Product Description
Model Trailways’ kit contains everything you need to build an authentically detailed scale model. Basswood parts are laser cut for a perfect fit. True-to-life accessories include brass rod, rings, eyebolts and photo-etch detailing. Spoked wooden wheels with machined aluminum hubs and rubberized rims are as realistic as you can get. Canvas cover, miniature rope and blackened metal chain, miniature nuts and bolts add the final touches to a beautiful model and valuable keepsake.
Six sheets of plans and illustrated assembly book guide you through construction.
Length 10”, Height 9”, Scale 1:12
Intermediate Skill Level.
Tools, Paint and Glue is not included.
History:
The chuck wagon is an iconic symbol of the American old West and familiar to folks around the world. Countless western films feature a chuck wagon. The first purpose built chuck wagon is usually accredited to Charles Goodnight, a famous Texas rancher. To quote “Wheels West” by Richard Dunlop….”He bought the gear of an army wagon. It had iron axles instead of wood. He hired a Parker County woodworker to rebuild the wagon box of seasoned bois d’ arc and placed a chuck box at the rear end. Six oxen pulled the first chuck wagon.”
The chuck wagon was used both on the trails, when droving cattle to the railheads for the Eastern market, and on the ranch during the round up. The “Cookie” drove the wagon, and had a status second only to the trail boss. As well as being a mobile kitchen the chuck wagon carried the bedrolls and belongings of the cowpunchers, branding irons and shoeing equipment, and sometimes a newborn calf.
On the trail the chuck wagon went on ahead of the herd, and would be laden high with bedrolls, coils of rope, feed for the horses and fuel for the fire. Buckets, pots and water drums would be hung all around the rear, and a water barrel might be lashed to the side. Often a cowhide would be stretched across between the wheels under the wagon box and this “possum belly” was used to stow wood and or cow chips, picked up on the trail for fuel.
)
