A somewhat different gun cart ...

[RattlesnakeJack]

Probably close to two years ago, I posted on the NCOWS forum about a guncart I hoped to build which I thought might even be acceptable under their "period authenticity" requirements - a scale model of a Canadian Old West "icon" - namely, the Red River Cart.  It was my intention to try to duplicate the original building techniques as much as possible - all-wood construction (no metal at all) - pegging, doweling, rawhide lashing, etc.

Though a variety of things conspired to put the project on hold, I recnetly resurrected it and the cart is now essentially complete.  I used it this past weekend at our two-day invitational shoot, and it worked out quite well.  Needs a few "adjustments", but all-in-all I can report that the project seems to have been crowned with success.

Here are a couple of photos of my creation ...

[buck]

wow !!  that sure is a piece of art work! very nice work!

[Arcey]

That IS a different approach.  Well done, sir.

[Buffalo Creek Law Dog]

The Metis sash is a nice touch.  Does the cart creak and groan like the originals when you pull it?

[RattlesnakeJack]

Thank you for the kind words Gentlemen.

I should add that I did not make the wheels, but did modify them rather extensively ... including the rawhide lashing which was often used originally both to help bind the felloes toegether and to minimize splitting.

I'm attaching a photo taken when the wheels were first completed (well over a year ago, before the project whent on hold for a while ...  ) together with the laminated oak axle blank - before the ends were turned round.  (That sucker ain't gonna break!  )

BCLD:  Yes, indeed, it provides a scaled-down version (thankfully) of the "Red River Cart Symphony" when on the move!  For those not in the know - the wood-on-wood construction, coupled with the fact that axle grease of any kind was avoided (since dust and grit getting into it would produce a very effective abrasive paste) meant that these carts could be heard coming for miles!

That isn't actually a Metis sash you see in the pictures, but a HBC blanket rifle case.  However, I do have a suitable sash (also purchased from the Hudson's Bay Company, actually) which I neglected to add to the mix when I took these pictures - thanks for the reminder ... I'll have to dig it out!

I also want to add some weather protection capability for my guns and gear, by adding a "ragtop option" such as seen on most of the original carts in the second image ....

[Howdy Doody]

Fantastic


A fresh approach for a change. That looks great pard, nice job

[Qball]

Great idea!
Looks verry nice.

[Camille Eonich]

*lets out a long low whistle*


Nice...very nice!

[Piedra Kidd]

That is one fine lookig cart.