The Lombard Steam Log Hauler

The Lombard Steam Log Hauler | Train Fanatics Videos

The Lombard Steam Hauler – The world’s first snowmobile!

Alvin Orlando Lombard, a blacksmith in Waterville, Maine, invented and built the first tracked steam log hauler in 1901.

The Lombard became the first successful commercial application of track propulsion which was later adopted for military use as well as agricultural tractors.

Alvin Lombard eventually built 83 of these 10 to 30 ton saddle-tank locomotives with a platform in the front for steering. They were meant to haul sleds piled with logs with a top speed 4-5 miles per hour in snow conditions.

Each train could haul 40,000 to 100,000 board-feet of logs with the record at 24 sleds totaling 1,650 feet!

Clark’s Trading Post in Lincoln, NH., was the setting for this demonstration.

Let us know if you have ever seen this classic in action. We would love to hear about your experience!

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