After their first Antarctic expeditions, Captain Robert
Falcon Scott and Commander Jean-Baptiste Charcot had realised the advantages
the new methods of traction on snow could offer.
They decided to test the new
automotive sleds, complete with mechanical transmission and air-cooled engines,
built by Dion-Bouton, at the Lautaret pass (2,058m) On 13 March 1908
Jean-Baptiste Charcot, his wife, Captain Scott, Lieutenant Michael Barne,
Engineer Officer Reginald Skelton, a Dion-Bouton Engineer Edmond Coursier, and
Lieutenant Labesse, along with a dozen Chasseurs Alpin, all gathered at the
Lautaret pass.
The trials were held in temperatures of -12°C, but the
prototypes were too heavy (200 - 750 kg unloaded) and their performance was
disappointing. Transported to the Antarctic the results obtained were mediocre
at best. Once again the polar explorers ended up being accompanied by their
trusted companions of traditional dog sleds.
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