Abstract: A gravity outlet (10) for discharging lading from a railway car (C). An outlet assembly attached to a discharge opening in the railcar includes an upper end attached to the opening and sidewalls (12a, 12b) and endwalls (14a, 14b) whose bottom portion defines an outlet (D) through which lading flows, by gravity, when discharged from the railcar. An outlet gate (34) positioned beneath the outlet assembly moves relative to the discharge outlet between respective open and closed positions. A latch mechanism (36) includes a latch (50a, 50b) pivotally attached to the gate to latch the gate in its closed position and prevent inadvertent opening of the gate and spillage of lading. A gate operating mechanism (38) includes a rack (40) attached to the gate and a pinion (42) engaging the rack for moving the rack and the gate. A capstan (46) is connected to an operating shaft (44), as is a coupling member (64). Rotation of the capstan by yard personnel effects movement of gate between its open and closed positions.

Abstract: A weld support (50) for use with a center sill assembly (16) for supporting a cradle pad (12) used to support the end of a railway tank car body (B). The center sill assembly includes first and second spaced apart side plates (18, 20) spaced to either side of the car body, and a top plate (28). The weld support comprises first and second support members (52, 54) installed on opposite sides of the assembly. A pocket (56) is formed in the center sill assembly on each side thereof. A respective weld support member is attached to the top plate adjacent the respective pockets, for the weld support members to extend above the upper surface of the top plate. The weld support members each provide a substantial contact surface with the cradle pad. Each weld support member also helps pool welding material in the respective pockets to effect a strong weld between the cradle pad and center sill assembly.