Abstract: A switch is disclosed for a railroad transporation system comprising parallel car-supporting rails defining railroad tracks which bifurcate at rail switching station into two branch tracks and rotatable drive shafts which extend along a line between the parallel car-supporting rails and which also bifurcate at the switching station into first and second branch lines. The switch comprises a first car-supportable swing gate rail mounted at the switching station for movement between a position traversing the first branch line and a position aside the first branch line. A second car-supportable swing gate rail is also mounted at the switching station for movement between a position traversing the second branch line and a position aside the second branch line.

Abstract: A cargo loading system is disclosed comprising a car, cargo conveying means mounted on the car, and transmission means also mounted on the car for transmitting driving force to the cargo conveying means. Drive means are positioned at a cargo loading station. Coupling means are also provided for coupling the drive means with the transmission means when the car is located at the loading station.A method is also disclosed for loading cars with cargo. The method comprises the steps of positioning a car having first cargo conveyor means mounted thereto adjacent a cargo transfer platform having second cargo conveying means mounted thereto. The first and second cargo conveying means are mechanically coupled together. One of the cargo conveyor means is then coupled with conveyor drive means which drive the first and second conveyor means simultaneously.