Editing Matilda II (section)

==Production history==
{{main|British armoured fighting vehicle production during World War II}}
The first Matilda was produced in 1937, but only two were in service when war broke out in September 1939. Following the initial order from [[Vulcan Foundry]], a second order was placed shortly after with [[Ruston & Hornsby]].{{sfnp|Fletcher|1994|page=8}} Some 2,987 tanks were produced by the Vulcan Foundry, [[John Fowler & Co.]] of [[Leeds]], Ruston & Hornsby, and later by the [[London, Midland and Scottish Railway]] at [[Horwich Works]]; [[Harland and Wolff]], and the [[North British Locomotive Company]] Glasgow. The last were delivered in August 1943.

Peak production was 1,330 in 1942, the most common model being the Mark IV.{{sfnp|Boyd|2008}}

The Matilda was difficult to manufacture. For example, the pointed nose was a single casting that, upon initial release from the mould, was thicker than required in some areas. To avoid a needless addition to the tank's weight, the thick areas were ground away. This process required highly skilled workers and additional time. The complex suspension and multi-piece hull side coverings also added time to manufacturing.{{sfnp|Fletcher|1994|page=7}}