Abstract: A lightweight and topless draft arm is disclosed for use in a railway car. The draft arm includes an open top surface with the metal layer removed, lateral support members and tiebars transversing the side walls for greater draft arm strength, and thinner side walls below the keyslots. Removal of the top surface of the draft arm eliminates the traditional double layer of material formed by the bottom of the car body and the top of the draft arm. Effectively, the bottom of the car body becomes the top of the draft arm resulting in a lighter weight railway car.

Abstract: A side frame for a railway car is disclosed comprising a pedestal jaw and an integral crown shaped pedestal jaw roof. A liner matching the shape of the crowned pedestal jaw roof is removably mounted to the pedestal jaw roof. In operation, the crown shaped pedestal jaw roof and snap-on liner reduce wear on the pedestal jaw roof and permit swinging of the side frames relative to the railcar axles. The integral crown shaped pedestal roof and snap-on liner eliminate the traditional rocker seat, shims, and welded retainers, thereby reducing the maintenance and cost of traditional side frames.