Abstract: A method for casting a railroad component such as a component of a railway car truck. The component of the railway car truck may be, e.g., a side frame or a bolster of the railway car truck. The method includes manufacturing the railroad component made of steel in a no-bake manufacturing process including use of a chemically-bonded sand system that results in a sand mold from which the railroad component is cast. The railroad component resulting from the no-bake manufacturing process has a surface finish less than 750 micro-inches RMS, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to a railroad component manufactured by a green sand process.

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 railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process.

Abstract: A railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process.

Abstract: A railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process.

Abstract: A railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process.

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 railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process. The body and the knuckle resulting from the no-bake manufacturing process have no observable laps, scabs, chaplets or welding in critical areas of the body and knuckle, which are reflected in surface conditions matching SCRATA (Steel Castings Research and Trade Association) values of: D1 (laps); E1 (scabs); F1 (chaplets); and J1 (welds).

Abstract: A finger core for forming the front part of a knuckle for a railcar, said finger core comprising a single opening to form a single rib at the horizontal center line of the resulting knuckle.

Abstract: A railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process. The body and the knuckle resulting from the no-bake manufacturing process have no observable laps, scabs, chaplets or welding in critical areas of the body and knuckle, which are reflected in surface conditions matching SCRATA (Steel Castings Research and Trade Association) values of: D1 (laps); E1 (scabs); F1 (chaplets); and J1 (welds).

Abstract: A coupler body for a railcar coupler, said coupler body comprising at least one central datum feature that does not wear during coupler use.

Abstract: A railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process.

Abstract: A coupler body for a railcar coupler, said coupler body comprising at least one central datum feature that does not wear during coupler use.

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 railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process.

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 coupler body for a railcar coupler, said coupler body comprising at least one central datum feature that does not wear during coupler use.