Re: [MV] Weasel track maker?

Gordon.W.I. McMillan (gwim2@student.open.ac.uk)
Wed, 17 Feb 1999 09:53:44 +0000

Last 'new' ones were made by Viking rubber in Norway, I believe in the
60's They certainly made the bands, but probably reused original
metalwork (maybe not) Someone in Norway has the moulds for the bands,
possibly even Viking, but the price quoted for them to run off smallish
quantities was astronomical.

I've seen some of these 'new' tracks that came from the factory wrapped /
banded round a 30" wooden drum. the pair I saw had been left outside on
the drums, and had cracked the conductor bands in three places at each
'end' and the 'centre' as packed. These would fit any Weasel, look
perfect, and drive for about 1/2 mile before they fell apart.

There was some discussion on the Weasel restorer forum about making new
bands, but if you've ever seen a band broken through you will know how
complex the construction is. Eventually someone will make the bands, but
till then just buy any usable tracks you find to keep as spares, and if I
found a pile of broken tracks I'd have them too, 'cause when someone does
re-make the bands the price of track plates is going to go through the
roof.

For the minute I'll keep my Tucker Sno-Cat, with its' all-steel tracks -
welding is no problem.

P.S. avoid crossing railway lines and similar at 90% and you shouldn't
have to walk home. DO take track fitting and tensioning gear with you
every time you go out, and if you break or throw a track away from home
take the other track off as well and just tow it carefully.

Gordon (got through four Weasels before I found the Sno-Cat)

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