Alaska Track Association

[RangerBob]

Big things are in the works. A group of tracked rig owners, in confederation with the Alaska Moose Federation, has formed an association to promote tracked rigs throughout the state of Alaska. For now they are leasing a facility in Palmer, AK where the members can store and maintain their rigs with association support. There are plans to move to a larger and permanent facility in the near future.

Why do you care?

MILITARY SNOWCATS!!!! Yeah, that's right, there are (and will be more) military snowcats in the association. Currently most members own Aktiv Snow-Tracs and Snow-Masters, a Swedish design used by several European and Scandinavian militaries. Also, they are about to acquire 2 BV206s (SUSVs) and 1 USAF Thiokol Spryte. The BV206s will be making their way by ferry from Kodiak island early next week.

Here are a few pictures from the first meet attended by RangerBob and WARWAG, with lots of Snow-Tracs/Masters in various states.



As well as providing space, tools, and helping hands to maintain your rig, knowledgeable members often hold mini lectures on specifics. Here one of the members is describing the operation, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the Aktiv variator system, used for turning the tracks without braking/skid-steering.

 

[RangerBob]

A couple of Wikipedia pictures of Aktivs used by the Royal Marines (Limeys).

 

[sigo]

There was a nice Aktiv snow-trac on the west side of the Steese at Chena Hotsprings rd just outside of Fairbanks. It was usually sitting on a trailer or parked in the yard. I lived off of Chena Hotsprings Rd just east of the Steese so I drove by it everyday. I always wanted to see it in action.

Alyeska was gearing up for a large auction just before I left AK. They had dozens of tracked vehicles stacked up in their yard off of Van Horn. I never saw the prices they brought, but those were some awesome looking vehicles.

Closest I got to a tracked snow vehicle was my tracked ATV. I had a ton of fun with it when I lived up there, but I wanted to step up to a BV206 or something.

 

[RangerBob]

The BV206s did not make it last weekend due to a SNAFU at the ferry. However, one of our members did make a trip to the island and got both units running. They will be driving themselves onto the ferry next weekend! In another half week after that, I should have some pictures and videos to post. Meanwhile...

When I was in the USAF, I operated a 2-person Thiokol Imp. It was a lovely strata blue with insignia yellow. I have been looking for one ever since. Still haven't found one (that I can afford), but this civvy full-cab unit just fell into my lap. I have begun the repairs at the ATA. The body may get soda blasted while I'm in the field. Would it be wrong to dress it out as a USAF unit? I'd like to, but it would feel fake.




Got the cab off. After my next work trip, I'll yank the engine for a rebuild. Hope it's not too difficult finding parts. It's a Ford V-4 made in West Germany during the height of the Cold War.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taunus_V4_engine

 

[RangerBob]

The ferry SNAFU has been sorted. The BV206s arrive in Whittier early this evening. I'll be departing Anchorage at about 1600 to assist with the unloading at the ferry, loading onto trailers, and finally unloading at the ATA. Woohoo!

Meanwhile, more Imp pictures. Last night I stripped the rest of the cab off and have the engine within 4 bolts of being removed.







I have decided; no USAF colors for her. Just not right. I may go for a metallic blue with white stripes, ala Le Mans Cobra. Something like this...

 

[sigo]

Alaska track oddity

This isn't an MV, but I thought it it was intriguing and may be of interest to this crowd as just a nice piece of American ingenuity. It's a '63 or so Chevy pickup converted into a snow machine. It's certainly creative. I don't know if it works, I spotted it during the summer of 2010 at a roadside shop along the George Parks highway somewhere between Fairbanks and Anchorage. I don't recall where, maybe just south of Anderson?

 

[RangerBob]

Last week a few of the Aktiv Snow Tracks went through soda blasting. They're getting somewhat of a volume discount; $1500/day. They managed 3 units that day.

 

[RangerBob]

This isn't an MV, but I thought it it was intriguing and may be of interest to this crowd as just a nice piece of American ingenuity. It's a '63 or so Chevy pickup converted into a snow machine. It's certainly creative. I don't know if it works, I spotted it during the summer of 2010 at a roadside shop along the George Parks highway somewhere between Fairbanks and Anchorage. I don't recall where, maybe just south of Anderson?

It's still there, at that shop/campground just north of a bridge if I recall correctly.

 

[sigo]

That's the place. Is it just south of Anderson/Clear, or is my memory getting worse?

 

[RangerBob]

Just south of Clear. GoogleEarth street view...




...and yes, your memory is getting worse.

 

[RangerBob]

As a teaser, here are the SUSVs we've acquired. Wanna operate one? Contact us at the ATA and we'll get you in the cab!

Since we couldn't send the flatbed to Kodiak, we sent Walt (our 'Big Toe') to get both units in condition to drive them onto the ferry. Unit 1 was already serviceable. Unit 2 needed some rewiring, a fuel leak patched, some missing hoses replaced, and new batteries. Just a walk in the park for the Big Toe.



After 2 days at sea, they should be docking at Whittier in a few hours. I'll post recovery pictures (and maybe video) later tonight or in the morning.

 

[RangerBob]

After we were delayed greatly by an accident in the first tunnel, the BV206s have made successfully offloaded onto the mainland. One has been parked in Whittier near the apartment building, and the other is about to be unloaded at the ATA in Palmer. The Big Toe drove Unit 2 onto the slideback while I drove Unit 1 the 1/2 mile to the apartment building.


Startup to drive off the ferry.



Unit 1 parked for the night in Whittier.



Unit 2 loaded for the drive back to the ATA.

Before you say it, I know, I know.

 

[RangerBob]

A quick video of the load out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdpFwGADIpw

 

[RangerBob]

And the rest of the Alaska Track Association members get to try the new toys...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE4OrOaoPgQ

 

[notinfringed]

I work for the company that does the Alyeska Pipeline auction here in Fairbanks. Over the years we have sold lots of tracked vehicles. Usually we have at least a few Tuckers. A few years ago, we sold an extremely rare Kristi (KT-4 if memory serves). This year we have 2 Canadair Dynatrack xm571 (CL91) military vehicles. From what I have found online there were only 57 of these sold to the US Army. They are powered by a Corvair engine. Really cool machines.