Chapter 4. TRANSPORT OF ONE OR TWO M1 (GENERAL ABRAMS)

TM 55-2220-058-14

CHAPTER 4

TRANSPORT OF ONE OR TWO M1 (GENERAL ABRAMS)

4-1. Scope

This chapter provides guidance of transport of one or two M1 tanks on the 140-ton flatcar and prescribes the

loading and tiedown procedures.

4-2. General

The M1 tank is 113.7 inches (2.89 m) high and 143.8 inches (3.65 m) wide. When the tank is loaded on the

flatcar, its tracks extend about 7 inches (0.18 m) beyond each side of the car. The tank can be transported on

the flatcar without major disassembly, but will require special routing by the railroads because its width exceeds

the 128inch limit for unrestricted movement.

4-3. Loading M1 Tanks

a. A single M1 tank can be loaded onto the flatcar either by being driven onto the car over an end-loading

ramp or by being lifted onto the car with a crane or cranes of at least 70to 75-ton capacity. The tank must be

centered on the car, with the hub of the fourth left roadwheel positioned over the white mark on the side sill at

the center of the car and with about equal overhang of the tank tracks on both sides of the flatcar. A difference

of 1 inch between the left-side and right-side overhang is the maximum permitted by many railroad load

inspectors. The chain tiedown arrangement for a single M1 tank is shown in figure 4-1. The bill of materials

required to secure each M1 tank on the flatcar is provided in table 4-1. The application of materials and chain

tiedowns for a single Ml tank is explained in table 4-2. If the tank is loaded facing the opposite direction from

that shown in figure 4-1, apply the chain tiedown arrangement as explained in table 4-4.

4-1