Figure 2.3.
Components for Assembling Flatcar.
2.4 shows the car after assembly.
Flatcars of the knockdown fleet
are structurally designed with load capacities of 40 tons.
In
addition to serving as regular flatcars, the 40-ton cars also provide
the foundation to which superstructure units can be added to convert
them to gondolas and boxcars.
Figure 2.4.
Assembled Flatcar.
Underframes for flatcars of the 40-ton fleet are shipped with
the wooden floor already laid.
Flatcar underframes are completely
interchangeable with any other car of the fleet.
The side and end
sills of the flatcar are prefabricated, punched, and drilled.
In a theater, the flatcar is generally used for very early rail
operations.
When theater activities stabilize and requirements
increase for transportation of supplies that need protection from
weather or pilferage, the flatcar can be converted to a closed car.
After conversion, the weight of the lading is still carried by the
car bed. The superstructure provides rigidity, not support. Because
of its versatility, the flatcar is the backbone of the fleet.
2.12.
GONDOLA
By the addition of the sides and ends, the basic flatcar
becomes a gondola.
Either high-side, 48-inch, or low-side, 18-inch,
gondolas may be assembled depending on the height desired; the only
difference in the two cars is the height of the superstructure.
Figure 2.5 shows a flatcar being converted to a high-side gondola, and
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