For antique tractor lovers: the ultimate snowmobiles

Louisiana consultant Roger Carter forwarded a link that shows a fascinating bit of video - a promotional film of the Armstead Snow Motor, a type of running gear promoted in the 1920s as a way to turn tractors or automobiles into something like a snowmobile. But instead of tracks, propulsion was generated by counter-rotating drums with auger-like bands, kind of like fat, hollow screws.

I recall the idea of this twin-screw system being kicked around by a military contractor in the 1980s as a propulsion system in swampy terrain.

The 16mm film, shot in 1924, shows the contraption fitted to both a Fordson tractor and a Chevy automobile.

Click here for the video.

- Owen Taylor