Abstract: A railroad car (R) for hauling trailers (T) has a hitch assembly (HA) for securing the trailer. The hitch assembly includes a retainer pin (P) extending through a head portion (H) of the hitch assembly. A retainer (1) for retaining the pin in place and for facilitating its removal and replacement includes a clip (3) attached to each side of the head adjacent the opening (O) in the side of the head adjacent the opening (O) in the side of the head through which the pin is installed or removed. Each clip projects outwardly from the respective side of the head and has an opening (9) corresponding to the opening in the side of the head. A fastener (11) is removably attachable to each clip through the opening in the clip. A portion (15) of the fastener abuts the outer end of the retainer pin when the fastener is assembled with the clip. This prevents longitudinal movement of the retainer pin.

Abstract: A hand wheel for operation of a tank car valve located in the tank bottom is provided. The hand wheel is connected to an operating shaft for the tank car valve and includes a body portion having at least one first opening adapted to receive a horizontally extending tool to rotate the valve. The hand wheel also includes an opening in its bottom surface which is adapted to receive another operating tool such as a drive ratchet or a ratchet extension to open and close the lading valve.