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Matilda II CDL – RARE FIND

Bring an unusual British armoured vehicle to your World War II collection with the Matilda II Canal Defence Light. Based on the heavily protected Matilda II infantry tank, this specialised conversion exchanged conventional turret firepower for powerful battlefield illumination equipment intended to support operations in darkness.

Historical Role

The Canal Defence Light was developed to illuminate enemy positions during night attacks while potentially dazzling and disorienting opposing troops. Its intense carbon-arc lamp projected light through a narrow opening in the armoured turret. The Matilda II CDL was conceived as a support vehicle rather than a conventional gun tank, working alongside other armoured and infantry formations. Its specialised and unusual conversion is why this model carries the RARE FIND badge.

Distinctive Appearance

The vehicle combines the familiar low hull, prominent side armour and exposed suspension features of the Matilda II with a tall, box-like searchlight turret. The turret’s narrow vertical light aperture gives the CDL an unmistakable silhouette, clearly distinguishing it from the standard Matilda II and its conventional gun turret.

Variant Differences

Developed from the standard Matilda II infantry tank, the CDL retained the base vehicle’s hull and running gear but replaced its normal gun turret with a purpose-built armoured searchlight turret. This removed the standard turret-mounted main armament and created the conversion’s most visible feature: the elevated enclosure and narrow light slit. The change enabled the tank to provide controlled illumination and dazzling light during planned night operations.

Modelling Uses

An excellent choice for secret-project scenes, night-operation dioramas and British armoured displays. Smaller scales suit model railways and compact wargaming displays, while larger versions provide a striking centrepiece for painters and collectors seeking a less familiar Matilda variant.

Fun Fact

The name “Canal Defence Light” was deliberately uninformative, helping conceal the true military purpose of the powerful armoured searchlight system during development.

Available Scales

1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35.

Finish Options

Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, and Historical Base Colour.

Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.

Matilda II CDL

$9.95Price
Quantity
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