A MOTOR BOX FOR HORSES OR HOUNDS.
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Particulars of an Interesting Combination Vehicle on a Dennis 21-ton Chassis.
THERE have been many curious changes in means for transport in various countries. Here, at one time, the horse reigned supreme, whilst on the Continent the poorer classes made much use of the dog, and still use it to a limited extent. In Britain, however, we have reached the curious stage of development when not only has the motor vehicle to a great extent ousted the horse, but it is actually being employed to relieve horses and dogs from travel fatigue, which is a reversal of matters with a vengeance. , A Useful Combination.
Hitherto separate vehicles have been employed for this work. In other words, a horsebox and houndbox, but by a further development a combination vehicle containing many interesting points has been evolved, and the particular example which we illustrate is one supplied to His Grace the Duke of Beaufort by Dennis Bros., Ltd. This vehicle is being used in association with the Badminton Hunt, the order having been .placed by Messrs, R. G. Cole, of Octon Turville, Gloucester.
To meet His Grace's particular requirements, the vehicle has been made capable of carrying two horses or a pack of hounds, together with two or three attendants. The chassis employed is a 2i-ton Dennis, With a wheelbase of 15 ft., which length perinits the employment of a spacious body, whilst pneumatic tyres, 36-in. by 6-in, singles at the front and twins at the rear, ensure comfortable riding for the occupants.
The special van body employed has two compartments, each 6 ft. Si ins. wide and 7 ft.. 2 ins. high: Au entrance at the back, for which-a folded step is provided, gives aecess to the rear compartment, which is designed for the attendants, and has an upholstered seat for two persons arranged.longitudinally at each side. Below these seats are cages with doors at the back. They are covered with wire netting along the upper half of the inner walls so that ventilation and light are afforded. Each cage measures 3 ft. long, 2 ft. high and 1 ft. 6 ins, wide, and the interesting point about them is that they are arranged for the conveyance of quarrelsome dogs that could not be trusted to travel with the remainder of the pack.
A fixed bulkhead having three openings separates the rear compartment from that at the front. The two upper openings allow the grooms to attend to the horses, which stand side by side facing towards the rear of the vehicle. The third opening is situated near the floor and can be closed by a hinged door. This is used when one or two hounds return late, as it avoids lowering the ramp to permit them to enter.
Ample Space Available.
The length of the rear compartment is only 3 ft. 7 ins., so that it has been possible to allow 9 ft. to the main compartment. A section of the near side, 6 ft. 6 ins, high and 5 ft. 6 ins, long, is hinged at its base and can be lowered by means of a winch on the off side; this winch is connected to the ramp by a cable running over the roof
and carried on suitable pullies. The upper part of the ramp is made double so that it gives a greater length when the ramp is lowered. This results in obtaining a gradient with a maximum incline of 1 in 2, and with fabriccovered treads a sure foothold can be obtained by the animals.
Trellis Work Ramp Guards.
Two block's relieve moat of the weight stresses from the winches on the upper part of the ramp. After the ramp has been lowered, two pieces of strong trellis work, which are normally folded and carried in the rear compartment, are erected and fit into slots at each side of the ramp, forming a protection in ease a frisky horse should be tempted to move off the ramp. At their upper ends the trellis barricades meet the halves of padded folding doors, which are, of course, shut before the ramp is brought back into its closed position.
A longitudinal partition separates the two horses. This is both hinged and detachable. The hinges are at the forward end of the body, whilst the free end of the partition carries a vertical post, the upper part of which is hinged, as shown in one of our views.
Before the entry of the off-side horse the partition is swung outwards, and when the horse is in position this partition is swung inwards, the lower end of the post folding into a socket in the floor, whilst the hinged part is lifted up into a tapered groove in the roof, where it is secured by a bolt. The rear face of this portion of the post is also recessed to locate the forward end of a small partition hinged on the transverse bulkhead. This partition prevents the horses from biting each other. Unbolting the top of the post and pull lug it forwards and downwards first liberates the small partition and then late the base of the post from the floor socket, a small block on the partition forming a fulcrum to enable this to be effected automatically.
When hounds only are to be carried, the large partition is lifted bodily off its hinges and replaced on carriers at the off-side of the body, so that it can lie along this without occupying much space. It is secured in this position by means of a strap. Sufficient floor space is provided to enable 40 hounds to be accommodated.
Ample ventilation is ensured for these dogs by louvres around the body ; there are also four air extractors in the roof and a front ventilator controlled from the cab. To prevent the entry of exhaust fumes, the exhaust pipe is extended to the rear of the vehicle and then parried up to a point above the level Of the roof.
Particular attention has been paid to the fitting up of the cab, which is totally enclosed, has a drop window at each side and a quarter-fold windscreen. Both the seat cushions and squabs are fully sprung and comfortably upholstered.
The equipment includes a 12-volt dynamo lighting set with several interior lamps. An odometer is fitted in the near-side front hub.