Abstract: The present invention encompasses a truck mounted brake system for double axle wheel trucks with pneumatic means operable through multiple levers to move the brake beams relative to each other. The lever system includes a double acting slack adjuster responsive to load changes to vary the braking force. Different load weights on the bolster causes it to assume different vertical positions relative to the side frames and the slack adjuster to vary in length so that uniform pressure to the pneumatic means produces higher brake pressure to the wheels of fully loaded cars and lower brake pressures to partially loaded and unloaded cars.

Abstract: A railroad flatcar including an elongated center sill having undercarriage frames secured thereto at opposite ends thereof is disclosed. A single axle wheel truck is fixed to each undercarriage frame and suspends the car. Axle guard plate is provided to limit movement of the car laterally of the wheel trucks and to provide a restoring force to the car.

Abstract: A railroad car having universal coupling capability through provision of a coupling arrangement which permits connection to a standard coupler or a drawbar is disclosed. The coupling arrangement includes facing sill side frames which define key slots and spaced stops to accommodate force transfer of traction and buff loads from either a coupler or a drawbar.

Abstract: A railroad car brake system operable by an air bag which includes double acting brakes operable on the wheels. Links suspend the brakes and the live and dead levers connected by an adjustable connecting link mechanism are operable by the air bag. Slack as a result of wear in the brakes is automatically taken up.

Abstract: A railroad car having universal coupling capability through provision of a coupling arrangement which permits connection to a standard coupler or a drawbar. The coupling arrangement includes facing sill side frames which define key slots and spaced stops to accommodate force transfer of traction and buff loads from either a coupler or a drawbar.

Abstract: An articulated railroad car including a plurality of platforms each supported by a single axle wheel truck at each end. The platforms are connected to rigid drawbars which allow relative motion therebetween in both horizontal and vertical directions. The drawbars and the platforms have cooperable surfaces which engage when the car is being pushed and tend to align the platforms and drawbars to prevent jackknifing and derailment.

Abstract: A single axle railroad wheel truck is disclosed having two wheels joined by a single axle. A frame supported on the wheels and axle defines four spaced apart hanger flanges. A pair of cross members parallel to the axle for supporting a railroad car body are supported on pairs of hanger members directly connected between a pair of said hanger flanges and each one of the cross members. Springs are disposed upon the cross members for supporting a car body thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting connection for connecting side stakes of open top type rail cars such as gondolas and hoppers to the underframe of the rail car. The side stakes, which reinforce and support the side walls of the open top rail cars, are mounted to the underframe of the rail car by a tie strap rigidly connected to the underframe. The tie strap is pivotably mounted to the side stake by a transverse pin which allows the side stake to flex or pivot very slightly with respect to the underframe when forces are applied to the upper end of the side stake such as during loading thereby eliminating secondary bending moments and fracture at the junction of the underframe and the side stake.

Abstract: Disclosed is a corner connection for open top type rail cars such as gondolas, hoppers, etc. The top side chords of the rail cars have plates mounted to the upper and lower surfaces thereof which extend beyond the end of the top side chords. Circular openings are formed through the extending ends of the plates which align with a circular opening through the end of the top end chord when the end chord is positioned between the plates. A pin is positioned through the opening in the plates and the opening in the end chord so that a flexible corner connection is formed between the side chord and the end chord that will absorb stresses such as those occurring during loading, humping, or load shifts, without fixed end moments or failure at the upper corner connection of the rail car.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated rail car for transporting two large wheeled vehicular truck trailers in "piggyback" fashion. The articulated rail car comprises two separate car bodies each supported by single axle railroad wheel truck assemblies mounted at each end of each body. A semi-permanent coupling joins the two car bodies so that the car can articulate around curves and bends in the railroad track. Utilization of the single axle trucks permits the rail car to maintain the normal number of axles (four) for rail cars even though the car is articulated in the center. The car bodies comprise a central spine extending upwardly along the length of the car for providing vertical strength. A tire support surface extends outwardly from each side of the central spine below the level of the central spine so that the vertical height of the wheel vehicular trailers transported by the articulated rail car is reduced allowing easier passage under structures and through tunnels.

Abstract: A railroad car brake system operable by an air bag which includes double acting brakes operable on the wheels. Links suspend the brakes and the live and dead levers connected by an adjustable connecting link mechanism are operable by the air bag. Slack as a result of wear in the brakes is automatically taken up.