The Pump Car

A handcar, and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Autority 0622 and 0623 (Boston) at Seashore Trolley Museum

Before small gasoline engines were available, the men that inspected and maintained the tracks of conventional railroads used hand-operated cars like this to travel the length of the section of railroad that they were respnsible for. Two men were required for this car, one on each set of handles. The car is light enough that the two men could lift it clear of the tracks in time for a conventional train.