Building a Motorized Rail Cart for Abandoned Tracks

I threw together some parts and junk and made a small railroad speeder! This is the powered version (or rebuild) of my previous rail bike, with almost all new design. I went through a few attempts at motors and finally settled on a 36v 800W electric geared motor.

[mattc]

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

[AdhamOhm]

Having a rail cart like this was my childhood dream.

[Antibunny]

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

[FireNotReign]

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

[jackempson]

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.

[regd.]

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.

[stevenboyd]

"Box of explored ideas", this is true R and D, mistakes are the (albeit annoying) stepping stones
Many a YouTube 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!

[scottwood]

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!

[cujoedaman]

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.

[ianjensen]

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.

[drewzero]

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.

[IchGlaubEsHacktWohl]

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

[rocketman]

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

[POVChasing]

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?

[RS-rwzp]

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

[garyjones]

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

[Jkauppa]

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

[JoshuaPriceChannel]

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

[BrokeBoy]

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

[Damian-Church-NZ]

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