HANDCAR Meaning and
Definition
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Handcar refers to a manually-powered railway vehicle typically used for maintenance and inspection purposes on railroad tracks. It is a type of small, flat car that is propelled by the physical force applied by the operator using a pumping motion. Also known as a hand-pump car or a pump trolley, a handcar features a platform mounted on two or more wheels, usually with a sturdy frame structure for durability.
The operator grasps one or two handles connected to vertical pumping bars on either side of the car. By swiftly pushing and pulling these bars up and down, the operator generates the necessary power to move the handcar along the tracks. The motion is akin to using a manual pump, whereby the force exerted on the vertical bars causes the car's wheels to rotate and provide locomotion. To steer the handcar, the operator leans or shifts their weight, altering the weight distribution between the wheels.
Handcars were historically employed for a range of purposes, from transport and maintenance work to track inspections. They were commonly used in countries like the United States during the early 19th to mid-20th centuries, particularly when rail networks were still expanding and required frequent maintenance. While handcars have largely become obsolete due to the advent of motorized vehicles and advanced technology, they still hold a nostalgic charm and are occasionally utilized for recreation, track inspections in remote areas, or as tourist attractions in certain railway museums.
Common Misspellings for HANDCAR
Etymology of HANDCAR
The word "handcar" is a compound noun, combining the words "hand" and "car".
The term "hand" derives from the Old English word "hand" or "hond", which has Germanic origins. It has been used for hundreds of years to refer to the body part at the end of the arm, specifically the prehensile and manipulative extremity of the human limb.
The word "car" comes from the Middle English word "kerr", which denotes a wheeled conveyance or vehicle. It is derived from the Old Norse word "kartr" or the Proto-Germanic "kurtaz", meaning "chariot or wagon".
Combining these two words, "handcar" refers to a manual or hand-powered vehicle or railroad car.
Similar spelling words for HANDCAR
- handicap,
- handcraft,
- handclasp,
- handcolor,
- handwash,
- handcolour,
- handcuffs,
- hands,
- hand cream,
- handsaw,
- hand axe,
- hand ax,
- handcart,
- hangar,
- handclap,
- handicraft,
- handgrip,
- handcuff.
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