DIY Rail Speeder on Abandoned Urban Railroad

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
  • I brought my electric railway kart out to an abandoned railroad in the city. It's still not very fast, but now that I've installed a chain guard I can smash through a lot more brush and weeds! We checked out some forgotten industrial rail sidings, old overpasses and trestles, and saw some severe track damage that keeps this track from being used.

ความคิดเห็น • 949

  • @rsethc
    @rsethc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +447

    Just imagine you're a driver approaching a rail crossing, the lights start flashing and the bells start ringing. And after minutes of waiting, you see this advanced go kart thing just casually plodding along from left to right in front of you, then an advanced bicycle as well and after several more minutes the crossing finally opens up again.

    • @igneousmoth4329
      @igneousmoth4329 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      It would be funny, but its not possible he is not sending a signal that can trigger the gates

    • @totallyverifieduser1057
      @totallyverifieduser1057 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@igneousmoth4329 Maybe add a loud horn

    • @devvydoesstuff
      @devvydoesstuff 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@igneousmoth4329 Plus they could be deactivated

    • @lorenwillis425
      @lorenwillis425 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@igneousmoth4329 The "signal" is a short between the rails, usually caused by the solid metal wheels/axles of a train car / locomotive. If his cart has solid metal wheels/axles he can do the same.

    • @matthewmiller6068
      @matthewmiller6068 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@lorenwillis425 This - but that assumes the signaling system is still connected/operational, and also small things like hi-rail vehicles do frequently have problems providing enough load to correctly trip some crossing gates. This goes even for the pickup trucks and other inspection/maintenance vehicles on actual railroads, often they will stop short of a crossing and have a flagger to be sure that its clear of traffic.

  • @italianstallion8225
    @italianstallion8225 3 ปีที่แล้ว +454

    MY MAN, YOU NEED TO PUT A LAWNMOWER BLADE BENEATH IT. THAT WAY YOU CUT GRAS AND RIDE!!!

    • @nitinkumar7329
      @nitinkumar7329 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      😂 Nice idea man.

    • @ksevio
      @ksevio 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Or a hedge trimmer thing in front to chop the brush

    • @datguymiller
      @datguymiller 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      He could the lawnmower motor as power to

    • @midgeholt8863
      @midgeholt8863 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@datguymiller at that point just convert a lawnmower lol

    • @datguymiller
      @datguymiller 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@midgeholt8863 big blades on the front, just hope there isn't a dog

  • @michaelbujaki2462
    @michaelbujaki2462 3 ปีที่แล้ว +432

    Plot twist: the railway decides to reopen after discovering that the track needs less restoration than initially thought.

    • @42luke93
      @42luke93 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Give me a break. There were literally trees growing in the middle of the tracks. They’re abandoned.

    • @Doing_it_right_the_first_time
      @Doing_it_right_the_first_time 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      @@42luke93 I don’t think Michael was referring that they were just going to run a train down the track without doing maintenance repair or some kind of other inspection… meaning they weren’t just going to go down the track blind.

    • @marktaylor9975
      @marktaylor9975 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      To where? There’s nothing at the end no more.

    • @ernestpassaro9663
      @ernestpassaro9663 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That would be funny

    • @michaelbujaki2462
      @michaelbujaki2462 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Doing_it_right_the_first_time Thank you.

  • @Paul_Lucas
    @Paul_Lucas 3 ปีที่แล้ว +337

    Wow, sweet! I really wish we could do this in the UK but there isn't *that* much abandoned infrastructure with usable track left.

    • @martinphilip8998
      @martinphilip8998 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      You do have amazing canals.

    • @robinforrest7680
      @robinforrest7680 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Same here in France. Plus we'd be guaranteed to get some officious jobsworth turning up to tell us it was "interdit"!!!

    • @lothean2099
      @lothean2099 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Sad that their is a lot of abandoned and crumbling infrastructure in America. Its a reflection on that empire.

    • @j0hnf_uk
      @j0hnf_uk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      The transport police wouldn't be too happy, either. Even if you could find any decent length of unused track, it still belongs to the railway.

    • @nojhampton
      @nojhampton 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I do remember watching a video of a home made rail cart in the UK. I think it was motorbike powered with the back tyre on the rail and they were on an abandoned south Wales coal line.

  • @ryanfrogz
    @ryanfrogz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +257

    For those who still think he’s in danger of encountering a train after all he’s said: there’s no customers on the line, and it probably hasn’t seen traffic since 2015 or before.

    • @cindybrian5589
      @cindybrian5589 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I think it looks like a cool ride like the mountain coasters. How fun this would have been

    • @RandomUser2401
      @RandomUser2401 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      also trains do not appear out of nowhere. Lots of time to remove himself and the vehicle from the tracks.

    • @CAphotos
      @CAphotos 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There may be no traffic over the line, but that' doesn't mean someone doesn't own it. What he's doing could be construed as trespassing and he still runs the risk of getting clobbered at a crossing.

    • @mattwilliam5522
      @mattwilliam5522 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's still trespassing

    • @rainbowGZUS7
      @rainbowGZUS7 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@mattwilliam5522 LMFAO

  • @isaacstone3330
    @isaacstone3330 3 ปีที่แล้ว +205

    imagine if the railroad crossing activated.

    • @rachellynnpeterkin7490
      @rachellynnpeterkin7490 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      I took one of the last regularly scheduled trains down this line in December 2011
      It’s out of service forever. You could not even get a locomotive that far. You would derail on the bridge entering the line . Rails are not tied to the ties

    • @jonathanalcocer3872
      @jonathanalcocer3872 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@rachellynnpeterkin7490 yea, I don't know for sure but I guess the other end is a dead end so it sounds extremely unlikely for a train to get anywhere where he was riding the rails and even if the rails still were properly secured that wood bridge might not be able to hold any significant weight anymore after seeing it was even burnt at some point.

    • @wolfsden6479
      @wolfsden6479 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Some states have laws that they have to be hooked up till the rails are removed.

    • @randknu1
      @randknu1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      If your spreder had Steel wheels that would actually short the rails, that could actually happen. Many times the crossings are owned by City or county municipality and they don't immediately cut the power to the crossings when the railroad stops using it.

    • @BaralheiaStormdancer
      @BaralheiaStormdancer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@randknu1 At least on Google Maps Street View, it looks like all of the equipment sheds for the crossings actually still have power... So in theory, if the axle and wheels were all metal, you probably could set off the crossing gates... Dunno when that imagery was captured though.

  • @kibashisiyoto6771
    @kibashisiyoto6771 3 ปีที่แล้ว +197

    I've crunched through a paved over crossing with a GP-9, so paving over doesn't necessarily mean you can't encounter the train. Doubtful, but not absolute assurance.

    • @dennisb-trains23
      @dennisb-trains23 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Likely not in USA you didn't. If I understand correctly there are some railroad regulations to follow.

    • @kibashisiyoto6771
      @kibashisiyoto6771 3 ปีที่แล้ว +34

      @@dennisb-trains23 Gotham, WI 1988

    • @1940limited
      @1940limited 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I'm sure a GP9 could handle those grade crossings that haven't been maintained in a while.

    • @thestarlightalchemist7333
      @thestarlightalchemist7333 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      *Canadian National MLW intensifies*

    • @ernestpassaro9663
      @ernestpassaro9663 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You probably did a number on your wheels running steel wheels through asphalt !

  • @edp2260
    @edp2260 3 ปีที่แล้ว +89

    It is surprising how fast a rail line can become unusable when neglected. Not just weeds, but trees will be growing in the middle of the tracks. It can take as little time as one year for the line to become impassable. One storm could do it. If you see an old line with rusty rails that seems unused, but there are no weeds, and the tree branches are trimmed away, it is not abandoned.

    • @beefchicken
      @beefchicken ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The decay probably started while it was still in use. I live near a railroad line that was eventually abandoned. In the years before it was abandoned, it's scary how neglected the tracks were while still carrying freight.

    • @michaireneuszjakubowski5289
      @michaireneuszjakubowski5289 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@beefchicken That's how it usually is. Freight doesn't care how rough the ride was or how ugly the sights might've been, long as it gets to its destination undamaged. Phasing out the infrastructure with no changes to the maintenance regimen to keep costs down isn't the smart way - why keep it preserved for decades to come, when the line's days are already numbered?
      Same tends to happen to vehicles, and not just rail ones, though vehicles can be relegated to other duties.

  • @adey88splace
    @adey88splace 3 ปีที่แล้ว +65

    This was oddly satisfying. Thank you.

    • @Lucas_van_Hout
      @Lucas_van_Hout 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      For U.S.A. Standards yes. For European standards, If a real road gets abandoned (which is rarer is the first place) a lot of the time it will be preserved and gets turned into an tourist attraction. Usually and bicycle railroad of some sort.

  • @bonniemoerdyk9809
    @bonniemoerdyk9809 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    That was so interesting to see from the perspective of what my grandfather saw when he worked for the Big Four in Terre Haute Indiana (Duane Yards). He would inspect the line on the way to Indy. One week, after he had worked there a decade, he told his boss that the wheel was loose on his 'car', but his boss insisted he go out that day anyway. On the way home, the wheel came completely off and it threw him into the ditch and the wheel crushed him. It happened right next to the RR tower between Coal Bluff and Fontanet (no longer standing) and they called an ambulance. He lived just long enough for grandma to get there to say goodbye. My daddy was only 2 yr old (1932). He tried to 'wake' his daddy up (from the coffin) to see his new suit. Grandma brought a lawsuit, but only received $100 for his life! This was during the depression and grandma took in laundry to eek out a meager living for her 3 kids. Anyway...thanks for doing this...how cool!

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Wow, that's quite the history! Thanks for sharing!

    • @fjb4932
      @fjb4932 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Bonnie Moerdyk,
      Terre Haute, Indiana eh ?
      I thought that was only a place made up for the Steve Martin movie DEAD MEN DON'T WEAR PLAID.
      Hard to believe people Actually live there.
      Of course, the same could be said about here, Missoula Montana ...

  • @IsaiahAmos017
    @IsaiahAmos017 3 ปีที่แล้ว +91

    Those tracks are in surprisingly good shape

  • @dewservices
    @dewservices 3 ปีที่แล้ว +80

    You should put a giant train horn on it and blow it when crossing the roads. lol

    • @Epsicronics
      @Epsicronics 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Or a klaxon for the comedic effect

    • @beas_espofficial6245
      @beas_espofficial6245 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Epsicronics
      I think it would be funny to hear something like a train on an abandoned rail crossing,you decide to stop, and then this DIY railer passes in front of you.

    • @jimtalbott9535
      @jimtalbott9535 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      “Train Horn Pranks 2 - in the weeds”.

  • @WVRailroadPapa
    @WVRailroadPapa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Usually if a rail line is abandoned, the rail and ties are removed. This line is more likely out of service which means the railroad still owns it. I worked in the rail industry for 30 years so I am somewhat familiar with the way things are handled.

    • @stevelabonte9020
      @stevelabonte9020 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Abandoned is a state of service to the line and service to customers. It is not a status of ownership.

    • @evanstauffer4470
      @evanstauffer4470 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@stevelabonte9020 Incorrect. In order to abandon a rail line, the railroad must receive permission from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, which then holds hearings and decides whether to grant permission [they usually do.] Even if the line is abandoned, not just "out of service", someone has legal ownership of the land under the track. So technically, if you're there without permission you are trespassing.

  • @flapjack9495
    @flapjack9495 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    This looks like SO much fun! 20 years ago maybe I could have done that in this area, but most of the decent abandoned track has been turned into bike paths at this point. That's good, sure, but having my own personal railway would be so much better!

  • @tomroise9426
    @tomroise9426 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Nicely done. What a great ride. You should get the speedsters to join you. Always sad to see the abandoned lines.

  • @Buttermilkjug
    @Buttermilkjug 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Was anyone else sad that the larger man didn't let the little bike guy have a chance to ride the kart?~ He looked totally sad by the middle of the video~

  • @TSZatoichi
    @TSZatoichi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    Pretty neat, buy yourself a lawn chair, that couldn't have been to comfortable for the few hours you had to sit like that.

  • @mathuetax
    @mathuetax 3 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    It is amazing how much disused trackage there is in the Twin Cities even today.

    • @AKSoapy29
      @AKSoapy29 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Was this the Twin Cities?? I should get out there and check it out, I'm not far.

    • @mathuetax
      @mathuetax 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@AKSoapy29 Yah, I think this is the trackage that used to lead up to the Ford Plant.

    • @justahillbilly7777
      @justahillbilly7777 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's crazy just how much abandoned rail infrastructure there is on the North American continent in general.

  • @chrissharp5073
    @chrissharp5073 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Absolutely brilliant. In the UK they turned some abandoned railway lines into walkways and having walked a few of them the scenery can be stunning and there even re establishing some short routes. What goes round comes around! Oh maybe you should consider putting a sythe on the front!!!

  • @oputoful
    @oputoful 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Sounds like fun. In Japan, even abandoned lines are controlled and off limits.
    So I envy you.

  • @bjoe385
    @bjoe385 3 ปีที่แล้ว +296

    If you did this in England you’d be killed by a firing squad, our railway operator Network Rail aren’t known for there sense of humour.

    • @timwebster8122
      @timwebster8122 3 ปีที่แล้ว +64

      I'm reminded of a similar legend local to me. In 1965 following the Beeching closures a local made a trolley using a bench and a motorcycle engine. He would often explore the Scarborough to Whiby line. Naturally British Railways and the police were keen to catch him but they were often thwarted as they were on the road and the trolley kept using the tunnels to escape

    • @timnewman1172
      @timnewman1172 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      The U.P. aren't much better, I have been threatened with arrest by merely being along an abandond R.O.W.(not even on the tracks!)...

    • @timwebster8122
      @timwebster8122 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@timnewman1172 it all depends on what the railway is classed as. In the UK all Railways were built by act of parliament so abandonment involves a lengthy legal process. There is also the issue that the Permanent way is regarded as private property so good onto the line or even in the Railway boundary is regarded as trespass .

    • @the4tierbridge
      @the4tierbridge 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      There are multiple rail operators now.

    • @libertycommentator
      @libertycommentator 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Oi! Ye got yer rail loicense?

  • @outsidethewaxbox
    @outsidethewaxbox 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    This is an amazing video! I’ve lived in St. Paul my entire life, and many years in the West 7th neighborhood in particular, and this was a fascinating look at al lot of places I see on a daily basis but thru an entirely different lens.

    • @edcraig1214
      @edcraig1214 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Lived in st.paul in the eighties near Rice st..loved it there..

    • @Epsicronics
      @Epsicronics 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I imagine it must be odd seeing a place you've lived in for so long on TH-cam I imagine?

    • @YayAkiba
      @YayAkiba ปีที่แล้ว

      I lived next to Sibley plaza right next to the Jiffy Lube, and remember the trains in '97. A long distant memory.

  • @gvet47
    @gvet47 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    It has always bothered me how we let the rail system abandon so many industrial sites and towns , then we needed more heavy trucks destroying our highways. Now we live with one of the most inefficient transportation systems. Millions of shipping containers still moved but end delivery is now by long haul trucks, not short haul when we had more rail sites.

  • @62Cristoforo
    @62Cristoforo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Ingenious, cool. Like having your own private railway.

  • @ericketchum9634
    @ericketchum9634 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great video! Nice to see an electric rail rider. I kept saying, "Don't derail" when you were going over that muddy water

  • @kevinrice4909
    @kevinrice4909 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    The bike is what I like we need one like that!

  • @DreamOf944
    @DreamOf944 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    "that's why we brought the chainsaw"
    -> immediately proceeds to lose the chainsaw. that made me chuckle. what an interesting adventure though

  • @megalodon5185
    @megalodon5185 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    If you're ever in upstate NY, check out the old abandoned railway that runs through Shandaken. It's in very good quality in some places, and runs through some stunning scenery.

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks for the tip!

  • @useitwice
    @useitwice 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Cool stuff!
    In addition to the chainsaw, perhaps you should bring a trimmer with a brush whacker blade too next time. Those things are great for weeds and young trees of a few centimeters thickness

    • @timnewman1172
      @timnewman1172 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      A cordless "sawsall" works great too!

  • @heartland96a
    @heartland96a 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Those track seem in better shape than a number of active lines

  • @Ascertivus
    @Ascertivus 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is so awesome to me! It looks like a blast to do, too! Thank you for sharing this adventure with us.

  • @wafflesnfalafel1
    @wafflesnfalafel1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    super cool - amazing it's not all fenced off, especially the bridges. Everything like that is completely fenced/locked out here, especially any bridges going over roads for "safety".

  • @glenod
    @glenod 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    you should fit a solar panel on a canopy or some such and a regulator, it would assist with charging as you went along.

  • @nomoremr.niceguy4778
    @nomoremr.niceguy4778 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Oh man when I was a kid I thought about this idea a lot. So many shut down lines by the mid seventies in rural twin tiers. They weren’t all scrapped out until ten years later. Like the electric motor idea because it’s quiet. Stealth is nice. But yea I’d install a Freon sports can horn. Just for emergencies. Nice.

  • @Pendleton115
    @Pendleton115 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Imagine going to work like this.

    • @ruk2023--
      @ruk2023-- 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Not so far fetched, look up the bamboo railway of Cambodia.

  • @imken2392
    @imken2392 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A 1964 Oldsmobile dynamic 88 fits the tracks here perfect. In the early 80's we use to put a keg in the back seat and 6 or so of us would party up an abandon Milwaukee road track and back down...an all day affair on a weekend...best of times...

  • @davidvanhouten5576
    @davidvanhouten5576 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Nothing says the end of a video like a couple of vultures. Great video and well produced. The fellow on the bike must be a great friend..."Can we stop now? I really need a soda..."

  • @MrWmburr7
    @MrWmburr7 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very satisfying video to watch. The suspense of what may lie around the next bend grabs you like a hook.

  • @paulbergen9114
    @paulbergen9114 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That's one heck of a wooden trestle but the view of everything unbeatable. At least the swamp didn't swallow up the convoy. Thanks for sharing!

  • @YayAkiba
    @YayAkiba ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is fun to watch. You drove right by my dad's old house (50 feet from the rail you were on).
    You should name your rig "Weedpiercer"

  • @interstate1335
    @interstate1335 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is the sad truth about railroads in the US. A lot of them are abandoned and now only 7 main freight and 1 main passenger companies remain. There are other tourist railroads but seriously, we have to get our train game up. Cities like Louisville, Nashville, Vegas, and more once had train service, but not anymore, at least when I’m writing this. As a person who likes trains, the horrific railroad infrastructure is a terrible look on our country.

    • @nachobroryan8824
      @nachobroryan8824 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Won't happen without a lot of eminent domain seizure for high speed rail. That's the reason the high speed rail between Dallas and Houston will never happen. Owners don't want their land split by something that's not at grade.

  • @johnsmart964
    @johnsmart964 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for providing us with this video presentation, it is most interesting and we are glad to see that the Railcard worked so well. It was good that you had your colleague with you on the railbike. That railroad certainly needs some maintenance before it would ever be safe for normal rail traffic. It looks like you have to yourself for the foreseeable future!

  • @errorsk2188
    @errorsk2188 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Awww! Last time I saw one like this was when I was 7. A small patch, but sooo interesting !

  • @terryhayward7905
    @terryhayward7905 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The bike brings a whole new meaning to " Riding the rails ".

  • @ryanfrogz
    @ryanfrogz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Totally different angle of St. Paul, very cool!

  • @jedward3529
    @jedward3529 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome. A lot of great urban camping spots alone the way.

  • @MineJulRBX
    @MineJulRBX 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I just searched "abandoned railroad" and I see "posted 1 day ago"... "4 years ago"... "5 years ago" 😂
    I love railroads but search rarely for it, so I guess this is perfect timing

  • @knstantine
    @knstantine ปีที่แล้ว +1

    that car looks like something i would make in gmod. sick asf

  • @dustbowlhammer7119
    @dustbowlhammer7119 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Strait up blissin! I thought it would be a short vid at first, but thanks to the chainsaw, it looked like a pretty cool adventure!

  • @765kvline
    @765kvline 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That's a great improvised rail cart you've fashioned. Splendid design. My grandfather was part of a section gang prior to World War I in South Dakota on the Milwaukee Road. They used the old push-type (heavy) rail carts made for the repairs along the siding. Haven't seen one of those in years!

  • @1coppertop
    @1coppertop 3 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    what if another TH-camr is coming in the opposite direction, on the trestle. Lol. Good use of battery power btw

  • @harry2928
    @harry2928 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Cute little day trip f milo & otis. Reminds me of rural trespassing escapades in 1976 hoofin it across the trestle in Fredericktown Ohio. Looking down between the decaying derelict railroad ties to see free empty space prob. 60 feet straight down messed with my stomach. Didn't help either being 14 & never did anything insane before. Some parts of the distant past I miss.

  • @utterlyuselesscommentbelow8101
    @utterlyuselesscommentbelow8101 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    In case anyone was wondering, this looks to be the "Ford Branch" stemming from the CP Merriam Park Subdivision towards the old Twin Cities Ford Plant which was shut down in 2011.
    Sadly, it seems like this line is destined for rails to trails conversion, it doesn't appear likely that these rails will ever be used to haul standard rail cars again. Unless CP sits on it for another decade, and then maybe one day in the future it may see new life as light rail leading to the new commercial development at the Ford plant site.

  • @jqubed
    @jqubed หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I saw a cut down version of this video from Unilad Tech on Facebook and it liked to your channel. Neat work!

  • @adamlato253
    @adamlato253 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    4:49 this place looks like the one from Back to the future ending scene!

  • @chrspappas3612
    @chrspappas3612 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "I Would So Frickin' Love To Do This, Outstanding"!!!

  • @truckerk
    @truckerk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Need to hook up a wheeled brush cutter to the front. That has got to be possible, and awesome.

    • @BikeNewLondon
      @BikeNewLondon 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm thinking Battlebot technology - real life application!

  • @jpoit
    @jpoit 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very cool! very very cool! I really like the bicycle innovation, very steam punk.

  • @Romin.777
    @Romin.777 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Your potato Howitzer just popped up in my feed and that's how i ended up here.
    Scrolled through your content and subbed.
    :))

  • @shawncell1247
    @shawncell1247 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    you need 6 volt golf cart batteries , then it would go though the weeds . fun video

  • @macfurry3214
    @macfurry3214 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video. Hope your back is ok after the ride (on the cart with no stock and with constant stop for cutting down small trees).

  • @VIKING33NY
    @VIKING33NY 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You guys are Awesome!!! Excellent Video!!

  • @Coltnz1
    @Coltnz1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Neat little video! Well done guys!

  • @KCGeno
    @KCGeno 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have always wanted a handcar, so I could do something just like this. You boyz are freaking magnificent!

  • @WAL_DC-6B
    @WAL_DC-6B 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Seeing this reminds me of the railroad safety rule: "Before crossing tracks, anticipate trains or on track vehicles on any track in either direction at all times and don't rely on your hearing."

  • @lawnmowerdude
    @lawnmowerdude 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Looks like fun.
    You seem to be conflating abandon with not actively used. Just because the line isn’t used regularly or is damaged doesn’t mean it’s abandon. Granted you may not see a train on it but it’s still owned. One thing you should take note of is that line has been clearly had its weeds sprayed. So someone (Canadian pacific) is still doing some basic upkeep.

    • @saveitforparts
      @saveitforparts  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The sprayed areas are behind some warehouses, probably to keep flammable brush from growing next to the buildings. With so many crossings paved over and the wooden trestle half burned I'd say this isn't being maintained at all.

    • @kenhanks9620
      @kenhanks9620 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@saveitforparts The amount if maintenance on a section of track legally "Out of Service" has NOTHING to do with its Abandoned status. Once again if you have an accident on a line such as this without proper permission insurance and training you WILL not enjoy the results and by the way you will not only be answering to local and state authorities but also the FEDS. Somewhere you have a good chance of becoming a news story and or a statistic.
      If you were really serious in this pursuit you would be involved w/the NARCOA group. Be interesting to see if you have what it takes to qualify for a truly responsible and qualified organization.

    • @woozleboy
      @woozleboy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Railroads pay taxes on every mile of rail in place. It is why they abandone tracks quickly and remove the rail- no more taxes. If you see rail, that is railroad property.
      People that trespass like this probably would take offense if strangers started walking through their homes while the owner was at work. Hey nobody was around, so the house was abandoned, right?

    • @stuarthirsch
      @stuarthirsch 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kenhanks9620 What is the NARCOA?

    • @kenhanks9620
      @kenhanks9620 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@stuarthirsch The North American Railcar Operators Association. They are a group that arranges safe, properly operated, and LEGAL rail speeder outings.
      Look them up on their internet listing and contact them to learn all about it.

  • @notsogreat123
    @notsogreat123 3 ปีที่แล้ว +77

    Can you build some kind of weed guard for the front wheels ? Maybe something like the old cattle guards ?

    • @Doing_it_right_the_first_time
      @Doing_it_right_the_first_time 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Then put a sharp sickle bar in front of that! ;-)

    • @NicholasAndre1
      @NicholasAndre1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Sortof a rotating calamity of chainsaws and hedge trimmers like a battle bot

    • @Lucas_van_Hout
      @Lucas_van_Hout 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@NicholasAndre1 cool idea but also probably too risky and if a cop sees it you would probably be asked some questions.

    • @NicholasAndre1
      @NicholasAndre1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Lucas_van_Hout you’re right best add a few flamethrowers 😂

  • @ramondelosreyes3056
    @ramondelosreyes3056 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You guys should get a group together for tours during summer and explore. I would join you but am here in the Philippines. Take care, be safe and Good Bless, enjoy 😎🇺🇲🇵🇭

  • @WarrenBeRandom
    @WarrenBeRandom 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Now you just need a K5LA horn and some earbuds 😂

  • @TruckPuzzles
    @TruckPuzzles ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fellow Twin Cities dude here-- just stumbled on your channel (thanks algorithm?). You got a new sub here, awesome content! Cheers from Cottage Grove!

  • @Pranjal90
    @Pranjal90 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I wish, i was there with you that day, it would be a fun as i want to do the same once in my life.
    Currently battling with Covid on bed, If i get a life, I'll loves to try that once.

    • @ZAPATTUBE
      @ZAPATTUBE 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Get well, and take a ride!

    • @Pranjal90
      @Pranjal90 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ZAPATTUBE Thankyou for your well wishes Sir. I'm Fully recovered & feeling better now.

  • @runswithwolf7498
    @runswithwolf7498 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So cool 😎 would love ❤️ to do that.
    Thanks for sharing.

  • @silverparis21
    @silverparis21 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    imagine if the railroad crossing goes down for just that one rail speeder lol

    • @barrycarlisle4511
      @barrycarlisle4511 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not enough weight to set off arm sensor.

    • @bobsmith2637
      @bobsmith2637 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@barrycarlisle4511 in North America track circuits are used to activate crossings, not weight sensors. A small electric current runs through the rails and when the circuit is shorted the crossing is activated. This rail is probably too rusty for even regular rail equipment to trigger the crossings, we have that problem on some lightly used lines.

  • @OhioGrandma46
    @OhioGrandma46 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is awesome! I’m a huge railfan and have always wanted to build my own speeder like you have, and the tracks leading to the abandoned Ford plant in Saint Paul are a great candidate for exploration. If you are ever looking for another stretch of abandoned line to explore, there is about 10 miles of abandoned Soo Line track south of the Canadian Pacific and Union Pacific interchange in Shakopee. It was considered for commuter rail a while back, but the proposal never worked out. Most of it is grade separated, and the few crossings are all intact.

  • @DetroitMicroSound
    @DetroitMicroSound 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a great stretch! Great b-roll at the end, too. Really cool city view!

  • @alanstevens1296
    @alanstevens1296 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Looks like fun. Enjoy it while you can, because the tracks usually get removed for salvage soon after the line is abandoned. High quality steel that can be recycled.

  • @trevormurphy7041
    @trevormurphy7041 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    There’s still a few tracks left here in Newfoundland from the old train watching your video I just had an idea make a small stealth train camper only requirement a woodstove🍗🤯

  • @edgeeffect
    @edgeeffect ปีที่แล้ว +1

    In the UK either "the authorities" or scrap metal scavengers pull up all the old tracks... a pity, 'cus riding one of these would be a dream come true for me. I'd even like to have a go one those two-person trucks that you use a "see saw" to drive.
    That was SO amazing... you went MILES!!!!

  • @mentlegen8187
    @mentlegen8187 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    its like something you would see on gmod train build

  • @stevenboyd593
    @stevenboyd593 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The advert for the Maya Rudolph movie too much money "interrupted" your video, but happily I was returned to you chainsawing brush to tasteful country music...eat your heart out hollywood

  • @Kasi01
    @Kasi01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    A badass project I’ve wanted to be able to try for a long time, seems like some weed whackers should be mounted to the front haha

    • @arjovenzia
      @arjovenzia 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Haha, thought that to at the first patch of brush. Fern Gully style. Might take a bit to get through the saplings tho. I think this is more a Sunday picnic vehicle than Mad Max tho. I'd still like to see it. Willing to bet there's a few weedeaters in his pile.

  • @jamesmccoy3079
    @jamesmccoy3079 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If I was any good with my hands I would totally build something like this,awesome

  • @xdoods
    @xdoods 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Dude, this is AWESOME. Why don't you have more views?!

    • @puggsandgunsandthings
      @puggsandgunsandthings 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Right !!!! I at 49 didn't even know this existed!!! Thank you for adding more knowledge .

    • @kenhanks9620
      @kenhanks9620 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@puggsandgunsandthings If you think this Nimrod has ANY clue about the actual legal and financial ramifications of what he is doing worst case scenario you need to check w/some actual rail industry authorities.
      That line probably legally "out of service" not "abandoned" and good chance eventually he will become a news story or statistic. There is a national organization called NARCOA of which he is assuredly not a member!

    • @puggsandgunsandthings
      @puggsandgunsandthings 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@kenhanks9620 well then hopefully he reads your response as well and adjusts his activities if indeed what you alege are true.
      On another note , I appreciate you telling me this because I won't look into the activity ever if I come across it. I have to be careful with what I see versus what is actually being shown.
      There is another channel about this " hobo " who train hops which at first I found intriguing even though I knew intellectually its illegal besides being very illegal. But what got me was he " tagged " his name on the rail road property, the gray boxes you see at railroad crossings but at the yards. I stop patronizing his channel because of the combined activities.
      Have a wonderful day bud. 😊

    • @puggsandgunsandthings
      @puggsandgunsandthings 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kenhanks9620 also , I tried not to attack you personally as you started to about how I need to check. Actually you should be directing that to the poster not me. To me you should have said " that is dangerous and no telling if the tracks he is on are really closed or are even safe to be on," FYI brother.
      I have Aspergers so I analyze everything said to especially if someone begins to what I perceive to be an attack.
      Be well friend.

    • @kenhanks9620
      @kenhanks9620 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@puggsandgunsandthings Mr. Coleman I am sorry if I came across a bit strong w/you as that was not my intent but too often people like this poster irresponsibly lead others unknowingly into unwise, illegal or dangerous activities.
      Just to let you know I am an operating member of several museum and tourist railroad operations as well as being a member of several national rail operating organizations. Additionally I also own and operate a rail passenger car in excursion service and so have had business and operating relations w/several of the large freight railroads as well as the necessary regulatory and safety agencies.
      A number of times in the rail business we have had unpleasant as well as unfortunate experiences w/people acting stupidly, etc on rail property and operations then we have to clean up the mess and deal with the ramifications.
      Though not a member I have had experience w/NARCOA, the organization of speeder cars, and some if their members and it is a thoroughly legal, safety conscious, professional and extremely enjoyable group you might find very entertaining.
      Once again appreciate your reasoned replies and hopefully I added a little to your understanding of this matter.

  • @panhandletrains
    @panhandletrains 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent video - really enjoyed watching your adventure.👍🇺🇸

  • @arjovenzia
    @arjovenzia 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Nice to see the rail buggy stretch its legs a bit. I'm in your camp mate, sitting here looking at the biggest DC winch motor ive seen, Dad dropped it off this arvo. I'll try n get it running this weekend, then have to find a job for it. Have a old 60's 4hp outboard that's seized, reckon it will fit in the cowling (it's phat, not long). A pile of 180w grid connect solar panels that were free. Sure I can find a canoe or Hobie cat or something. I don't have railways, but I do have bays and rivers. Solar sailing seems like a neat idea. Keep it up dude, random junk turned into cool toys is something I'm 100% in for.

  • @rinston3591
    @rinston3591 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really cool, great home builds to go exploring on, looks like fun. Like Paul said, we have 1000’s of miles of old lines in the UK but all the track has long been torn up, so exploring on foot & bikes only, still fun though.

  • @killtyrant
    @killtyrant 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I know alot of people are saying to hook up some sort of lawnmower to the front/underside. I would wage against it as that is a huge hazard for kicking up whatever is littered on the tracks and turning it into a projectile.

  • @coltius
    @coltius ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Watching this all I can hope is that you eventually make a powered rail car that has two swing out saw blade arms powered by a motor to cut down stuff in front of the tracks. Table saw blades would probably be your best bet as chains from chainsaws would need a lot more torque. Or you could use some of those flailing metal blade heads of death for weed whackers.

  • @3ftsteamrwy12
    @3ftsteamrwy12 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    neat idea, but remeber 1: motor/section cars MUST stop at all highway crossings and flag...they dont have the same rights as a full-size train . and 2: ANY track can have a train on it at ANY TIME...even if it looks abandoned, SOMETHING may be on the line!

    • @charlesgreathouse7376
      @charlesgreathouse7376 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And 3 you are tresspassing.

    • @woozleboy
      @woozleboy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Speeders have the wheels/axles insulated so the don't trip the crossing gates- they don't weigh enough to reliably complete the circuit.
      When rail pirates like this are on any track that approaches the main, they may trip the block sensor for occupancy, meaning some dispatcher thousands of miles away sees intermittent occupancy. They can't take chances, so the main gets shut down until someone on site can walk it and verify cleared. This costs tens if not hundreds of thousands in lost time, travel, etc. One person can screw up the entire schedule for that day affecting thousands of people.

    • @karstent.66
      @karstent.66 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@woozleboy You can actually fall out of your bed, and you can break your neck... If there were only people like you on this planet, there wouldn't even be trains! And cars, and anything technical.

  • @jgetscensored7837
    @jgetscensored7837 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Randomly stumbled across your channel.
    A buddy of my in dfw Texas helped build something like this but larger scale. He used brake rotors for wheels. The weight is carried by the “hat” of the rotor and the rotor surface guides the car. His power supply is a modified ride on mower engine. His family gives tours of a mill they own that dates back to pre civil war times.

  • @FilFee
    @FilFee 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Good thing you used rubber/plastic wheels. Those crossings might be still connected.

  • @garyruxton5226
    @garyruxton5226 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Going over Tressel distance shots made me think on Buster Keeton's 1965 film "The Railrodder" short traveling across Canada on a rail speedster.

  • @humane143imperfection6
    @humane143imperfection6 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I would grow my beard down to my knee's and haul around a squat jug of homemade for this. This could be my life, I would be ok with this 😆

  • @ThomasBensler
    @ThomasBensler 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like that silent guy on the human powered railcart

  • @gerrywood5325
    @gerrywood5325 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Another indicator of abandoned or disused track is the rust along the top of each rail. Active rails are normally shiny.

    • @stuarthirsch
      @stuarthirsch 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Don't count on it.

    • @jameshowes5987
      @jameshowes5987 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not necessarily. The CSX branch line in back of my house has a freight job 3-4 days a week. After a couple of days of rain and no trains, I've noticed the tops of the rails have a coating of rust. Of course, on this video the best indication that it's truly inactive: (1) trees growing in the middle of the tracks requiring a chainsaw; (2) the section of rail on the trestle where all the spikes have pulled away from the ties; (3) the grade crossing where the tracks have been paved over with asphalt!

  • @jtc1947
    @jtc1947 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    In a way, it is sad to see abandoned rail tracks! GOOD VID !

  • @ralphnorman4636
    @ralphnorman4636 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Impressive battery

  • @paulosborne6517
    @paulosborne6517 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This looks so much fun... It definitely rides better over the fish-plates after taking the tyres off the flange-wheels. I wonder if a throttle hand lever [like a boat] might be more relaxing than a pedal - so you could move the speed up / down a 'click', leave it there and not have to keep pressure on it the whole time.

  • @RCLepcha
    @RCLepcha 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    At the outskirts of my city there is military tracks that is no longer hsed since many years like more than 20 years and those tracks go near by military camps and Offices

    • @ZAPATTUBE
      @ZAPATTUBE 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Go ride them!

    • @RCLepcha
      @RCLepcha 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ZAPATTUBE military people will shoot bruh

  • @JRobert111111
    @JRobert111111 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I didn't know what to expect. But to be honest, I had a blast watching this! Subscribed.