Abstract: A skid arrangement to protect an appurtenance which extends from the bottom of a railroad tank car. The skid arrangement includes a ramped box-like frame structure which is defined by longitudinal side plates and transverse end plates and diaphragm plates. The upper edges of the end plates and diaphragm plates are welded to a reinforcing pad. A pair of wood blocks are positioned within and secured to the frame structure in contact with the reinforcing pad by stud members extending therethrough and through the side plates. Impact forces which are applied to the skid arrangement are directed by the stud members into the wood blocks and in turn are directed into the reinforcing pad and uniformly distributed over a substantial length of the body of the tank car.