Does anyone know of a device that can be used to measure railroad mileage? I seemed to recall it is a stick with a wheel having an odometer or counter attachment. Where can such an item be purchased? Insights, anyone?

Any Good tool store should have one. I think I paid about 35 dollars for the one we have. It goes to 1,000 foot.

irss@eriecoast.com

> Any Good tool store should have one. I think
> I paid about 35 dollars for the one we have.
> It goes to 1,000 foot.

I work in the engineering department of a water utility and the link below is for the product that we use. This firm's products are used by construction estimators, traffic accident invesigators and others.

The counters on the Rolatape products go to 5- and even 6-digits (100,000 feet) depending on product. The list prices are generally in the $100 to $200 range.

Brian Norden

Rolatape measuring wheels

>Save your self some bucks. Rig up a cheap bicycle speedo w/odometer. And feel good about your self.

> Does anyone know of a device that can be
> used to measure railroad mileage? I seemed
> to recall it is a stick with a wheel having
> an odometer or counter attachment. Where can
> such an item be purchased? Insights, anyone?

Are you measuring along a rail head, or
along the right of way? What is the
approximate distance, are we talking feet,
or miles?

I had a similar project once where I wanted to
determine fairly precise distances. Using
the typical contractor's measuring wheel doesn't
work so well. Running along the right of way
there are usually too many bumps which throws
off the reading. But, trying to keep one of those
wheels on top of a rail head for any great
distance is a balancing act!

Eventually I took a track cart and mounted a
small measuring wheel/counter to it, suitably
weighted and positioned so it would ride on
the head of the rail.

If the line has any significant curvature, be
aware of the differences between measuring
the inside rail, center of track, outside rail,
etc.

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