|
|
|
|
|
| Built about 1910 While steam power did railroading major jobs, the work of building and maintaining the 19th Century lines depended heavily on human brawn. And that often included transportation to the job site. For over 90 years, the handcar was a classic fixture on all railroads - quaint when viewed from afar, but not greatly loved by the men who had to make them move. |
|
| The humble little track car (or "section car") was descended from the oldest rail vehicle - the four-wheel push car. These soon became the standard conveyance for maintenance crews. |  |
| For maintenance and inspection work
requiring only one person, many railroads once used little lightweight
three-wheel "velocipedes". Weighing only 125-150 pounds, they were flexible, easily lifted on and off track, and certainly cheap. Their classic design dates to about 1860, and they were widely manufactured beginning in the late 1870's. George S. Sheffield of Michigan was a major builder. Gasoline-powered track cars began appearing in the mid 1890's; by 1910 they were numerous and very welcome. But the old hand cars died hard. Both the pump cars and velocipedes were manufactured into the 1940's. |
|
