CHAPTER 5 THE RAILROAD CAR The Railroad Car

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 car to car. The "angle cock" manually hoses. closes the air brake lineopens on anand joined by "gladhands, " connect brake individualaircar. lines from 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 -ton 60, 000 lbs 103, 000 4. 25 x 8 in. Class B 40 -ton 80, 000 142, 000 5 x 9 Class C 50 -ton 110, 000 177, 000 5. 5 x 10 Class 0 70 -ton 154, 000 220, 000 6 x 11 Class E 100 -ton 200, 000 263, 000 6. 5 x 12 Class F 110 -ton 220, 000 286, 000 7 x 12 Class G 110 -ton 220, 000 286, 000 6. 5 x 9 Class K 125 -ton 250, 000 315, 000 7 x 12 Class G 125 -ton 250, 000 315, 000 7 x 9 Class M

• Clearances (Dimensions) – Plate B -- Plate K • Safety - 1893 & 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