Powerstrokes in Antartica!

BIG JOE

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f100cleveland said:
So let me see if I have the facts straight. No snow to fog up the windows, and dry desert like conditions, but cold even in the summer. I was wondering why do you need tracks on the trucks then? Wouldn't big floater type tires ride better and work in that environment? Just a thought.

Here's the Deal.

From August thru Nov/Dec, We landed all logistics flights (wheeled Aircraft) on an "Ice Runway". Ice 12 to 16 feet thick. A temporary runway but it's sea ice, covered with wind driven snow. The Crash/Fire crews need the best all'round traction they could get.. on snow/ice.

In Nov/Dec, the Ice Runway begins to "Rot". The whole operation is then moved to a Snow runway on the Ross Sea Ice shelf (Willie Field). Ski equiped C-130s then are the only aircraft to do all re-supply. The Crash/Fire crew needs all the Snow traction they can get.

WAY Oversized, LGP tires are a standard down there, but can be limited in open terrain. Tracked equipment (Dozers) are best... But to heavy. So.... thats why you see the MAX TraX and so on.

The short of it.

JOE

We had a D-6 Cat that would/could do 35 MPH....:eek: :eek: (3 spd Allison Pri trans, with a 5 speed Man behind it. WHOLE NUTHER STORY;) )
 
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Crumm

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BIG JOE said:
A temporary runway but it's sea ice, covered with wind driven snow. The Crash/Fire crews need the best all'round traction they could get.. on snow/ice.
Now wait a minute here... I though someone said there was no snow :dunno Now we are back to needing A/C....
 

ktpauley

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When I was there we had Cat equipment that used pony engines to crank the diesel engines over. I don't remember ever having to use the defrosters on anything. The dashboards were usually loaded with coffee cups and other junk. Hell 18* above 0* was t-shirt weather. When the temperature would get to 45* we would sit outsidr in shorts, getting a tan, and drink beer. Keith
 

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