result was the"Model A Ice Resurfacer #1," Frank's first successful prototype. Using an array of discarded and surplus parts, Zamboni built the machine that would become his life's work. Starting with two old Dodge front ends, he added a Jeep engine and transmission purchased from war surplus. He then tacked on a tractor seat, the chassis from an oil derrick, a hydraulic cylinder procured from the landing gear of a Douglas A-26 bomber, razor-sharp blades to shave the ice, a paddle and chain system,a giant wooden box to catch the ice shavings, and a towel for spreading new water onto the ice. When it appeared in 1949, the Model A was an enormous, top-heavy, bizarrely complicated contraption. But it worked. The first Zamboni machine turned ice resurfacing intoa ten-minute, one-person task. Most importantly, it created a perfect sheet of ice.

"You still have the same four basic processes: shave the ice, collect the shavings, wash the ice surface, and lay down clean water to make a new sheet of ice"

The Zamboni machine worked so well that Frank made a second one andsold it to nearby Pasadena Winter Garden. Soon thereafter he sold his improved "Model B" to famed film actress and Norwegian Olympic figure skaterSonja Henie for her "Hollywood on Ice Review" tour. The Ice Capades bought a Model B as well, taking it on the 1952 22-city North America tour. That same year, the Zamboni made its NHL debut during a Bruins game at the Boston Garden, forever solidifying the link between hockey and the