I have watched this video several times, and I am struck by the amount of complicated blacksmith work! I imagine those longitudinal side springs would be quite a work of art to make. I noticed the way the shackles are setup, there would be a constant pulling together of the rear and front, as the springs flex up and down. That looks to me like a possible stress problem on the wooden components of the frame? I also noticed the brake has the ratchet on the inside rather than the traditional outside. Many, many departures from the eastern coach builder's traditions. I live in the Sonora, CA area just south of Angel's Camp. I am not sure but I think as a boy, I remember seeing a coach very similar to that on display at the museum there. In fact that is what caught my attention to watch this video. We never really stopped to look at it so I cannot be certain but it certainly looks familiar.
wow that is great question when you have that there do you and complete drawing of the Wagons like the Stagecoach Wagon for a later date to create a wagon if not just wonder why would it be historical to have a complete working drawing of the Stagecoach Wagon
Victor Rene hickory, ash, poplar, cedar, and fir. Occasionally you might see white oak but it was used alot because it tends to get brittle as it ages in dry environments, where as you see it used extensively in boats. All frame and load bearing wood was usually ash or hickory. The gear was normally ash. Some floors were fir, particularly on the west coast, other were poplar, ash, or a type of medium hardwood that would not be brittle when cured. Frames for coaches were always ash or hickory, some paneling was cedar or fir but more often poplar in the east. Wagon sides were often poplar and some times for. In different areas you will see different materials used, so this is just a general guide line. I'm sure there are others who know a lot more than I do on this.
