Air-Powered "Snow Plane"

Air-Powered "Snow Plane" MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 24-1-12 "It rides smooth and comfortable and is a lot of fun to drive," says Eugene Weimerskirch, Coulee City, Wash., who built an air-powered "snow plane" that's powered by a big 2-blade airplane propeller and rides on three 9-ft. long wooden skis - two in back and one in front. The body is made from square tubing covered with aircraft fabric, and the fully enclosed cab is fitted with large Lexan windows. Power is supplied by a 125 hp Lycoming aircraft gas engine. The 6-ft. long blade bolts to the engine crankshaft. "I designed it mostly for recreation. It's nice for cruising around the country," says Weimerskirch. "I'm surrounded by large windows so I have a great view of the countryside. Depending on snow conditions, I can go up to 70 mph on level land, although I never go that fast. It's ideal for use in large areas such as open fields and also has enough power to climb hills. The big, wide skis ride on top of the snow. It doesn't have a heater and defroster so I have to wear a warm coat to stay warm. It has two seats, and there's also room behind the seats for my grandchildren to ride. "I bought the blade custom from a propeller manufacturer. The blade is surrounded by a steel rod safety cage. The electric start engine has an advance throttle so when the engine is idling the propeller doesn't produce enough thrust to move. For steering, I used the steering gear off an old Chevy car. The back two skis are attached to the rear springs off an old Packard car while the springs on the front ski are off an old Hudson car. The springs are extra long to provide a lot of suspension and allow the skis to pivot with the terrain." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Eugene Weimerskirch, 11031 SR 17N, Coulee City, Wash. 99115 (ph 509 632-5525).

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