An alternate means of transport for a SHTF scenario.

Good idea in essence but as the roads will be blocked and gridlocked, the military/police will use the railroads more than ever. I personally would keep well away from railroads in a SHTF scenario. It could cost you your life.

I'm seeing some really great ideas and some very good points to consider in this thread.

The first thing that comes to mind is that there is no such thing as a one size fits all master plan, and while its obvious that some have begun to formulate a plan based on real skills that are being utilized now (how to lead a pack of mushers for example in addition to the ability to hunt to feed a large pack). These are skills that are not learned overnight and would not be available to everyone, especially in an urban setting.

The second thing that comes to mind ( while enjoying a beautiful river day with the family) is a real understanding of what you are capable of physically. We have a great rope swing and it is obvious at times the disconnect between what we think we can do and how it really goes down. Some folks are very surprised at how much upper body strength it takes to hold our own body weight.

I think the fact that you are studying maps for your area is great. Not only road maps but topographical maps will give you a real idea of what kind of obstacles you will have to deal with should you choose to leave right away if you need to.

IMO a great plan has to have some flexibility and I hope this thread can keep the discussion going.

Penny

reply to post by RobertF


Seriously awesome idea. I'm always worried about a quick getaway. This would be perfect. Maybe have the rail stabilizer as a folding arm or quick release so its easier to get off the lines to explore?

well,I've read 4 pages of replies,most very good.The basic concept is great,minus a few issues.First,it takes a lot of energy,although if all goes well,its smooth.Second,if your bugging out,where do you put your supplies? Third,if the rails aren't headed to your bugout location,what then?
So,a new shift on the concept.A trailer with a electric or small gas engine.Granted,you have the noise factor.Skip the weedeater idea,as they are 2 stroke motors usually,and are gas guzzlers and noisy.A simple little 3 hp briggs and stratton will work great.Imagine a little go kart pushing you along,and hauling your stuff.Maybe add some solar,whatever you desire.
Once you get near,or as close as possible to a bug out location,remove the rail setup and mountain bike,or dirt bike,to your location.If you use a dirt bike,you can ride the rails without starting it,as the little 3 hp will push it along.

oops,forgot something....what about the broken down train in front of you?

reply to post by blkcwbyhat


blkcwbyhat,

I do agree that a small 3hp motor would be ideal, however Briggs and Stratton motors use a standard oil gas mixture, which would limit your fuel options in a situation like this, IMO. I'm an options person. 3hp diesel motors can be run with many different oils and are the types that are used to run motorized road signs just about everywhere. I can see how these kinds of choices would be dependent on the mechanical abilities of the individual.

As to your second post, This has been discussed and is why the OP is looking to built a light rig that can be easily removed from the track. This would allow him or her to bypass obstacles like trains, missing track or roving bands of maniacs.

Penny

To be honest,I've never seen a diesel 3 hp engine.While I'm a big diesel fan,the little ones are RC airplane engines,and 2 stroke.Even a lil 2 hp briggs and stratton will move you along at a casual pace,on level ground.Imagine a 4x4 pallet,little lawnmower tires,and a lil engine with a rubber drive wheel.It will push you along at a decent pace,haul your gear,maybe pull a few more of these.a wagon train of bicycle trains!

reply to post by blkcwbyhat


I was unaware these existed myself until I spied one at an auction. My personal plan does not involve travel through or around urban centers, I arrived at my "bug out" location 20 years ago thank goodness. I am curious to know how the OP's plan has evolved since his last post here. I do know a major concern was weight and the ability to remove the vehicle from the tracks rather quickly if necessary. A lot would depend on what supplies the OP planned on carrying with him and what could be found along the way.

Penny

reply to post by RobertF

Never really thought about it before, but a collection of accurate maps would be a great item to barter with. Maps of areas in a SHTF situation would be very valuable I would think. The more detailed the better.

Looks like you could start printing copies of maps that could be usefull to others to barter with.

That is a pretty good idea. Personally, my idea is to kind of be a barter station of sorts, after a SHTF event. We already run a shop (saddle shop) out of the home, so we'd simply convert to other things after such an event.

reply to post by Gazrok


Leather working will be a very valuable trade when times get tough. Your idea of becoming a trade center is perfect, I hope you have plans for security as well. Especially in the beginning when people are the most desperate.

reply to post by RobertF


Absolutely. some of my survival group is ex-military, and we believe in being well-armed and prepared if a SHTF event occurs. We even do paintball as a hobby, but treating it instead as a time to hone tactics and communication (alternating who is the raiders and who is defending, etc.). I'm a firm believer in LIVING my life. Prepping is kind of a hobby, but I really hope we don't have to use any of it. Still, nice to know it is there.

I keep some supplies onhand just to make defenses after a SHTF event. Naturally, doing them now would be rather silly, and scare away business. But, cinder blocks, steel rods, bags of concrete (to make sniper pill boxes), fence posts (to sink in, in front of fences as vehicle barricades), and window coverings (also for storms) are ready to go if need be.

Also working towards putting security items (lights, electric fence, etc.) over to solar power slowly but surely. Eventually, I'd like to go off grid with power, but that will take some years and money, so will have to be done in increments.

reply to post by Gazrok


Indeed Gazrok, leather working is a great skill to have under your belt. We have a fellow in my neck of the woods that barters his leather work for eggs, veggies, dry goods and services. This will be particularly valuable for those of us that have pack animals and will need custom packs to move non traditional items.

As well as the skills to make and repair leather shoes will be more useful than we think IMO.

Penny

reply to post by RobertF


How are your vehicle plans coming along RobertF ? I am curious to see how your plans have evolved thus far.

Penny

Originally posted by RobertF
alternate means of transport for a SHTF scenario.

Railroad bikes, are a little known fascination with a niche group of adventures. A common rail road bike looks fairly normal but it has a few additions that allow it to ride on the rail ways. The additions include a guide wheel that goes on the bike just in front of the front tire and one that goes on just behind the rear tire. Most of the designs that I have seen look to be adjustable so that you can level the bike properly and adjust for different possible gauge sizes of the rail line. Adjusting to gage of rail seems to unlikely though due to the fact that almost all rail lines run standard gage, and only of few places such as mines or other private rails use other than standard. The third addition attaches to either side of the bike similar to a tripod to stabilize the bike on the second rail.
Benefits of using a rail bike for transport during a SHTF scenario:

1) No fuel needed

2) Does not use common roads, therefor avoiding manned road blocks, blocked roads.

3) Allows for a safe distance from town centers but close enough to allow for exploration.
I.e. most rail lines are on the borders of major town areas or in lower population areas.

4) repairs would be simple and easily found, also not under heavy demand like auto parts. 5)Increased speed of travel compared to rough, blocked road ways.


Cons of using a rail bike for transportation during SHTF scenario:

1) Physical fitness required for bike is greater than that of driving.

2) If bike breaks requires knowledge of basic mechanics.

3) Blocked rail lines may require portage.

Here are some photos for you to consider:

I thought this might interest the folks here at ATS, I found it interesting and honestly a justifiable means of transportation if all hell breaks loose.

What do you all think? Any modifications to the basic design? I know I would like to see a trailer addition so carrying of more supplies is possible…
[/quote

How in the hell am I supposed to create that in a SHTF scenario? I probably couldn't make that if I had a manual and a $1000 giftcard to Lowes!

In theory that is an interesting concept. Problem I see is it's too slow and too much drag. The upside is you could rig 2 bikes side by side and have some kind of small cart that linked onto the back to carry both passengers and baggage. That way if one biker gets tired you could switch out and or with the passengers on the pull cart. Doing that you could likely keep going for a fair distance. Like 2 people resting in a pull cart, and then 1 on either bike so someone can rest for a while before ending up back on the bike.

Its a good idea but as with all ideas it will have its flaws. If SHTF the railroads will become busy due to roads been gridlocked and the government/military will use them. Other people trying to escape will use them to navigate too and if they see you on this rail bike then they most likely will try and take it from you. Still i think one would be better than walking or running.

When it does all kick off I'm taking my mountain bike. Seems like a handy thing to take and it can cover large distance quickly. Plus i know quite a few trails through large forests that could be covered in a lot less time on a good condition mountain bike compared to walking.

My when SHTF beats all of yours...





Iam gonna look so cool bouncing along dressed like Mad Max

reply to post by pennylemon

I do realize however, that not everyone can house and feed an escape/ hauler like this sweet model.

(a horse)

Yep, even though we already have the facilities for them (stables), it still costs us $100 a week to feed our three horses. That's not even including regular farrier (horse foot specialist) visits, any vet costs, etc. (and of course, mucking out their stall each day). You also have to have pasture space for them to graze for some hours each day also (and as they eat up one pasture, you're prepping another, so you can swap).