add) because of problems with mobility and protection. If my memory is correct, and I think it is, the T-64 does not deserve to be on the top thirty list.
The Centurion was a revolutionary tank design and as such, it deserves to be on the list. Challenger II is good, in fact great in many regards, but remember that it is actually the third in a line of tanks, the first two of which were, well, mediocre. As such, the jury is still (rightfully) out on whether or not it should be on the list.
I would have put the original British WW 1 tank on the list, as it immediately altered battlefield tactics for all time to come. In addition, it was copied by the Germans and was a major factor in all battles in which it fought. If the British had waited until they had more before putting them into action, they may well have shortened the war.
Dean.
