Later version VAM ski

I asked a question in chat, and was told a photo would help with answers.

I have a later issue ski patrol, and I couldn't find any photos online showing it, and how to
attach the skis to the boots.

So here is a photo showing the boot and the ski. The ski has two tabs, and since I couldn't
find a photo showing how it holds onto the boot, I'm hoping someone can tell me how it works.

Thanks in advance!  Daryl

I have some skis somewhere but the associated boots have little pegs on the soles to fit into the skis.
Are these the original boots that actually came with the set?

As far as I know. But the boots don't have pegs.

Hey Daryl , I think you use small elastic bands hooked from one clip to the other , you then slide the boot under the band .

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/KJkAAOSwzVtf16h8/s-l400.jpg

 Don`t leave the elastic bands attached as they will likely react with the plastic skis .

Yes Chip, that would definitely work, but doesn't explain the holes in the skis.
I'm of the mind now that the skis were originally from another release and the same moulds were re-used again for this set.
Maybe there were some straps provided that fitted the pegs and held the boots, but they have been lost?

Hey Chip,

I was originally thinking of using the bands, but I don't know where to find any that are
white, or maybe black. The ones I have are tan, the usual color of the ones found here.

Thank you for replying!

Daryl

LeStryge wrote:

Maybe there were some straps provided that fitted the pegs and held the boots, but they have been lost?

That's what I was originally thinking LeStryge. But I didn't think straps like that (probably a soft plastic) would survive through the
years. So I was hoping to possibly find a new way to hold the boots on. I was wondering if elastic straps were what they originally
used. And by that, I mean elastic like was used as rifle slings and helmet straps. Here we call string type elastic bands, rubber bands.

You can buy bags of them here, but they are usually a tan color. White or black would look a lot better on this set.

I guess I will need to see if I can find some in those colors.

Daryl

Why not buy what's called "hat elastic"? It's round and comes in white and would tie easily with the knots underneath.
OR get some of the thinnest white flat elastic that's used for waistbands etc. It comes in some very thin widths (like 1/10 of an inch) and would simulate bindings?
Tie or sew it together underneath.
Just a couple of suggestions that you might consider.

Thanks for the suggestions LeStryge!

I will look into those.

The holes are likely remnants of the 1st issue Ski Patrol , as you can see in the link , it`s a much more elaborate boot clamp . I don`t believe the 1st issue set had the lugs on the side  I maybe wrong .

https://i.pinimg.com/474x/e5/b3/74/e5b374ea369230d599bf332a805505ba.jpg

Think this would be good Daryl ;

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184866862284?var=692647908298&hash=item2b0aec74cc:g:K1UAAOSw7thgt2WF

or white and black bands in here , though maybe a bit long ?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133776716049?hash=item1f25b6b111:g:fYMAAOSwvEVgtSEg

Thanks Chip!

Yes, all of the photos I could find show the original skis, and they don't appear to have the side tabs.

I appreciate your research on the rubber bands, but I'm guessing they would probably be too long.
Although they could be "doubled" to make them the right length.

Chip,

I missed the link for the elastic with the button holes. They look very promising!

Exactly what I had in mind. Although I only need a few inches, not 5 meters.

But at the price, I'm thinking I could use some more of it.

I have thin black elastic, I'm wondering if maybe I could make the button holes
with a sharp blade.

Thanks again!!

Daryl

No probs Daryl , the other thing I thought might work well is those White wired freezer bag ties .

Freezer bags here have self closure bags.

But that gives me a great idea!

I have some twist ties that held figures in the box.

Although they are clear, they should look okay.

Thanks!

Daryl

TNshooter wrote:

I have some twist ties that held figures in the box.
Although they are clear, they should look okay.

Never, ....repeat, NEVER throw those things away! No matter however many of them you accumulate!
You will constantly find new uses for them!

I hear you LeStryge!

I actually have a big bag of them. When screws fall out or break
on my glasses, they come in handy to fix them.

How does this look?

Don't be concerned with my feelings, if you don't like it just say so. I want honest
opinions.

Looks ok , but I feel something in white would look better .

I too think the little narrow white elastic (1/10 of an inch) would look more in keeping. It's very cheap to buy and readily available.
Anyway, FWIW here's my take on it.
First up apologies I didn't use my skis. I suspect they are stored away in the Christmas Box and I'm just not going there this time of year!
I substituted flat wooden plant markers but you'll get the idea.
Two versions, both using the same principle.
I actually had a white rubber band and they do need to be longer than you imagine. I also did the same thing with a sewn together piece of the narrow elastic that I've mentioned before.

Here's the upper view, the rubber band version is on the front foot.



And here's the view from the back.



And underneath showing the twist.



Start by looping either band over the toe, then pull back and twist behind the heel. Now take the band down and twist again under the instep of the boot and then finally up over the toe of the boot. By now the band will be tight.
Then simply insert the ski under the twist at the bottom of the boot.
I think either way looks neat and very simple to do.

As I said above, just a couple of suggestions but they might be of some assistance Daryl!

Thanks Chip and LeStryge.

I recently did an Amazon order, and was able to get some white rubber bands.
The item was listed as bands for braiding horse manes and tails, and that they
were 5 inches in length. But fully stretched they are maybe 2 inches.

Best I could do was to double it onto the ski and slide the boot underneath.
What do you think?

Looks fine Daryl!
Simple, effective and looks good too!
Glad you found a solution that works for you.

Thanks LeStryge!

I was hoping they would be longer, to do the twists like you posted.
I think they would look better that way.

However these were the only bands in white that I could find.

I appreciate your suggestions and input!

Daryl