1904 International Fire Engine Co. Ladder Truck Restoration

Our customer just recently finished a big restoration project:

 1904 International Fire Engine Co. Ladder Truck after restoration, complete with ladders and bells! (Photo credit: Jon Wagner)

This 1904 International Fire Engine Co. Ladder Truck was brought back to its original glory by the customer and with the help of Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop, who restored the wheels and custom built the seats. He worked on the project on and off for ten years until he just finished it up this fall.
What an amazing piece!

Newly constructed seats & wheels after completion at Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop, prior to painting by customer

If any of our other customers have photos of their projects built using Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop products, feel free to send them to info@hansenwheel.com

Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop on Horse Radio Network!

Doug Hansen of Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop was recently asked to be featured on a radio interview for HORSES IN THE MORNING on the Horse Radio Network.

The October 6th Draft Horse Journal episode by Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.featured Mark Barie of the North American Belgian Championship, Doug Hansen of Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop, and Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop customers Kirk & Raedene Messenger, who are owners of the 2016 Classic Series Finals Champion Six. Plus, the "Indiana Horse Woman" Cathy Zahm. Tune in for a recording of the show at: http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/10-06-2016-by-clydesdale-breeders-draft-horse-journal-presents-belgian-champs-building-wagons-and-trainer-cathy-zahm/

The section of the episode featuring Doug Hansen is at minute 25:40.

Historic-Style Ambulance Featured as New State Park Exhibit!

Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop was commissioned by the Friends of the Tubac Presidio and Museum, Inc. to replicate an 1858 Ambulance for a new exhibit at the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, in Tubac, Arizona. 

The group had done research into the significance of this particular horse-drawn vehicle design to the Tubac region. Their interest was piqued after they found a diary by Phocian R. Way, detailing his 40-day journey from Cincinatti to Tubac in 1858. The Friends provided us with Phocian Way's sketch of an 1858 Ambulance, which was used as the basis for replicating this rare piece. Along with thorough research which provided additional images and documentation of similar ambulances of that era, we were able to use the image provided as reference to reproduce an historic rendition of this vehicle. 

In keeping with the information gleaned, we started with an original Abbot-Downing Thoroughbrace Running Gear and added components such as exterior framing on the box, back boot, removable seats, and bow top with canvas cover and side curtains. Unlike ambulances of today, an antique ambulance was designed with multiple uses in mind. "We got into our coach, which is what they call here an Ambulance. It is a very neat modern concern, both strong and light."Excerpt from a diary of travels during the 1850's. 

The unique vehicle is now on permanent display in its new home at the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park's Otero Hall. The park is Arizona's first State Park and serves to preserve the site of the oldest Spanish presidio (fort) in Arizona, and is one of only three remaining in the state. Visitor's can stop by between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with $5 adult, and $2 youth (7-13) entrance fees (6 and under are free!). To get more information, call 520-398-2252, or visit www.tubacpresidio.org. 

More photos of the ambulance can be viewed at: http://www.hansenwheel.com/custom-showcase/historic-vehicle-restoration/antique-ambulance