Building a Motorized Rail Cart for Abandoned Tracks

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  • Опубликовано: 30 янв 2025

Комментарии • 358

  • @allseriousness
    @allseriousness 3 года назад +155

    This channel is a real hidden gem

  • @mattc3385
    @mattc3385 Год назад +16

    "This thing may not be fast, but at least it's ugly."
    I am stealing this quote!

  • @AdhamOhm
    @AdhamOhm Год назад +32

    Having a rail cart like this was my childhood dream.

  • @jackallen6261
    @jackallen6261 Год назад +19

    Back in the early 80's I worked for a rail construction company called Smith Miller construction and we rebuilt rail road tracks. I worked on a roughly 40 mile run of rail here in western Oklahoma. I had an opportunity to ride with a state rail inspector and I repaired small issues he found while inspecting the rail we had worked on.. It was a gas powered rail cart and it was SO cool! I have always wanted to go rail riding.! I know of an about 4 mile stretch of rail that has been abandoned for about 30 years or so (the rail crossings on the highway were paved over around that long ago) so I KNOW it hasn't been used in decades, you have inspired me to try something like this myself! Thank you!

  • @Antibunny303
    @Antibunny303 Год назад +23

    You should do more of this kind of stuff, we all miss it

  • @FireNotReign
    @FireNotReign Год назад +3

    I ordered a Rail Bike kit back in 1976. An attachment for your bicycle to run the rails. A motor is much smarter!!!!

  • @scottwood1143
    @scottwood1143 3 года назад +9

    You’ve got gobs of gumption my friend! I mean you really stick with a task and get it done, come hell or high water. Bravo!

  • @stevenboyd593
    @stevenboyd593 2 года назад +5

    "Box of explored ideas", this is true R and D, mistakes are the (albeit annoying) stepping stones
    Many a RUclips video put there with the same project in mind...creativity is a gift we inherited from God ...it is an enjoyable experience to watch yours, keep building!

  • @rocketman63
    @rocketman63 Год назад +2

    This is brilliant. It is completely practical, and attainable by anyone who can build.

  • @jackempson3044
    @jackempson3044 Год назад +3

    We used to have abandoned tracks where I lived along time ago. I always thought of doing or attempting to do what you're doing but never did it. I thought of doing it with a ten speed with outriggers and a guide of some sort.

  • @IchGlaubEsHacktWohl
    @IchGlaubEsHacktWohl 5 месяцев назад +3

    10:47 "This thing may not be fast but at least its ugly" - that level of 80s vibes hit me completely unprepared 🙂

  • @quadronaut
    @quadronaut Год назад +3

    this channel is so amazing. literally a hidden gem, wow.

  • @johnpatterson4272
    @johnpatterson4272 3 года назад +2

    American ingenuity at its finest. What makes the free-world move forward. Thank you for being an inventor.

  • @isthattrue1083
    @isthattrue1083 Год назад +5

    You are so under appreciated. You always do interesting and cool stuff.

  • @garyjones2582
    @garyjones2582 2 года назад +2

    Just found your channel.. very interesting.. thx for bringing us along for the ride.. take care and keep safe..

  • @russelljochim8607
    @russelljochim8607 8 месяцев назад +2

    Love this kind of hobby expedition engineering! Keep it up

  • @RS-rw5zp
    @RS-rw5zp 3 года назад +38

    Use #40 chain and #40 sprocket. Bicycle chain won't hold up.

    • @originaldcjensen
      @originaldcjensen Год назад +5

      It looked like a motorcycle chain with a bicycle sprocket.

  • @allentobacco9245
    @allentobacco9245 3 года назад +2

    I really enjoy the style of editing of this video. Its like theres fluff, but its not really fluff.

  • @regd.2263
    @regd.2263 3 месяца назад +1

    When fixing nuts and bolts, always apply the bolts in from the top washers and nuts to the bottom. Then if the nut losens and you lose the nut the bolt usually stays in place.

  • @BrokeBoy912
    @BrokeBoy912 3 года назад +11

    Should mount some weed wackers on the front so it'll clear your path as you go 😄

    • @joshuabessire9169
      @joshuabessire9169 3 года назад +4

      If you cut grass with the rail cart would that make it mow MOW equipment?
      My kids are telling me to stop, I'll see myself out.

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  3 года назад +1

      @@joshuabessire9169 I love it! What if it were also powered by a lawnmower engine...

    • @Kineth1
      @Kineth1 3 года назад +3

      @@saveitforparts Mow power, mow better?

  • @barneyburger2641
    @barneyburger2641 Год назад +3

    Coolest thing I've seen in a long time

  • @ianjensen7989
    @ianjensen7989 5 месяцев назад +1

    You can always power it by wind, stick a propellor like on air boats on it, might be a bit noisy of course. but it will be quick, love your video.

  • @DznMiguel
    @DznMiguel 3 года назад +4

    Way better than the other version
    Really good

  • @twinvideoproduction9662
    @twinvideoproduction9662 3 года назад +4

    Congratulation on your "New" creation. You did very well. Thank you for sharing.

  • @chasesrailwaylinesrr6447
    @chasesrailwaylinesrr6447 10 месяцев назад +3

    "Park cops couldn't think of anything illegal about this" Technically not trespassing because it's not owned by anybody, And you're not doing any harm in anyway, I think this is every person that loves trains is their dream

  • @r.scottmacleod4564
    @r.scottmacleod4564 3 года назад +2

    Showing all fails is legitimate learning...this is how to get education while having fun!

  • @pauljs75
    @pauljs75 Год назад +3

    I guess the more fun and more scary doesn't come until you can get your hands on one of those electric motorcycle powertrain parts. Got to push well into the KW territory with a 96v lithium battery brick.

  • @johnsmart964
    @johnsmart964 Год назад +2

    Thank you for bringing us this very interesting and informative video presentation which is very much appreciated by the people.

  • @dailyrider2975
    @dailyrider2975 Год назад +2

    You could go vertical a bit before the platform to give some clearance. Nice vid, very entertaining.

  • @Jeff-rh8mq
    @Jeff-rh8mq Год назад +2

    You sir, are a genius Wil-e-Coyote level....and that's high praise! Your "sticktoitiveness" is inspiring! You earned my sub!

  • @franziskus0342
    @franziskus0342 3 года назад +5

    "this thing ist not fast but at least its ugly" sentence of the year

  • @cujoedaman
    @cujoedaman Год назад +2

    That Yardworks mower must be hella old. They're still using a metal frame and Anderson connectors on the battery terminals, looks like a professional cobble-job with whatever parts they had laying around.

  • @Damian-Church-NZ
    @Damian-Church-NZ Год назад +3

    Dude you could build it into a mini
    camper and go on tour.

  • @melaniebrylow3900
    @melaniebrylow3900 3 года назад +5

    Love the "New! Try me!" sticker haha

  • @Jkauppa
    @Jkauppa Год назад +2

    if you build your own track, line the iron/steel tracks with copper, and put linear alternating magnets on the car alongside with wheels/skates, it will float while moving but land/stick down when not moving

    • @Jkauppa
      @Jkauppa Год назад +1

      I guess you could just use linear permanent ac magnet skates on normal train tracks, to levitate

  • @isaiahscharen
    @isaiahscharen Год назад +2

    Axman is the best - I thought I recognized those wheels from somewhere!

  • @southern_merican
    @southern_merican Год назад +2

    "May not be fast, but at least its ugly !" 😂 im totally stealing that line !

  • @mrtweedy705
    @mrtweedy705 2 года назад +2

    You'll never get that 11 minutes and 30 seconds of your life back. But well you got a lesson in determination?

  • @JoshuaPriceChannel
    @JoshuaPriceChannel Год назад +3

    Electric or gas wead whacker anchored on edge of frame to trim overgrowth.

  • @craigmonteforte1478
    @craigmonteforte1478 3 года назад +2

    Another Cool Build

  • @Yeetus_The_Trainz_Tutorial_Guy
    @Yeetus_The_Trainz_Tutorial_Guy Год назад +2

    Hello! Rail carts look fun and I might make a full body of a locomotive diesel of a SP have a good day!

  • @glenngloeckl3106
    @glenngloeckl3106 2 года назад +27

    Nice video, but in order to get the self centering to work properly, the wheels need to be on a solid axle. The taper on the wheels has to be the small end out, this way the taper causes the wheel on the outside of the curve to increase in diameter and the inside wheel to get smaller ( just like rolling a cone ) The flanges on railroad wheels are not there to keep the wheel on the rail ( although they will contact the rail occasionally )

    • @DJ_K666
      @DJ_K666 Год назад +1

      Mine cart wheels welded on a metal bar. Centred with circlips and a chain sprocket welded on.

    • @glenngloeckl3106
      @glenngloeckl3106 Год назад +1

      The back wheels need to be connected to a single axle so they cannot turn independently. The front wheels also need to be done the same way. All the wheels need a taper with the small side to the outside. If you get a chance, look at a real train axle and you’ll see what I mean.

    • @Pgr-pt5ep
      @Pgr-pt5ep 8 месяцев назад +1

      Either connect the opposite wheels on a single axle OR, each wheel can have its own motor and electronically controlled like an all-wheel-drive system which is overkill here but possible.

    • @pootispiker2866
      @pootispiker2866 7 месяцев назад +1

      ​​​@@Pgr-pt5epYou don't want both sides to be mechanically independent. Both wheels being forced to rotate at the same speed is what steers trains.

    • @Pgr-pt5ep
      @Pgr-pt5ep 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@pootispiker2866 I know that, and that what I said. The only alternative is electronic control.

  • @nathanhale7444
    @nathanhale7444 Год назад +2

    In some countries they use something similar but bigger on active tracks. Theyre powered by a small gas motor. They easily stop and can be disassembled by the passengers in about 15-20 seconds to avoid oncoming trains.

  • @TF856
    @TF856 Год назад +2

    At least that has a DC motor so you can add a directions switch and go in either direction with it. 😃

  • @dallassterling4365
    @dallassterling4365 Год назад +2

    This is a fun video. I think it's worth mentioning that the spec for the flange is only like 1.5" betond the wheel running surface. More than that and you're gonna contact all kinds of stuff. You see it in the video. I can tell you at speed that's gonna do some damage and probably derail you.

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  Год назад +2

      Yep, mine runs into the rail connecting plates a lot. I have another rail vehicle I'm still working on with better wheels.

  • @cD-vg5go
    @cD-vg5go 2 года назад +1

    good start

  • @Here_is_Waldo
    @Here_is_Waldo Год назад +2

    These really look fascinating. In Australia, I don't think we have any abandoned railways here.

    • @loafsandfishes5066
      @loafsandfishes5066 Год назад

      We dont have any here either, we just have people willing to flaunt the rules and use property to which they have no legal rights of access.

  • @AbdurRehman-ip9ki
    @AbdurRehman-ip9ki 2 года назад +2

    Exellent work

  • @jraymond3218
    @jraymond3218 2 года назад +2

    I give you a lot of credit for not giving up. But you need a gas engine for more power. Nice video.

  • @freeinhabitant2422
    @freeinhabitant2422 Год назад +2

    Well, you cannot say this guy is lacking in tenacity.

  • @drcyb3r
    @drcyb3r Год назад +3

    Very nice channel. I wanted to try stuff like that for years. Sadly I don't have any opportunity to do so.
    A youtuber called Kreosan built a draisine to ride on a long railroad. He used 36v wheels from those "hoverboards" that were common some years ago. Maybe that is something you could try too.

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  Год назад +2

      I think I've seen one or two of his videos. I'll have to watch for those hoverboards at garage sales!

  • @carlosdegroot6966
    @carlosdegroot6966 Год назад +1

    Sweet Rig .

  • @K1ZEK
    @K1ZEK 3 года назад +6

    "Box Of Shame" LOL Enjoy your active and creative mind: not only that but you can use tools.

  • @ExtremeWeatherGroup
    @ExtremeWeatherGroup 10 месяцев назад +1

    I'm starting to look at making an enclosed rail cart with a bunk bed and small stove setup for long travel (100 miles+ out west). What tips would you give someone?

  • @melissasalasblair5273
    @melissasalasblair5273 Год назад +2

    You had me at "abandoned tracks" Yay!! Noooooo, poor ladybugs :( 🐞🎲

  • @dt4279
    @dt4279 Год назад +1

    this channel is quality and so are you

  • @drewzero1
    @drewzero1 Год назад +2

    Unfortunately Black & Decker electric mowers are built the same way. Grass builds up in the cavity around the electric motor and you need a Torx driver to remove the top for cleaning.

  • @peacefulscrimp5183
    @peacefulscrimp5183 Год назад +1

    Great video 👍

  • @johnpeck5268
    @johnpeck5268 Год назад +4

    You should see my boxes of 'failed ideas'. I can relate as one intrepid tinker to another.

  • @waynea.wintersjr5385
    @waynea.wintersjr5385 Год назад +3

    Maybe put some "chain saw teeth weed wacker wheels" on da inside, & outside to cut da grass & weeds as you go! Still an awesome "rail cart"!! 🤔😯👍

  • @auroraborealis2442
    @auroraborealis2442 Год назад +1

    It's actually very cool.

  • @mr2ferrari
    @mr2ferrari 3 года назад +5

    7:22 clear indicator that you've worked around small engines before 🤣. Pretty sure that's also the OSHA standard hand signal for break-time.

  • @SteveHerrick-yi4md
    @SteveHerrick-yi4md Год назад +1

    what a fun video! You did a great job, with a ton of laughs along the way!

  • @johnhess351
    @johnhess351 Год назад +1

    if you look for them, you can find the actual iron railroad wheels from speeder cars about10 inch in diameter for about 30 dollars a piece. We used them on simple iron bars for axles with hardware store pillow block bearings bolted onto a simple wooden frame held together with thumbscrew bolts. It could be assembled and disassembled in 5 minutes and thrown in the trunk of a car. We just sat on the back and kicked with our feet and went about 15mph. Almost any motor or engine of 1 kilowat or bigger should work.

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  Год назад +1

      I have a few hi-rail wheels I found on Craigslist, I just need to find an axle that fits them. I also have some railriders.net wheels that should be showing up in a video soon!

  • @John-vw4qz
    @John-vw4qz 2 года назад +1

    I give you a thumbs up for efforts...

  • @Y2daT420
    @Y2daT420 Год назад +2

    if you havnt by now. invest in a MIG welder .. welding is fairly simple and will make it much easier to make random parts fit

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  Год назад +1

      I have an old tombstone welder someone gave me, I haven't had time to learn to use it yet.

  • @richardt3744
    @richardt3744 7 месяцев назад +2

    Really should have kept the belt drive. I would have ditched the sprocket on the motor and replaced with a shaft pulley. I would incorporate a engine drive belt tensioner into your build. You can increase your belt a lot by using a much larger pulley on the drive wheel.

  • @Willie_MN
    @Willie_MN 3 года назад +1

    Very cool! Liking it! Nice work!

  • @sspence65
    @sspence65 3 года назад +4

    "This thing may not be fast but at least it's ugly!" LOL

    • @stevenboyd593
      @stevenboyd593 2 года назад +1

      My Toyota 4 runner, 276000 and runs like a champ

    • @pootispiker2866
      @pootispiker2866 7 месяцев назад +2

      ​@stevenboyd593 Who asked?

  • @Tswizzle_sizzle
    @Tswizzle_sizzle Месяц назад +1

    Mass produced Guerrilla Trains 🚂 can be a menace FOR society.

  • @stillaliveboatflips
    @stillaliveboatflips 3 года назад +5

    What if you added a razor-sharp cutter in front of the 2 front wheels so it would cut the brush before your cart got to it?

    • @dcocz3908
      @dcocz3908 2 года назад

      Already been tried ruclips.net/video/vh_R8AkkU50/видео.html

  • @Ascertivon
    @Ascertivon 3 года назад +4

    Not only is this a great concept and a fun building process to watch, you put some great shots in there like the ones at 6:04 and 9:15, too! Excellent stuff.

  • @garyhoffman4653
    @garyhoffman4653 11 месяцев назад +1

    good work

  • @martinleicht5911
    @martinleicht5911 2 года назад +1

    Good job !! 🍺 😎 👍

  • @evilcanofdrpepper
    @evilcanofdrpepper 3 года назад +8

    I really love the use bigger wheels as flanges for the smaller wheels idea. I thought you were going to be able o drive it to the tracks like that but then there is the question about steering. I guess if you put a drop down/removeable steering wheel of a children's bike then you should be able to use it on pavement and tracks!

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  3 года назад +5

      Maybe I could make something more like a real Go-Kart with lockable wheels? Might be a future project.

    • @danemmerich6775
      @danemmerich6775 3 года назад

      Yes, the bigger wheels as a flange is the key to driving around your neighborhood, now introduce a steering system. Great video

  • @barbie6935
    @barbie6935 3 года назад +4

    Great job mate. It looks like its working well, although I think your wheel flanges are riding up onto the fishplates

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  3 года назад

      They are, I need to make the main wheel diameter bigger (can't easily cut these flanges down).

  • @MisesTrucker
    @MisesTrucker Год назад +1

    That was a okay rail cart

  • @petrfedor1851
    @petrfedor1851 2 года назад +1

    "It´s not fast but it´s ugly" is probably reaction for first test rides of british Pacers and Czechoslovakian M 152.0

  • @DoBaMan77
    @DoBaMan77 Год назад +2

    Cool idea😊 have you tried to run the go-cart in an s-curve or any curve to see if the wheels work fine in this situation? Greatings Dom

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  Год назад +3

      It works OK on curves, although the wheels aren't quite railroad spec and do have a lot of friction. I'm working on something better :-)

  • @balkanprussian3251
    @balkanprussian3251 3 года назад +7

    Where does this man get his parts

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  3 года назад +3

      I've got a video about that! It's a combination of hoarding, dumpster diving, garage sales, surplus stores, etc. ruclips.net/video/GSNbTmkaKA4/видео.html

  • @edwardkoenig7356
    @edwardkoenig7356 Год назад +1

    This is awesome

  • @balkanprussian3251
    @balkanprussian3251 3 года назад +3

    Ooh, this looks fun to make, too bad I don't know where any abandoned railroads are

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  3 года назад +1

      There are some websites and Facebook groups that have a lot of them!

  • @therealchayd
    @therealchayd 3 года назад +4

    For future projects, used hoverboard motors are great for general propulsion; cheap, compact, torquey and you can use an off the shelf e-bike controller

  • @mattcoogan7869
    @mattcoogan7869 3 года назад +1

    My dude, you rock!!!

  • @aceadman
    @aceadman 3 года назад +1

    Very cool. I like your style. 😊👍👍

  • @bigcatchoutdoors8424
    @bigcatchoutdoors8424 3 года назад +1

    I love AxMan. My dad and I used to go there all the time

  • @enderbutter9297
    @enderbutter9297 Год назад +1

    I’m going to subscribe, I’ve only ever seen this one video from you, but I feel like you deserve it

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  Год назад +1

      I have other railroad stuff, and more rail projects coming up!

  • @magicone9327
    @magicone9327 3 года назад +1

    The side plates to keep the wheels on the tracks, do they tun into interference at where track comes to road crossings since there seems to be very little clearance at most. It also seems that the side plates create a lot of drag. Wondering why spring loaded wheels on their own frame set at 30 degrees to the rail. They would only need to touch the top 3/8- 1/2" of the rail.

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  3 года назад +1

      There are designs that use side wheels and stuff, but my idea was to make this more like a real train. I figured that would go through switches better. The road crossings are an issue because they're either paved over or full of gravel.

  • @Franisboche
    @Franisboche Год назад +1

    Try using a rubber wheels horizontally on the inside to track it. Put one by each wheel. Also I’d suggest runners that electrical motor on a reducer and run a shaft to drive both wheels.

  • @B-rad-and-LBs-adventures
    @B-rad-and-LBs-adventures 3 года назад

    YES, looks awesome! Next one will need a diesel for power.

  • @lchantry
    @lchantry 10 месяцев назад +1

    I knew this guy was Alaskan. Its the Xtratuff life.. Sitka sneaker...

  • @ant6695
    @ant6695 2 года назад +3

    Just come across this channel, seen a few of these rail carts other people have built, but they use petrol engines, batteries will drain in no time. Having said that, I did laugh at your attempts with all the different motors.😄

  • @user-ki3dj9pu9y
    @user-ki3dj9pu9y Год назад +1

    You should put a treadmill motor on that thing

  • @spencerbaldwin
    @spencerbaldwin Год назад +1

    me when the house music starts in the build montages: 🕺🕺🕺

  • @rockyrococo2584
    @rockyrococo2584 Год назад +1

    Used brake rotors from trucks make great starts for rail wheels

  • @Choc_Chilla
    @Choc_Chilla Год назад +1

    For wheels you could use Disc Brake Rotors

  • @Zeppelinfaktor
    @Zeppelinfaktor 3 года назад +3

    What about an old 2 stroke enduro or something? Simple engine plus you’d bet a chain drive and tensioner along with it. You could even add a disc brake off of it (if necessary).

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  3 года назад

      I'll have to keep an eye out for something like that!

  • @RS-rw5zp
    @RS-rw5zp 3 года назад +10

    Just use a Harbor Freight 3 horse gas motor, saves a LOT of trouble.

  • @rusosure7
    @rusosure7 Год назад +1

    What is THAT honey?
    That's Ghost Rider of the Rails.

  • @jamesparker2337
    @jamesparker2337 3 года назад

    Looks good to me!