A handcar is a maintenance of way railroad car powered by its passengers. A typical design consists of an arm that pivots, seesaw-like, on a base, which the passengers alternately push down and pull up to move the car.

Handcars have been normally used by railroad service personnel for railroad inspection and maintenance. Due to their low weight they can be put on and off the rails at any place.

Handcar enthusiasts organize races between handcars driven by five person teams (one to push the car from a halt, four to pump the lever).

Bamboo cart

In Cambodia and other third world countries, local citizens sometimes make their own unofficial carts to transport goods along the railway tracks.

References

• A handcar racing website

External links

• PRR Hand Car diagrams
• Some rowbikes are inspired by early handcars
• History and other information

Maintenance of way equipment

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