Author Topic: Solved: Wendax 1558 - Studebaker M29 Weasel for Expeditions Polaires Francaises (Read 831 times)

Wendax · « **on:** April 08, 2015, 02:50:41 AM »

Rough terrain.

For one point, please respond and identify these vehicles and who used them when for what.

Wendax · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2015, 03:00:59 AM »

richard cuyler · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2015, 07:24:14 PM »

Are these M29 Water Weasels (Amphibious Tracked Vehicles) by Studebaker?

Wendax · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2015, 02:34:16 AM »

Yes, well spotted. That was the easy part of the question. Locked for you to have a try at the rest.

richard cuyler · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:28:30 AM »

Supply vehicles for European troops in the frontline when terrain proved impossible to traverse with normal vehicles. Also used in the snow to transport Commandos of the First Special Service Forces (Devil's Brigade) of Canada.

Wendax · « **Reply #5 on:** April 16, 2015, 04:04:30 PM »

That may be right in general, but for these two pictured ones wrong on all accounts.

richard cuyler · « **Reply #6 on:** April 22, 2015, 08:29:22 PM »

Were the Weasels (as pictured) in the Pacific islands?

Wendax · « **Reply #7 on:** April 23, 2015, 03:51:33 PM »

richard cuyler · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2015, 08:36:36 AM »

I'm all Weaseled-out. Is the answer to this on the 'net, because I can't find it anywhere there?

Wendax · « **Reply #9 on:** April 25, 2015, 08:55:42 AM »

The answer can be found on the net, perhaps not this very picture anymore.

Wendax · « **Reply #10 on:** May 02, 2015, 01:48:45 AM »

Unlocked and open for all experts again

Wendax · « **Reply #11 on:** May 09, 2015, 01:43:57 AM »

up again

4popoid · « **Reply #12 on:** May 09, 2015, 01:59:34 AM »

Some Weasels were used by the Signal Corps. These Weasels appear to be fitted with radio direction finders, so I'm guessing that they were for use by the Signal Corps for locating enemy radio transmitters.

Wendax · « **Reply #13 on:** May 09, 2015, 02:23:18 AM »

Bill Murray · « **Reply #14 on:** May 09, 2015, 02:35:43 AM »

I realize that this is a bit far fetched, but the photo seems to also perhaps show vehicles operated without drivers. In other words, operated by "radio control".

The only other photo/story I have been able to find shows a fleet of Weasels operated by personnel stationed at the Los Alamos Atomic Warfare Base who conducted research on the effects of various atomic bomb experiments. Perhaps that is what these vehicles are being used for.

Bill

nicanary · « **Reply #15 on:** May 09, 2015, 05:30:29 AM »

These Weasels do not appear to carry military markings, and are individually numbered. Is the radio equipment on board some form of remote-control? I wonder if they are taking part in some kind of experiment to produce an unmanned M29.

Wendax · « **Reply #16 on:** May 09, 2015, 05:40:49 AM »

No remote control, but you are right that these were not used militarily.

nicanary · « **Reply #17 on:** May 09, 2015, 05:47:04 AM »

Maybe they were a fleet used to ferry tourists round rough terrain and between islands somewhere? The radio was used to stay in touch with base.

Wendax · « **Reply #18 on:** May 09, 2015, 05:58:17 AM »

Some interesting thoughts in there. No tourists (in the usual meaning) involved though.

oko94 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 09, 2015, 06:24:53 AM »

Used for exploration ?

Bill Murray · « **Reply #20 on:** May 09, 2015, 06:40:28 AM »

Well, the terrain in the puzzle photo doesn't seem to match the theme, but the French Polar Expedition used Weasels also.

Bill

nicanary · « **Reply #21 on:** May 09, 2015, 06:57:20 AM »

Might've been a bit cold with canvas screens!

Bill Murray · « **Reply #22 on:** May 09, 2015, 07:08:10 AM »

The closest I have ever come was a tourist trip to the top of Sweden within the Polar Circle in summertime, but here is a photo of the Antarctic in summertime which shows open terrain and plant growth. Supposed to last about 2 months.

This is still probably not the answer, but I am running out of ideas

Bill

Wendax · « **Reply #23 on:** May 09, 2015, 07:32:03 AM »

Quote from: Bill Murray on May 09, 2015, 06:40:28 AM

Well, the terrain in the puzzle photo doesn't seem to match the theme, but the French Polar Expedition used Weasels also.

Bill

Yes, spot on! Locked for you to answer the remaining questions.

Bill Murray · « **Reply #24 on:** May 09, 2015, 07:52:52 AM »

Well, I am not sure exactly what the questions remaining are but here is what I have.

Some 50-60 Weasels were procured by Paul Emile Victor when he formed the EPF in 1947.

Some were used in the Arctic (Greenland) in 1948 and some in the Antarctic (Adelie Coast) in 1950.

I cannot find which Expedition your photo comes from. Lots of photos, but not yours.

Apparently, many vehicles remained in their respective area for years, the last returning to France in 1994 if my translation is correct.

If you need more, please be specific as I am translating from French websites and I am not always accurate.

Bill

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Author Topic: Solved: Wendax 1558 - Studebaker M29 Weasel for Expeditions Polaires Francaises (Read 831 times)