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We see two tracked vehicles put through various tests over steep inclines, muddy terrain and boggy land. There appear to be two vehicles used - one is steam powered and the other petrol (?) We also see a conventional steam traction engine with wheels slipping in mud, an obstacle that doesn't hold back the Hornsby vehicle, and also a cart drawn by horses becoming stuck in a boggy field as the Hornsby tractor passes by.
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Two titles appear at the beginning of the film. The first, "The World's First Caterpillar Track demonstrated in 1908 at Grantham, Lincolnshire, England" is thought to be a new title, possibly given to it when a 16mm copy was made. The second, "Trials of the Chain Tractor by courtesy of Messrs Hornsbys, Grantham" is thought to be the original title.
Richard Hornsby & Sons of Grantham were bought by the Ruston and Proctor company of Lincoln in 1918 forming Ruston and Hornsby Ltd. The company eventually became part of GEC.
Lincolnshire Film Archive also holds a 16mm copy of this title.