A NEW HORSEBOX ON A SPECIAL CHASSIS.
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Built for the Transport of Two Horses, the Latest Curtis De Luxe Model Embodies Many Improvements.
TT has long been recognized that the provision of facilities in transport, as well as in other direc
tions, often results in a rapid exten sion of their use, and in no sphere of transport is this more apparent
than in the case of the motor horsebox. At first looked at somewhat askance by horse breeders and owners, it is now a recogsized means for transit, proving safer, more expeditious and less unnerving to highspirited animals than travel by rail.
Few concerns have clone more towards contributing to this state of affairs than the Curtis Automobile Co., Ltd., Curtis Buildings, Park Royal, London, N.W.10, which has ' collaborated with its associated concern, the Dartford Engineering and Carriage Co., Ltd., in the production of many interesting ' and practical types of box, mounted upon various makes of chassis. • There is a steady business in these vehicles and a number of boxes of various types and sizes can always be seen at the company's works, whilst deliveries can, in many cases, be made from stock.
We have just inspected one of the company's latest products, ade luxe two-horse box mounted on the very latest Super 30-cwt. MorrisCommercial chassis, which hs been specially adapted solely for the Curtis Co. to meet the special requirements of this horsebox, by Morris. Commercial Cars, Ltd., of Birmingham, which company has gone to considerable expense and trouble and has shown much . foresight in making the adaptations.
The horsebox to which we particularly refer is shOwn in our
illustrations. It is interesting to note at this point that this box has been Wilt to the order of .Admiral of the Fleet, Earl Beatty, .P.C., G.C.B., who is hunting this season from Market Harboro', and from
what we have seen we believe that his choice was made with the fullest consideration and with very definite ideas as to the care which should be taken when transporting horses by road.
The details of the vehicle we inspected are unique and show that a great deal of thought has been put into the production of a vehicle in which nothing shall be left to chance. The animals travel in the greatest comfort, . safety . being assisted by the employment of breast straps placed in the correct position, whilst the accommodation for the driver and grooms can be considered as almost luxurious,.
Amongst the many outstanding features of the box is the allweatber cab, in which the windows can be lowered and the two portions of the windscreen can be adjusted to any opening, whilst comfort is promoted by the employment of spring cushions and squabs. The driver has Control of the internal electric lighting, so that, if necessary, he can inspect the horses through a flap in the back of the cab, even when travelling at night.
The loading and unloading of the animals are effected by means of a special patented balance control ramp, which is designed to ease the gradient and which can be handled with the mini-mum of effort. With this renal an incline of approximately 1 in 41 is obtained and, after lowering it, two safety gates, embodying another patented device, assist insafeguarding the horses while they are on the ramp. To do this, the gates, after opening, are tilted slightly from the top so that there is no gap between the bottom of each gate and the ramp, and, consequently, no chance of a horse putting its leg through at. this point.
The interior padding is carefully arranged and finished off in waterproof canvas of a pleasing colour, and it is particularly interesting to note that the whole of the interior of the roof is covered, and not just those portions above the horses' heads when they are in their stalls. This is for the reason that it is during loading and unloading operations that a horse is most likely to throw up and hit its head. This is one of the requirements which only experience can determine.
Ample ventilation is provided at the sides, a constant supply of fresh air being obtainable without draught and without the possibility of rain entering, the louvres being arranged
horizontally and with the openings downwards. In addition, there are two front ventilators operated from the grooms' quarters.
The mangers are of good design and hygienic in every way.
We noted that• drop flaps are provided entirely to shut off the stalls from the grooms' compartment, access to -which is by means of a wide centre door at the rear. The compartment contains two spring-cushion seats of comfortable design, large windows at each side which can be opened, an electriclight switch, a bell control to the driver and two saddle racks. The simplicity and ease with which all the internal fittings can be utilized are most marked, and, at the same time, almost all the fittings are detachable, leaving the interior free for general-utility purposes.
For its strength, the body is amazingly light and it is this feature which enables it to be mounted on a Morris chassis of comparatively small load capacity. This lightness is in great part due to the fact that the entire framing is constructed of duralumin, whereby a saving in weight of approximately 10 cwt. is obtained, whilst the strength and durability are far in excess of those of a body built of wood. There is also the vitally important , consideration that in case of fire the metal-built body. is materially less susceptible to damage than is a body constructed mainly of wood. With valuable aninials this, is a factor not to be lightly regarded.. • .
The general appearance and colour scheme are most attractive, and it is obvious that this Curtis box has been designed by practical and experienced horsemen and constructed by 'skilled bodybuilders.