Railroad handcar operation rules

David H. Hamley · **Joined:** Tue Aug 24, 2004 3:07 pm **Posts:** 705

All things considered I think it would be wisest to keep visitors off these things.

And maybe members too.........

robertmacdowell · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2015 1:14 pm

One thing not mentioned is that a handcar is a subset of the "speeder" genus. Speeders love to pick points and frogs.

A speeder wheel is only slightly wider than streetcar profile, with a short flange. It will not function properly on flange-bearing work.

It will also fail to operate a spring frog, spring points or variables. I've tried every one with a big heavy "A" car. Once the flange climbs up on the railhead, it will immediately go sideways, where it will spill the occupants and potentially bang up switch throws.

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

Randy Hees · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2015 6:05 pm

It might be wise to keep visitors off, but if you do you are keeping them away...

We need to accept that all is not "safe" then try to find ways to let people join in anyway... or we are just dead old iron things...

End or personal rant...

Randy

RCD · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2015 9:16 pm

robertmacdowell wrote:

One thing not mentioned is that a handcar is a subset of the "speeder" genus. Speeders love to pick points and frogs.

A speeder wheel is only slightly wider than streetcar profile, with a short flange. It will not function properly on flange-bearing work.

It will also fail to operate a spring frog, spring points or variables. I've tried every one with a big heavy "A" car. Once the flange climbs up on the railhead, it will immediately go sideways, where it will spill the occupants and potentially bang up switch throws.

Never had a problem with switches and handcars.