Chapter 7. RAIL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

TM 55-2350-272-14

CHAPTER 7

RAIL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

Section I. GENERAL

7-1.

Scope

This chapter provides transportability guidance for rail movement of the M973. It covers significant technical and physi-

cal characteristics as well as safety considerations; prescribes materials, and provides guidance required to prepare,

load, and tie down the M973 on flatcars.

7-2.

Maximum Utilization of Railcars

Additional cargo, as approved by the activity offering the M973 for transport, may be transported with the M973.

Section II. TRANSPORT ON CONUS RAILWAYS

7-3.

General

The transportability guidance contained in this section Is applicable when the M973 is transported on CONUS railways.

Consideration is given to single and multiple movements on railcars normally used for this type of equipment. The

M1973 can be transported without restriction and without sectionalization or major disassembly.

7-4. Preparation

Remove the basic Issue Items from the outside of the M973 and stow them securely inside the cab of the M973.

CAUTION

Once the M973 Is in the tiedown position, lock the articulated steering unit with the steering

cylinder locks.

7-5.

Loading on General Purpose Flatcars.

a. The M973 can be placed m the tiedown position on a railcar by a crane of adequate capacity or it may be driven

or towed onto the railcar provided that a suitable ramp is available Lifting is discussed in paragraph 6-2.

CAUTION

Do not allow the M973 to exceed 3 miles per hour during loading or0 unloading operations.

b. The load illustrated in figure 7-1 and 7-2 is based on a flatcar of 8 feet or more. Figure 7-3 shows the M973

blocking and tiedown details. Table 7-1 is a bill of materials. and table 7-2 is the application of materials for securing the

M973 on general purpose flatcars.

NOTE

A staggered nailing pattern should be used when lumber or laminated lumber is nailed to the

floor of a railcar. The nailing pattern for an upper piece of lumber should be adjusted so that

a nail will not be driven into or against a nail in a lower piece of lumber.

Figure 7-1. Side elevation, tiedown of the M973 on a general purpose flatcar.

7-1