Abstract: An articulated railcar connector assembly includes improved wedge shim and follower block components that are shaped for improved early service life, the wedge shim having laterally spaced vertical lands to contact the assembly end wall and the follower block having a compound curvature bearing surface to receive the end of a male connector member; and both wedge and follower block may have abutting chevron-like concave and convex bearing surfaces wherein the included angle of the convex bearing surfaces exceeds the included angle of the concave bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A gondola tub type railway car having an arrangement for transferring payloads from the car side panels more directly to the bolsters. The car at each end has a lower bolster for support by a car truck, and an upper bolster secured to the lower bolster preferably through a shear plate. A center plate unit extends upwardly from the lower bolster into the upper bolster and is secured to the latter. The car, at each end, is provided with a reaction beam located inboard of the associated bolster, and is secured to the shear plate and to side members, and cooperates with the bolster in resisting the couple created by draft and buff forces acting in offset relation to the plane of the shear plate.

Abstract: Wedges of novel design are interposed between the side frames and bolster of a three-piece freight car truck assembly in an effort to provide an assembly having greater high speed stability.