Western Tool Works (automobile company) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gale
1906 Gale Model C
Overview
Manufacturer	Western Tool Works
Production	1905-7
Body and chassis
Class	Entry-level car
Body style	roadster

Western Tool Works was an important company that made early cars in Galesburg, Illinois. They built cars called "Gale automobiles" from 1904 to 1910. These cars were made during a time known as the "brass era." This was when cars were very new, and many parts, like lights and radiators, were made of shiny brass.

One cool thing about the first Gale cars was their design. The entire back part of the car's body could lift up. This made it super easy to get to the engine, which was hidden underneath. It was almost like the whole car body was a giant hood!

The First Gale Cars

In 1905, Western Tool Works started selling the Gale Model A. This car was a "runabout," which means it was a small, simple car, usually with two seats. It cost about US$500.

How the Model A Compared

The Model A was cheaper than some other popular cars of its time. For example, the famous Oldsmobile Curved Dash Runabout cost US$650. The Ford Model C, sometimes called a "Doctor's Car," was US$850. However, the Gale Model A was more expensive than some very basic cars, like the Black ($375) or the Success ($250).

What the Model A Had

The Gale Model A came with a water-cooled engine. This engine was placed under the special tilting body. It used a chain drive system, which was common for early cars. It also had strong springs, spoke wheels with tube tires, and even a repair kit!

The Gale Model B

In the same year, 1905, Western Tool Works also offered the Gale Model B for US$650. This model shared many features with the Model A. It had a water-cooled engine, chain drive, and the same size wheels and tires.

Model B Upgrades

The Model B offered some nice upgrades. You could get a leather top, like on a horse-drawn buggy, to protect you from the weather. It also had better tires called "clincher" tires. Plus, it came with a horn and shiny brass headlights, which were very fancy at the time.

The Gale Model K-7

By 1907, the company introduced the Gale Model K-7. This car was a "phaeton," which was a type of open car, often with more than two seats. It was also a "touring car," meaning it was designed for longer trips. The Model K-7 was much more powerful and expensive, costing US$1,250.

K-7 Features

The Model K-7 had a 26-horsepower engine with two cylinders. It could seat five people, making it a good car for families or groups. It had a longer wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and back wheels, making it more stable. It also had larger wheels, which helped with comfort on the roads of that time.