Once again I have Don at the trucktastic Adclassix website, the world's best retro depository for old and new truck, van, pickup and 4x4 and also car ads - and don't take my word for it, just go and see for yourself using this handy quick as a flash Biglorryblog webblink www.adclassix.com/truckindex.htm. Meanwhile, I've been trying without success to find some more pictures of this strange beast. What you see here is the original 1955 ad for the Letourneau Arctic Freight Train in black & white. showing one belogning to Alaska Freight Lines Inc. In action. Capable of carrying 175 tons in temperatures reaching minus 50°F. So can anyone provide me with more pictures/information on it--and especially pictures!?. Usual e-mail address biglorryblog@googlemail.com and click through here for one more...
...And my thanks again to Don and the adclassix crew - check out that site, you won't be disappointed...!
Hi Brian. This outfit is now in private hands and sits in a yard just North of Fairbanks, Alaska, on the West side of the highway almost opposite the Trans-Alaska Pipeline information bureau. The trailers are now used as the base for a 'deck' outside the owners house while the prime mover is abandoned in his yard. Getting information or photos, however, is a risky business. Signs at the entrance to the property warn "We shoot first and ask questions after!" And there are several VERY large dogs loose on the property. Interesting piece of kit although apparently it only made three trips. More on YouTube.
BLB,
Although not the same model featured, you might like to look at:
http://www.artificialowl.net/2008/05/letourneau-lcc-1-sno-train-fort.html
Artifical Owl is a cracking site. Coincidentally, thanks to them, we've just run a piece over on Tachoblog about the Namibian Diamond Mine Vehicle Graveyard:
http://www.tachoblog.com/namibian-diamond-vehicle-graveyard/
Regards,
Tachoblog.
Some youtube videos about that BIG truck!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URbE0iY3GhQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hvjhBB7JmA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85AMKsw8Png
"Abrazos" from the north of Spain
I can vaguely remember something about a similar one built for the US military with a six wheel power car and more trailers. All the wheels of the power car and trailers were driven electrically.
Le Tourneau also built the M2 transporter/lifter truck for the Corporal missile system used by the British army in the 1950s, these were 4x4 with Diesel Electric transmission and rear wheel steer.
There's a good LeTourneau book which has a bit of info on the snow freighter. Google Books has it:
http://books.google.com/books?id=YdrcVjRaZW8C&dq=letourneau+earthmovers&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=IX0dkUwLdR&sig=fUdrRuvbLW2hTIA9vYhSUaXebsI&hl=en&ei=ePcES6esAZCB4Qbi5ajOCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBYQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=snow%20freighter&f=false