Abstract: A mechanism to assist in raising and lowering a hinged deck end section wherein a lifting force is applied to the deck end section by a counterweight mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the counterweight mechanism operates in conjunction with a conventional, proven spring assist mechanism of the type that has been used in the past on trilevel railway cars. The counterweight mechanism preferably includes a counterweight that is slidable along a vertical track in a location that is readily accessible for visual inspection and maintenance. Nonmetallic wear pads are preferably employed in conjunction with a dry film lubricant to control friction between the counterweight and the track. The mechanism preferably provides a mechanical advantage so that the lifting force applied by the counterweight mechanism exceeds the weight of the counterweight. A roller chain, steel cable, or the like is preferably employed to connect the weight to the deck end section.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a railway car for the transportation of semi-trucks. The railway car may have an interior defined by a support surface for the trucks, a pair of upstanding sidewalls, and a roof. End doors may be located at each end of the railway car for selectively permitting access to the interior thereof. The horizontal width at the ends of the railway car may be selected to permit the trucks to be loaded into the interior of the railway car.