That's really interesting, had no clue those were a thing... Was unloading it and getting it on those boards a chore?

You just going to do a mechanical refurb on it and leave the patina as it is or plan a whole restoration project.

That's going to look great in the foyer,
( When it's restored)

That needs a flame job and lake pipes.

quote:

Originally posted by braillediver:
Buster Keatons was open:



This was the first thing that came to mind when I saw your picture.

Thanks for the link!

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
That's really interesting, had no clue those were a thing... Was unloading it and getting it on those boards a chore?

You just going to do a mechanical refurb on it and leave the patina as it is or plan a whole restoration project.

It wasn't terrible, there were a couple bumps going onto the uhaul ramps and then onto the trailer itself but we were able to get a little bit of a running start with two people and get it on. Getting it off was a little trickier but luckily the back end is pretty easy to man handle as those handles pull out a few feet.


I'll be doing a "whole" restoration project. I won't take it completely apart but I plan on doing whatever mechanical work needs to be done as well as fresh paint. Possibly some sheet metal work to replace some of the wood components as well.

Huh, didn’t know that was a thing. What’s involved in going from trailer to tracks and vice-versa?

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
That's really interesting, had no clue those were a thing... Was unloading it and getting it on those boards a chore?

You just going to do a mechanical refurb on it and leave the patina as it is or plan a whole restoration project.

It wasn't terrible, there were a couple bumps going onto the uhaul ramps and then onto the trailer itself but we were able to get a little bit of a running start with two people and get it on. Getting it off was a little trickier but luckily the back end is pretty easy to man handle as those handles pull out a few feet.


I'll be doing a "whole" restoration project. I won't take it completely apart but I plan on doing whatever mechanical work needs to be done as well as fresh paint. Possibly some sheet metal work to replace some of the wood components as well.

A pictorial on the process would make a great thread, just saying....

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
That's really interesting, had no clue those were a thing... Was unloading it and getting it on those boards a chore?

You just going to do a mechanical refurb on it and leave the patina as it is or plan a whole restoration project.

It wasn't terrible, there were a couple bumps going onto the uhaul ramps and then onto the trailer itself but we were able to get a little bit of a running start with two people and get it on. Getting it off was a little trickier but luckily the back end is pretty easy to man handle as those handles pull out a few feet.


I'll be doing a "whole" restoration project. I won't take it completely apart but I plan on doing whatever mechanical work needs to be done as well as fresh paint. Possibly some sheet metal work to replace some of the wood components as well.

A pictorial on the process would make a great thread, just saying....

I definitely will keep this thread updated. If only I had a garage to make the project easier. I may have to buy a portable shed/garage to put up around it.

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:
Huh, didn’t know that was a thing. What’s involved in going from trailer to tracks and vice-versa?

Back the trailer up to a crossing, guide it down onto the ground from the trailer and use the handles to spin it onto the tracks.

Some of them come with turn tables that lower down and allow you to free spin the car while it's up in the air. Unfortunately this one doesn't have that. But it's fairly easy to move around.

I was lucky enough to be invited on an overnight Speeder camping trip. Someone cancelled and a friend recommended me because he knew I was a railfan.

I knew these existed, but had no idea they could be privately owned and actually operated on rails.

In our case, a somewhat local shortline railroad would periodocally rent portions their tracks to speeder clubs. That's what happened in our case. The 'drivers' had to pass a test of rules, as all railroad rules and procedures had to be followed at all times. We also had to remove the speeders from the tracks while we campled overnight, and call in for track clearance before re-railing them and occupying the track.

What are the rules for operating them on the rails? Only on abandoned tracks? I'd hate to meet a train coming the other way.

^^^Perhaps you could read the post immediately above yours for some pertinent details re: your question.

It does help to read the whole thread, doesn't it?

Haha well I don't think your question was completely answered.

So you can't just drop it on any abandoned track because you never know what's truly abandoned and it's always owned by someone. The rail trail that I mentioned is owned by the state of New Hampshire who allows the speeder club to use the tracks that they left in place. Otherwise the local and national organizations arrange excursions with various railroads to allow speeder clubs to use active tracks. It usually requires some amount of training and or qualifying testing and insurance.

The most prolific organization is NARCOA. www.narcoa.org

Started a little bit of work today including removing small items such as the antenna, muffler/exhaust and small horn and I sanded the roof down in preparation for paint. The large muffler and vertical exhaust pipe may quiet it down but it's not good for the engine, and it was caked in oil since it's a 2 stroke that relies on a mix. I also dry fitted the air horn on the roof to see where it sits best. While sitting in the seat and contemplating everything I noticed it was loose and of course the base is rotted so I'll either need to have it welded or replaced. Finally I re-drilled the hole for a new antenna eventually.

Next will be getting a 10x10 portable shed to cover it before attempting any type of painting.

Thanks greatly for the Keaton Film Braillediver!

I spent more than a few hours in one of those when I worked for NS at Inman Yard in Atlanta…when I transferred to Chattanooga we used PU trucks equipped with retractable track wheels (I derailed several and they were a bitch to rerail)…thank you for the good memories

There’s a speeder car group based out of Iowa that I’ve worked with to run across our rails a few times out here around the Wichita area. Of all the foamer groups they’re the most laid back.

Got a portable shed for it to keep it out of the elements/allow me to paint it without getting crap all over it. It's from harbor freight so it's not the prettiest but it works.

And... got the roof painted.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ryan81986,

Whatever floats your boat, er, rides your rails. Have fun!

flashguy