MovieChat Forums > Wagon Train (1957) Discussion > So how many wagons were there?

So how many wagons were there?

posted 8 years ago by ben-thayer
8 replies | jump to latest

This is one point of continuity that really takes it on the chin. Not that shows from that era had much continuity, if any at all. But still, this one detail seems to change routinely from episode to episode to fit the circumstances.

I'm trying to recall if the actual number of wagons was ever stated, at the moment I don't remember. But one number has been stated repeatedly on many occasions:

150 rifles.

I've heard this number stated quite a few times, but it's nowhere near consistent. In the The Levy-McGowan Story, the renegades claim they have 30 riders that plan to attack the train. 30 riders against 150 rifles doesn't appear to be anything to worry about...5-1 odds are pretty good.

But when they finally face the renegades the number is nowhere near 150 rifles...it looked as if the two sides were about even. From 150 rifles down to 30-40 rifles is a significant difference.

Let's do a little math here. Say there are 150 rifles on the train...70% of the wagons have 1 rifle, and 30% of the wagons have 2 rifles. How many wagons are there in total? (of course I'm guessing about the percentages)

2X(.30) + X(.70) = 150 where X = # of wagons
1.3X = 150
X = 115 wagons

Sorry....I promised no math! But around 100 wagons was what I was thinking.

Any other dialogue or hints about how many wagons, or how many people on the train?

[–] jamesbwill 8 years ago

It seems to me that I remember at least one episode where Major Adams mentioned that there were 100 wagons and over 300 people that he was responsible for.

It may have been The Horace Best Story, but I don't know for sure.

[–] MAGolding (1240) 6 years ago

in the 90 minute "The Fort Pierce Story" Chris Hale says there are 300 people, 2 thirds women and children, in his wagon train facing possible attack by Cheyenne.

[–] liscarkat (19445) 2 years ago

If there were 100 wagons in a single-file line, and they took up an average of about 10 yards each, that would be a line 1,000 yards long--over half a mile! Taking into consideration spacing out farther to avoid dust, and the likelihood there would be stragglers, the train could easily stretch for a mile or more.

[–] rex-sheldon 8 years ago

I think the gist of the series was that Major Adams and Chris Hale led 100's of wagon trains from St Joe to California. Theoretically, even though the time frame doesn't quite work, each episode was supposed to be about a different train.

[–] cvtexas1 8 years ago

The number varied on each train/trip. The series was about multiple crossings, thus different travellers and varying numbers.

[–] ben-thayer 8 years ago

So does every wagon journey all the way to California?

Could be that wagons gradually drop out of the train purposely along the way, in that they never intended to go to California but rather to a destination somewhere in between.

That way it could be the same train, but the episode may occur at a point when there are less or more wagons travelling with the group.

[–] rex-sheldon 8 years ago

Ben, the trains went from St Joes to Sacramento, and that's what the people signed up for. In those days most people didn't have much money, so when they paid a fare to California, it wasn't likely that they would drop out along the way. Besides, there were many trains going to many different destinations.

[–] ben-thayer 8 years ago

But I've seen episodes where wagons leave. I recall at least a couple instances where Chris Hale bids the families farewell and safe journey.

Big one here though:

In The Antone Rose Story Hale is discussing the wagon lineup with Hawks and Duke.

Hawks says they have 103 wagons, and they average 13 wagons a mile, so the train is about 8 miles long.