Abstract: A railcar includes a pair of car tubs on opposite sides of a center sill. Each car tub includes a cross-section to increase carrying capacity. Each car tub includes a longitudinal semi-circular floor plate formed by a cold-formed process. Additionally, each car plate includes a one-piece composite tub closure at each end thereof.

Abstract: A wayside electrical pick-up shoe for operating the discharge, or the like, of a railcar includes a spring biased electrical contact pivotally attached to a base plate with a mechanism for electrically insulating the base plate from the electrical contact. The mechanism for electrically insulating the contact may include insulating material forming at least part of the pivot between the contact and the base plate. The mechanism for electrically insulating the contact may further include insulating material supplied on a spring member which biases the contact.

Abstract: A rotary dump gondola rail car having side walls reinforced by vertical side posts. The side posts include a pair of vertical raised ribs projecting from the exterior face of the side walls for reducing wear between the side posts and a car dumper mechanism.

Abstract: A rail car having dual air hose connections at each end at upper and lower positions. The dual air hose connection provides universal connectability between adjacent cars having a single connection hose having ends at either an upper or lower position.

Abstract: An attachment for attaching the ends of concave floor panels of a gondola car to the center sill by a plate extending through the vertical cover plate of the floor panels and being affixed to the floor panels and to the center sill. The plate includes a curved contour adjacent the concave floor panels and is affixed by lock bolts to both the floor panels and to the center sill. Angle members affix the vertical cover plates to the ends of the concave floor panels.

Abstract: A brake arrangement for a railroad car having a semi-closed box beam center sill and including a first aperture communicating with the interior of the center sill, a second aperture communicating with the interior of the center sill, a tie rod extending between the first and second apertures, the tie rod extending along the interior of the center sill and having a first end pivotally attached to a first lever extending through the first aperture and attached to brake linkage, and a second end pivotally attached to a second lever extending through the second aperture and attached to brake linkage.

Abstract: A sidewall and top chord member for an open top gondola or hopper railway car. The top chord member is a lightweight rectangular tubular extrusion of aluminum having a pair of spaced wear pads on the top surface thereof to contact rotary or shaker type car unloading equipment.

Abstract: A railway car suitable for rotary or bottom dump unloading. The body bolster is fitted with vents to permit a heating of the slope floor at the ends of the car to thaw the lading prior to unloading.