And other Hand Powered Rail Vehicles

Hajtany (HU) Railbike (US,GB) Dresinsykling (NO) Handcar (US)

Drezina (RU) Resiina (FI) Drezyny (PL) Skinne cykel (DK)

Cykeldressin (SE) Draisines (BE) Bicilinha (BR) Dresin (NO)

Biciclette Ferroviarie (IT) Spoorvegfiets (BE) Dressin (SE,NO)

Dresina (SP) Schienenvelo (CH) Dreziny (CZ) Spoorfiets (NL)

Pump Car (US,GB) Velorail (FR,GB) Cyclo Draisine (FR)

No33 For this free email newsletter, contact: jackiethomas002@hotmail.co.uk Or download from:www.velocipedes.co.uk

14th National Velocipede Rally Saturday & Sunday 28th & 29th June, National Railway Museum Velocipede Event 5th & 6th July, Yorkshire Rally Thurs 6th, Fri 7th Nov 2014

14th National Velocipede Rally

Saturday & Sunday 28th & 29th June At Churnet Valley Railway

This coming

weekend And the weekend after at

National Railway Museum

Velocipede Event 5th & 6th July

Please come

if you can

Due to increasing decrepitude Jacqui is

standing down as National Rally Organiser, (next year she should be having knee surgery and all the fun and

crutches that will entail).

It would be nice if the Rally could continue at Churnet Valley since

it has settled into a comfortable formula that works well. The

Rally Organiser’s Job could be broken up into manageable

pieces and shared out Safety, Judging Prize Winners, Film

Show Organiser, Dinner Organiser. (Kevin and I will continue to

engrave labels for Trophies and help find Films for the Film Show).

I will continue with editing the Newsletter and handling the mail

generated by the website, (it involves sitting down). See page 8

I will continue with the Recruiting drive at Model Engineering

Events, (I can take a seat).

I will continue with the “Build One” Group, designing buildable

machines, organising castings, wheels and laser cutting code.

(World War One 2 foot gauge Trench Railway Pump Car this year.

Folding Swedish Trackbike & Sheffield No 1 Standard Gauge Pump

Car next year). (Drawing Boards have stools).

A reminder of our Rally Rules (the same as

last year) are on pages 9 to 12.

I know we are Hand Power

but this is a Beaut http://www.ebay.com/itm/Steam-Speeder-Locomotive-Railroad-Engine-

Boiler-with-Pump-whistle-gauge-oiler-/261496830131

for just $15,000

Spotted and sent in by John Vander Ven.

_______________________________________________________

New in Japan http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/06/02/business/abandoned-

railway-reborn-theme-park/#.U40G95hDt0w

We are in very occasional contact with one of the enthusiasts behind this

- it had semaphores and tablet working until the end in 2009 and I think

they were planning to maintain them for if they start some sort of

conventional rail operation. John Cowburn

Hand Power Rules

Government only introduces rules after blood has been

spilt (it is called the ”TITANIC” School of Design).

After the privatisation act in 1993 with over 90 companies involved,

railways in Britain became the wild west, with anyone and his dog

becoming contractors. The attitude to safety was best demonstrated

when the British Transport Police arrested a man in a London pub with a

stolen pad of track safety certificates selling to all comers (these would

assure contractors that the holder had completed basic rail safety

training).

The rules that Network Rail want obeyed by hand power machine

owners to operate on their tracks today were mainly born out of

the deaths at Tebay in 2004.

BBC NEWS at Verdicts on Tebay

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4816206.stm

Tebay local newspaper report

http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/675301.Tebay_rail_

workers_deny_manslaughter/?ref=ar

Network Rail are very sensitive about brakes after a lot of blood

was spilt. The following are the rules to run on Network Rail track:

You need a running brake (bicycles and cars have then).

You need a parking brake (cars and most rolling stock have

them).

You need a deadman’s brake (in case you forget to use the

parking brake to prevent a runaway). See Tebay links above.

First Recorded Accident

SANSPARIEL versus

7th October 1829 reported by the Liverpool Courier at the Rainhill Trials

“Manumotive collided with Sanspariel and

damaged a wheel”.

Manumotive took no further part.

You just can’t get the staff.

Hand Power v Steam

MANUMOTIVE found by Mark Hambly

Ross Winans (1796-1877)

Designer and builder of Manumotive.

“He became one of America’s first multi-millionaires and a pioneer

of railroading technology and development.

He was first associated with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in

1827 selling horses to the railroad.

Upon moving his family to Baltimore from Vernon, New Jersey,

their first residence was on West Fayette Street near Pine Street.

One of Ross Winans’ first and more important tasks was to help

Peter Cooper and Phineas Davis build the Tom Thumb steam

locomotive, the first of its kind in America.

In 1828 he developed a friction wheel with outside bearings which

established a distinctive pattern for railroad wheels for the next

one hundred years or so.

From November 1828 to 1829, Winans and several other

engineers including Major George Washington Whistler and

William Gibbs McNeill, were sent to England by the Baltimore and

Ohio Railroad Company (B&O) to study the English railroad

system and made observations that proved of great value to the

company. Winans entered “Manumotive” for the Rainhill Trials.

Rules for Historics or one offs at

Rallies are

Different where we are not on Network Rail Track and not carrying

members of the public. We are exactly the same as the

demonstration machines operating at the NRM on the 5th &

6th July.

We have taken out the same £5 million Public Liability Insurance as

the NRM required. Your machines will be still be checked to make

sure you are not going to hurt yourself, just like last year.

Only modern velorails meet the requirements laid out for

carrying members of the public as passengers (by the NRM

and Network Rail).

All the rest of us can going along to Rallies to demonstrate the great

variety of machines and not have the worry about carrying the

public. We just potter along on vintage machines or one offs for

demonstration purposes and to enjoy ourselves.

Please come along to Rallies, the vintage machines and wonderful one

offs will show the incredible diversity, the public will be fascinated

with what we bring even if they can't have a ride.

None of my 8 machines will meet these modern standards for carrying members of

the public on Network Rail lines, with deadman's brake and emergency drawgear.

3 of my machines are over 100 years old and the Arts Council Museums

Accreditation Scheme best practice does not approve of permanent changes to

historic machinery, best summed up as “do nothing you cannot reverse”.

Jacqui.

The Germans manage to have a Children’s Pump Car operating on hire

sites that meet their National Rules.

www.erlebnisbahn-ratzeburg.de

This site has 5km operating Pump Cars

_________________________________________________

Hand trolleys are manufactured in the UK with a deadman’s handle

like a luggage trolley. Let go - it stops.

http://www.geismar.com/en/trolleys/113-llf-471.html

Model LLF 471 Photo Geismar

The UK’s Latest

Hand Power 4 Wheel Track Bike that will fit into a car

By John Midcalf

Very Clever Packing

It has a really good Bumper (Frame) Sticker.

John is taking his machine to Scotland for a Charity Fund raising event

that leaves on the Monday after the National Rally and proceeds under

hand power (not all rail) to finish in York at the NRM Event.

Conversion in Russia With a couple of new ideas

www.adelaidecyclists.com/forum/topics/railroad-bicycle-russian-style

Have a look for yourself

This is a clever idea using a second set of forks for the guide wheel

This is clever too, using a handle bar bracket to carry the outrigger.

Raudteejalgratas/Railway Bicycle Estonia

The Jalgratta Museum Estonia www.velomuseum.ee/en/railway_bike

Wooden spokes rotted away ?

Is this tongue for a back pedal brake?

Restored

2 foot gauge Trackbike attracts

Young at Heart on 21st June

Cost £50

Our Website works very well and attracts questions and

pleas for help and wonderful

offers of catalogues and

castings.

THIS IS A REAL ACCUMULATIVE TOTAL OF MY INCOMING

EMAILS (one week apart since we changed our computer).

From where to borrow a machine for charity fund raising, to “can you

help with information for my PhD in Landscaping”, (a disused railway

project).

_______________________________________________________

The next 4 pages are the Rules

for our Rally. They are the same

as last year. All machines

passed the safety inspection.

1

Railway Machines Powered by Human Propulsion

“Velocipede” Rally

Safety Procedure

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Safety Officers (PIC) Mobile Phone Number (to be RALLY

tested before moving off) No.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Not Copyright “Open Access”.

Version 9 May 2013, Rally Stationary S1

2 Railway Hosting The Event

2.1. The Safety Officer of the host line needs to be clearly

identifiable as the Person In Charge. Good idea to have PIC

POSSESSION armband visible, so that should an emergency

arise, everyone knows who to look for. Also, it is then clear

who has the authority to give instructions.

2.2 High visibility Orange Vests will be worn by all attenders

during possessions.

2.3 Host railway to provide info on gradient profile, and

awareness of point positions. PIC to give phone No in

emergency.

2.4 Safety briefing, by PIC. Compulsory for all attenders. Set

limits of Possession of the line, and all machine users are to see and

check the staff/tablet for the line in use. A Numbered Machine

Rally Ticket is to be issued and attached to each machine, with

clear instruction who it is to be handed back to upon the end of

the possession.

Machines will be counted out and counted back by the PIC.

2.5 Signals, instruction to pass all at danger during the

possession.

2.6 “W” whistle Notices are to be Obeyed all at all times.

They apply to all occupation crossings and footpaths crossing

the line.

2.7 Host railway to liaise with PIC with regard to varying

possession limits and times. PIC to instruct machine users.

Platform Run Throughs on Steaming Days are under the

control of the nearest signal box. The Signalman will allow

them only when he has “train out of section”. Consent to

move given by the PIC with a Green Flag.

3 Users and Their Machines 3.1 The visiting group are to appoint a Machine Inspector to check all

machines for Basic Fitness to run. It is not reasonable to expect the

host railway to have a competent person available to check all the varied

machines.

3.2 NO RACING other machines. That’s when accidents happen.

3.3 Passengers and Briefing them. Have parking brake on when boarding

or setting down passengers. Consider their route from and to safety.

Arms in. Passengers not to move from seat or get up when the machine

is moving. Only to get on or off when told it is safe to do so.

3.4 Each user must read this booklet and sign the briefing "seen and

understood" on the Machine Inspectors Check List to be given to the

PIC of the Host railway Safety Procedure Booklets given to each briefed person, with PIC’s Mobile

Number and Machine Rally Number. Carry out check that his phone is turned

on and working with all present observing.

3.5 Spacing between machines on the move will be a minimum of 30

metres. Unless moving slowly closer to give assistance. Do not

Tailgate.

3.6 Points. Slow down when approaching, do not assume they will be set

for you. Drivers of Draisines and Norwegian Track Bikes of the “double

flanged” type should dismount and push their machines over points.

3.6 Machines attending must be checked by the Machine Inspector

for Basic Fitness to run (will it work) and Signed for as Checked. See

sample check List on page 8.

3.7 Keep a sharp look out for obstructions on the line, particularly the

Velocipede ahead

3.8 Stop at Level Crossings and proceed across cautiously.

3.9 Alcohol and Drugs, Railways operate a Zero Tolerance policy.

After any serious accident expect to give a samples of blood and urine

and take the consequences.

4 The Machine inspection will cover:

4.1 Lights front and back capable of operation for the duration

required with adequate reserve, twilight and after dark, working

test.

4.2 Audible means of warning, working test.

Must be sounded at all “W” Whistle boards trackside.

4.3 Number issued, seen and on machine.

4.4 Service Brake. Must work.

4.5 On lines with gradients that are considered to be a hazard,

the host railway should check the presence of a dead man,s

brake on any machine on the line

4.6 Parking Brakes. Must work. Where applicable, see 5.2

Velocipedes or 6.8 Pump Cars 5.5 Poling and Punt Cars.

4.7 Users without mobile phones not to be last in a line.

4.8 Last machine to carry 1st aid kit, but good idea for all users

to carry one. Remember to swop half way if doing “there and

back” runs.

4.9 Break downs/ Accidents/Rescue. Following Machines to

assist. If an emergency those on the spot will dial 999 and

call the PIC afterwards. Machine lifted off the track clear of

loading gauge, phone to advise PIC. PIC will assist the repair

or recovery of the machine(s) and persons involved.

4.10 Basic Tool Kits. Not compulsory but wise. Screw

driver, spanners (or an adjustable) and Pliers. Also Spare Nuts

and split pins to suit your machine. Use your experience.

5 5.1 Specific machine Types

Velocipedes and Draisines 5.2 “Parking Brake On” = Lift Off There is no way or wish to fit a parking brake to Historic Machines,

The photograph below illustrates a perfectly adequate procedure

from the past, lift the back wheel off the track and down onto the

ballast. The machine will not run away.

5.3 Poling & Punt Cars Basic Rules 5.4 Operators must not all walk to one end. ( they do not have

axle box keeps) and will tip up like a tipper truck unloading

5.5 The standard procedure for parking is to use the pole as a

“sprag” (i.e. passing through the spokes).

5.6 A minimum of two powering .The normal running brakes on

poling & punt cars are rudimentary but quite effective, (unless you

drop the pole). One should be sufficient to stop.

6

Pump Cars have never been invited to the National Velocipede Rally

because they can go very fast and present a danger to fragile,

valuable and elderly machines and operators.

There may be a way round this problem. If the Pumpers are

grouped at one end of the line up with a big, heavy and slow

machine (like the 12 seater Row Boat) OR any machine with the

Person in Charge on board, between them and the rest of the

lighter machines, all may be well.

6.1 Pump Cars Basic Rules

6.2 Always face the direction of Travel. It is too easy to move your

feet when looking over your shoulder and fall off.

6.3 Never move your feet when the machine is moving. You will fall

off.

6.4 Appoint a responsible person, who knows the line, as

brakesman only, to keep lookout, sound warnings and brake the

machine, never to pump.

6.5 Never try to find out how fast it will go. You stop

concentrating on the line and your safety, it is when accidents

happen.

6.6 Never race other machines on the same track. If you catch up

with the machine in front and collide there will be casualties.

6.7 Foot or Hand Service Brake. Must have one and it must work.

6.8 Parking Brake. Must work if fitted Most Cars do not have these,

so one end must be lifted off as in 5.2 for Velocipedes.

7

12 seater Row Boat.

7.1 Machine Inspector check list To sign off inspections carried out.

7.2 Machine Inspectors reminder check list 7.3 Machine Inspector must have : Safety Procedure Booklets and

Numbered Machine Rally Tickets on card for each machine

attending. Adhesive Tape and plastic wallets for Numbers.

7.4 Machine Inspector should have :

Clip Boards for Machine Inspection Check Lists.

Tool Kit,

Spare Cycle Lamps Front & Back and Adhesive Tape,

Spare Horns and Whistles,

TWO First Aid Kits

(2 Eskies containing drinks, snacks and Waste sacks).

Page 8 Sample of

7.1 Machine Inspectors check list __________________________________________________________________________________

3.4 Signed by machine owner as briefing by PIC “seen and

understood”. Safety Procedure Booklet, Numbered Machine Rally

Ticket and PIC’s Mobile Number received. Machine Inspection

carried out in the owners presence.

Signed Machine Type __________________________________________________________________________________

Name in block letters __________________________________________________________________________________

Address

__________________________________________________________________________________Mo

bile Phone Number __________________________________________________________________________________

4.3 A Numbered Machine Rally Ticket issued seen and on machine

No. __________________________________________________________________________________

4.1 Lights front and back twilight and after dark, working test. __________________________________________________________________________________

4.2 Audible means of warning, working test. __________________________________________________________________________________

4.4 Service Brake, working test. __________________________________________________________________________________

4.6 Parking Brake, Working test if fitted. Where applicable, see 5.2,

5.5, 6.8. __________________________________________________________________________________

4.7 Mobile Phones. Users without mobile phones not to be last in a

line. __________________________________________________________________________________

4.8 Last machine in any convoy to carry a basic Car First Aid Kit. __________________________________________________________________________________

Checked 3.4, 4.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8 and Basic Fitness to

Run (it will work). Inspection carried out in the owners presence.

Signed Machine Inspector