The Abbott Downing Company of Concord, New Hampshire built its first stagecoach in 1827. These coaches were used for passenger and mail service between St. Louis and San Francisco. Abbott produced coaches for both Wells Fargo Express and Butterfield Overland Stage companies.
Weighing over two tons, the coaches were solidly built. The bodies rested on leather throughbraces - not for the passengers' comfort, but to prevent injury to the horses. The wheels were made of seasoned white oak to withstand the heat and the cold. Leather "boots" front and back held mail sacks and luggage.
The interior was just over 4' wide and 4-1/2' high. Three benches provided seating for nine passengers. They traveled day and night, suffering from choking dust and stifling heat in the summer, intense cold in the winter and the ever-present threat of robbers and hostile Indians. After completing the 2,812-mile journey, one newspaper correspondent wrote, "Had I not just come out over the route, I would be perfectly willing to go back, but I now know what hell is like. I've just had 24 days of it."
An act of congress discontinued stagecoach mail service on June 30, 1861. The stagecoach era came to an end with the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869.
Laser cut wooden parts, cleanly cast metal components, photo-etched brass detail sheets, and easy-to-follow plans will be included with every kit.
Includes decals for Wells Fargo Express & Butterfield Overland stage companies.
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS:
Length 13-3/4"
Height 8-3/4"
Scale 1" = 12" (1:12)
Intermediate Skill Level
Link:
Download a copy of the Concord Stage Coach instruction manual.
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