Abstract: An end structure for a center stub sill railway car is disclosed in which diagonal side sill extensions incline inwardly from the side sills to the center stub sill side for transmitting the longitudinal train loads between the stub sill and the side sills with the side sill extensions constituting the only horizontal, longitudinal load path between the stub sill and the side sills. A truss is disposed in a vertical transverse plane for transmitting overturning moments between the end of the car and the center stub sill.

Abstract: In a stub sill type railway hopper car the shear plate is eliminated and a truss arrangement is located in the end structure resulting in less weight.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a casting (60) is provided to connect the car bottom (40) to the side sill (10). A connecting plate (46) is provided to attach the casting (60) to the side sill (10). Preferably the side sill (10) is generally hat shaped and is reinforced with an angle (26) at the end portion of the car which supports the shear plate (34).

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for automatically releasing a railroad car hand brake (HB) normally maintained in its applied position. An air pressure activated cylinder (9) acts on a hand brake release (5) to release the hand brake. An air line (13) directs pressurized air from a pressurized air source to the air cylinder. A valve (27) connected in the air line is responsive to the source air pressure. The valve is normally closed but opens when source air pressure reaches a level sufficient to release the air brakes on the car. A draft load sensor (29) is positioned in the air line between the valve and air cylinder. The sensor normally blocks the air line, but unblocks it when a sufficiently great draft load is sensed. The hand brake is released only if source air pressure is sufficiently high and the draft load on the railroad car is sufficiently great.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for automatically releasing a railroad car hand brake (HB) normally maintained in its applied position. An air pressure activated piston (11) acts on a hand brake release (5) to release the hand brake. An air conduit (13) directs pressurized air from a pressurized air source to the air cylinder. A normally closed first valve (25) is connected in the air conduit between the source and the air cylinder. A normally closed second valve (29) is connected in the air conduit between the source and a control inlet of the first valve. A sensor (33) senses an inertial load on the car and opens the second valve when the inertial load sensed exceeds a predetermined acceleration factor. Air pressure directed to the control inlet of the first valve through the second valve, when it is open, opens the first valve if the air pressure level is sufficiently great to release the air brakes of the car.