Coach and Wagon Terms

Diagrams

Stagecoach parts diagram (PDF)

Terminology

• Axle - cross structure that wheels attach
• Brake - device used to apply pressure to wheels to slow or stop wagon
• Boot - a luggage compartment
  • Front boot - located at the front of the coach
  • Rear boot - located at the rear of the coach
• Driver's box - the seat upon which the driver sits
• Chock log - a block used to stop wagons rolling backward when resting animals on steep uphill grades
• Doubletree - a crossbar, pivoted at the middle, with a singletree attached at each end. Used for harnessing horses side-by-side
• Drag shoe - device used to slow wagons on downhill grades
• Reach - structure that connects the front and rear axles
• Rough Locks - chains used to lock wheels. Used when resting animals on steep uphill grades
• Singletree - a crossbar, pivoted at the middle, to which the traces of a harness are fastened. Also known as a whiffletree, whippletree, or swingletree
• Skeins - the metal spindle that attaches to the ends of a wooden axle on which the wheel box rests.
• Springs - steel structure that suspended wagon body above the reach
• Thorough brace - leather straps that suspend the coach body above the reach
• Tongue - device that attaches to front axle of vehicle
  • Drop Tongue - hinged in the rear
  • Stiff Tongue - rigid
• Wheel - a circular ring designed to rotate around the axle
  • Box - the metal piece that fits inside the hub and slides over the skein
  • Hub - the center of the wheel
  • Spoke - the spindles of the wheel
  • Rim - the steel outermost part of the wheel