TM 55-203
the side and end sills of the flatcar are fabricated,
ends are damaged beyond repair they should be
punched, and drilled to take the separate components of
replaced with steel ends, if possible. Repair of steel
boxcar side and end framing The components of similar
components is discussed in paragraph 9-13.
types of the oversea fleet are interchangeable (TM 55-
2220-201-35). The maintenance procedures discussed
9-12. Maintenance of Wooden Superstructure
in subsequent paragraphs are generally applicable to
the boxcar components of the oversea knocked-down
a. Door and Side Posts. If a door or side post
fleet.
breaks or is severely damaged because of excessive
pressure or shocks, the adjoining brace rod must be
9-11. Composite (Wood-Steel) Boxcars
loosened and the sheathing removed from each side of
the post. By jacking the side plate, the post can be
a. General. Composite cars may be of various
freed on the top; it will then be pried away from the rails
securing the lining to it. The new post then will be
kinds depending upon what parts are of steel and what
installed and the jack removed. Secure the lining to the
parts are of wood. The most common type composite
new post and replace the sheathing. The last sheathing
wood-steel boxcar has steel end, steel side and corner
board cannot be replaced individually without damage to
posts, steel ends with wooden sides and doors, wood or
the tongue and groove. Insert the last three boards
metal roofs. Steel strips are used in many cases to
simultaneously, fit them together, and spring them into
strengthen the side door and end posts and other similar
place. To prevent or retard end decay and rot, new
parts. These strips are secured by wood screws to the
posts should be dipped in paint or wood preservative
respective post requiring support. Strips of angle iron
before installation. Painting the metal post pockets will
are also used for reinforcing members of wooden
also help prevent decay of the wood and rusting of the
superstructures. Figure 9-1 illustrates one manner in
metal.
which this is done.
b. Composite Wood-Steel Ends. Because of the
b. Side Braces. To replace a broken side brace,
shifting of lading, particularly machinery and heavy
carefully pry loose all boards and sheathing attached to
equipment, the ends of a boxcar are usually the part of
it. Remove the broken brace. Reset adjoining posts in
the superstructure bearing the greatest strain. For this
proper position and install and secure the new brace.
reason, ends must be maintained properly so that none
or a minimum of the original strength is lost. When
c. Side Plate. Broken side plates are rare, the
composite
most common defect is decay. The most practical
repair is to cut out the decayed or damaged part and
replace with a new piece, spliced to the ends of the side
plate remaining on the car.
The roof must be
disconnected and raised while the splice is being made.
The ends are then bolted to the side plate. If the decay
or damage is such that the whole side plate must be
renewed, nails in the side sheathing should be driven
through after the side plate has been removed.
Remove the nuts from the body rods at the top of the
plate. Raise and support the entire roof while the plate
is being lifted out and a new one set in place. Jacks and
jacking braces may be used along with a 3by 5-inch
timber sufficiently long to fit under three or four car
lines. When jacked, the roof will be supported in the
raised position adequately until the new side plate is in.
roof) can often be repaired without renewing them. If
the damage is in the center portion, the car line may be
cut at an angle near its ends. A new beam, cut to fit the
portions remaining in place, can be spliced to these
ends and bolted. If the car line is too badly damaged to
Figure 9-1. Steel reinforced end, composite car.
be
9-5
Previous Page
