TM 55-203
the bunkers may be used for loading. This unit must be
b. Basket Bunkers. Basket bunkers (when used)
maintained in good order; the fastening devices should
are hung just below the roof in the center of the car,
be inspected to assure that they will retain the bulkhead
applying refrigeration where temperature is the highest.
in position. If the bulkhead is permitted to shift, it may
In some cases, brine tanks are similarly installed These
damage the loading; if a bulkhead in use as a wall fails,
bunkers and tanks must be removed periodically and
it will permit the ice to mix with and damage the goods
thoroughly cleaned. Any rust or corrosion should be
being shipped. Antirust and corrosion measures will be
removed and coatings of preservative material applied.
taken for all metal portions (para 9-19b).
If leaks develop, the tanks must be removed and the
holes soldered.
Section IV. GONDOLA CARS
height the low-side gondola will serve as an auxiliary for
9-23. General
the flatcar fleet (TM 55-2220-201-35).
The gondola is an open-top freight car with sides and
ends. The floor or bottom is level and may be solid or
9-25. Maintenance and Repair
provided with bottom doors. They are used for the
transportation of bulk freight. Classifications include
a. General. Gondola cars as a class receive the
high side, low side, drop end, drop bottom and general
roughest usage of any freight cars, and as a result are
service. A typical drop end type gondola is illustrated in
subject to corrosion which weakens the car structure.
Since this class of car represents a large proportion of
all freight cars in service, adequate maintenance and
9-24. Oversea Fleet
repair schedules must be established and adhered to. It
should be re- membered that as the gondolas of the 40-
The knock-down 40-ton oversea fleet includes both
ton oversea fleet are basically flatcars, maintenance of
high-side (48-inch) and low-side (18-inch) gondolas.
their superstructure is, therefore, a matter of upkeep of
These are basic 40-ton flatcars with sides and ends
the sides and ends. When stripped of sides and ends,
added. The ends are fixed, and the sides have pressed-
damaged or otherwise, they can be returned to service
steel truss members with a substantial chord angle.
as flatcars. Conversely, since gondola sides and ends
Sheathing is 1 1/2-inch tongue and groove wood. Since
are unit packed for shipment and storage, flatcars may
the basic flatcar body is designed for 40 tons, the sides
be converted into gondolas at depots where stores are
are not primarily designed to serve as truss members
available, at railway salvage depots, or as a last resort
The Jow-side unit may be provided with drop ends,
by cannibalization.
which drop outward. Because of its 18-inch side
b. Major Repairs. Repair work of a major nature
begins with dismantling the car and removing all
material or mechanisms that require straightening,
repair, or renewal. The car is then moved to where
necessary repairs can be made to those parts of the car
remaining intact. When truck repairs are indicated, the
frame is jacked and the trucks moved out as outlined in
fitted while the trucks are out. Side and end repairs can
be made at this time, also. These repairs may include
replacement of repaired sections, renewal of parts, all
riveting and welding required on the superstructure and
the installation of safety appliances.
Car trucks,
couplers, airbrake cylinders, etc., are reapplied,
airbrakes tested, and the car is ready for painting and
release for service.
Figure 9-3. End view, drop-end gondola.
9-10
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