Abstract: A vehicle framework structure includes: a pair of rockers extending in a front-rear direction along outer periphery edge portions of a floor portion; plural cross-members that extend in a width direction and span between the rockers, width direction outer end portions of the cross-members being joined to the respective rockers; and a linking cross-member that spans between a first side wall portion of one cross-member and a second side wall portion of another cross-member, the one cross-member and the another cross-member being adjacent in the front-rear direction, the second side wall portion opposing the first side wall portion in the front-rear direction, an end portion at one side in the front-rear direction of the linking cross-member being joined to the first side wall portion, and an end portion at the other side in the front-rear direction of the linking cross-member being joined to the second side wall portion.

Abstract: Railroad tank cars are provided that include an inner tank, an outer tank, and tank to tank clearance between the inner tank and the outer tank. Insulation and spacers can be located within the tank to tank clearance. The inner tank can shift within the outer tank, and spacers can crush, under significant force loading, such as impact forces generated during a collision or derailment. The inner tank, insulation, spacers, and outer tank thus form an energy absorbing system that reduces the likelihood that the inner tank will be breached, and that a hazardous material contained therein will be released, under such conditions.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a tender car for a consist. The tender car may have a frame, a truck configured to support the frame, and a wheel rotatably connected to the truck. The tender car may also have a motor operatively connected to the wheel and configured to generate electric power when the wheel is rotated. The tender car may further have a tank mounted to the frame and configured to hold a liquefied gaseous fuel, and a fuel pump mounted to the frame and configured to pump the liquefied gaseous fuel from the tank. The fuel pump may be driven by electric power generated by the motor.

Abstract: A long distance auxiliary drive tender for railroad locomotives which stores significant quantities of fuel and delivers the fuel to the locomotives while underway and which also includes traction motor drive axles powered by the locomotive generators. The traction motors are also capable of providing dynamic braking. Preferably, the auxiliary drive tender will also store and transfer lubrication oil, water, and sand for the locomotives. The auxiliary drive tender operates much like a B-unit in conventional MU operations except that it does not have its own power source.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for storing and transporting a liquid in which a series of tank cars each have a hollow tank body with an inlet and an outlet supported on a frame with a plurality of wheels on the frame. These cars are connected together with a sealable male fitting and female fitting which interengage to allow fluid flow between the cars. Using this valve arrangement, a series of cars hooked together may be filled from a single fill point or station. A method of storing and transporting a liquid involving these storage cars is also disclosed.