Greetings from Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop
It looks like winter might finally be over, the last foot of snow we received has finally melted away. Along with the nice weather we are getting many new projects to keep the shop as busy as ever. A few projects include: -pair of Grasshopper cannons -Deadwood freight wagon -restored hitch wagon -restored chuck wagon The warehouse is stocked full of wagons and a number of buggies so check out our online store; most are still 10% off!
Featured Customer
In the photo above: Brett Barker driving his Spotted Draft Mares on his custom-built stake bed wagon. Brett was looking for a unique vehicle design similar to a hitch wagon but that was truly authentic. Together Doug and Brett came up with this design in 2005. Brett has a Western entertainment, chuck wagon cookout and wagon ride business in Scottsdale, Arizona called Brett's Desert Adventures. Events include everything from corporate functions to private parties, parades, weddings and funerals.
"When Doug and I sat down to design this wagon, I wanted something that captured the essence of a real working wagon and that would highlight Doug's excellent craftsmanship. I didn't want just another shiny hitch wagon. We also had the challenge of living in the desert where everything is dusty and a shiny finish would be a maintenance nightmare. This wagon shows off all the construction techniques and draws attention to how iron and wood work together for strength and beauty. The brake system is fantastic and because the hills around my place are steep, we can drive six horses and keep everything tight. Most people who see this wagon thin k that it is over 100 years old. We have paraded along with some other very famous hitches and actually won the parade. That says a lot about this wagon." -Brett Barker
Contact Brett at: 480-515-3746 brett@desertadventures.net
Santa Ynez, CA Symposium
The Santa Ynez Symposium was held April 2-5, 2009. This event included presentations and demonstrations by leading conservators, historians, curators, carriage builders and restoration experts. Doug Hansen was a speaker at this event and gave a presentation on "Western Vehicle Design". Regional teamsters brought a variety of vehicles and passenger wagons, including mud wagons, concord coaches, and mountain wagons, to entertain the public and provide 30 minute stagecoach rides to those who wished to take part in this opportunity to experience a bit of history. Doug Hansen & Ken Wheeling gave oral interpretation of the history of the vehicles, the horses, and their operation, in the staging industry. Five Stagecoach and Freight Wagon officers attended the symposium. To learn more visit their website. http://stagecoachfreightwagon.org/
Hitch Wagon For Sale
This is one of the nicest used hitch wagons we have found in a long time. The style and craftsmanship is great. I do not have a exact date but I am guessing it is 10 years old. This wagon will make a great pair through six hitch. Ready to hitch and drive.
Features
-Rubber Tires
-Hydraulic Brakes
-Advertiser sign panel (easily relettered or removed)
-Roller Bearing Axles
-4 Up Hitch
-Solid Brass Trim
Dimensions
Ground to Seat - 90" H
All Over Length - 150" L
All Over Width - 77" W
Front Wheel Height & Width - 40" H x 2 1/2" W
Back Wheel Height & Width - 52" H x 2 1/2" W
Box- 133" L x 50" W
Box Side Depth - 17" H
Call Doug for more info 605-996-8754
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Vehicle of the Month
Original Mud Wagon Abbot-Downing Co. #9727
This original stage built by the famed Abbot-Downing Co. of Concord N.H. is well marked and documented. The restoration was completed last year by Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop. Two blacksmith marks were discovered - CH Abbot on the folding steps and JA Gervais on the hammer strap. The wheel hubs are marked R. Rownan. These were all early craftsmen of the Abbot- Downing Co. This historic coach #9727 is an excellent piece from the Abbot-Downing coaching days. A unique vehicle and magnificent example of the Abbot-Downing passenger wagon design. A worthy collector's piece depicting the early Stagecoach era. Call Doug for more info : 605-996-8754
In the Shop
We now have a section where you can see the various projects craftsmen are constructing in the shop. To take a look into our shop, visit our web blog.
Hitch Wagon Info.
Hitch wagons, sometimes called express wagons or show wagons, were widely used for light trucking. Companies took great pride in the hitch wagons bearing their business name and in the magnificent team of horses that pulled them. Show wagons were pulled in parades and exhibitions to advertise companies and their products. Today, an astounding number of companies, breeders and draft-horse owners continue this tradition.
Hitch wagons are one of the most carefully designed and practical, yet beautiful wagons ever built. The spring system, fifth-wheel assembly and 'cut-under' front wheels facilitate tight turns and give this wagon a flexibility ideally suited to the driving conditions of the horse-drawn era.
Bishop Mule Days
May 19th-24th 
An annual event showcasing the mule in fourteen mule shows consisting of: Western, youth, English, cattle working, gaited, coon jumping, racing, musical tires, gymkhana, packing, shoeing, chariot racing, team roping and driving. Besides competitions, there will also be country music shows, barbeques and the largest non- motorized parade in America. For more info visit www.muledays.org
New Products
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