I noticed that a small used car lot by the local UP train yard has a hi-rail for sale. It is a mid 1990s Ford for $3990. I took a quick look as I drove by. However, I don’t remember if it still has the rail wheels. There were not marking on it.
A little while back they had a hi-rail utility truck for sale. I am pretty sure it had the rail wheels. I also think it still have its yellow stripes.
Generally, the hi-rail wheels come off to be reused on a replacement vehicle. Railroad vehicles are notoriously high mileage and spend a lot of time on dusty, rough service roads and firebreaks.
Yea personally I wouldn’t buy that hi-rail vehicle unless I did a full diagnosis on it or something. Than again that’s no worth all the time and effort. Many rairoads beat the heck out of their equipment. So I would be careful w/ that one.
I never had any intentions of buying it. I have never seen one for sale before and just thought I would post it. I figured the railroad used these vehicle until they were only good for scrap. I have seen people driving around in old military vehicle and old police cars but never an old hi-rail. I wonder what normally does happen to them once the railroad retires them. Thanks for the advise though.
I was surprised that the first one I saw still had the hi-rail wheels on it. The next time I see this one, I will try to get a closer look to see if the hi-rail wheels on still on it.
I can’t recall seeing an ex-railroad hi-rail vehicle sold ‘to the public’ with its rail gear still installed. The ones I saw in Shreveport a decade ago had all the mounting points for the gear installed, and still had the “railroad wheels” which put the tires over the railheads properly, but all specialized equipment – and railroad markings – were removed by specific intent. UPS and FedEx take special pains to ensure that vehicles painted in their colors don’t get sold to the general public, and I suspect railroads are not far behind.
Keep in mind that the gearing in these things is ridiculously low – the ones I saw had something like 5.56s, which translated into something around 50mph at redline on the 7.3 diesel in top gear. Be prepared to put the SuperSwampers on there if you expect to drive any faster!
Remember also that if the ‘railroad-gauged’ wheels are still on the truck, it will probably be considerably more prone to poor handling and tip-over on curves.
There’s a dealer in Arlington Heights, Ill.(John Priola Jr’s Van and Truck Discount center) that has ex-WC hi-rail trucks for sale, starting at $2900. Most still have the mini-cranes attached, and the narrowed wheels/axles. None, however, have the hi-rail wheels still attached.[:(!]
I’d try to buy it if it only had the logo, even though the rail wheels would be nice
Twice a year, right before and right after their normal season, the Boone & Scenic Valley hosts that group of motor car owners, can’t think of their full name. They have group trips over host short lines and tourist railroads.
Anyway, a few times mixed in with the motor cars (some restored to their historical colors, others customized) someone had a hi-rail pickup. I would guess they only take it out to the group meets, not to go to the store to get milk.
Jeff