what is a thing called with what you transport yourself across the rails? each person pushes on turn,?

Question

there are two persons on this platform and each person waits its turn; so when the other pushes the platform goes forward and when than the other pushes and the platform goed forward again, what is this old rail way this called?

Answer 1

Its technically a railroad hand cart...



Its nick-name is a GANDY DANCER!



Its and interesting but rather simple matter of mechanics.



As this diagam shows:

http://prr.railfan.net/diagrams/prrdiagr...



The handles rotate the gear connected to the driving axle. The connection of the handles to the gear works EXACTLY like the crankshaft on a internal combustion cylinder engine. One side pushes the connection to the gear down as the other moves up and then vice-versa.



Direction is determined simply by pushing the cart and getting it started in the direction its going. From there its just a matter of pumping.



I have had the chance on multiple occasions to operate one of these at a local museum, and its a load of fun...



We didn't have much track laid at the time but we got going over 25 miles per hour.. On a long stretch of level or downhill track, its not out of the question to get going near 50mph plus.



The only problem is braking. Simply a piece of leather or rubber on a block thats depressed by the foot against a wheel.

Answer 2

A handcart. Or, if you prefer, a railroad handcart.