TRACTOR TRAIN IN ANTARCTIC

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28415, 23 October 1957, Page 12

TRACTOR TRAIN IN ANTARCTIC

645-Mile Journey

The supply tractor train that left Little America early this month on a 645-mile run to Byrd Station was expected to arrive yesterday, according to a message received in Christchurch. The train will • have spent 21 days trailing over treacherous snow. The train carries equipment vital to the continuance of the I.G.Y. programme at Byrd Station and is equipped with crevasse detectors to guide the party through the heavily crevassed area. Engine trouble forced one of the tractors out of the train 380 miles from Little America and a mechanic will be flown out to repair it for the train to pick it up on the return trip. As the trail taken was the same as last year the men have reflagged it where necessary and will do the same on the return trip. The train is expected back at Little America about November 14 to be ready for unloading the heavy cargo when ships arrive in early December. All air operations stopped at Little America on Saturday when winds increased to 38 knots, with occasional gusts reaching 45 knots. Visibility sank to zero in blowing snow and temperatures remained at —l7dcg.