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Chapter 2

THE HOPE : 1931

1931Ideas for progress

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Joseph-Armand’s three colleagues are playing pool. It is dark outside.

Where is Armand?

Still trying to make his machines glide over snow?

Joseph-Armand is working at his desk, and darkness has fallen. His wife, Yvonne, stands behind him impatiently with her hands on her hips.

Valcourt, 1931.
Despite his detractors, Joseph-Armand Bombardier continues to believe that one day he’ll be able to glide over snow with a vehicle.

Armand, have you seen the time?

I’m just quickly jotting down an idea before I forget.

Yvonne leans towards Joseph-Armand to talk to him, her elbows resting on the back of his chair. He turns his head to listen.

If you’d remembered to install the electricity at home, you could take your notes there.

Valmore—Joseph-Armand’s oldest colleague—and Isaïe are installing the tracks on the snowmobile’s wheels. Joseph-Armand Bombardier and his brother Léopold are watching them with a smirk, holding sheets of paper.

To make the track longer and more flexible, we’ll use a conveyor belt.

What about the weight? What will you do for that?

We’re going to ask people in Valcourt to make plywood body parts.

Léopold and Isaïe—the man with the fiery mane—are holding the track to install it.

It won't hold.

It won't work.

Crouched by the wheels, Joseph-Armand is holding a wooden cube, looking over his shoulders with an air of satisfaction.

I’ll use wooden blocks between the wheels to drive the track.

The two men on either side of Joseph-Armand are looking at what he is showing them. They seem interested.

To enhance the flexibility of the suspension, we’ll install small wheels on each side.

Joseph-Armand is looking out the window as the snow begins to fall heavily.

Perfect! We’ll be able to try it out right away.

The four men are pushing the machine out of the garage.

Close-up of Joseph-Armand as he uses the key to start the machine.

Joseph-Armand, very happy, fires up the snowmobile.

The three other men watch the machine drive off in the snow, happy, cheering with their hands in the hair. They appear to be shouting with glee.

The front of the snowmobile sinks into the snow.

Joseph-Armand is in the vehicle, now stationary. He pops his head out the window to call his three companions standing a bit further back.

Hey? Guys! Come here and help me. I’ve got an idea….

Léopold and Valmore are talking closely, looking slightly disappointed.

Another one of your ideas.

A pencil in one hand, Joseph-Armand appears thoughtful, sitting once again while resting his elbow at his desk. The night has come again.

Floatability on the ground? Better. Traction? It’s holding up.

But then? What’s wrong? The engine in front? Too heavy.

Joseph-Armand is absorbed in his thoughts, sitting at his desk with a pencil in one hand, his chin in the other, and his brows furrowed. He looks preoccupied.

The skis sink in and then the vehicle won’t glide anymore. How about mounting it in the rear? The snow accumulates in the tracks, which eventually break.