Handcars

[Flintlock76]

Very Victorian, and very elegant.

That huge driver with the grillwork reminds me of a side-wheel steamboat.

[54light15]

I thnk that last photo is a model- here's the McCoy: Nice or what? 

[54light15]

I think this one is much more elegant:

it was retired to a museum in 1938 but was recently restored and is a runner. It's a Stirling. 

[Flintlock76]

Oh yeah, those steam engines with monster drivers.  I believe they were called "Cramptons" after their original designer.  One of the earliest types in fact.

As I've read, they were very speedy locomotives but very slippery getting started.  They were tried here in the US in the pre-Civil War years but never caught on.  

And who wouldn't like a ride on the Jules Verne-y type inspection car?  

[Miningman]

Nice post. Thank you NDG.

How about this fella ? 

The delux Cadillac model. 

Well I suppose it's not a handcar but what the heck.

i remember once you asked to find a picture of a steam locomotive with a only one driving wheel per side. Here is one. 

 How about a T1 with those sized drivers! 

[NDG]

 

Handcars.

 

There were still Handcars extant on Company Property into the Seventies, usually off the end of set-off rails in the grass awaiting their fate.

 

Occasionally used in the Yard to let the Fairmont out on the Main Line where it could make the time between trains.

 

In '70 or '71 I took a Handcar out for a run, just 'cause it was there, on level track inside Yard Limits. I had checked with the Telegrapher and no trains around.

 

Interesting, but Fairmonts were better, faster and a lot less work.

 

Work looks easy when OTHERS are doing it?

 

 

Note. When in use everyone faced forwards on a Handcar.

 

http://www.history.alberta.ca/EnergyHeritage/energy/human-and-animal-power/human-power/railway-handcar.aspx

 

https://dynamicmedia.zuza.com/zz/m/original_/5/a/5a683c62-066d-407e-be42-35e2ea969d9e/Nashville_Canadian_Pacific_Railway_Handcar_M009.8.bmp___Gallery.jpg

 

http://www.railroadhandcar.com/history/history.php

 

Brakes operated by foot pedal outside body pushing shoes against four wheels. 

 

 

These were named Velocipedes and lasted into Eighties. Powered by Handles and Pedals.

 

http://www.clevelandseniors.com/images/kitson/train2.jpg

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FW43RTPs88

 

Often used by Linesmen to get to faults out on line, and by Track Patrolmen who inspected Track, Bridges and Slide areas ahead of trains.

 

Could be folded up for shipment in Baggage Cars and easily put on and removed from track by one man without a Set Off.

 

Brake handle under seat, right side.

 

Much Fun, but derailed easily with spine-jarring crash.

 

 

On CP Set Off Rails that were at right angle to track leading into clear of passing trains or into speeder house were to be of WOOD rather than Metal rails in event of derailed car or dragging equipment outside of Track Gauge.

 

Employees were NOT to be between Track and Tool House nor sitting on Motor Car on Set Offs when trains passing.

 

Many Speeder Shacks had a low sand box between it's rails under position of Speeder when inside to collect fuel and oil drips which then could be shoveled out and renewed like Kat Litter.

 

On many Fairmonts to travel in opposite direction you reversed the MOTOR.

 

In the right settings, Speeders were great fun, Locomotives Too!!

 

Thank You..

[Penny Trains]

The simple answer is "when small gas powered vehicles like this one became available".

[BaltACD]

54light15

I've just watched an old film with Gary Cooper, "They Came to Cordura." A handcar played a part like in Buster Keaton's "The General."  You know the type with the rocker handle to make it run, right?  My question is, when did railroads stop using them? 

During the 50's and 60's as the carriers started cutting back on the number of MofW employees and using pick up and other trucks with hi-rail equipment mounted so the vehicles could be used on highways or the railroad.

[54light15]

I've just watched an old film with Gary Cooper, "They Came to Cordura." A handcar played a part like in Buster Keaton's "The General."  You know the type with the rocker handle to make it run, right?  My question is, when did railroads stop using them?