Abstract: A wheel dolly for lifting and transporting a flat tire attached to an aircraft is comprised of a frame assembly having first and second laterally spaced frame members that are pivotally coupled to each other at one side. A ram is interposed between the first and second frame members. A pair of tire lifting and support assemblies are pivotally coupled the frame assembly. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the frame assembly to allow the frame assembly to roll in any direction.

Abstract: A method for reducing slack in a linkage chain of a vehicle truck assembly is provided. In one example, the method includes responding to a request to de-lift a lift mechanism by reducing pressure in an actuator coupled to the lift mechanism, where the lift mechanism is configured to transfer a load from a first axle to a second axle of the vehicle during the de-lift, and during the de-lift, maintaining the pressure in the actuator at or above a threshold pressure to maintain tension in a weight transfer device of the lift mechanism.

Abstract: A system comprises a computer having a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to transmit a vehicle localization signal from a first vehicle, receive vehicle localization data for the first vehicle, the vehicle localization data generated based on receipt of the vehicle localization signal by a plurality of localization receivers of a vehicle movement space, determine, based on the vehicle localization data for the first vehicle, a position of the first vehicle in the vehicle movement space, determine a position of a second vehicle in the vehicle movement space relative to the position of the first vehicle, and command a first movement by the first vehicle based on the position of the first vehicle and the position of the second vehicle relative to the position of the first vehicle.

Abstract: A roof vehicle has a chassis, a plurality of motor-driven wheels coupled to the chassis, a man-basket coupled to the chassis, wherein the man-basket is moveable on a y-axis and is configured to lower to an elevation beneath that of the plurality of motor-driven wheels, a deck for transporting equipment, and a power supply. A method for assembling and installing a roof involves moving the roof vehicle to the desired location on the roof of a structure, lowering the man-basket at least partially beneath the surface roof, and performing work (e.g., welding) to secure the roof to the structure of the building.

Abstract: A state monitoring device for a plate spring mounted on a railcar bogie is configured to monitor a state of the plate spring, the plate spring including fiber-reinforced resin containing electrically conductive reinforced fibers containing reinforced fibers extending in a longitudinal direction of the plate spring. The state monitoring device includes: an electrode pair provided at both width direction side end surfaces of the plate spring and sandwiching the plate spring, a width direction of the plate spring being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plate spring and a thickness direction of the plate spring; and a measuring unit electrically connected to the electrode pair and configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the plate spring.

Abstract: A connecting member for connecting two longitudinal members of a bogie frame of a rail vehicle includes at least one fastening point for receiving add-on components, at least a first member element with a first member portion and a second member element with a second member portion, wherein the first and second member elements are connected to one another in a force-fitting manner by at least two connecting devices such that the member portions overlap one another at least in certain portions in order to damp vibrations that occur and to thus prevent oscillation of the system.

Abstract: A roof vehicle has a chassis, a plurality of motor-driven wheels coupled to the chassis, a man-basket coupled to the chassis, wherein the man-basket is moveable on a y-axis and is configured to lower to an elevation beneath that of the plurality of motor-driven wheels, a deck for transporting equipment, and a power supply. A method for assembling and installing a roof involves moving the roof vehicle to the desired location on the roof of a structure, lowering the man-basket at least partially beneath the surface roof, and performing work (e.g., welding) to secure the roof to the structure of the building.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for packaging coiled materials uses vacuum to draw the free end of a packaging sleeve through the open coil core, which may have a single line. A trolley lifts the coil to align its open core with a hollow mandrel, and passes the coil over the mandrel. The trolley is lowered to expose the coil circumference for packaging. Suction is applied through the mandrel to draw the free end of the sleeve through the coil core. Another apparatus includes two parallel input lines and a mandrel workstation translating therebetween and pivoting to transfer coils to an orthogonal output line. Another apparatus includes a stationary suction source having a flexible suction hose and suction canister extending therefrom. The canister is applied to the coil core to draw the free end of the sleeve therethrough.

Abstract: A three piece railway freight truck is comprised of two laterally spaced side frames between which a bolster extends. Suspension load springs support the bolster, and control springs support friction shoes. Both variations of friction shoes have gaps that will allow lateral movement of the friction shoes across the bolster or the friction shoes across the side frame. The lateral movement is accomplished by having a low friction material pad between the bolster and the friction shoe or a low friction material pad between the friction shoe and a wear plate that bears on the side frame. The low friction material with low siding resistance allows lateral displacement energy to be dissipated over the lateral decoupling clearance.

Abstract: A railcar bogie plate spring of the present invention includes: an upper surface member constituted by fiber reinforced plastic in which reinforced fibers are stacked so as to extend in a longitudinal direction; a lower surface member constituted by fiber reinforced plastic in which reinforced fibers are stacked so as to extend in the longitudinal direction; and a core member arranged between the upper surface member and the lower surface member. The core member is constituted by fiber reinforced plastic in which: reinforced fibers are stacked in a width direction perpendicular to a stack direction of the upper surface member and the lower surface member; and in a side view of the core member, the reinforced fibers are inclined relative to a bending neutral axis so as to intersect with one another.

Abstract: A railway truck is disclosed for use with a locomotive. The railway truck may include a first axle, a second axle, and a plurality of wheels connected to each of the first and second axles, and an equalizer operatively supported by the first and second axles in a vertical direction. The railway truck may also include a frame having a top side configured to face a bolster assembly and a bottom side configured to face a track. The railway truck may further include a longitudinal traction link pivotally connected between the frame and the equalizer above the top side of the frame.

Abstract: A device for transporting freight articles in a ground or rail haul operations comprises a hollow housing including four corner sections, side walls, two center sections defining four openings each disposed between one edge of a center section and an edge of a respective corner section, a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the two center portions are manufactured from see through or clear material. A door is mounted to selectively open and close a respective opening and swinging outwardly and towards a respective corner portion to selectively open the respective opening. Two channels are provided in the bottom portion, each in open communication with opposite sides of the bottom portion. Four feet or wheels are mounted on the bottom portion. Four receptacles are provided in the top portion, each sized and shaped to receive a foot therewithin.

Abstract: A system and method for hybrid personal transit and a hybrid personal transit vehicle. The vehicle can include an enclosure and a suspension system including a plurality of wheels, the suspension system adapted to control a positioning of the wheels over a range from substantially vertical to substantially horizontal, wherein the positioning of the wheels is substantially vertical for engaging a road surface, and wherein the positioning of the wheels is substantially horizontal for engaging a rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-steering device for a railway vehicle, which includes axles installed on a truck supporting a vehicle body of the railway vehicle, wheels, each of which is connected to the axle and has a wheel tread moving on a top surface of a rail and supporting a vertical load of the railway vehicle, and a wheel flange protruding from the wheel tread to prevent the railway vehicle from derailing and being in contact with a lateral surface of the rail during straight movement of the railway vehicle to form an interference section, and guide rollers, each of which is in rolling contact with a top surface edge or a lateral surface of the rail in front or to the rear of the wheel when the railway vehicle enters curved rails and supports a greater transverse load than the interference section. The guide rollers can be directly installed on the railway vehicle or at least one of the vehicle body, the truck, and the axle.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems including a truck and a spring system for an axle are provided. In one example, a truck includes an unpowered axle spring system that is configured to generate an overall unpowered axle separation force between a truck frame and an unpowered axle carrier. The overall unpowered axle separation force has a rate of decrease that increases past a first separation distance between the truck frame and the unpowered axle carrier. A powered axle spring system is configured to generate a powered axle separation force between the truck frame and a powered axle carrier. The powered axle separation force has a rate of decrease that decreases past a second separation distance between the truck frame and the powered axle carrier.

Abstract: A railway vehicle truck mounted brake rigging includes spaced apart first and second brake beams, a horizontally disposed first transfer lever having a pivotal connection with one brake beam and further having an upturned flange, a link seated horizontally on the shoulder, a horizontally disposed second transfer lever having a pivotal connection with another brake beam, a first force-transmitting member passing through the first opening of the bolster for pivotal connection with each of the link and the second transfer lever, the pivotal connection is offset in a vertical direction from a horizontal plane defined by the first transfer lever, and a second force-transmitting member passing through the second opening of the bolster for pivotal connection with opposed ends of the respective first and second transfer levers.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle adapted to travel on a track or a guideway includes a drive shaft having a rotational axis and first and second substantially semicircular gear elements provided on the drive shaft and adapted to engage first and second racks, respectively. The first and second substantially semicircular gear elements are offset along the rotational axis of the drive shaft and are located about a common end of the drive shaft. The first substantially semicircular gear element engages the first rack when the drive shaft is rotated in a first direction while the second substantially semicircular gear element engages the second rack when the drive shaft is rotated in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. Both first and second substantially semicircular gear elements engage the first and the second rack, respectively, when the drive shaft is in a neutral position.

Abstract: An undercarriage cross member is disclosed for a rail vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the cross member is constructed solely from aluminum extruded sections.

Abstract: A steerable truck for a railway car is provided with a truck frame that is steered so as to be aligned with the tangential direction of a curved track by controlling only the steering angle of a rear wheelset. During travel along a curved track, the steering angle, which is the angle in a horizontal plane of the centerline of the rear wheelset with respect to an imaginary straight line connecting the center of the truck frame and the center of the curved track, is larger than the steering angle which is the angle formed between the imaginary straight line and the centerline of the front wheelset. As a result, a steerable truck for a railway car which has excellent ability to travel along a curve and which can be actually realized simply and at a low cost is provided.

Abstract: High friction railroad car components with component friction modifying inserts which are configured to coat an engagement surface on a corresponding component on the railroad car to modify or control the friction between an engagement surface of the high friction railroad car component and the engagement surface of the corresponding component while allowing such components to engage each other. The initial movement of the high friction component with the friction modifying inserts causes transfer material of the friction modifying inserts to be spread over or coat a portion of the engagement surface of the corresponding component. This forms a lubrication layer which modifies or controls the friction between these components while these components are in engagement.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for a vehicle truck assembly which includes a spring coupling an axle carrier to a truck frame. In one example, the system comprises a substantially vertically-mounted hydraulic actuator which generates hydraulic forces between the axle carrier and the truck frame. The actuator includes a cylinder, a piston, and a piston rod. Further, the actuator is coupled between the axle carrier and the truck frame with longitudinal and lateral play so that the axle carrier can move laterally and longitudinally with respect to the truck frame while the actuator applies hydraulic force.

Abstract: Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. An example truck assembly may include a truck frame element, and a carrier coupled with the truck frame element. A bias may be configured to bias the carrier away from the truck frame element. An actuatable linkage arrangement may include a compliant linkage coupled with the carrier. The compliant linkage may pull the carrier against the bias in a first direction.

Abstract: There is provided a method for assembling a rail vehicle. The method includes positioning a plurality of motor combos on a fixture frame. The fixture frame may be adapted to hold each of the plurality of motor combos positioned for an assembly into a rail vehicle truck. The method further includes positioning a plurality of springs on each of the plurality of motor combos. The plurality of springs are positioned for the assembly into the rail vehicle truck. Additionally, the method includes simultaneously lifting a plurality of motors such that a truck frame may be coupled to the motors. The plurality of motors corresponds to the plurality of motor combos. The method also includes connecting the truck frame to the plurality of motors, attaching a spring compression fixture to the truck frame and the fixture frame, and compressing the plurality of springs for assembly into the rail vehicle truck.

Abstract: Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. The vehicle suspension method includes operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-steering device for a railway vehicle, which includes axles installed on a truck supporting a vehicle body of the railway vehicle, wheels, each of which is connected to the axle and has a wheel tread moving on a top surface of a rail and supporting a vertical load of the railway vehicle, and a wheel flange protruding from the wheel tread to prevent the railway vehicle from derailing and being in contact with a lateral surface of the rail during straight movement of the railway vehicle to form an interference section, and guide rollers, each of which is in rolling contact with a top surface edge or a lateral surface of the rail in front or to the rear of the wheel when the railway vehicle enters curved rails and supports a greater transverse load than the interference section. The guide rollers can be directly installed on the railway vehicle or at least one of the vehicle body, the truck, and the axle.

Abstract: A railway vehicle including a plurality of bogies is provided. Each bogie includes a chassis, two front wheels and two rear wheels. For each front wheel and each rear wheel, a guidance device is provided for guiding the wheel in rotation and a primary suspension device of the chassis is provided on the guidance device. At least the primary suspension devices associated with the front and rear wheels are arranged on the same first lateral side of the bogie. The primary suspension devices each include two longitudinal connecting rods, each connected by a first connection point to the chassis and by a second connection point to the corresponding guidance device and at least one resilient component inserted between the two connecting rods to define at least the vertical stiffness of the primary suspension device, the two connecting rods being offset longitudinally relative to one another. Each of the bogies also includes a pivot connection device for connecting the bogie to the railway vehicle.

Abstract: A running gear for a rail vehicle includes a wheel unit and a cooperating unit. The running gear defines a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a height direction, while the wheel unit defines a wheel unit axis. The cooperating unit is connected to the wheel unit and cooperates with the wheel unit during operation the running gear to drive and/or brake the wheel unit. Furthermore, during operation of the running gear, an airflow passes the wheel unit and the cooperating unit, in the height direction, at a first height level below the wheel unit axis. At least one air guide device is provided, the air guide device being arranged and adapted to guide an airflow portion of the airflow towards a section of the cooperating unit located at a second height level, the second height level being located above the first height level above the wheel unit axis.

Abstract: A chassis frame for rail vehicles includes two longitudinal beams and at least one transverse beam which is disposed between the longitudinal beams and hinged thereto. The longitudinal beams are designed in a bent shape and extend through a corresponding cutout of the transverse beam.

Abstract: A running gear frame for a rail vehicle includes a central transverse beam, and two longitudinal beams connected together in a frame transverse direction via the transverse beam, wherein the transverse beam has at least a front web element, a rear web element and a transverse beam lower chord. The web elements run between the longitudinal beams in the frame transverse direction and in a frame height direction and are connected therewith and are arranged spaced apart in a frame longitudinal direction. The transverse beam lower chord extends on an underside of the transverse beam between the longitudinal beams and is connected with the web elements. Furthermore, the transverse beam lower chord extends beyond the front web element and/or the rear web element by at least 10% of the web element distance.

Abstract: The present invention includes a track (1, 101) of a track system with straight, transition, curved, and switch track sections. The invention further comprises bogies (40) for vehicle cabins suspended under the track. Track sections of the track have an upper rail (1) and one or two lower rails (101, 201). Further, a bogie (40) has fore and aft sets of upper guide and switch wheels (151, 251, 154, 254), and one set of lower guide and switch wheels (152, 153, 252, 253, 156, 157, 256, 257). The bogies (40) also have one left and/or one right load bearing wheel (150, 250) and one drive wheel facing upwards and engaging a downwards directed drive wheel running surface (15) of the upper rail. Each set of lower guide wheels consist of left and right wheel pairs (152, 153, 252, 253) so that transition sections can be passed without moving any parts of the bogie (40).

Abstract: A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both.

Abstract: A track-guided vehicle wheel truck facilitates vehicle maintenance and enables reduction in costs. The track vehicle wheel truck includes guide frames arranged along the forward and rearward directions of the vehicle on the inside of the vehicle width direction in the running wheels, and fixed to knuckles; a tie rod arranged on the center side of the forward and rearward directions in the vehicle along the vehicle width direction, and interlock with the guide frames; guide wheel receivers disposed toward the inside of the vehicle width direction from the guide frames on the vehicle end side and the center side relative to an axis of the running wheels; and a steering axle arranged along the vehicle width direction, and are able to turn the running wheels, the knuckles, and the guide frames by installing a kingpin at both ends thereof.

Abstract: An undercarriage cross member is disclosed for a rail vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the cross member is constructed solely from aluminium extruded sections.

Abstract: Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. An example truck assembly may include a truck frame element, and a carrier coupled with the truck frame element. A bias may be configured to bias the carrier away from the truck frame element. An actuatable linkage arrangement may include a compliant linkage coupled with the carrier. The compliant linkage may pull the carrier against the bias in a first direction.

Abstract: Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. The vehicle suspension method includes operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate.

Abstract: A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck such that the bolster can move laterally relative to the sideframes. The range of travel of the bolster may be greater when the car is fully laded than the car has no lading. This may be achieved by the use of tapered bolster gibs. Friction dampers are mounted to work between the bolster and the sideframes. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both. The friction dampers may be mounted in a four-cornered arrangement at each end of the truck bolster.

Abstract: A truck apparatus for a railway car includes a pair of wheel sets each having a pair of wheels joined by an axle. A frame is provided for carrying one end of a railway car body and a system positions the frame in a pendulum fashion from each axle end in order to independently decouple, from each other, vertical, lateral and longitudinal forces applied to the frame by the wheel sets during operation of the railway car.

Abstract: A monorail bogie for supporting a monorail car travelling over a monorail track. The monorail bogie comprises a load-bearing wheel having an axis of rotation that is parallel to the running surface. The monorail bogie further comprises an inboard pair of guide wheels and an outboard pair of guide wheels. Each guide wheel of the inboard pair of guide wheels has an axis of rotation and each guide wheel of the outboard pair of guide wheels has an axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the inboard pair of guide wheels and the axes of rotation of the outboard pair of guide wheels are offset in opposite directions in relation to the axis of rotation of the load bearing wheels. The monorail bogie further comprises at least one stabilizing wheel positioned co-axially with each one of the inboard pair of guide wheels.

Abstract: A bolster for use with a rail truck assembly comprising a spring receptacle having a plurality of spring pockets on the bottom of each bolster. The bolster slidingly attached to a side frame at each end. A spring group comprising load springs and control springs, the load springs on each side frame to support and suspend the bolster end and control springs to control bolster end movement. The spring pocket adapted to retain the springs in a predetermined location and position relative to the bolster and side frame. The spring receptacle comprising spring guides intermediate the load springs and control springs to prevent tangling or interference between the springs. An angled surface on each spring guide, the angled surface forming a chamfer disposed to urge the spring into the spring pocket during installation and use.

Abstract: A truck for use on a piece of model railroad rolling stock, the truck having axle/wheels sets associated therewith includes two identical truck portions, which, when joined, form a model railroad truck frame, which is held together by mechanical impedance by a frame retainer located in a central mounting structure formed by joining the two truck portions.

Abstract: A truck apparatus for a railway car includes a pair of wheel sets each having a pair of wheels joined by an axle. A frame is provided for carrying one end of a railway car body and a system positions the frame in a pendulum fashion from each axle end in order to independently decouple, from each other, vertical, lateral and longitudinal forces applied to the frame by the wheel sets during operation of the railway car.

Abstract: A bolster for use with a rail truck assembly comprising a spring receptacle having a plurality of spring pockets on the bottom of each bolster. The bolster slidingly attached to a side frame at each end. A spring group comprising load springs and control springs, the load springs on each side frame to support and suspend the bolster end and control springs to control bolster end movement. The spring pocket adapted to retain the springs in a predetermined location and position relative to the bolster and side frame. The spring receptacle comprising spring guides intermediate the load springs and control springs to prevent tangling or interference between the springs. An angled surface on each spring guide, the angled surface forming a chamfer disposed to urge the spring into the spring pocket during installation and use.

Abstract: Wires (electric wires) 29 and 30 of cars are connected to each other through connecting wires mounted to a truck frame of an articulated truck. The connecting wires are inserted into a flexible protecting pipe member and an intermediate portion thereof is mounted within a concave portion formed on an upper portion of a side frame of the truck frame. And, an upper opening of the concave portion is closed by a cover plate. Connectors 22 and 23 are provided at front and rear end portions of the connecting wire for electric connection with cars. The connectors 22 and 23 are removably connected to connectors 26 and 27 of the wires 29 and 30 of the cars, which are mounted by mounting brackets 24 and 25 under the car bodies 2A and 3A.

Abstract: A mount apparatus for mounting a measurement device on a rail car above a track surface of a railroad track including a securement member adapted to be secured to the unsprung component of the rail car, a pivot arm pivotably connected to the securement member, the pivot arm including a lever arm extending therefrom, and a swing arm connecting the lever arm of the pivot arm to the sprung component of the rail car. The swing arm rotates the pivot arm so that a distal end of the pivot arm is maintained at a substantially fixed height distance above the track surface.

Abstract: A rail vehicle undercarriage comprises a load bearing implement 1 in the form of the bogie frame of a two-axle bogie, wherein the load bearing implement 1 is supported on two wheel pairs 4, 4; 4, 4 by means of spring elements 2. One respective steering rod 9 that extends in the running direction of the wheels is provided per wheel 4, wherein said steering rods are coupled to the wheel carrier 3 adjacent to the corresponding wheel 4 with one end and to the load bearing implement with their other end in coupling points 8, 10. The wheel pairs can be turned relative to the load bearing Implement. In order to achieve a turning movement of the wheel pairs towards a curve-radial adjustment which depends on the curve radius of the currently used track, the respective steering rods 9 are directly coupled to the load bearing implement 1 in coupling points 10.

Abstract: In a truck for railroad car capable of absorbing and reducing deformation due to torsional force acting on an end beam, end portions of right and left side frames 2a and 2b of a truck frame 2 are connected by an end beam 3. An antenna support member 4 is supported by the end beam 3. The end beam 3 includes antenna brackets 3a and 3b, as right and left support brackets, connected and fixed to outer end portions of the right and left side frames 2a and 2b by fastening tools 5, and a center bar 3c connected to inner end portions of the right and left antenna brackets 3a and 3b through rubber bushes 6 and 7 and having an antenna support member 4. The rubber bushes 6 and 7 are positioned at both sides of the antenna support member 4 of the end beam 3, include elastic rubber members 6a and 7a, and absorb the torsional force acting on the end beam 3 by elastic deformation of the elastic rubber members 6a and 7a.

Abstract: An arrangement for self-steering, radial bogie, truck or vehicle frame for locomotives and other railroad vehicles, which includes steering beams for and located behind their respective leading and trailing wheelsets, and whose rotary motions are coupled by an inter-axle link to provide opposite transverse movement of the first and third wheelsets upon traversing curves.

Abstract: An improved sideframe has a bolster opening configured to accept a variety of spring group and friction shoe assembly designs. The bolster opening is defined by a bottom section, a top compression member, and two opposing column members and has two column wear plates each secured to the opposing column members. The bottom section of the bolster opening defines a spring seat. The dimensions of the bolster opening of the sideframe allow for a variety of freight car truck suspension systems including the spring group, bolster and friction shoe used therewith.

Abstract: A mount apparatus for mounting a measurement device on a rail car above a track surface of a railroad track including a securement member adapted to be secured to the unsprung component of the rail car, a pivot arm pivotably connected to the securement member, the pivot arm including a lever arm extending therefrom, and a swing arm connecting the lever arm of the pivot arm to the sprung component of the rail car. The swing arm rotates the pivot arm so that a distal end of the pivot arm is maintained at a substantially fixed height distance above the track surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple axle rail vehicle wherein the car body of the rail vehicle is provided with multiple center plate members at each end of the car body. Multiple trucks are attached to each end of the car body with each truck individually connected to a respective center plate. Connecting each truck to an individual center plate on the car body eliminates the span bolster permitting the rail vehicle to weigh less and have a lower deck height.