8.
Mountain or Express Wagon
8. Mountain or Express Wagon, 1850 onward. Could carry small heavy loads such as gold or silver bars. Note the tailgate, large brakes and multiple springs. Armed guards sometimes filled the wagon behind the driver. Owned and driven by Joseph Wood, a teamster from the nearby town of Oregon House. Pulled by 2 to 6 horses, depending on the load or route. |
This photo of the mountain wagon, taken in 2005, best shows the tailgate
feature on several of the wagons. |
Good view of front leaf spring and turn bearing,
and large longitudinal side spring. |
Good view of brake lever and ratchet, and seat
side handles. |
The metal rails, set at an angle on each side, were
for tying loads in place. The tie rod from the driver's brake lever rotates a shaft that has arms to each of the brake shoes. |
As in the brake levers of the larger
wagons, the driver's is a class 2 lever |
An express wagon in service, probably carrying a
gold shipment. |