Armoured Snowmobile manual

[Ed Storey]

I agree with Bob that the plywood crew compartment on the Italian machine appears to be a retrofit. The Italian vehicle appears to be missing some other details where as the Russian example looks to be more complete.

Here are a couple of photographs of Canadian machines on Exercise in Churchill in 1946.

Fig. 120 - Snowmobile Negotiating Bank of Creek.jpg Fig. 173 - Snowmobile in Floating Bog.jpg

[David Dunlop]

Thanks for posting these photos, Ed.

The left sponson box looks to be an armoured bin for the 19-Set. B-Set aerial base set in forward outer corner, with perhaps a strap iron brush guard aft of it for the A-Set aerial. That is quite an interesting mount and base combination for the A-Set aerial as well.

Take a look at the cover over the 'Engine Compartment', immediately forward of the screened section of top hull. It looks to be divided into two sections across the vehicle, at the mid point. It also does not look all that flat in either photo. Could this cover be canvas or wood, perhaps? Showing a little waviness with age? Could it fold open from either end? Would the small circular opening at the back be for checking radiator fluid/oil?

Also very intriguing, as I know very little about these machines. (A) What is the nature of the small cylindrical tank running along the upper left rear side of the screened section? (B) there is a very large vertical, curved structure at the right rear corner of the vehicle. Would this be an armoured fuel tank?

Damn!!! I WANT ONE!!!

Thanks again, Ed.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Ed Storey

I agree with Bob that the plywood crew compartment on the Italian machine appears to be a retrofit. The Italian vehicle appears to be missing some other details where as the Russian example looks to be more complete.

Here are a couple of photographs of Canadian machines on Exercise in Churchill in 1946.

Attachment 88697

Attachment 88698

In the lower picture you can see the aerial base for a Canadian No.29 wireless set. The 29 was in development right at the end of the war so it was on 'trials' too it appears.

[David Dunlop]

Given the apparent extensive use of plywood in the upper hulls of the Armoured Snowmobile, I am now rethinking the conversion process of them to early Penguins.

From the newly posted photos of the surviving Russian machine, it looks like a fair bit of the forward plate was either bolted, or riveted in place. There may not have been much cutting off of upper armour as I had originally assumed to reduce a complete AS to just it's lower hull assembly, ready for modification to a Penguin.

Be interesting to examine an early Penguin to see how the replacement upper hull was fitted. Might be easier than we suspected to restore one back to original AS configuration.

David

[Bob Phillips]

It does seem unfortunate that as unique a Canadian vehicle as the armored snowmobile can only be found in Italy or Russia. I believe the War Museum has 2 examples of the Penguin versions but there are no plans that I am aware of for restoration- here is an interesting Operation Muskox ? photo

snoinditch.jpg

[Jordan Baker]

Found a pile of colour Operation Muskox photos online.

[Jordan Baker]

And some more

[Jordan Baker]

And more still