Railcart walk around and wheel explanation.

[@Tx.La-Z-Boy]

I used to have one of these about 15 years ago. Mine was made of pipe, and was much like a go cart with fixed wheels ( no Steering) and we used go cart wheels, with slicks, and on the inside side of the wheel we bolted plow discs,through the 4 holes in the wheel halves, and it worked great. Nice and smooth and quiet, we were threatened with prison if we did it again, so we disassembled it. Mine ran a 3 horse Briggs, and it went about 25-30 mph. I used an oil filter wrench around the clutch as a band brake, and had a gas pedal like a go cart. It was much fun. The problem was that we were on a live rail, no abandoned rails around here, but it was very rusty so it was never used, but they were very stern about trespassing on it just the same .

[@Spgonahan]

What a bunch of killjoys.

[@PottScilgrim]

This is so cool man! Thanks for the detailed description of everything. Some old school engineering genius.

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks for checking it out

[@Aco747lyte]

Very well made with lots of thought going in before things got screwed down. Brilliant build, cool and I think the wheels and that one extended axle you showed is genius! Have lots of joyful railcarting for 2024! ❤🌻

[@USCBeastmode]

This is super duper amazing and all I can think is, how many amazing memories you and your daughter are going to have riding around on that! So cool 😎 👍🏼

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks! Yes, I hope she will remember these times.

[@doubled1425]

@@ryanrandomness Believe me, she will ALWAYS remember riding this with you. I always told my dad that "I will love you forever daddy". And I do. Sure do miss him.

[@popswerks7915]

This is American ingenuity. Great job.

[@wrthrash]

Such crazy fun, I'd have to take this up several notches w aluminum frame, cargo area.

[@joepeckham5064]

this absolutely epic man, ingenious. human engineering at its finest

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks for checking it out

[@timwrich5128]

That 1-in shaft is 40 or $50 at a garage door parts store.. residential torsion shafts are hollow, but commercial are solid with a keyway.. and if you get one that's under 7 ft, they might throw it at you for free because it's not really usable since typically 95% of garage doors are at least 7 ft wide and thus require about 7 and 1/2 ft shaft length

[@FrankWoodJr]

DAAAMMM !!!!!.... THIS IS A BAD ASS LITTLE MOTOR SCOOTER👌👍

[@edp2260]

At 12:40 : A live axle is required. That is the what makes real train 'steer'. The way it works is that both wheels on the axle turn at the same rate. The cone shape of the wheels cause the wheel set to 'steer' (known a 'hunting') towards a balanced condition. If the tracks are straight ahead, then both wheels must advance the same distance per turn. If the wheel set has slid to one side, the wheel that is riding the rail close to the flange is slightly larger in diameter at the point it is contacting the rail, and the other wheel is riding on the rail a it's smaller diameter, owing to the taper, or 'cone shape' of the wheels. This has the effect of causing the 'larger' diameter wheel (the one that is riding on the rail close to it's flange) to push slightly in the forward direction, and the other wheel that is riding the rail on it's smaller diameter part to 'drag' slightly in the rearward direction. This causes the wheel set to steer towards an equilibrium condition. This is what keeps trains on the track. The flanges are insurance. Good job building those wheels! Love your video. I want a speeder!

[@ryanrandomness]

You explained that way better than I ever could. Thanks for checking it out!

[@timgiles9413]

If I remember right from my past research, the taper angle is 5 degrees. Great explanation of how train wheels steer around curves and that the flange is for insurance only to keep it from derailing. The flange should rarely touch the rail (you can always add 1 more degree of angle :)

[@wingnutbert9685]

For the motor vibration, perhaps try rubber door stops for the motor to sit on. Or a dense neoprene pad under it, like one of those gardening knee pads or a sleeping pad for tent camping. Maybe valve springs (?) out of a car engine, cut to height needed, captured with the motor mount bolts though them. 🙂👍

[@matthewholzinger1042]

Looks like the pillow blocks have holes to add grease fittings. Also you can rotate the recoil starter so it's easier to pull from behind.

[@faen2981]

Great idea and execution, well done 👍

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks

[@spikeaus5834]

Thanks Mike I think a lot of us would like more detail on the wheel construction. Maybe make a wheel and film it. So have someone who knows what to film as you have your hands free and can talk us through it. Do a practice run first before you use the expensive polyurethane products. Really like this idea and would like to see how you went about getting the camber on the ‘flat’ of the wheel. That’s the secret of your success. Spike in Sydney Aus.

[@TeslaTales59]

In addition to brakes, might be good to have a front bumper to protect the deck from unseen track debris or weeds.

[@matts1166]

I was thinking of doing one of these using an old moped from the junkyard. I was thinking of using pneumatic wheels for ride comfort, but having skateboard wheels mounted horizontally as guide wheels to keep the cart on the track, rollercoaster style.

[@lindsaymac7333]

Have seen 2 coarse-toothed Saw-Blades forward-attached to cut the weeds

[@iamgriff]

@@matts1166 I like the bicycle skateboard wheel idea.

[@mrkraymnd]

Sounds like it was fun to build and really fun to ride - rock on

[@ryanrandomness]

More adventures to come

[@Edelce]

you are one quirky mad man and i love all of this

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks!

[@editorreilly]

Sweet!!! Thanks for showing us your build.

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks

[@robingamel9788]

Chain link roller wheels like for a gate. Love this , thanks.

[@youruptownlowdown7745]

Rubber mount that engine! Surprized your axle mounts don't stress and splinter fx wood! Geat hobby! Thx for the video's!

[@geraldlrstubbs]

Yes, the wheels should be slightly conical up towards the flange. The rails will then run up the cone as far as they can, and they both find the same position on the wheels. As the rails go in and out of perfect gauge, they stay in the same position on each wheel. So normally there is no banging on the flanges.

[@ryanrandomness]

I tried to put a 3% grade on the wheels. They do walk a little but they work great.

[@timgiles9413]

@@ryanrandomness That's what I remember, 5%-6% taper

[@wingnutbert9685]

@@ryanrandomness The diameter of the wheels may also factor into the angle of the wheel surface. Smaller wheel may need steeper angle. Just a rando thought. :)

[@justinmijnbuis]

Also, the wheel shape acts as a differential, allowing small speed changes between the 2 wheels on one axle while going through bends.

[@adamhurm]

Really interesting and descriptive. Thanks for sharing!

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks

[@CarsonNolt-wq7sx]

Surplus Center has a 6 ft axle too. They're located in Lincoln Nebraska.

[@jbevill4085]

If you leave a small amount of slack in the chain that drum clutch will last longer. Also take it apart and clean it every now and then. You can typically replace the bearings in them too instead of just buying a new clutch. We use them kart racing a lot.

[@wingnutbert9685]

Maybe adding a tension idler pulley too?

[@ur808mate]

I always wanted to ride the rails with something simple and homemade like this since I was young and read my first huck finn story! wouldn’t mind the hand crank type either, actually! But alas: next life for me! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Have more adventures with your kids!

[@ryanrandomness]

Never too late

[@donberry6079]

Thanks for a very good video and good design. I have some questions: Why such relatively small wheels? Is it because of cost? How do you protect the drive chain and teeth from debris, sand and grit? What about rocks or large debris between the rails? How to avoid them? Any guess as to miles/gallon of gas? Comment: I would have varnished or painted all wood surfaces to protect from wear and weather, and used Rustoleum on the axles to protect from rust. More videos please, keep them coming.

[@the_lost_navigator7266]

The steel axles with the keyway may have been part of a metalworking lathe, used to drive the saddle along the bed. They wear and need replacing sometimes.

[@oapv22]

Thanks for the in depth analysis, do you possibly have a link where I can find wheels like those? If not I'll do my own research 😜

[@ryanrandomness]

www.gopowersports.com/one-piece-live-axle-wheel-for-6-tires/ I know I've found them for $19 or $20 before but prices for everything have been going up

[@americanpatriotism1776]

Seriously that is awesome 👌!!!

[@Curtis_H]

Be cool , add swivel to the seats and add a tav2 gear box with reverse . Get away from picking the cart up from turning it around. Might be cool 😎. Thanks for sharing this.

[@ryanrandomness]

Definitely thinking about a gearbox.

[@azmje80]

Pretty awesome! I'm in Arizona and I work with a youth group. I've been looking for a project we can work on together, and this is going to be it. We're going to build a few of these, pack them up, and go camp out away from everyone. They'll remember this their whole lives. I was going to ask you for links to places that sell parts, but it looks like you've already responded to others with the same question. Thanks!

[@ryanrandomness]

Really cool! There's some great tracks to ride in Arizona.

[@miked7011]

That last wheel there looks like a scaffolding wheel. Not surprised it failed quickly, they are built more for withstanding weight rather than spinning.

[@4KVin]

After watching a couple of your other videos, I am glad I found this one! Really nice to see your explanation here. The cutting board wheel was my favorite part 😂

[@ryanrandomness]

Yeah early prototype lol

[@4KVin]

@@ryanrandomness 😂😂😂

[@texdog2772]

Great idea on wheels.

[@kellyschutte3893]

Awesome vid starting one soon and using a bunch of your ideas

[@sergiodias8068]

Parabéns pelo carrinho, eu fiz um também é ficou show!

[@jamese498]

Did you find the company you got the axels from? Or what to search for?

[@seanjmichel]

How long are your axles and where did you get em

[@andrewrussack8647]

The coning of the wheel is critical to the steering characteristics of the vehicle. You were right to provide some coning.

[@stanleybest8833]

Aluminum axles would save you a lot of weight. For brakes, glue leather to aluminum. It's very durable and even more replaceable. Leather suede likes to brake on aluminum. Four brake springs and a trip handle to actuate drag in a snap would work. Seat bottoms could be high density foam with leather stapled over them.

[@nafcd]

you guys are so lucky to be able to access abandoned tracks. i am in new zealand and no way we would be allowed anywhere near abandoned tracks. not that there are many here. most disused lines get ripped up

[@kerrysupporter]

Great job

[@XY_Dude]

Wow - covered it all, dude! As you said, though, a small sheet of steel under the mill would give it added strength w/o too much weight gain.

[@repairfreak]

Very cool idea, aways wanted to build a cart. I always wondered where I could get wheels however. I love you idea of pouring rubber over a rim. Thus you can clamp the rim hole centered in your lathe chuck using an actual axle piece, and then turn round without runout, even if the pour was slightly off center. Those are arbor bearings correct? Is there a grease Zerk in each? I like the idea of sitting up higher however. I also like the idea of a box with tip back soft cushion seats with back, along with storage in the box to fit a cooler for sandwiches & milk😉. For braking I was thinking of strong Neodymium bar magnets on each side just back slightly from center of cart. One could pull a metal lever and both magnets would reach out just close enough to inside rail edge and reach end-stops thus providing just enough drag. The system would have to be strong “likely welded”and work in perfect symmetry together moving in and out with individual magnet distance to rail adjustments. I would also mount the motor on a metal plate on-top of urethane rubber motor mount bushings. Great project. I solute your design simplicity, and clever wheel production. Your so lucky to have beautiful abandoned railways near you. Very cool! ✌️😎👍

[@Simple-jack]

Do you have a link to where you got that axle from?

[@paulshamblin6260]

I've definitely got to build one of these. I don't have it a lathe...yet.

[@catmanflorida2839]

very cool. Yes the wheels are not flat, there is a small angle/taper to them and the track is not flat either, it has a peak in the center and tapered down on both sides. since both wheels have the same angled/tapered surface, the peak on the track will now make the wheels track on the same spot on the tapered surface.

[@timgiles9413]

An actual train wheel angle/taper/cone shape in between 4-7 degrees. It's not very much and doesn't need to be but it does need some.

[@ufomanuap5290]

I wish I could buy some tires from you Ryan...it seems to be the only tricky part of the construction.

[@alanmckeeve2695]

Does the engine have a centrifugal clutch?

[@Mike-rx4in]

Have you ever thought, about adding rail sweeps for the front wheels? They would knock small debris off the rail.

[@justinharroun69]

First off you have an old ass lathe, but what kind off cutting tooling did you use for it, normal cutter with chip breaker? Or a cutter?

[@pappysproductions]

great video.

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks

[@Spgonahan]

It is a great idea to make urethane wheels. They must run smooth and quiet. It occurs to me that a 2x3 ladder frame with plywood might be quite resonant, so if you had hard or roough wheels, it might get pretty loud. Is that an issue? It's hard to tell from videos how loud these railcarts really are.

[@ryanrandomness]

These wheels are so quiet and smooth.

[@ferraritoybox]

Clean the chain & put in pryfine wax and bring to a boil for a few minutes until the wax get inside the rollers then take the chain out let congeal the put back on no more oiling no more mess

[@bigdamij]

Thanks dude. Keep it up.

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks

[@joostderidder]

I wonder ... why such small wheels? Wouldn't be bigger wheels better (more stable on the tracks)? 12inch or even 15 inch?

[@arksrandom5968]

Is there a link for exactly those white rims? I am making plans on building one

[@ronbuono9096]

I can’t seem to find a keyed 6 foot or 56 1/2 inch axle. In the video you mentioned a place of San Diego and you said you would list it in comments, but I can’t find it anywhere. Could you please let me know where you got those axles? Thanks so much.

[@ryanrandomness]

www.surpluscenter.com/Power-Transmission/Shafting/Keyed-Shafting/1-x-72-Keyed-Shafting-1-2982-100-6.axd

[@ryanrandomness]

Prices have increased quite a bit but still by far the best deal I've found.

[@ronbuono9096]

⁠@@ryanrandomnessThanks, I just ordered them. The next closest price I found was double

[@ryanrandomness]

Those are good shafts too. I've derailed super hard and hit big rocks with lots of weight and never even bent one.

[@robertdavis5714]

Seen your video on the Tracks at Eagle Mountain, looks like fun to me, will pay $$$$$$$ for a Ride.

[@Bendigo1]

I saw something about people building the bikes to run on the rails when I was a kid, I cant remember if it was national geographic magazine what, but I always wanted to do something like that too. I don't live somewhere that has any track I could do it on (at least not legally or without trains running on it) and do not really have the time or space to build anything like that. It is really cool to see someone actually do it though. I always thought about modifying an old motorcycle or dirt bike to do it though, just for better sitting position and view height.

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks for checking it out

[@labmatthew]

Love it! San Daygo!

[@alicia2671]

Olá estou aqui vendo tua invenção amigo queria poder fazer um igual aqui temos as linhas abandonadas eu ia usufruir com certeza .. parabéns sucesso abraços 👍

[@thomascorbett2936]

Nice but I think the center area should be much higher, there's always weeds growing up from the middle of the tracks . Or make the wheels much bigger around .

[@CarsonNolt-wq7sx]

Where did you get the wheels? I would use a Honda engine rather than the predator in my opinion.

[@oapv22]

Hi, do you have a link to the clutch and sprocket you bought? I'm tryna to find an ideal sprocket but I do not know where to look

[@ryanrandomness]

Original clutch I was using is the first link. I recently switched to a torque converter. I put both links below FDJ Minibike Go Kart Clutch 3/4"... www.amazon.com/dp/B01D4L6OSI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share MOOSUN GO-KART TORQUE CONVERTER... www.amazon.com/dp/B07T1KRS4V?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@mariohectormartin3097]

...Sr...y la prueba de campo de todo esto...? Gracias si me orienta dónde encontrarla.

[@ryanwitt6304]

Do you have any idea what your gear ratio is? I have a similar 10t clutch and I was going to put a 40t on the axle … I heard not to go any smaller then the 40t but looking at yours it seems to be quite small too! Thanks, cool project

[@jhippl]

very nice

[@ryanrandomness]

Thanks

[@billbrown1476]

I know you are trying to keep you cost low, but I think a welded aluminum frame is the way to go. Hope you have many safe, fun trips.

[@SpaceMan-vd5ne]

I don’t see a way to message on here. Anyway, I don’t have access to a lathe here in SLC. Any possible way I could pay you for a set of the wheels?

[@ryanrandomness]

Hey I'd love to help you but I think the amount of time and shipping would end up costing you more than just getting them from railriders.net.

[@kriskat1521]

Train wheels are conical, they naturally do not de-rail by laws of physics. Can the urethane be shaped?

[@romeowhiskey1146]

Where do you hold the COAL? How big is the boiler? Do you employ a conductor?

[@ryanrandomness]

I have 2 crews working 24/7

[@jordanhorst6]

very metro 2033! I love it !

[@thomaswestbrook7468]

Best bugout vehicle ever for the escape from LA apocalypse, just needs a trailer for more gear🤔

[@kentemple6498]

This is cool man. You totally need to add a train horn!

[@atribecalledcookies4]

So, how much would you charge to make me 4 wheels like the one's on your full size cart lol?

[@EsterVitoria-g4o]

Opa, tudo bem meu amigo?! Aí procura um tradutor pra vc me entender 😅, então como faço pra conseguir essas rodas? Gostei muito do seu projeto, já fiz um mais foi com roda de bicicleta a pedal mais sem muito progresso, mais se vc poder me enformar fico muito agradecido!

[@jscott6058]

Hey Ryan, I like your idea for the wheels, are you interested in making a set to sell ? And how much would you like for them I only need two, I have a jeep CJ I run on the tracks but I really need to make a set of guide wheels

[@OscarSanchez-bq4nl]

You should make one with a recliner chair as a seat.

[@tristankitchin5556]

This is amazing! I also live in San Diego and love walking the train tracks near the trestle. I'd love to build one of these. In the video you mention you sourced the shafts from some company in Ohio..... Can you share the name of the company? I'm trying to find the best deal. Thank you!

[@ryanrandomness]

I had to check my email. They are actually in Lincoln Nebraska. I think I said $20 or $30 in the video but it looks like it's $47 each. I remember looking around and this was by far the cheapest 72" keyed shaft I could find. It shipped fast and worked great so far. www.surpluscenter.com/Power-Transmission/Shafting/Keyed-Shafting/1-x-72-Keyed-Shafting-1-2982-100-6.axd

[@Whiteyholmes08]

Pretty cool bro… You’re winning 2022 so far… Do you build any flying machines?

[@ryanrandomness]

Haha no flying machines yet

[@vegasrider2246]

How far or long can you go with a tank of fuel?

[@Ferix__]

Is it legal tho?

[@ryanrandomness]

No comment

[@Ferix__]

@@ryanrandomness oh anyways thanks for the detailed information

[@iamgriff]

try using a semi truck mud flap to dampen engine vibration.

[@doubled1425]

So cool! Wish I could take a ride on it!! I can afford the wood.😁

[@billydonnelly7378]

I’m thinking a belt drive with spring tension like mower

[@rileystumm3549]

Hey Ryan, why did you use a 6” wheel? I have seen the exact wheel but an 8”. Wouldn’t the extra ground clearance help?

[@ryanrandomness]

Couple reasons. The 6 inch wheels were quite a bit cheaper at the time. I think it was $20 each rather than $50 each. Also I was planning on using several inches of polyurethane. It didn't work out that way. My lathe can only fit 12" so that was also a worry as well. I was also trying to make it as light as possible. Really when you think about it a 2" bigger rim would only raise the axle 1"? Anyway I've never had any major clearance issues with my current setup.

[@rileystumm3549]

Thanks for the info. How much flex-it 90 do you need for 4 wheels? Would a gallon be too much?

[@ryanrandomness]

@@rileystumm3549 I had no idea what I was doing when I first attempted it. I think I started with 1 gallon. When I went to pour I didn't realize it only had something like a 3 min work time. I ended up wasting like half. I ordered another gallon and screwed up again. I also cut off a ton of polyurethane. If you had a better method you could probably get away with 1 gallon but it will most likely take 2. They also have 30% coupons. If you email them and tell them you missed the coupon they will email you one.

[@sootbelcher]

Do you sell these wheels?

[@max25i67]

how does the gear not slip from the back axel? did u weld it or are those collars enough to hold it? also sick cart man

[@ryanrandomness]

The collars hold it great but it definitely needs loctite on everything.

[@mtlassen1992]

The axles and wheel hubs have 1/4" keyways.

[@suckitrealgood9]

Hey man! Starting a build and am having trouble locating some axels. Do you have a link to where you purchased your axels from?

[@ryanrandomness]

Looks like they've doubled in price since I got them. www.surpluscenter.com/Power-Transmission/Shafting/Keyed-Shafting/1-x-72-Keyed-Shafting-1-2982-100-6.axd

[@suckitrealgood9]

@@ryanrandomness I appreciate it! I am also in the San Diego area and my buddy and I are trying to build our first kart. The big issue we are running into is procuring some wheels for this sort of set up. Do you happen to have a spare set you would be willing to sell? And if not would you be willing to mold and cut down a set if I were to bring them over to you? We would pay you for your time. Once I again I appreciate your time

[@ryanrandomness]

@@suckitrealgood9 I don't have an extra wheels right now. I could help you out with the lathe if you needed it. I just used a bucket as a mold which wastes a ton of polyurethane and costs alot more. If you had access to a 3D printer that would probably be the best way to make a perfect mold.

[@stanpak007]

Interesting show and tell. I was wondering if putting 1" axle shafts is not too much and if smaller diameters would work too. I was also thinking about 3d printing the molds for tires so they can be very precisely made and will not require the lathe to make them perfectly smoot and balanced.

[@nathanknight1906]

Nice setup. Hook it up with a set of wheels. Need them within a couple months if it's doable for you. Let me know the total $$$ When it's all said and done

[@JayL781]

I want to make one but I wanted to where I can stay out for a few days I wanted to be like a teardrop really small really light

[@EditorKalandr__]

You should make a bigger project where it say four seater, and actually have seats and maybe a little trailer to hook and haul

[@tmayorca8770]

No need for breaks. Just get anchor ⚓

[@bravoechotango6726]

Would you be willing to make and sell 4 wheels???

[@Pady9977]

Damn, hoped for a simpler solution for the wheels :D

[@ryanrandomness]

It's easier than it seems. Just need access to a lathe.

[@timgiles9413]

@@ryanrandomness you should do a video on how you make the tires :)

[@ericfilomeno3150]

@@ryanrandomness Do you think you could use a mini lathe? I have a 7x14 mini lathe... so 7" swing..

[@ryanrandomness]

@ericfilomeno3150 probably, just smaller wheels. There's a video somewhere on youtube where a guy did a diy lathe mounted to a table and it had a huge swing.

[@NoamPitlick-bg8kw]

If I lived out west, I’d have someone build a high end rail cart for me.

[@paulshamblin6260]

There should be clubs for this

[@christopherhilliard3681]

Do you sell the wheels

[@ryanrandomness]

No I don't. They would be too expensive