RADIO COMMUNICATION (11):

We carried two 557 radios which proved very efficient and good reception and scheds were had most of the time. Apart from a few black-out periods we received Scott Base on the Main at Strength 5. The Commander proved inadequate and was sent out on the re-supply. The problem of the 557 still seems to stem around the weight of the unit.

TRANSPORTATION:

The toboggans once again proved their versatility and apart from a period in the "Edlin Néve" where we had to abandon any further travel due to a Fresh fall of snow on a surface already soft they handled conditions very well. I feel that the working unit of 5 miles a gal. could well be changed to 9 miles, a far more realistic number. Minor repairs were made on the trips, mainly annoying things, i.e. Throttle linkages which proved most inadequate and ended up by being wired in place

Repairs Made:

• 1 Ski replaced.
• 1 Clutch replaced
• 2 drive belts
• 1 Track runner temporarily repaired
• 2 Carburettors replaced
• 1 Fuel pump
• 2 Throttle cables
• 12 Throttle linkages replaced
• 1 pivot bush replaced.

The perspec windscreens again proved inadequate and I feel a heavier material would be much better.

One toboggan had to be replaced on re-supply due to sheering of a drive gear which could not be repaired in the field. I feel it is essential that someone with mechanical knowledge should accompany these parties.

Sledges:

On the main, the manhaulers proved extremely good and apart from one runner breaking we had very little trouble with them. The main problem seems to be that no spares are available at Scott Base for repairing them, especially runners.