Abstract: A superstructure for a railcar comprising at least a first side assembly, a roof extending from the first side assembly and being comprised of at least a first top chord extending inwardly and upwardly from the first side assembly and a first top chord stiffener comprised of at least a first leg and a second leg. The first and second legs are disposed at a right angle to each other, and the first top chord stiffener is attached to the first top chord and the first side assembly.

Abstract: A superstructure for a railcar comprising at least a first side assembly, a roof extending from the first side assembly and being comprised of at least a first top chord extending inwardly and upwardly from the first side assembly and a first top chord stiffener comprised of at least a first leg and a second leg. The first and second legs are disposed at a right angle to each other, and the first top chord stiffener is attached to the first top chord and the first side assembly.

Abstract: A superstructure for a railcar comprising at least a first side assembly, a roof extending from the first side assembly and being comprised of at least a first top chord extending inwardly and upwardly from the first side assembly and a first top chord stiffener comprised of at least a first leg and a second leg. The first and second legs are disposed at a right angle to each other, and the first top chord stiffener is attached to the first top chord and the first side assembly.

Abstract: A floor tie-down anchor for securing freight during transport is provided. A tie-down anchor is provided comprising an elongated L-shaped bracket including a first leg and a second leg forming an angle therebetween. At least one aperture having a first shape is defined through the first leg and configured to receive a connecting mechanism for securing freight. At least one aperture having a second shape different from the first shape is defined through said first leg. The first shape is an oval slot and the second shape is a circle, and the L-shaped bracket is operatively connected to a railcar having a floor such that the first leg is substantially coplanar with and parallel to the floor of the railcar.

Abstract: A multi-fold door for an enclosed railcar comprising a first panel, a second panel and a third panel is disclosed. The first panel is pivotally attached to the second panel at an edge of each panel and the third panel is pivotally attached to the second panel at an edge of each panel. A posterior edge of the first panel is attached to a corner post of an end of the enclosed railcar by hinges that are positioned externally to the enclosed railcar.

Abstract: A superstructure for a railcar comprising at least a first side assembly, a roof extending from the first side assembly and being comprised of at least a first top chord extending inwardly and upwardly from the first side assembly and a first top chord stiffener comprised of at least a first leg and a second leg. The first and second legs are disposed at a right angle to each other, and the first top chord stiffener is attached to the first top chord and the first side assembly.

Abstract: A floor tie-down anchor for securing freight during transport is provided. A tie-down anchor is provided comprising an elongated L-shaped bracket including a first leg and a second leg forming an angle therebetween. At least one aperture having a first shape is defined through the first leg and configured to receive a connecting mechanism for securing freight. At least one aperture having a second shape different from the first shape is defined through said first leg. The first shape is an oval slot and the second shape is a circle, and the L-shaped bracket is operatively connected to a railcar having a floor such that the first leg is substantially coplanar with and parallel to the floor of the railcar.

Abstract: A floor tie-down anchor for securing freight during transport is provided. The tie-down anchor is an L-shaped bracket having a pair of legs that form an angle relative to each other, and one of the legs has at least one aperture defined therethrough. A system and method for securing freight to a transport vehicle are also provided. The system includes a first tie-down anchor and a second tie-down anchor attached to the floor of a transport vehicle, and each of the tie-down anchors has at least one aperture defined therethrough. The system further including a retaining strap having a connecting mechanism attached to each end of the strap, and the apertures of the tie-down anchors are adapted to receive the connecting mechanisms of the strap. The method of securing freight to a transport vehicle includes providing a floor. First and second tie-down anchors are attached to the floor, and each of the tie-down anchors has at least two apertures of different shapes defined therethrough.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an enclosed railcar comprising the steps of providing a railcar, the railcar having at least a car deck, two side sills and two end sills, attaching a superstructure enclosure having at least one width extending bottom side chord along the two side sills of the railcar, wherein the superstructure is wider than the width of the railcar, and attaching a plurality of gussets to a side sill and an underside of at least one width extending bottom side chord.

Abstract: A multi-fold door for an enclosed railcar comprising a first panel, a second panel and a third panel is disclosed. The first panel is pivotally attached to the second panel at an edge of each panel and the third panel is pivotally attached to the second panel at an edge of each panel. A posterior edge of the first panel is attached to a corner post of an end of the enclosed railcar by hinges that are positioned externally to the enclosed railcar.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a railcar having an enclosing superstructure which is capable of accommodating large vehicles such as semi-trucks is disclosed. The method includes the preparation of a previously used railcar or a railcar originally manufactured for another purpose and the subsequent attachment of a preferably widened superstructure applied thereto. Usable space and dimensions within the superstructure enclosure are maximized by the use of shallow weight bearing side structures, large top chords, stabilizing door headers, an extension of the railcar deck and thin end doors. Railcar accessories are accommodated within the interior of the superstructure such that minimal useful space is used.

Abstract: An improved drawbar connection for railroad cars reduces slack between cars and results in improved train handling. The drawbar connection fits in a standard draft gear pocket and utilizes a standard yoke, standard follower and standard coupler pin, thereby permitting the application of drawbars with minimal structural modification to cars originally equipped with conventional couplers. The usual draft gear is replaced by a filler which is relatively rigid. The filler includes a follower block, a wedge, a filler block and may include a mini-draft gear having a maximum travel of about one-half inch.

Abstract: An articulated railroad flat car for single-level loading of containers has five units or platforms. End trucks are disposed at the ends of the two end units and four shared trucks are disposed intermediate the five units at articulated connections between the units. Each unit has a center sill with bolsters at either end mounting outer container retention devices. Alternate units further include intermediate cross-bearers, with intermediate container retention devices mounted on the cross-bearer. This arrangement allows loading of full length containers (40, 45 or 48 feet in length) on each unit and either full length or 20 foot containers on alternative units. A container floor safety system includes a plurality of cross-ties connected to the center sill with longitudinal stringers fastened to the outer ends of the cross-ties. The container floor safety system prevents container lading from falling to the track in the event of a container floor failure.