Snowmotor

[cessna170bdriver]

Since we can't seem to get along talking about airplanes, I propose we switch to tractors. I'll start.

I wonder what folks back east would pay for one of these today? (NOTE: It'll be easier to get back here if you shift-click the link.)
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/ ... cseen.html

[W.J.Langholz]

Wonder why It never took off.....looks cool. Could have put a prop on both pulleys and made a boat

W.

[3958v]

Thats really cool. If the drums had enough flotation it should work as a boat too. We could sure use something like that around here today as we got almost 2ft of snow today. Thanks for posting. Bill K

[GAHorn]

Wonder why It never took off.....looks cool. Could have put a prop on both pulleys and made a boat

W.

I saw that video at an old military website a year or so ago, and the narrative pointed out that while it appeared effective on smooth snow, mud, and shallow water even, that it was undependable on mixed surfaces such as snow with rocks or logs, and swamp with logs or other obstacles. The screw-drives simply could not deal with such obstacles.

[Blue4]

I've heard of the old timers using such things to get across the tundra (even in the summertime). Apparently they left quite a bit of damage in the marshy areas. All of this is complete hearsay, though.

A neat video, thanks for the diversion. Who's going to pony up to get this STC through the feds?

[170C]

Miles, cool video! Where did you find it? I had never seen it before that I remember. I am surprised it didn't catch on in the snow bound areas. That must have been made back in the late 1920's or early 1930's. I believe I would have opted for the heated cab!! How about that cool hat!

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Frank I was thinking the same thing about the hat. Did yo notice the white shirt and hat during the demonstration in the grassy fields.

Reminded me of Igor Sikorsky flying his VS300 helicopter.


From Sikorskyarchives,com