Chapter 7. RAIL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

TM 55-3810-306-15

CHAPTER 7

RAIL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

Section I. GENERAL

7-2. Maximum Utilization of Railcars

7-1. Scope

Additional cargo, as approved by the activity offering the

This chapter provides rail transportability guidance for

equipment for transport, may be transported with the

movement of the RTCC. It covers significant technical

system.

and physical characteristics and safety precautions. It

also prescribes the materials and guidance to prepare,

load, tie down, and unload the RTCC.

Section II. TRANSPORT ON CONUS RAILROADS

7-3. General

(1) Transporters may drive the RTCC

The RTCC, whether operational or disassembled, is rail

operational configuration onto the railcar, if a suitable

transportable with major restrictions. Disassembling the

ramp is available. They may also place the operational

superstructure from the carrier does not allow

configuration in the tiedown position on the railcar with a

unrestricted rail transport, but does minimize

crane of adequate capacity.

restrictions. When loaded on a standard 50-inch-high

(2) Figure 7-3 shows blocking and tiedown

flatcar, the RTCC exceeds both the Association of

details. Table 7-3 gives the bill of materials for securing

American Railroads (AAR) and Gabarit International de

the RTCC operational configuration. Figure 7-1 (sheet

Chargement (GIC) rail transport envelopes for CONUS

5, detail A) shows rope anchor through stake pocket.

and OCONUS, respectively.

NOTE

7-4. Preparation

Loading crews should use a

When required, personnel will remove the RTCC

staggered nailing pattern when

superstructure from the carrier according to the

lumber or laminated wood is nailed

appendix A before loading on the railcar.

to the floor of the railcar. Also, the

nailing pattern for an upper piece of

7-5. Loading, Unloading, and Materials

laminated wood will be adjusted as

a. Loading the RTCC Superstructure on Wood-Deck

required, so that a nail for that piece

Flatcars

will not be driven through, onto, or

(1) Transporters may place the superstructure

right beside a nail in the lower piece

in the tiedown position on the railcar with a crane of

of lumber.

adequate capacity.

(2) Figure 7-1 shows blocking and tiedown

CAUTION

details. Table 7-1 gives the bill of materials for securing

Do not allow the crane or carrier to

the RTCC superstructure.

exceed 3 miles per hour (walking

b. Loading the RTCC Carrier on Wood-Deck Flatcars

speed) during loading or unloading

(1) Transporters may place the RTCC carrier

operations.

in the tiedown position on the railcar with a crane of

adequate capacity.

CAUTION

(2) Figure 7-2 shows blocking and tiedown

When loading the RTCC operational

details. Table 7-2 gives the bill of materials for the

configuration, crews must ensure

RTCC carrier.

that the boom is horizontal, fully

CAUTION Do not allow the crane or carrier to exceed 3

retracted, and the swing lock

miles per hour (walking speed) during loading or

engaged. They must also ensure

unloading operations.

that the outriggers are fully retracted

c. Loading the RTCC Operational Configuration on

into housings and secured in place

Wood-Deck Flatcars

with steel tape.

7-1