Information
- BFI identifier12500
- Date1908 (Release)
- Production countryUnited Kingdom
- SynopsisLocation No. 204896A INTEREST. A demonstration of the capabilities of two caterpillar tractors, one steam-powered, the other petrol driven (?), over various types of terrain near the Grantham works of R. Hornsby & Sons. Main title...demonstrated in 1908 at Grantham, Lincolnshire, England" (10). A tractor trailer with caterpillar track is loaded with sacks; a tarpaulin is placed over the sacks with the name `R. Hornsby & Sons' on it (26). The factory gates are opened and the tractor pulling the trailor leaves the factory, followed by men in business clothes and workmen (66). The tractor going up and down a clay bank (116). The tractor moves up and down a stepped bank (161); over a sand bank (194); pulling the trailer on soft sand ((227); moving down the stepped bank with the trailer (251). A steam traction engine gets stuck on the sand; the caterpillar tractor overtakes the traction engine (317). Crossing a 4½ foot dyke (351). Five horses pull cart a across marshland; the caterpillar crosses the same terrain with no problem (473). Caterpillar travels to camera (490); and right to left (543). Crossing a real ditch in a field (565). Crossing soft sand with and without trailer (613). Closer view of caterpillar track (657). A horse and cart cross a ford by a bridge with sight-seers; the caterpillar tractor crosses too (700). The caterpillar, back in the factory yard, demonstrates rapid turning on its axis (730ft). Location No. 605361A INTEREST. A demonstration of the capabilities of two caterpillar tractors, one steam-powered, the other petrol driven (?), over various types of terrain near the Grantham works of R. Hornsby & Sons. Caterpillar tractors in the factory yard. Workmen open the factory gates (20). Tractor going up and down a clay bank (62) and demonstrating its superiority over a team of horses in transporting a load over marshy ground (107). Tractor manoeuvering in field (188) and over sand (252). Crossing a ditch (319). Horse-drawn wagon crosses a river, watched by spectators from a bridge. Tractor and trailor crossing the ford - a still photographer is partly visible left of frame changing a plate (360). The tractor demonstrating rapid turning on its axis (379ft). Location No. 603260A INTEREST. Demonstrating a new caterpillar tractor. The gates of a building site are opened and a tractor with caterpillar treads drives out, pulling a trailer with similar tracks. It is followed by several men in business clothes (18). Film missing (19). The tractor, without trailer, being driven down a bank (labelled `CLAY BANK') and across a swampy area (42). Film missing? The tractor driving up the bank (59). Film missing (60). The tractor and trailer being driven over undulating ground and over a bank labelled `SOFT SAND'. The trailer has a tarpaulin covering it, labelled R. Hornsby & Sons Ltd. Grantham. Factory chimneys and houses can be seen in the distance (85). Shot from the bottom of the sand bank as the tractor descends (105). The tractor, with the trailer on a longer tow rope, being driven through a stream and up a bank (126). The tractor and trailer being driven over soft sand, followed by an ordinary steam tractor (140). CU of the tractor and trailer caterpillar treads moving, stopping, then moving again (161). The two tractors continue to drive over the soft sand (165). Film missing (166). A horse pulling a two-wheeled cart across a wide ford (183). The tractor and trailer going through the ford (202). Film missing (204). The tractor being driven up a hill, followed by the observers, driving down and crossing a small ditch at the bottom (225ft). (Shotlist)
- Genre
- Subject
- Credits
Title
The World's First Caterpillar Track (Original)
Das Ketten Lokomobil (Alternative)
Automobile-passepartout (Alternative)
Category
Non FictionThis work is available to view in the Mediatheque at BFI Southbank.
- Collections
- Film / Video
LTO5 - Video - MP4 - Viewing
35mm BW Positive - CTA - Silent - Viewing
35mm BW Positive - Safety - Silent - Viewing
35mm BW Positive - Safety - Silent - Viewing
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- +The World's First Caterpillar Track
Work - 12500 - 1908 (Release)
United Kingdom - Film - Non Fiction
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