Chapter 2. TRANSPORTABILITY DATA - TM-55-2220-058-140006

TM 55-2220-058-14

CHAPTER 2

TRANSPORTABILITY DATA

2-1 Scope

This chapter contains the description, characteristics, and other data pertaining to the 68-foot, 140ton, chain-tiedown

DODX flatcar, which will be referred to throughout this manual as either "the flatcar" or "the car." This chapter also

provides necessary data for proper loading and use of the flatcar.

2-2. Description

a. General. The 140-ton flatcar is a heavy-duty, six-axle flatcar, with end-of-car cushioning to reduce impact loads

on the cargo. Its metal deck has four lengthwise channels that holds 50 chain-tiedown assemblies, two of which are

spares. Each chain tiedown assembly consists of an anchor that is movable in the channels, two coupling links, a

loadbinder (turnbuckle), a compression unit, and another coupling link, which is attached to a inch-wide alloy-steel

chain, about 6 feet (1.98 m) long, with a sling hook on the load attachment end and a claw hook on the loadbinder end.

Twelve 4inch-diameter shackles and two 7-inch-diameter rings are furnished loose with each car. (See app B, figs B-1

through B-3.) One additional ring or shackle is required per M88.

b. Dimension. The flatcar, including the couplers, is about 874 inches (22.20 m) long. Its cargo deck is 816

inches (20.73 m) long. The deck width of flatcars with serial numbers 40000 through 40100 is 123 inches (3.12 m); the

deck width of flatcars with serial numbers 40101 and up is 125 inches (3.17 m). The ends of all flatcars taper to about

117 inches (2.97 m). The cargo deck is 48 inches (1.22 m) high, measured from the top of the rail. Plan and side views

are shown in figure 2-1.

2-1