• A NEW LARGE-CAPACITY HORSEBOX.
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Many Interesting Features Incorporated in the Latest Curtis Product Built for Use on Forward-control Chassis.
QOE of the reasons why the forwardcontrol type of chassis has made considerable headway of recent years is because it enables greater loading space to be made available—an important point whether the transport of passengers or goods is involved. This feature Las proved of inestimable value in the ease of passenger vehicles, for it makes it possible to carry a larger number of people on a chassis of given length than is the case with the ordinary form of construction, but it also has distinct advantages in some spheres of goods transDort. It would undoubtedly appear to possess merits as the basis of vehicles which are used for the conveyance of horses or ponies, inasmuch as it enables
a larger number of animals to be coneyed than the normal horsebox can accommodate, and this without any suggestion of cramping.
These contentions are clearly borne out by the illustration appearing on this page, which shows it new type of horsebox designed and built by the Curtis Automobile Co., Ltd., of Park Royal, London, N.W.10, and mounted on a Bristol forward-drive chassis. This box has been specially designed for the conveyance of four horses or six ponies, and has recently been delivered to Mrs. J. Vinson Thomas, of Okehampton. It has a number of unusual points in its design, these having been embodied to meet the particular requirements of the user, although we understand that the company has now definitely standardized this type amongst its range of horseboxes.
The purpose of the vehicle is to provide for the transport of large hunters or small ponies, or for animals of both types, over long or short distances. The internal etructure of the body is such
that animals of both kinds can be carried at the same time. For instance, accommodation can be arranged for four hunters and two snail ponies ; six small ponies; two hunters and four small ponies ; or for two hunters, a small pony, and three polo ponies. It.is also equipped for the conveyance of a stallion in a separate stall, as well as for the convenient transport of brood mares
and foals. • The general arrangements of the horsebox, both as regards the use of its internal space and loading and unloading facilities, are, in several respects, unique. All bosses when in the box face towards the rear. There ie a ramn at the front of the box on the near side, which is mainly intended for loading purposes, and an off-loading ramp at the rear. The front ramp can also be used for unloading horses which are housed in the front portion of the box, or, alternatively, these and the animals accommodated in the rear half can also be offloaded by walking them straight off the rear ramp.
Each section of the box provides accommodation for three animals and is distinct, the compartments being divided by readily removable metal and wood partitions. In the centre of the box there is a compartment for a groom, whilst qiiarters for another groom are provided at the rear. Separate doors give easy access to each of these roomy sections.
When travelling, all the horses face their respective grooms, and there are folding screens which can be la down to shut off any Of the stalls from the grooms' sections. There is a manger before each horse. The grooms' compartments contain comfortable folding chairs and each is provided with an electric bell so that communication can be maintained with the driver.
The padded partitions of the horsebox are ingeniously arranged and make for the easy loading and unloading of animals in either section of the box. The body is built of Duralumin, and particular attention has been given to securing proper ventilation and draining, features which are of the utmost importance in the case of vehicles used for the conveyance of horses and other animals over long distances.
The driver's cab is entirely enclosed, and it has a communication flap in the partition at the rear. Four electric lights are provided inside the box, as well as an electric wander light. The
loading ramps are spring-controlled, and are provided with the special form of Curtis side wing. All the patented features which are familiar in connection with the design and construction of Curtis horseboxes are incorporated in this distincti-ie vehicle.
It is interesting to note ,that this horsebox was recently tested with a load of six medium-weight draught horses and eight men, constituting a total weight, including the body, of over seven tons. The vehicle behaved splendidly and was driven from the maker's works to Mrs. Vinson Thomas's at Okehampton without a hitch.
This Curtis horsebox certainly marks a definite advance in the design of vehicles which_ are built for the conveyance of a number of horses. It at once appears to be ideally suitable for polo players, as it provides a highly efficient and easy means of transport for a complete .string of six ponies, their grooms and saddlery to places at which pylo meetings and tournaments are being held.