Where can I ride a pump trolley?
Almost three decades ago I had the pleasure to ride a pump trolley. I remembered the ease of getting the thing in motion and the speed you can get. Unfortunately I was only allowed to ride for about 100 meters.
Today I watched an episode of Masha and the bear, where Santa Claus was driving such a pump trolley. Of course this was a cartoon, but it made me wonder if there is still some place in the world where one could rent or drive such a pump trolley for a longer journey.
I know that there are multiple locations where you can cycle on old railway tracks (example). I am actually looking for the real thing, such as depicted in the picture below.
Source: WikiCommons
Bonus points for someone pointing to a pump trolley which can be used for a multiple day hiking trip.
Best Answer
You can ride a pump trolley at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, although it doesn't look to be quite the vintage of your example. Reviews suggest it is indeed quite enjoyable.
Another option is in Goleta with a handcar that seems more your kind of vintage (albeit a replica created in the 1980s).
Carson City also gives you a chance to do so.
There's also a general entry race at Folsom, which seems like it provides the handcar for you.
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What is the use of trolley pump?
A handcar (also known as a pump trolley, pump car, rail push trolley, push-trolley, jigger, Kalamazoo, velocipede, or draisine) is a railroad car powered by its passengers, or by people pushing the car from behind.Do push trains exist?
A push\u2013pull train has a locomotive at one end of the train, connected via some form of remote control, such as multiple-unit train control, to a vehicle equipped with a control cab at the other end of the train. This second vehicle may be another locomotive, or an unpowered control car.How do rail carts work?
The Railroad Hand-Pump Section Car is a simple track maintenance vehicle consisting of a platform built on 4 flanged railroad wheels and propelled by hand power. Rods, gears and cranks are utilized to enable the car to travel along the rails. These unique vehicles were developed in the late 1850's and early 1860's.What is a track trolley?
52.30 For transporting track construction equipment, tools and materials. Light metal construction. Tool-less assembling and disassembling. Ball bearing aluminum running wheels.Pump Trolley World Record
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Answer 2
In the US there is also rides available in Steamtown USA in Scranton, PA
If you really feel like it you can try the Folsom HandCar Derby in Folsom, CA. Not as old hand car as you have listed by still could be fun. :)
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Images: Gustavo Fring, Тамара Левченко, Gustavo Fring, HONG SON