Snowmobiles and Penguins

[Hanno Spoelstra]

While talking to our Scottish MLUppers at Beltring this year, Nigel mentioned he saw a tracked vehicle the other day in Scotland with the same track layout as the Armoured Snowmobile. Gordon mentioned he knows the type of vehicle as the Pontiac - or rather - Bombardier Muskeg.

I did a quick search on the internet and came up with the following details from a 1959 FAO publication (see below). Now, I wonder if the Muskeg was actually based on the Armoured Snowmobile design? This could mean that a replica Snomo could be built on a Muskeg chassis....


"Bombardier Muskeg Tractor - Model H. D. W.
Specifications: Overall length, 15 ft. 3 in. (4.6 m.): width, 7 ft. 3 in. (2.2 m.); height, 7 ft. 4 in. (2.2 m.); platform length 10 ft. (3 m.). Max. speed 16 mph (25.7 km/h); payload capacity (max.) 6,000 lb. (2,720 kg.); turning radius 15 ft. (4.6 m.). Chrysler engine 6 cylinders; brake horse power 115 at 3,400 rpm. Track type-rubber belts with steel cross links. Track width 28 in. (71 cm.). Control - hydraulic through cylinders. Winch 3 speeds fwd, 1 rev.; control - inside operator's cab powered through transfer ease. Cable drum 9 in. (23 cm.) diameter by 131/2 in. (34 cm.) long. Cable drum flange 151/2 in. (39 cm.).
Bombardier Snowmobile Limited, Valcourt, Quebec, Canada."