What memories you brought back to me this morning. Almost 50 years ago I used to go out to that area with my friends almost every weekend. There were flat bed cars on the rails and we would all pile on board and ride them by gravity alone. I remember us hooting as we sped through the pitch dark tunnels (with someone sitting in the front with a flashlight on the rails to yell out if they saw rocks on the rails … as if we’d be able to do anything about it!) Afterwards we’d actually push them by hand back to where we found them… yes, it can be done, and once started, not at all difficult … so we could ride the next weekend. Thanks for making a 68 yo woman happy!
That was awesome. Glad to see the rail system from this side as so many travel to the trestle from the other way. They really need to do something with this as so cool to see and to think that all those tunnels and trestles were built so long ago and they still look in good condition is amazing. Would be great if they cleared out all the rock debris and offered excursions on rail cars just like you guys did. Thanks again for sharing!
I hope you find another place to ride and make another video . Yours is one of the very best I have seen . I'm near 75 and on fixed income so this is a vicarious thrill here in south-central Texas .
Great video on a superb historical rail road. Thanks for posting this interesting video containing the rail cart appropriately named for the Rail pioneer and the neat info on the plasma cutter and your navigation system. Please keep the videos rolling!.
I'd say take that rail cart back to the drawing board and design it for easy disassembly and light weight then pack it around the closed tunnel section. Get it under 150# total and you could make it around in a couple of trips. Regardless, those carts look like great fun.
Looks so much fun. I'm surprised there aren't businesses taking advantage of these abandoned tracks and offering experiences with similar karts. I would definitely book that on a holiday.
Nice, Thanks for being Inventive, Creative, Adventurous. I enjoyed this. Hope enthusiasts clear that land slide out and save this rail a little longer.
I like to drill down in Google Earth to get a bird's eye view of what you guys are passing through. Yesterday I followed a cart from the back side of the last tunnel, past the old Water tower station and onto El Centro. I live in San Diego so this area is part of our playground. Thanks for filming your trip.
This and Canal Boating seem like really chill ways to get around. Something to add to my bucket list if I ever win the lottery: build canal/train track tour routes through scenic landscapes ...
Spreckles California, an adjoining town at Salinas is named after his father. I’ve been there many times loading produce. I believe the huge building at Tanamera and Antle is the old sugar factory that Klaus Spreckles built.
Muito legal...no Brasil há 2 classes de diversão: raíz e nutella. A primeira, trata de coisas simples, baratas e muito divertidas, já a segunda opção é recheada de tecnologia, custa caro além de ser "diversão sintética". Prefiro a raíz! Natural simples e divertida! Show de bola, parabéns!!!
I've been exploring the desert by 4wd, dirt bike, and most recently by RZR, for more than twenty years. Thought I'd seen and done it all. I'm gonna have to ride a rail cart now! And nowhere better than here
Freaking epic. Well done. Bucket list stuff right there. (use an adjustable kart LO206 or Clone engine mount to keep chain tension and alignment or take out a link or 2 for now, lube chain often, Motul, good to go)
This is 1 of the best videos ever…thank you for this,I’d love to go on an adventure with you guys doing this,but it’s only a dream for me living here in 🏴Wales but thanks for sharing 👏🏻👏🏻
Great video. Keep it up. I'm very excited for the next one of your videos especially for the one where you set up you new Crossfire xr as mine is shipping out next month. Thank you!!!!
I use to belong to a club that owns 100 acres off the tracks 6 miles out of Boulevard Ca. Spent the 1980's and 90's going down those tracks on a 3 wheeler or on foot. We had a member that built a cart too.Trains ran a couple times a day back then until the floods on the way down in the Imperial Valley turned the tracks into pretzels. They rebuilt and then the next year it did it again. That was the end for going to Yuma. The train ran back and forth to Jacumba Ca. (pronounced ha-cumba) from the Campo Ca train station until those stopped in the 2000's. Train still runs in the other direction for a 45 min ride. Was great fun out there.
Nice work! Still, from what I understand, you might be able to forgo the flanges altogether if you machine the wheels to a slight conical shape, slightly bigger size side in of course.
Super cool. For some reason I thought you guys were coming at the Trestle from the south end of the line near highway 8, until I saw those derailed box cars and at the end see you started at Dos Cabezas. That's a decent hike. Great footage. What a coincidence to run into other rail carters!
That sucks about the gate even though the rubble pile would have stopped you, is it possible to get to the trestle from the other direction so you can ride over it in your rail car. You guys may consider buying/building a set of urethane lined wheels to quiet the ride substantially. These types of wheels are used on steel roller coasters and appear to have a cast aluminum wheel with a urethane running surface, if they work anything like on roller coasters they would give a silky smooth ride.
I just found your free wheels for your next rail cart! On those two real cars to went over the side? All you would need to do is pull them? What an amazing adventure! I'd love to make something like this for the railway on Vancouver Island in Canada....they used to have a daily route up here but it doesn't run anymore and these things would be a blast here! Hope your week is blessed my friends! Watching from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island in Canada! Cheers, Jerbs 👍🏼🇺🇸🔥🔪🔥🇨🇦👍🏼
@@ntdracing I would imagine since the Baja California Railroad has reneged on it's payments to the SDMTS and has abandoned it's renovation of the desert line, eventually someone will cut the locks on that gate at the 1st tunnel
I figured that would happen soon. It's been about the 5th time some organization tried to open that line back up in the last 35 years. Always the same story... Somebody gets people to invest in the project. Money is collected... then stolen. Project fails. In between that, people get fined big time for trespassing. My son and I rode our mountain bikes up from Dos Cabezas a couple of years ago just before they closed the line down. That trip was epic. Looks like we need to go again. This time we'll take the granddaughter!
I’m an engineer, 30+ years, most of which was analytical techniques applied to design. I started back in late 60s when fine element was going to totally eliminate the need for prototypes in 5 years. They still do prototypes. I have problems with people that are in design and the first thing out of their mouth is software, automated machines. If the design is garbage it stays garbage until a human brain aided by a machine makes it work. Because a part is spit out of a copy machine that uses toner that has properties close to what would be done with out the machine some how makes the copy machine part better than a more traditional approach. Sorry for the tangent on such an interesting topic but he started it!
Before the fire there was the flash flood which took out much of the trackage in the Anza-Borrego Desert: September 10, 1976: Hurricane Kathleen destroys major sections of track and bridges on the Desert Line.
@@joiandgeoffreyriley9457 "California Stars" is a Wilco and Billy Bragg song. It's off of the album Mermaid Avenue. It's from Woody Guthrie lyrics that never were put to song... ua-cam.com/video/gxzMbAMO73k/v-deo.html I'm so glad I don't listen to commercial radio and always find great music elsewhere.
Yeah. The gate on the tunnel is a shame for anyone who just wants to travel the rails. But, I can see there are safety issues involved. And then there are the few who like to vandalize places like that. I am an Air Force Vet, too. I served from 1983 - 1987 as a SAC SP at Mather AFB, CA.
Thanks for your service and happy 4th. I can understand why they have it gated too. Wish there was a waiver to sign or something so we could ride the tracks all the way up. Probably too much liability to allow that to happen. Hiking it is still fun.
Very nice rail speeder cart. I would recommend building the wheels a little better tho. Train wheels are conical, so the train axle rides in the center, and the flange is only there when the axle goes too far. Check out the brake drums from 1990s era Chevrolet Cavalier. I watched a guy build a Minecraft cart, and used those as wheels, and they have the conical "RP-25" profile that you need. Obviously, yours works, but from seeing the jerking happening while you go around turns, it's called flange skip. The conical wheels make for a lot better ride! --coming from a former railroad conductor!
so cool ive always wanted to do a rail car to ride on the the old sugar cane railway here. maybe now that i understand fusion 360 better thanks to you i will. and what are the chances of another one pulling up behind you lol just amazing. watching with envy from the everglades FL.
I can imagine a train coming up behind y'all, the surprise on your faces as you try to get that little engine to go faster, final still shot, huge train right on top of y'all, while y'all jump off on each side
You should try the ride from the other side (ocotillo/dos cabezas). I don't think those gates are locked. It's a much longer route, so they don't really care about that side bc hikers won't be on there. But with that cart, some extra gas, and extra time you can do that ride.
If you look at Google maps, there appears to be a trail that ends up right past the second tunnel. You might want to try that next time and you might be able to ride the cart almost all the way to the trestle. Then if you wanna pull it over the rubble you can ride all the way to abandoned rail cars. Maybe modify it to be modular. Like have the wrench size for the motor mounts on hand, and have the body split in 2 with the same size fastener. Then you can carry it in multiple peices around closed tunnels, over rubble, ect. Bonus points if you use a cordless impact to split it, making the process much easier. If your thing can split you could have both of y'all easily carry 3 peices (front, rear, and motor) over the trails.
@@Matt-wl3jo That collapsed tunnel is the one just north of the Goat Canyon Trestle. It's the one that always collapses. It was like that when I was up there a few years back. I'm surprised it wasn't fixed when Baja Railroad took over. Then again, they probably fixed it and it fell again. LoL!
Your wheels would be slightly better if you added a fillet of about 1 inch radius from the tread to the flange. The flange can be about 1.5 inches thick and not over 1.5 inches tall. This is why your wheels have worked fairly well. The gauge of 4' 8.5" should be measured at approximately where the radius meets the wheel tread between both wheels on the axle. Spreading the wheels will give a slightly better ride, but experiment. Always leave a little play between the flanges and the rails or the flanges will climb the rails.
What memories you brought back to me this morning. Almost 50 years ago I used to go out to that area with my friends almost every weekend. There were flat bed cars on the rails and we would all pile on board and ride them by gravity alone. I remember us hooting as we sped through the pitch dark tunnels (with someone sitting in the front with a flashlight on the rails to yell out if they saw rocks on the rails … as if we’d be able to do anything about it!) Afterwards we’d actually push them by hand back to where we found them… yes, it can be done, and once started, not at all difficult … so we could ride the next weekend. Thanks for making a 68 yo woman happy!
Would love to see a video of that adventure.
That was awesome. Glad to see the rail system from this side as so many travel to the trestle from the other way. They really need to do something with this as so cool to see and to think that all those tunnels and trestles were built so long ago and they still look in good condition is amazing. Would be great if they cleared out all the rock debris and offered excursions on rail cars just like you guys did. Thanks again for sharing!
I hope you find another place to ride and make another video . Yours is one of the very best I have seen . I'm near 75 and on fixed income so this is a vicarious thrill here in south-central Texas .
Oh no it’s the cart with the horn.
I just read your comment before watching and now I'm mildly concerned
Exactly. If anything it should have a steam whistle since it's on historic railroad tracks!!!
And they sell them on eBay for $60.
We cannot hear the railroad tracks we cannot hear the sounds of nature because of that music!!!
This video made me want to put my life on pause and go do a rail car trip. GREAT VIDEO! Thank you.
OMG a dream come true for me always wanted to do this in Minnesota here. I wanna go LOL Hats off!
That is flat out unbelievable!! The powers that be, Blocked off the tunnel!
Looks like so much fun and super exciting!!
I can easily see getting a bug to wanna build something to do this thank you for sharing awesome
Oh my gosh! This looks like SO much fun! I really envy you guys! Thanks for sharing your trip and knowledge! Happy and safe exploring! 👍🏻😁
It was better than expected. Planning another trip now.
Yeah, you got me. I got some ideas, I'll be building me a cart soon. There's tracks all over Southern California.
Enjoyed the video - the drone shots were well done and added to the information you presented.
Great video on a superb historical rail road. Thanks for posting this interesting video containing the rail cart appropriately named for the Rail pioneer and the neat info on the plasma cutter and your navigation system. Please keep the videos rolling!.
Absolutely EPIC. Gotta build one for sure now....Such GOOD PHYSICS, guys!
The excellent camera and drone footage made this so much more watchable and entertaining.
I'd say take that rail cart back to the drawing board and design it for easy disassembly and light weight then pack it around the closed tunnel section. Get it under 150# total and you could make it around in a couple of trips. Regardless, those carts look like great fun.
Looks so much fun. I'm surprised there aren't businesses taking advantage of these abandoned tracks and offering experiences with similar karts. I would definitely book that on a holiday.
It's illegal lol noone is supposed to be on the bridge at all. Supposedly they have tours though just stay off the bridge.
My best friend, It's always great. We liked and enjoyed to the end. Thanks
Beautiful music for the ride... Thanks!
That was awesome. Thanks for sharing!
Bellissima avventura , beati voi che avete questi paesaggi immensi da visitare . FANTASTICO, STUPENDO 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you for the very interesting and well made vidio! So glad you got to see the bridge and all the comments you made along the way! Jon
So Enjoyed seeing the Bond of FRIENDSHIP at work guys❤️
I hiked to the big trestle back in the early 1990's. I also flew over the area in a friend's Cessna. Pretty amazing.
A fat blunt and a cold beer with a ride.
Priceless
There is no doubt you love what you do and it comes through in your fabrication whether its a Trick/Trophy truck (Go Honcho!) or Mr. Speckles.
Thanks
Amazing. Wow! I learned something new. Thanks.
Fantastics guys thank you. Ps, even the music is great thanks again.
Good Stuff !! Video reminds me of the movei 'Bad Day at Black Rock', filmed at Lone PIne, Ca. Great to see men enjoying life. Great video post.
Thanks.
Nice, Thanks for being Inventive, Creative, Adventurous. I enjoyed this. Hope enthusiasts clear that land slide out and save this rail a little longer.
Amazing drone shots and everything is just amazing!
Great video and a history lesson! Nice work Dave. Cheers - see you in Ensenada.
HONCHO!
Thanks for sharing. Love the video. Watched it more than once.🙂
I like to drill down in Google Earth to get a bird's eye view of what you guys are passing through. Yesterday I followed a cart from the back side of the last tunnel, past the old Water tower station and onto El Centro. I live in San Diego so this area is part of our playground. Thanks for filming your trip.
I love to do the same thing!!
So Cool the history of Spreckles railway,tressel so cool!!!!
The scenery is awesome !
Thanks!
Many thanks. Don’t get many of those. Much appreciated.
I admire your scientific approach in presenting the video material!
What an awesome day!! Thank you for sharing
Breathtaking views !!
This and Canal Boating seem like really chill ways to get around. Something to add to my bucket list if I ever win the lottery: build canal/train track tour routes through scenic landscapes ...
Your railcart looks freakin amazing. How cool.
Fun to ride along with you.
Great video!
👍👍👍👊😎
Thanks for the journey beutiful place
É UMA VIAGEM FACIANTE!!! PARABÉNS!!!
Spreckles California, an adjoining town at Salinas is named after his father. I’ve been there many times loading produce. I believe the huge building at Tanamera and Antle is the old sugar factory that Klaus Spreckles built.
We have also done that here in Sweden, but without a motor and with bicycle drive. But our route is also in a shady forest and with tunnels.
Love the Pinthouse hat. EJ forever!
That looks like a lot of fun. You might want to add a torq-a-verter. Great job!
I will check that out. Thanks for watching.
My go kart had a automatic two speed would work perfectly. Gears down for hills automatically.
Muchas gracias por compartir esa experiencia
cool trip WOW your cart works well on the old train tracks ..
It did. Can improve on the wheels. About to make another video about making better/low cost wheels. Thanks for watching.
Completely awesome
Muito legal...no Brasil há 2 classes de diversão: raíz e nutella. A primeira, trata de coisas simples, baratas e muito divertidas, já a segunda opção é recheada de tecnologia, custa caro além de ser "diversão sintética". Prefiro a raíz! Natural simples e divertida! Show de bola, parabéns!!!
Awesome project! Great use of your Crossfire Pro! I’m super excited to get one. How cool is it that you ran into someone with a similar setup!
I've been exploring the desert by 4wd, dirt bike, and most recently by RZR, for more than twenty years. Thought I'd seen and done it all. I'm gonna have to ride a rail cart now! And nowhere better than here
Yahoo! It feels like freedom!
It was fun. I am planning to make some new wheels and take a few more trips in CO. Stay tuned.
That’s awesome! I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time.
Awesome run
Freaking epic. Well done. Bucket list stuff right there. (use an adjustable kart LO206 or Clone engine mount to keep chain tension and alignment or take out a link or 2 for now, lube chain often, Motul, good to go)
Eu preciso de um igual..que maravilha super mesmo belíssima invenção 👍
This is 1 of the best videos ever…thank you for this,I’d love to go on an adventure with you guys doing this,but it’s only a dream for me living here in 🏴Wales but thanks for sharing 👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks for the comment. This was fun to make.
Yooo I'm Welsh too
Fantástico esse vídeo. BEAUTIFUL THANKS.
Great video. Keep it up. I'm very excited for the next one of your videos especially for the one where you set up you new Crossfire xr as mine is shipping out next month.
Thank you!!!!
XR should be here Thursday. Thanks for watching.
Nice Drone shots man.
I use to belong to a club that owns 100 acres off the tracks 6 miles out of Boulevard Ca. Spent the 1980's and 90's going down those tracks on a 3 wheeler or on foot. We had a member that built a cart too.Trains ran a couple times a day back then until the floods on the way down in the Imperial Valley turned the tracks into pretzels. They rebuilt and then the next year it did it again. That was the end for going to Yuma. The train ran back and forth to Jacumba Ca. (pronounced ha-cumba) from the Campo Ca train station until those stopped in the 2000's. Train still runs in the other direction for a 45 min ride. Was great fun out there.
Awesome sauce. So cool you ran into archie
Nice work! Still, from what I understand, you might be able to forgo the flanges altogether if you machine the wheels to a slight conical shape, slightly bigger size side in of course.
You still want one flange on each side even railcars have a slight one just in case.
Love the braking method. Size 10 to the right front wheel.
Super cool. For some reason I thought you guys were coming at the Trestle from the south end of the line near highway 8, until I saw those derailed box cars and at the end see you started at Dos Cabezas. That's a decent hike. Great footage. What a coincidence to run into other rail carters!
That looks SO fun
That sucks about the gate even though the rubble pile would have stopped you, is it possible to get to the trestle from the other direction so you can ride over it in your rail car. You guys may consider buying/building a set of urethane lined wheels to quiet the ride substantially. These types of wheels are used on steel roller coasters and appear to have a cast aluminum wheel with a urethane running surface, if they work anything like on roller coasters they would give a silky smooth ride.
Awesome video!
I just found your free wheels for your next rail cart! On those two real cars to went over the side? All you would need to do is pull them? What an amazing adventure! I'd love to make something like this for the railway on Vancouver Island in Canada....they used to have a daily route up here but it doesn't run anymore and these things would be a blast here! Hope your week is blessed my friends! Watching from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island in Canada! Cheers, Jerbs 👍🏼🇺🇸🔥🔪🔥🇨🇦👍🏼
That looks so fun, can you do a night time one, maybe put a really bright light bar on it, on a rainy night? That would be awesome. 🤔🎅
This looks like fun.
That gate has been up at the 1st tunnel for at least a few years now. They were also fining people for trespassing until about a year ago.
I have seen some videos of guys riding through the tunnel within the last year. Too bad they block it off. Such a cool place.
@@ntdracing I would imagine since the Baja California Railroad has reneged on it's payments to the SDMTS and has abandoned it's renovation of the desert line, eventually someone will cut the locks on that gate at the 1st tunnel
The one on the de Anza springs side has been closed. They went from the other way.
I figured that would happen soon. It's been about the 5th time some organization tried to open that line back up in the last 35 years. Always the same story... Somebody gets people to invest in the project. Money is collected... then stolen. Project fails. In between that, people get fined big time for trespassing.
My son and I rode our mountain bikes up from Dos Cabezas a couple of years ago just before they closed the line down. That trip was epic.
Looks like we need to go again. This time we'll take the granddaughter!
Yeah, but they'll all let hundreds of thousands of illegals in no peoblem
Cool bit of history.
very cool. playing train yourself. i guess this is a tourist attraction 50 dollares for a 15minute ride.
Been there 3 years ago. The second kart looks like one we met.
Sweet ride!
What a bummer about the gate!
Signs. Signs. Everywhere signs.
@@dennislebow1526 public lands? What's that?
I’m an engineer, 30+ years, most of which was analytical techniques applied to design. I started back in late 60s when fine element was going to totally eliminate the need for prototypes in 5 years. They still do prototypes. I have problems with people that are in design and the first thing out of their mouth is software, automated machines. If the design is garbage it stays garbage until a human brain aided by a machine makes it work. Because a part is spit out of a copy machine that uses toner that has properties close to what would be done with out the machine some how makes the copy machine part better than a more traditional approach. Sorry for the tangent on such an interesting topic but he started it!
Very cool! Liked, subscribed, and hit the bell!
I got a couple of old pit bike motors just chillin in the back of my shop……. I might have to build me a rail cart
Before the fire there was the flash flood which took out much of the trackage in the Anza-Borrego Desert: September 10, 1976: Hurricane Kathleen destroys major sections of track and bridges on the Desert Line.
Fun stuff!!!
Is music California Stars? Who is it?
@@joiandgeoffreyriley9457 "California Stars" is a Wilco and Billy Bragg song. It's off of the album Mermaid Avenue. It's from Woody Guthrie lyrics that never were put to song... ua-cam.com/video/gxzMbAMO73k/v-deo.html
I'm so glad I don't listen to commercial radio and always find great music elsewhere.
Would a North to South be a better route since you have to do a turnaround. Would love some GPS tracks.
Should be a good thing to begin a business in showing people this landscapes in mini trains.
Yeah. The gate on the tunnel is a shame for anyone who just wants to travel the rails. But, I can see there are safety issues involved. And then there are the few who like to vandalize places like that.
I am an Air Force Vet, too. I served from 1983 - 1987 as a SAC SP at Mather AFB, CA.
Thanks for your service and happy 4th.
I can understand why they have it gated too. Wish there was a waiver to sign or something so we could ride the tracks all the way up. Probably too much liability to allow that to happen. Hiking it is still fun.
I want to do this here one day (I live in scotland and have no skill in welding)
do you guys ever put a covering over the speeder cars so you dont roast in the sun ...?
Very nice rail speeder cart. I would recommend building the wheels a little better tho. Train wheels are conical, so the train axle rides in the center, and the flange is only there when the axle goes too far. Check out the brake drums from 1990s era Chevrolet Cavalier. I watched a guy build a Minecraft cart, and used those as wheels, and they have the conical "RP-25" profile that you need. Obviously, yours works, but from seeing the jerking happening while you go around turns, it's called flange skip. The conical wheels make for a lot better ride!
--coming from a former railroad conductor!
so cool ive always wanted to do a rail car to ride on the the old sugar cane railway here. maybe now that i understand fusion 360 better thanks to you i will. and what are the chances of another one pulling up behind you lol just amazing. watching with envy from the everglades FL.
Looks like fun! Would have preferred narration to music, but still cool.
Happy Day's ! be careful walking on aged galvanised floor mesh it may look in good condition but it maybe rusted out internally as I found out.
I can imagine a train coming up behind y'all, the surprise on your faces as you try to get that little engine to go faster, final still shot, huge train right on top of y'all, while y'all jump off on each side
You should try the ride from the other side (ocotillo/dos cabezas). I don't think those gates are locked. It's a much longer route, so they don't really care about that side bc hikers won't be on there. But with that cart, some extra gas, and extra time you can do that ride.
Also which tunnel number is that collapsed tunnel?
Lol I stand corrected. Just realized y'all did the dos cabezas route.
If you look at Google maps, there appears to be a trail that ends up right past the second tunnel. You might want to try that next time and you might be able to ride the cart almost all the way to the trestle. Then if you wanna pull it over the rubble you can ride all the way to abandoned rail cars. Maybe modify it to be modular. Like have the wrench size for the motor mounts on hand, and have the body split in 2 with the same size fastener. Then you can carry it in multiple peices around closed tunnels, over rubble, ect. Bonus points if you use a cordless impact to split it, making the process much easier. If your thing can split you could have both of y'all easily carry 3 peices (front, rear, and motor) over the trails.
-go from the de Anza springs side next time if you wanna see naked people lol.
@@Matt-wl3jo That collapsed tunnel is the one just north of the Goat Canyon Trestle. It's the one that always collapses. It was like that when I was up there a few years back. I'm surprised it wasn't fixed when Baja Railroad took over. Then again, they probably fixed it and it fell again. LoL!
Really cool!
need to make a 1 man portable rail bike (with an outrigger support). Something you can carry over and set back up!
Funny you say that. I have been thinking the same thing.
@@ntdracing is the route around the tunnel rideable on a MTB?
Mostly yes. You might have to carry the bike a little bit.
Your wheels would be slightly better if you added a fillet of about 1 inch radius from the tread to the flange. The flange can be about 1.5 inches thick and not over 1.5 inches tall. This is why your wheels have worked fairly well. The gauge of 4' 8.5" should be measured at approximately where the radius meets the wheel tread between both wheels on the axle. Spreading the wheels will give a slightly better ride, but experiment. Always leave a little play between the flanges and the rails or the flanges will climb the rails.
I think that if you could find an abandoned mine cart you coulduse those wheels.