2.18.
DEPRESSED-CENTER FLATCAR
Flatcars with lowered or depressed centers have been designed
and built for transporting ordnance and engineer material and
equipment that would exceed permissible heights if loaded on regular
flatcars. Their usefulness is measured mainly by the added headroom
they afford for clearances.
The 70-ton depressed-center flatcar
designed for foreign service has two 6-wheel trucks, as shown in
figure 2.11, and operates on from standard- to broad-gage track, 56
1/2 to 66 inches.
Figure 2.11.
Depressed-Center Flatcar.
2.19.
REFRIGERATOR CAR
Refrigeration is important in moving perishable items, and
controlling the temperature is essential to protect such foods as
fresh fruits and vegetables from freezing in transit.
Refrigerator
cars can be used for both purposes: to keep commodities cool and to
protect them from too much cold. A car can be cooled with ice or by
mechanical means.
Standard refrigerator cars resemble boxcars in
general outward appearance. The framework, sheathing, ends, and roof
are similar to that used in standard boxcar construction except that
insulation has been added and, in ice-cooled refrigerator cars, the
roof has hatch openings through which ice is loaded.
Figure 2.12
shows a refrigerator car with hatches visible.
Refrigerator cars developed for the foreign service fleet are
40-ton, eight-wheel, ice-cooled cars.
They have the same type of
underframe, trucks, and brake and coupler arrangement as the other
cars in the foreign service fleet.
The superstructure's outside
sheathing is plywood. Two ice bunkers are installed, one at each end
of the car, to receive ice from the hatch openings, and hinged metal
racks are placed over the floor.
The sides, ends, roof, and floor
are insulated with fiberglass.
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