CHAPTER 5 THE RAILROAD CAR

The Railroad Car The Essential Parts: Car body Bolsters Suspension System Bearings Wheels

The 8-wheel Car

Couplers and air brake hoses There's more to a coupler than meets the eye. Most of it is inside the "draft sill," hidden from view. The "draft gear" helps absorb impacts. Brake hoses. joined by "gladhands," connect air brake lines from car to car. The "angle cock" manually opens and closes the air brake line on an individual car. Mechanical Committee of the Standard Coupler Manufacturers illustration

 Standardization/Interchange  Repairs  Capacity/Load Limits Nominal Car Capacity Gross Rail Load (4-axle car) Journals (diam. & length) 30-ton60,000 lbs103, x8 in.Class B 40-ton80,000142,0005x9Class C 50-ton110,000177,0005.5x10Class 0 70-ton154,000220,0006x11Class E 100-ton200,000263,0006.5x12Class F 110-ton220,000286,0007x12Class G 110-ton220,000286,0006.5x9Class K 125-ton250,000315,0007x12Class G 125-ton250,000315,0007x9Class M

Clearances (Dimensions) – Plate B -- Plate K Safety & 1970 & 1980 Components and Design

Component Nomenclature

Suspension System Heavy-duty springs are used for suspension Standard springs used with varying amounts of inner coils for heavier loads Springs compress 2½ to 4¼ inches when under load; more than this would affect couplings Rock-and-Roll

Suspension System (continued)

Bearings and Wheels Springs are supported by a frame which connects directly to the axles Friction bearings used until 1963 Roller bearings replaced the friction bearings -Reduced maintenance -Required for interchange service to other railroads Wheels typically 33 or 36 in., based on weight (28 in. for some tall cars) Hotboxes

Bearings and Wheels (continued) Wheel Thermal Loads Wheel Wear Truck Hunting Radial/Premium Trucks Inspections/Costs/Maintenance