you know the platform dimensions and weightcarrying capacity of the car.
This section gets loading off on the right foot by discussing the varieties
of flatcars available to the shipper of military freight as well as their
construction, size, rated capacity, load limits, and vehiclecarrying
capacity.
1.3. COMPONENTS OF A TYPICAL FLATCAR
Known as the workhorse of the rail service for its capability of
transporting a wide variety of large and heavy items, the flatcar is
essentially a platform on wheels.
Flatcars are generally of fishbelly
or nonfishbelly design as shown in
the sketches. The main structural
components of a flatcar are the
trucks containing the wheels, the
underframe connecting trucks and
deck, and the deck or loadcarrying
surface itself. Figure 1.1
pictures a typical flatcar, showing
its three main components. Figure
1.2 exposes the car's underframe. And figure 1.3 shows the truck itself.
Each of these flatcar elements is described briefly in the subparagraphs
that follow. In addition, the brake wheel is described. Although not a
primary structural member, the brake wheel plays a significant part in
loading the flatcar and is therefore important to the shipper of military
freight.
a. Trucks. As you can see in figure 1.4, trucks are wheel units that
include brake components, axles, springs, and frames in addition to two, or
sometimes more, pairs of wheels. Note the axle; it is axle strength that
determines the total allowable weight of the car and its lading on the
rails. Weight limits of interest to the military shipper are explained
later in this section. Notice the side
Figure 1.1. Typical Flatcar.
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