The "Antarctic Snow Cruiser"

Mike Amos · 17 Dec 2021, 17:47

Nice, what we all need for the stupor market or school run.

HornOxx · 18 Dec 2021, 20:47

@mike amos said:

Nice, what we all need for the stupor market or school run.

which is right

hellnbak · 8 Feb 2022, 23:55

@mike amos said:

Brilliant, it just needs the aircraft to go with it.

Mike, if I only could have fond this particular or at least any similar plane model somewhwere, I would have added it [/quote]

Hey Mike, HornOxx,

Don't know how I missed this. Nice work on the Cruiser. I did make an attempt at modeling the plane (and the cruiser) back in 2015.

I was having fun modeling the engine (a Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Jr)

when I discovered much too late that even though this was the engine referenced in one of the sites as being used in this plane, it was not the correct engine.
I can't remember now what the correct engine was, but but I do remember that when I researched it I discovered that for some reason reference photos for it were few and far between.

Fortunately I discovered my mistake just as I was starting work on the supercharger

so I just attached a maintenance plate to the rear that was shown in a number of the videos I had downloaded that showed this engine being rebuilt.

So anyhow I stopped working on the plane and just stuck the Wasp Jr in it and called it quits.

The plane had a very interesting history, but sadly it's demise occurred in 1963 when it crashed into a tree while crop dusting in Australia

Incredibly, even though only the bent and rusty frame was all that was left, they are currently in the end stages of 'restoring' it.

Just my opinion, but to me this is like finding a rusty, beat up '57 Chevy hubcap and deciding to 'restore' the car. But I do admire their dedication and determination.

More can be found on the Facebook page dedicated to this project https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticBeechStaggerwing/?ref=page_internal

Bryan K · 9 Feb 2022, 00:38

Excellent model. Great subject. A vehicle way ahead of its time.

ntxdave · 9 Feb 2022, 00:50

The model of the engine is fantastic. Well done

hellnbak · 9 Feb 2022, 01:45

@ntxdave said:

The model of the engine is fantastic. Well done

Thanks Dave, much appreciated.

Too bad it was the wrong engine

Since then I have been much more careful, checking more than just one source of information.

HornOxx · 9 Feb 2022, 04:35

@hellnbak said:

...Don't know how I missed this. Nice work on the Cruiser...
Thanks & Great Hellnbak Both: your so cool model and the fact that we both liked this topic and decided it was worth dedicating some SU-modeling to it!
Despite search, these facts about this plane I did not know so far!
(Did I understood correctly - next to the motor you also modelled the plane shown above as well?!?)

tuna1957 · 9 Feb 2022, 05:48

HornOxx , somehow I missed this. Very cool Antarctic Hot Rod !

helinbak, that’s one super plane model !

Mike Amos · 9 Feb 2022, 11:43

Marvelous models and rendering, great work guys, you rock,

hellnbak · 26 Jun 2022, 02:15

@hornoxx said:

@hellnbak said:

...Don't know how I missed this. Nice work on the Cruiser...
Thanks & Great Hellnbak Both: your so cool model and the fact that we both liked this topic and decided it was worth dedicating some SU-modeling to it!
Despite search, these facts about this plane I did not know so far!
(Did I understood correctly - next to the motor you also modelled the plane shown above as well?!?)

Sorry, been super busy. Yes, I did model both the plane and the engine. Such as they are.

L i am · 26 Jun 2022, 05:56

Great work guys! And Horn0xx, I assume that vehicle is designed to fit in the Thunderbird 2 pod

marked001 · 27 Jun 2022, 14:40

Amazing modelling.. especially that engine. Great work.

railwaxking · 7 Aug 2022, 19:29

Hello HornOx,

super modell!!

You can find a free papermodel 0f the Byrd’s Snow Cruiser on this Homepage:
https://www.paperdiorama.com/paper-models/byrds-snow-cruiser-paper-model-1-100-scale/

Greatings from Baviar
Martin

Bryan K · 7 Aug 2022, 21:11

@railwaxking said:

Hello HornOx,

super modell!!

You can find a free papermodel 0f the Byrd’s Snow Cruiser on this Homepage:
https://www.paperdiorama.com/paper-models/byrds-snow-cruiser-paper-model-1-100-scale/

Greatings from Baviar
Martin

Oh that's cool!

Bryan K · 7 Aug 2022, 21:15

Man, I had forgotten just how stunning this model is!

hellnbak · 7 Aug 2022, 22:39

Many years ago I downloaded TSgt Theodore Petras's personal journal. About 450 pages, and typewritten so it's easy to read. Here's his entry for Aug 29, 1940, where he takes up the Beech (that's what he calls the Staggerwing). It's unbelievable how the extreme cold caused so many problems with this flight.

HornOxx · 22 Aug 2022, 17:19

again - thanks a lot All for your interesting and sympathetic comments on this coincidentally so well fitting model-mix of my Cruiser and Hellnbak's cool plane and even cooler plane engine...