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1958 Tucker Sno Kitten Model 222 (Locke’s Ski Tow)

Track Addict

Track Addict

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
Locke’s Ski Tow located in Amesbury Massachusetts purchased this 1958 Tucker Sno Kitten new for 1957-1958 ski season to improve snow grooming.

This is #70 of the Tucker’s sold by Sno Cat Corp. of NH. Each was numbered in paint. The dealer added the Locke’s Ski Tow name above the door and the roof beacon the before delivery. Note the colored cat paw print around the dealer name.

A set of mud pontoons and tracks were also purchased. They were never put on the machine and eventually they were sold to a local power company.


I am very fortunate to be the second owner of this kitten thanks to a good friend, awesome lead, time, and great people along the way. Thank you to my wife as well for tolerance!

The wishes of the owner was that this machine be preserved and it’s history shared. That history and preservation will be outlined here.

Here it is first day back in the sunlight after a 14 year hibernation inside.

This is going to be a great story!


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This kitten replaced a 50’s model 442 pictured here. It towed a magic carpet, powder maker, and other implements that I am sure photos of them will surface.

Years later a newer Bombardier then Thiokol took over as primary groomers but the Kitten was still the favorite.

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Eventually the name changed to Amesbury Ski Tow. The 80’s brought a snow drought and warm temps impacting the ski area.

In 1984 the ski area was sold and the Kitten moved to the owners home in Kingston NH were he still ran it to make fire wood and cruise the property.

This brochure from the town of Amesbury was found in the back of the machine and dated 1984. Very cool time capsule piece from it’s retirement.
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Here are some links to great reading of he history already chronicled about the ski area. Please share any pics or info you may find.



www.newburyportnews.com

Amesbury ski history program slated April 28

AMESBURY — Davis Marcus, an avid wooden ski collector who owned and operated Atlantic Forest Ski Area (formerly Locke’s and Amesbury Ski Tow) from 1986-92, will talk about the city’s
www.newburyportnews.com www.newburyportnews.com

www.newburyportnews.com

Column: From Locke's Hill to Mount Cranmore: skiing in the 1940s

When the first snowstorm of the winter hit, we kids were ready. We’d get the old sled out of the cellar and drag it to March’s Hill. The hill would
www.newburyportnews.com www.newburyportnews.com
 
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So good to see it go to a good home. The history is fantastic to preserve. Something to think about for hauling. Many of the 4X4's don't really need inner fenders due to the height of the bed above tires which is required of 2X4's. A little cutting, and welding provides the clearance for the Kitten tracks. Lower COG and less pucker factor to load/unload. No trailer required which was the original idea of the 222. Then the tracks got wider and so much for the concept.
 
absolutely amazing find, you are so lucky to become the caretaker of this wonderful kitten, fabulous preservation piece and all it's history !!!
 
Plan is to keep this original patina and make it a reliable runner to enjoy.

The rear rack was used to carry a ladder for ski tow service. That is the only piece that will be removed and stored.

Motor hasn’t run in years so going to let it marinate in mystery oil. Was told it was converted to 12V. They remember amber headlamps being in it the whole time. One rear tow hook is missing.
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Congrats. I notice the Solex carb. Pretty simple to rebuild if it is anything like a 28 Pict used on old VWs. Beautiful machine.
 
Track Addict said:
Locke’s Ski Tow located in Amesbury Massachusetts purchased this 1958 Tucker Sno Kitten new for 1957-1958 ski season to improve snow grooming.

This is #70 of the Tucker’s sold by Sno Cat Corp. of NH. Each was numbered in paint. The dealer added the Locke’s Ski Tow name above the door and the roof beacon the before delivery. Note the colored cat paw print around the dealer name.

A set of mud pontoons and tracks were also purchased. They were never put on the machine and eventually they were sold to a local power company.


I am very fortunate to be the second owner of this kitten thanks to a good friend, awesome lead, time, and great people along the way. Thank you to my wife as well for tolerance!

The wishes of the owner was that this machine be preserved and it’s history shared. That history and preservation will be outlined here.

Here it is first day back in the sunlight after a 14 year hibernation inside.

This is going to be a great story!


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Maybe you already know. FYI the electrical unit with cables going to the battery and starter, has a push button between the cable lugs for engaging the starter. Very handy if you ever need to turn the engine over with out crawling in the cab. So I have been told. I have no good ideas pertaining as to how to get in and out of said cab. Clueless. Oh ya, insure transmission is in NEUTRAL, but you probably know about that too.
.The serious find are the beer steins. However, they appear to be made of lead. Use with caution.
 
The driver’s side pontoon may have had a prototype step bolted to it for a period of time.

Although it was probably quite functional for cab entry, form and function necessitated removal when “threading the needle” around obstacles.
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More stuff you probably already know, but just in case. On mine the valves tend to bump the spark plugs closing the gap. I found that using three copper spark plug washers on each plug raises the plugs just enough so this does not happen any longer.
 
That parts list is very cool. Any idea what Kaisalloy was? Also, has anyone seen, either in person or photos, a pontoon that had the custom cut out for changing out a roller without removing tracks? Awesome find and glad it finally crossed the finish line!
 
Kaiser Aluminum was and is a major supplier of aluminum alloy sheeting. Probably thinking a much thicker 6061-T6 like the skin on my Trackmaster/Thiokol 1950s 4VLs. PP has told me the stuff Tucker normally used was not always the best.
 
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