Chapter 7. RAIL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

TM 55-3930-650-14

CHAPTER 7

RAIL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

Section I. GENERAL

7-2. Safety

7-1. Scope

Safety precautions are in chapter 3.

This chapter provides rail transportability guid-

ante for movement of the 4k and 6kpound CBD

7-3. Maximum Use of Railcars

forklifts. It covers significant physical characteris-

tics and safety considerations. It also prescribes

Railcars may carry additional cargo with the

the materials and guidance required to load and

forklifts, provided the cargo is approved by the

tie down the forklifts on open-top flatcars.

activity offering the forklifts for transport.

Section II. TRANSPORT ON CONUS RAILWAYS

6-1 and 6-2), or they may be driven or towed onto

7-4 General

the railcar, provided a suitable ramp or bridge is

The transportability guidance in this section ap-

available.

plies for transport of the 4k- and 6k-pound CBD

CAUTION

forklifts on CONUS railways. When loaded on a

standard deck-height flatcar, the forklifts are

Do not allow the forklifts to exceed 3 mph

within height and width limitations of the Associa-

during loading or unloading operations.

tion of American Railroads (AAR) "Outline Dia-

b. Figure 7-1 shows the load on a general-

gram for Single Loads Without End Overhang on

purpose flatcar. Figure 7-2 provides detailed in-

Open-Top Cars" and can be moved without restric-

structions for blocking and tiedown. Table 71

tion. The forklifts require no special preparation.

provides a bill of materials, and table 72 presents

application of those materials for securing forklifts

7-5. Preparation for Loading

on general-purpose flatcars.

As a minimum, remove and secure all loose items

NOTE

to prevent loss or damage in transit. When eco-

nomical benefits would be realized, prepare forklift

The lumber or laminated lumber nailed to

tines as described in paragraph 25 and shown in

the floor of a railcar requires a staggered

figure 6-3.

nailing pattern. When nailing an upper

piece of lumber, adjust the nailing pattern

7-6. Loading on General-Purpose Flat-

as required so that a nail for that piece

cars

will not be driven into or immediately

a. The forklifts may be placed in the tiedown

adjacent to a nail in the lower piece of

lumber.

position on a railcar by a crane (para 64b and figs

Table 7-1. Bill of Materials for Blocking and Tiedown of a Typical Forklift on CONUS General-Purpose Flatcar (Figs 7-1 and 7-2)

Approximate

Quantity

Item

Description

Douglas-fir, or comparable; straight-grain, free from material defects; Fed Spec

Lumber

36 linear feet

MML751: 2- x 4-in.

12 linear feet

2- x 6-in.

4- x 6-in.

8 linear feet

Nails

Common, steel; flathead; bright or cement-coated; Fed Spec FF-N-105: 16d

20d

Thimbles

Standard, open-type; Fed Spec FF-T-276: -in.

Wire rope

6 x 19, IWRC; improved plow steel; preformed, regular lay; table X, Fed Spec

60 feet

RR-W410: -in.

Clips

Wire rope, U-bolt clips, saddled, single-grip, steel, Crosby heavy-duty, or equal; Fed

Spec FF-C-450: -in.

5/8-in.

Waterproof paper, burlap, or other suitable material

Cushioning

material

as required

7-1