1950's Airsled (Homemade)

This was discovered in Cleveland, OH. The seller said that he purchased it from a local auction. No other information is known. If you have any information, please email karenjarema@centurylink.net

1950's Air Sled: This sled was handmade in Ely, Minnesota in the early 1950's. Similar to rigs built by Trail-A-Sled, this particular model is a one-off production. According to legend, this unit was used to haul the mail and groceries over the frozen lakes of the north country. The engine was made by Continental Motors, and is similar to the engines used on the Stearman biplane, which was used to train pilots during WWII. This engine was designed to power tanks such as the amphibious LT-4 Water Buffalo, which was used in the Pacific theatre of operations. Air-cooled, rated at 250 hp and swinging a 7 ft. diameter Maxwell Banks pusher prop made of birch, this powerhouse will propel the sled at over 100mph.
You know what those speed merchants say: "There is no replacement for displacement."

On Sept 20, 2019, The Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum was awarded a grant of $12,500 for Operational Support from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA – ART WORKS). The grant was awarded through the MCACA peer review process and was one of 561 applications to compete for MCACA fiscal year 2019 funding. The grant requires a 1:1 match and helped the museum leverage the $12,500 of support from its annual income and the many donations from supporters. In particular the museum has received grants from the Graymont Community Economic Development Fund and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. It has also received significant donations from the Antique Snowmobile Club of America, The Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows, Inc., many snowmobile clubs, several recreational and snowmobile shows, the museum’s internal $1,000.00 Challenge, and many museum members. The grant funds will be applied to museum operating costs. Applicable costs include internal operations, marketing, travel to shows within the State of Michigan and cost of employees. The MCACA peer review process allows for each grant applicant to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences. A complete list of grant awards around the state is available by contacting MCACA at (517) 241-4011, or by visiting the MCACA website at www.michigan.gov/arts

Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum
P.O. Box 2
W11660 US-2
Naubinway, MI 49762
Hours: 906 477-6298
Appointment: 906 477 6192

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