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."

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Gordon

The challenge for 2003 then is to come up with a genuine surviving.........

OK, too late for the 2003 Challenge, but here are 2 Muskeg Tractors, a 50's version with a Chrysler Flathead 6, and a Diesel engined version from the 70's. For those who don't know this part of Australia, Agnes Waters is probably the LAST place you would need a Snowmobile, and it looks like these have been used on the beach.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/agne...egs/1277087028

[Kirk Armitage]

Nice looking machines, they can show up anywhere in the world ! Bombardier went to large wheel axles in 1960, the dust caps are about 3" in the round on a large axle wheels. The side rail design changed ( strengthened) as they improved in the late 60's. The serial tag if missing off the dash or back wall behind the driver is also stamped on the right front bumper.
Bombardier fever is a lot like Green fever, it's addictive. The pic is of one of my Muskegs, a 1972 with a 318 dodge motor .
K Armitage

[maple_leaf_eh]

I grew up in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, and did my first and second parachute jumps at the little dropzone in Valcourt, home of Bombardier. Most of the municipal works departments had small enclosed cab sidewalk plows for snow removal. The arched roof and side rail designs were common sights. I sincerely doubt any were wartime vintage, but it shows that Bombardier kept a few good design elements for many years.