January 23, 2008

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English Ferry Wades Through Ocean Waves (Aug, 1935)

Filed under: Nautical — @ 2:02 am
Source: Science And Mechanics ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Aug, 1935
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English Ferry Wades Through Ocean Waves
NOT a boat, but a caterpillar-tractor car, is this public utility, located at an English seaside resort. As shown, it holds its passengers above the waves, while picking its way over the bottom. A 24-horsepower engine operates it.

8 Comments »

1. terrifying!

   Comment by sweavo — January 23, 2008 @ 2:13 am

2. Looks a little top heavy.

   Comment by Max — January 23, 2008 @ 3:08 am

3. There’s a modern version with no caterpillar tracks still doing the same trip – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burgh_Island

   Comment by lazyllama — January 23, 2008 @ 4:49 am

4. The recent version is very useful and fun, getting you to the pub and back when the tide’s in. One of the few vehicles allowed on the sand bar stretch apart from the hotel’s 4×4s.

   Comment by Tom — January 23, 2008 @ 7:32 am

5. I’ve been to Burgh Island – great place – the current “tractor ferry” is a 1960s replacement I think: sadly it was away for maintenance during my visit.

   Comment by Dave — January 23, 2008 @ 11:39 am

6. The sea tractor is still an attraction. Go to this link for more inf:
   http://www.burghisland.com/seatractor.html

   Comment by Steve — January 24, 2008 @ 1:29 am

7. That’s nothing! Check out the Brighton Daddy Long Legs:

   http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1757256

   In a nutshell, it used to run on undersea rails between the piers of two towns in Sussex. It carried 150 passengers and kept them dry.

   Comment by Ken — January 24, 2008 @ 12:31 pm

8. Was it a pitrol or deesel?

   Comment by The Clashing Blade — December 31, 2008 @ 5:38 pm

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