Preparation of the Flatcar

TM 55-2220-058-14

c. Tiedown Locations. Tiedown locations on the flatcar are numbered, at 15-inch intervals, and the channels for the

chain tiedown anchors are lettered. The tiedown location numbers, starting with 1 and ending with 44, are stenciled

lengthwise along the cargo deck. Two outboard channels, marked A and D, are 34 inches (.86 m) from the car

centerline. Two inboard channels, marked B and C, are 23 9/10 inches (.60 m) from the car centerline. Four additional

tiedown positions are located between each of the 44 marked positions; each tiedown position is spaced 3 inches (.08 m)

apart; therefore, if the chain anchor location calls for 24 3/5, the anchor should be positioned three notches past location

24. The tiedown location numbers and the channel identification letters are also shown in figure 2-1. The required or

recommended chain-tiedown anchor locations, for each load, are given in tiedown diagrams and tiedown data tables in

this manual.

d. Capacity. The flatcar is classified as a 140ton-capacity flatcar. The actual load limit stenciled on the side of the

car varies between 299,000 lbs. and 301,000 lbs.

e. Handbrake. A ratchet-type handbrake lever is located on the side of the car, below the level of the deck. In this

position, the brake lever, which is operated from the ground, does not interfere with loading or unloading.

2-3. Preparation of the Flatcar

Before Loading.

(1)

Remove rocks, leaves, or other trash from the channels so that the chain anchors will slide freely.

(2)

Pull all the chains needed for tiedown out of the channels, and slide the chain anchors along the

bottom of the channels to the required locations on inside channels only.

(3)

Lock the chain anchors at the proper location on inside channels only.

(4)

Drop outboard anchors and loadbinders into outside channels after completion of steps 5 and 6. Let

the balance of these chain assemblies lie on the deck between the channels.

NOTE

To lock the chain anchor in position, the tabs at each end of the anchor must be rotated up and moved

sideways to retract the movable pins in the anchor; the anchor must be lifted to completely seat the

notches in the channel. The chain must be held in that position, and the tabs at each end of the anchor

must be moved sideways to extend the movable TM 55-2220-058-14 pins so they rest on top of the

channel. Then the tabs must be rotated down and into the recess.

(5)

Lubricate turnbuckle threads and eyebolts with "Rust Veto" Corrosion Preventative Compound MIL-C-

16173, Grade 4 or equivalent.

(6)

Turn each turnbuckle body until both eyebolts are fully extended (the turn buckle ends have a built-in

stop).

(7)

Lay all turnbuckles on inside channels to point inboard toward the center of the car, and pile the chain

for each turnbuckle between the channels.

CAUTION

Do not leave any part of the chain assembly (including the turnbuckles) on the treadway area,

where it could be run over by the vehicle being loaded or unloaded.

Before Unloading.

(1)

Use a liquid mist or penetrating lubricant to help loosen jamnuts.

(2)

Place the chain assemblies in the center of the car.

(3)

Leave, securely stowed on the car, items furnished with the flatcar, such as tiedowns, shackles, and

rings.

2-4. General down Instructions

Drive the tank over the end ramp or lift the tank or other vehicle onto the flatcar in accordance with the

appropriate tiedown-arrangement figure.

CAUTION

If loading is to be done from a side ramp, damage to chain tiedown devices from tracked vehicle

treads will result unless one of the following procedures is used: (1) Wooden deck flatcars are

spotted next to the side ramp. Vehicles can be driven onto the wooden deck car, pivoted, and

driven onto the steel deck car. (2) The 140-ton flatcars next to the side ramp have all of their

chain assemblies, shackles, and rings temporarily removed.

Attach shackles and/or rings as required.

Place chain hooks with nose down in shackles and/or rings as required. Pull chains as tight as possible, by

hand, before hooking the claw hook. (Chains must not be kinked or twisted.)

Hand tighten loadbinders starting with the lowest chain on the shackle or ring. Then continue to tighten the

loadbinders with a 1 -inch openend wrench, a 15-inch crescent wrench, or a ratch et handle (spanner wrench). The

2-3