In December 1956, Fuchs returned on Danish Polar vessel "Magga Dan" with additional supplies, and the southern summer of 1956–1957 was spent consolidating Shackleton Base and establishing the smaller South Ice Base, about inland to the south. After spending the winter of 1957 at Shackleton Base, Fuchs finally set out on the transcontinental journey in November 1957, with a 12-man team travelling in six vehicles; three Sno-Cats, two Weasel tractors, and one specially adapted "Muskeg" tractor. En route, the team were also tasked with carrying out scientific research including seismic soundings and gravimetric readings.