The running gear for the freight wagon pictured below came to us needing some help. Two wheels were in need of repair and a new reach, pole & brake system had to be built. This is a heavy gear, having 2″ steel axels and Archibald wheels. Once those tasks had been completed, we decieded to build a California Rack style box for it. This type of box was used extensively for freighting in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California. To build it, we used plans from the Ivan Collins Collection. We modified it because we intended to use it as a frieght outfit on our State Draft Horse Association’s wagon trains. The changes made were the addition of solid side boards, sliding belly boxes, a storage box with lid under the seat and a box on the front, patterened after the World War I Army Escort Wagons.
Below: the finished product, ready to go to work.
On the job in the moutains north of Ellensburg, WA
High Bridge Shires Blog 