Concord Stagecoach "Coach 84"

Before passenger railroad cars made their appearance, the Stagecoach was a major means of passenger travel across the American West during the mid and late 1800’s. Some coaches were still used on the back roads during the early 1900’s and before the early automobiles arrived. The original Concord, the “Cadillac” of Coaches, was manufactured in Concord, New Hampshire by builder J. Stephens Abbot and wheelwright Lewis Downing. Coaches weighed about 2500 lbs., cost about $1100, and were pulled by 6 horses. The Concord Coach was built high and wide to handle the rough, rutted roads of the American West.

Coach 84 Math Quiz

Coach 84 Math Quiz Answers

Stagecoach Fun Facts

Concord Stagecoach
& Coloring Sheet

This activity will use the Booth Museum’s Coach 84 to help students learn some interesting math, physics and engineering concepts about its construction and use. Students should  study the Coach 84 diagram, read the questions and record their answers.  Click to find the answers on the above link.

Coach 84 Math Quiz

1.     What is the diameter of the front wheel?_________ Rear wheel?__________

2.     Count the total wheel spokes – front and back ________
(Remember that the Coach has 4 wheels.)

3.     As they rotate, which wheels (front or rear) make more revolutions? _________   why?_____________________

4.    If 2 people can sit at the drivers/shotgun position and another 6 people can sit on top (3 behind the driver and 3 on a rear “jump seat”), and another 9 inside the coach, how many total people can ride on and in the coach? ___

5.    Which will provide the smoothest ride: a large wheel or a small wheel? __________ why?_________________________________

6.    When the driver pushes the foot brake (which moves the brake against the rear wheels), what is the
resulting force called that makes the wheels turn slower?______________  (demonstrate this force by  pressing your hands together and sliding them against each other)

7.    What is the purpose of  the side curtains?  Check those that apply: Reduces dust inside the coach _______ Prevents hot sun from shining in_______ Protects passengers against rain and snow_______ All of the above_________

8.     What shape of the Coach undercarriage allows the Coach to rock – front and back (like a “cradle” - according to Mark Twain)?   ________________________________

9.     There is a black, gooey material (grease) that is put around the wheel hub and axle. What is the purpose of this material?
 _______________________

10.  As you visualize the coach from the back or from the front, what physics principle allows the coach to ride over a  slanted surface without tipping over?__________________________________

11.   What is the purpose of having straps with buckles holding the rear boot leather cover?
 _________________________________________

12.  As you visualize 9 passengers riding in the coach for many days and nights, what are some common sense rules required to ensure the “relative” comfort of all passengers?
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