How hard can it be?

914Driver wrote: I've seen them with a weed whacker engine, too smokey. A local runs a 5hp Honda from a lawn mower. Not as quiet as pedaling but much more effecient up hill out running bears. Dan

What would be cool would be to rig up a small electric motor. It would then still be quiet but could help with the uphill sections.

914Driver wrote: ........more effecient up hill out running bears.

Tell me you're kidding?

Things like that just might have a negative influence on the tourist aspect.

"Pedal Martha, that bear's a gitten closer!!"

-Rob

They're out there....

Especially cool if you can dial the electric into the 10 speed gears.

Sometime ago I read a story about a group of guys that did this out west on abandoned lines but rigged a sail. Now THAT sounds like fun. Just have to make the mast short enough to sail under bridges.

Basic concept video

I bet you could make a cart and strap a Sunfish to it fairly easily for 2-3 up riding.

rob_lewis wrote:

914Driver wrote: ........more effecient up hill out running bears.

Tell me you're kidding? Things like that just might have a negative influence on the tourist aspect. "Pedal Martha, that bear's a gitten closer!!" -Rob

I think if you did it with tourists in mind, then the RR companies would call you a trespasser, expecially if you're using their track and property for personal gain.

When we get stopped (only once) Jerry whipped out a form that allowed him to be an independant - individual - not for hire inspector. We got the hairy eye ball from the work crew but nothing was said.

Dan

Old thread on this topic... 2008 thread on same topic

Still interesting. (to me)

I called and the phone is not in service.

I emailed and got a System Administrator undeliverable message.

If you see hear of anyone making these please PM me.

Dan

http://www.railriders.net/railant.html

Didn't mean to imply that this isn't interesting. I think it is and would be a cool toy to have if you had tracks available. Most of the abandoned lines down here in FL are so torn up it wouldn't be a worthwhile investment.

The toughest thing to find will be the wheels. I'm betting that they are molded in China or India. The frame, gearing, etc should be easy enough to scavenge from bikes. I think an electric powered system with gearing off an 18 speed bike would be an awesome ride. Ripping down some NE track through the woods in silence would be very cool.