Abstract: This invention relates to a fifth wheel stand as used for hitching a semi-trailer on a railway flat car for over-the-rail hauling of such trailers and is especially directed to a system of repair for the fifth wheel, or top plate, of the hitch which includes a shoe, or insert, that is welded into the king-pin slot of the top plate to replace metal removed in the repair procedure and thus restore the king-pin slot to specified size. The insert preferably is made from hot formed bar stock, but also can be made as a casting, or can be formed as a forging.

Abstract: An improved flame cutting machine for modifying a railway car by trimming or burning to specific shapes or patterns portions of the longitudinally spaced plate members or gussets which form part of the side sill structure of the car. Adjacent to each side sill is a beam carried by a support structure. The beam supports a cam structure which extends the length of the car. A carriage which rides on the cam structure, supports a torch apparatus mounted on a frame which may be pivoted into position adjacent the gusset to be trimmed.

Abstract: A flame cutting machine for trimming side sill gussets comprises a trolley beam assembly mounted to roll longitudinally along the side sills of the car. A traveling beam is adjustable laterally on said trolley beam and includes side hanger frames on opposite ends thereof each of which supports a cutting torch arrangement including motor means for moving the cutting torch in a pre-determined pattern to trim portions of the side sill of a railway car.