Federal Supply Wagon

[MartinsMess]

Just wanted any thoughts on bringing a restored supply wagon that would remain static in larger events. It's painted in the Prussian Blue, with the Venetian red Wheels, etc. It has the canvis top and is accurate for 1861 onwards. I guess I wanted your thoughts on if this would add to event, or become farby?

Andrew Martin

[crabby]

Re: Federal Supply Wagon

Andrew,

Many of the bigger (and not so Bigger) events are having more and more wagons in attendance. Many with a team, and actually used. As a static display are you going to have it used for commissary or quartermaster use?
Will it be empty or have stores in it?

There is a lot involved in transport (I know, as I do a Quartermaster/Commissary impression - horses, wagons - the whole enchilada).

It can add much to an event as long as it is used right.

In what kind of shape is the wagon? You said it is original? It has been restored? How well, is it usable with a team?

Thanks,

Crabby

[DixieLand1859]

Re: Federal Supply Wagon

In my opinion it all depends on the event, use, and placement of the wagon. For example if it were brought to an authentic event or placed in an "authentic" area of an event then I believe that it would add to the event, but if it were rolled out to something less than authentic and parked alongside the hotdog stand then I think that it would become "farby" and detract from the event. Also if the wagon were incorporated into so sort of quality living history scenario such as issuing goods, rations, ect..., then the wagon may not only add to the event, but it may indeed become the highlight.

Just my .02

[Spinster]

Re: Federal Supply Wagon

Definitely an addition when used correctly.

The 19th Alabama has hauled a static wagon around for a number of years--while restored in appearance, it is my understanding that it is not capable of reliable travel, and I've never seen it hitched to horses. Despite that shortcoming, the wagon has been used to issue supplies, to cook from, and been used by the civilian portion of the unit as sleeping space in a living history setting.

Looks good, adds a lot, and is an instant "child magnet" for living histories. The physical size of the wagon gives an excellent illustration of the tight quarters experienced by families during the western migration period.

It rides on a flat trailer and seems about an onerous to put back on the trailer as a typical full sized cannon. As I recall, the metal bows and wagon sheet are removed for transport.

[TeamsterPhil]

Re: Federal Supply Wagon

Having driven wagons for the QM/Commissary Dept for several events, I would say that (even if static) if it is used in an authentic manner, it would be a plus to an event. As Crabby stated earlier, the logistics of transporting a wagon isn't the simplest thing in the world, but isn't a whole lot different than what the artillery boys go through. Removing the bows and cover is a must for travel beyond just around the block - and don't forget to remove the seat, also -- I almost lost one going to my first event towing a wagon.

Phil Campbell
Teamster for hire
Perryville '01
Athens MO '02
TAG '03
Franklin '04

[MartinsMess]

Re: Federal Supply Wagon

I think thats what I had in mind was to use it for some sort of commissory or quartermaster duty's. I do not want it next to some modern vendor. I would want it where you would most likely find the supply wagons for my regiment/Battalion/Brigade.
Crappy, it would be fine for a team, (which I don't have) The wagon itself is in great shape, and spect'd out to what supply wagons in the 1860's looked like. It has no seat because to my understanding is that the driver rode on one of the team. I have the bows and canvis top as well.

Andrew, you must sign all of your posts. Use the auto-signature. - Mike Chapman

[DougCooper]

Re: Federal Supply Wagon

The single most glaring need we have in our end of the hobby is more visible logistics...and the more wagons and mules and horses we have, the better. Even if you could not find a team, it would still add a lot.

At Mansfield we were deperately trying to find an authentic wagon to plunder as part of the captured supply scenario we hatched. Did not need a team as the federals unhitched many wagons and just left them. Just an example of the good ideas for using it.

Now if you could secure a team - form a partnership with the owners/drivers and you have a plus for everything. Schedule your events together or have several teams you could draw on for flexibility sake.