I had a nice surprise last week. While looking over the inventory of military snowcats, comm shelters, etc of a highly respected snowcat dealer/restorer in MN (he told me to say that), I stumbled across this little gem. I had no idea Tucker produced snowcats ('Sno-Cats' in Tuckereese) for the USAF! ![Jumping :jumpin: :jumpin:](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/hop.gif)
Tuckers had several unique and innovative features seen in no other snowcats. One is their four pontoon roller-track system that gives them incredible flotation as well as the ability to use normal steering rather than the more common differential braking. The pontoons can even be replaced with ordinary tires for off-season convenience. Their incredible articulating suspension has led some to convert these into pretty impressive rock crawlers, but I consider that akin to drawing a mustache on the Mona Lisa, so don't do it.![Sad :sad: :sad:](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
Although nicely repainted by a previous owner, there is strata blue under all of that obnoxious yeller and throughout the interior of the rear cab. At least they left the dataplate to show her true heritage. He believes she spent some time in Antarctica, but in old documentary films I've only seen orange Tuckers there.
Now to start wearing him down. He says he's not sure about selling it because the grandkids love to ride in it, but he is a business man. I think I'll be optimistic start getting some strata blue mixed. Meanwhile, the search is on to find a picture of a '50s USAF Tucker in her original paint and markings.
Make: Tucker
Year: 1953
Model: 743
SN: 153289
Contract: AF 33 600 19594
USAF Reg: J-2550
Color: Strata Blue
Ok, now for the eyecandy...
![Jumping :jumpin: :jumpin:](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/hop.gif)
Tuckers had several unique and innovative features seen in no other snowcats. One is their four pontoon roller-track system that gives them incredible flotation as well as the ability to use normal steering rather than the more common differential braking. The pontoons can even be replaced with ordinary tires for off-season convenience. Their incredible articulating suspension has led some to convert these into pretty impressive rock crawlers, but I consider that akin to drawing a mustache on the Mona Lisa, so don't do it.
![Sad :sad: :sad:](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
Although nicely repainted by a previous owner, there is strata blue under all of that obnoxious yeller and throughout the interior of the rear cab. At least they left the dataplate to show her true heritage. He believes she spent some time in Antarctica, but in old documentary films I've only seen orange Tuckers there.
Now to start wearing him down. He says he's not sure about selling it because the grandkids love to ride in it, but he is a business man. I think I'll be optimistic start getting some strata blue mixed. Meanwhile, the search is on to find a picture of a '50s USAF Tucker in her original paint and markings.
Make: Tucker
Year: 1953
Model: 743
SN: 153289
Contract: AF 33 600 19594
USAF Reg: J-2550
Color: Strata Blue
Ok, now for the eyecandy...
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