GWR Route: Banbury to Wolverhampton

Hockley Station: gwrhd750a

Close up of image 'gwrhd750' showing the different types of sheeting and tarpaulins used to protect goods whilst in transit. The horse-drawn road vehicles were equipped with a hooped canvas which covered the full length of the dray but could be concertinaed so that the load can be lifted off the back unimpeded. In the above view both drays have the canvas drawn forward so that it covers only the drivers position. The three motor lorries are all by different manufacturers but all carry their tarpaulins rolled up on top of the cab roof. The wheels on the lorries were made of solid rubber being more durable to than pneumatic tyres meaning the comfort level for the drivers was probably little better than driving horse-drawn wagons.

back