Expédition Antarctique 1966, Belgium

Expédition Antarctique 1966 are a collection of snowmobiles that were used in 3rd Belgo-Dutch scientific expedition to Antarctica in 1966. It was hoped that these vehicles would be used in future expeditions. It is said the owner of the barn maintained them in the years following their return from the Antarctic, running the engines occasionally to prevent mechanical ceasing. When it became apparent that they would not return to service, they were left to gather dust in a cramped barn in Belgium

The snowmobiles are Tucker Sno-Cats, manufactured in Oregon (United States of America). They have four independently mounted sets of tracks, which sets them apart from other kinds of snowmobiles. They are painted bright orange, for high visibility against snowy terrain. In this barn there are 3 vehicles, which are Sno-Cat Type 743S models. This type of Sno-Cat is still used in Arctic and Antarctic exploration today, a testimony to their robust design and engineering.

During 1966 expedition, a team of 6 Belgian and 12 Dutch scientists were based at the King Baudouin base in Dronning Maud Land (East Antarctica). Their quest; geological, geophysical, glaciological and geographical mapping of the neighbouring mountain and coastal areas around the base. Other craft from this expedition are curated in museums in England, New Zealand and the United States of America.

The Expédition Antarctique 1966 logo emblazoning the sides of the Sno-Cats is said to be designed by TinTin comic book artist, Hergé, in 1957. Below the stylised inclined compass logo, cockades of the Belgium and Netherlands flags appear side-by-side. The fame and cult following of this talented artist presented an unguarded prize to hard to resist for certain unscrupulous people. Several of the logos have been removed with some sort of power tool, leaving a jagged hole where the chunk of metal was carelessly and hastily removed.