Local Park Would Like to Purchase Operational Handcar

Trains Magazine Steam & Preservation
1

Good Day,

Wondering where to start in a quest to obtain a working handcar for a local park that will have a railroad theme. The park is being constructed where an old train yard use to be and folks would like to have this as a small display exhibit. My searching so far has come up blank. I imagine such items are not hanging from trees. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time,

Jim K

2

I know there are clubs devoted to ‘speeders’ (powered versions of hand cars), but I am not aware of any handcar clubs.

3

I would start by posting a “wanted” ad in the classifieds on the Railway Preservation News website, and posing the same question in their forum. Even if no one is selling any right now you should get some good advice.

http://www.rypn.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=2

4

http://www.kalamazoomfg.com/

They sell kits and (new) ones completed.

5

And their insurance and risk managers are good with this?[*-)]

(CRRM has two and neither is allowed out, even with rules trained museum staff.)

6

Thanks very much for the good leads. I will pursue. I am not positive yet that the park wants an “operational” handcar but that was their initial request. They seemed to understand the liability issues associated with other displays so I will check in with them again. Maybe they meant “baggage” cart? Personally I sort of like the build-a-kit version that was shared.

Jim K