TM 55-203
repaired in this way, it must be removed and a new one
the boards, as this splits them and causes leaks. It also
installed. The damaged car line must be disconnected
prevents the boards from fitting tightly together.
from the side plates and the purlins.
h. Flooring. Damaged floorboards should be
e. Roof Boards. Damaged roof boards may be
removed and replaced with new boards. If only one or
removed and replaced. After removing the damaged
two boards are to be removed, split one or both of them
boards, make a careful inspection for any damage to the
with a sharp pointed bar to prevent damage to adjoining
inner lining (double-sheathed roofs).
Repair such
tongues and grooves. In any case when damaged
damage before putting the new roof boards in place.
floorboards are removed, the understructure should be
Minor leaks or light damage can often be repaired by
carefully examined for any further damage. The bottom
using sheet metal patches over the affected area.
boards of the inner lining must be removed to allow
Details of wooden boxcars' roof construction are shown
room for removing the floorboards and replacing them.
in figure 9-2.
In applying new flooring, the boards may cover
projecting bolt or rivet heads. Place the board in
position and tap lightly to make an impression of the
f. Running Boards and Saddles. Running boards
obstruction. Then cut a notch in the board large enough
on tops of boxcars, while no longer required (paragraph
for the bolt or rivet head and secure the board in
position.
condition using AAR Standards as a guide. Nails must
not be used in running boards; if screws become loose,
i. Lining. When lining is damaged, old boards
they should be removed and the holes plugged. New
screws must be applied in other locations and secured
can be readily pried loose and new ones affixed into
down tight. When running board saddles become
place If any large number of boards must be replaced, it
decayed or split, they will be replaced (fig 9-2).
is best to begin removing them at the belt rail and work
down, or up, as the case may be. In replacing the new
boards, the belt rail should be secured before working
g. Sheathing. When sheathing is damaged by
downward or upward from it. This prevents having the
shifting loading or other accident, it should be promptly
last board positioned next to the belt rail.
replaced. The damaged portion should be removed so
as not to damage the remaining portion in the process
j. End Plate. To replace an end plate, it is
New boards should be of good quality without large or
loose knots. If sheathing boards are wider at one end
necessary to detach the end of the running board and
than the other, care must be exercised to keep the
free it enough at the attached points so that the end can
boards plumb while nailing them in place. The boards
be raised and blocked at a sufficient height to allow the
should be lightly nailed, narrow end first The other end
work to be done. Tie rods and cover sheets at the
can then be pried into plumb position and nailed down.
corners must be removed. Parts of the end of the roof
The groove in the last board ,should not be broken off in
may have to be removed to free the damaged end plate
order to insert the ,board. The last three or four boards
and allow room to attach the new one After the new
should be fitted together in the form of an arch, they can
plate is installed, all disconnected or removed parts
then be sprung into position and nailed down. Nails
should be replaced in reverse order to that in which they
should not be driven into the tongues of
were removed.
k. Wood Doors. Top-supported wood doors
frequently bind on the bottom door guides. This is
caused by loose hanger bolts which allow the door to
drop down. The hangers should be removed and the
holes plugged. Bore new holes and affix the hangers
with new bolts.
Pilferage of sealed cars can be
discouraged by insuring that all bolts used to secure
door guides, door stops, door tracks, door hasps, and
like items are fastened with carriage heads to the
outside of the car.
In making any repairs or
replacements of door parts, bolts of exactly the right
size should be used so that they can be securely riveted
over.
Figure 9-2. Cutaway of wooden boxcar roof.
9-6
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