The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-09-11
DEVIL WAGON FOR THE ARMY,
WITH A BLACKSMITH SHOP AND
AN ENGINE ABOARD.
Also Tools and Material for Carpenter.
Saddler and Telegraph Lineman-WM
Repair . Gun on the Battlefield or
Shoe q Horse or Patch q Birdie.

Shoe q Horse or Patch q Birdie.
An autocar equipped with outfits for
horseshoer, saddler, carpenter and black
smith, for use in the army, will leave this
city for the War Department at Washington
in few days. After inspection by Depart
ment officials it will be sent to Fort Leaven-
worth. Kan, for test in actual service.
The autocar is the only one Of it's kind
ever constructed. If it comes up to the
expectations of its designers any necessary
repairs TO the equipment or arms Of the
artillery. cavalry and infantry branches
Of the service may be made in camp or even
while the forces are on the march.
The car is not a model of beauty and is
not calculated to break any time records.
1t is simply a large box on wheels with
numerous doors that open and reveal all
sorts Of tools and appliances from the black
smiths anvil to artillery wheels. The cur.
stripped of Its equipment, weighs $500
pounds and the equipment sent on for the
test weighs 1000 pounds.
The uies to which this travelling shop
may be put are almost without number.
II field piece in the artillery should be
rendered unserviceabIe it would not have
to be abandoned on the field. The soldier
chauffeur would throw ON the high speed
gear and reach the crippled piece.
If the breech proved to be the source Of
trouble, a new breech block would be Sc
cured from one of the many compartments
in the autooar. In the case OF broken
wheel. new wheel would be put on in a
few minutes. If the breech block failed
To bx, frrp aI Int ho
operated by an auxiliary engine. If the
accident occurred at night the same engine
would operate dynamo and furnish an
electric light.
If a cavalry horse lost SHOE the anvil
would be brought out, and with it portable
forge. Coal would be secured from an
other compartment, fire started and the
horseshoer would go to work. The horse
shoes are carried along aud would only
have to be fitted.
II cavalryman should break a stirrup
strap, bride or any other part OF the har-
ness, the broken parts would be replaced
with duplicates carried in the autocar,
his trade would send tho Inlucky cavalry
man on his way rejoicing. eAny small re-
pairs to the arms Of the infantry could also
be made on the spot.
The signal branch Of the service is also
provided for. and even telegraph instru-
ments and wire are carried.
The autocar has been equipped with
winch, power being transmitted by means
Of worm and worm wheel from the crank
shaft. II the car is ever stuck in the mud,
the chauffeur will lasso tree and then wind
the free end Of the rope around the winch:
The engine will then be started. and if all
goes we'll and the tree holds, the cumber-
some repair wagon will come up out of
the miro.
The gasolene tank contains supply
sufficient to propcl the machine 300 miles
The engine Is Of the kind known as four
speed and is calculated to drive the machine
at any rate up to ten miles an hour.
The work on this car has been under the
supervision Of Lieut.. OHearn. who will
accompany the vehicle on its trip to Wash
ington.