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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1994-95: VUWAE 39
6.1. NZAP Vehicles
6.1. NZAP Vehicles
The 3 skidoos allocated to this event were well prepared and adequate spares, tools and lubricants were supplied. We were impressed with the Scott Base staff who prepared our machines.
During their time in the field, the skidoos were never subjected to testing terrain. Being on the Ross Ice Shelf, the terrain was flat and mostly smooth. The roughest terrain had hard sastrugi ridges no more than half a metre in height Aware of the possible consequences of such terrain, we were conscious of the need to adjust travelling speeds to suit the terrain. We were sometimes able to average speeds of 20 km/hr, but on average managed about 15 km/hr. Occasionally progress was as slow as 10 km/hr.
| 4.2 km/litre | or | 2.38 litres/10km. |
During the time in the field, we used 9 60L drums of 2-stroke, a ½ drum of Mogas (generator), and one jerrycan of kerosene. This usage left 16 drums of 2-stroke, 1½ drums of Mogas and 2 jerrycans of kerosene. All drums and remaining fuel were flown out of the field.
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Mileage of each skidoo is detailed below.
| Skidoo | AL1 | AL4 | AL5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| odometer (start) | 5733 | 2840 | 6204 |
| odometer (end) | 6801 | 3264 | 7301 |
| Total distance | 1068 km | 424 km | 1097 km |
The smaller distance covered by AL4 was due to it being used only during camp moves.
| Date | Event | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| 21/12 | AL5 fuel pump/carburettor icing | Towed to camp and de-iced |
| 21/12 | AL4 steering failure | Towed to camp. Later added a make-shift steering system to avoid the need to tow. |
| 24/12 | AL4 breaks nose ski | Retrieved next day by mounting nose on sledge and towing. |
| 6/1 | AL5 steering failure | On approach to Herc at extraction time. |