TM-55-2320-279-14

figure 7-3

TM 55-2320-279-1 4

Conventional wood deck chain-tiedown flatcars, including those in the DODX fleet, usually are

equipped with four parallel channels that run the full length of the flatcar deck: two channels are about

30 inches apart and two other channels run along the outer edges of the car or just inboard of the tread-

way loading area of the car. These channels are recessed so that the top is flush with the deck surface and

each channel contains numerous (usually 8 to 12) chain anchors, each of which has an attached 10- to 12-

foot chain. The chain anchors can be moved along the channel and locked in place where needed. At the

free end of the chain, a hook, which is passed through the tiedown shackle on the vehicle being loaded, is

pulled hand-tight and is hooked back onto the chain or may be hooked directly to the shackle. Tension is

then applied to the chain by tightening a turnbuckle built into the chain assembly or by turning a ratchet

or screw-jack in the anchor block. An open-end wrench is required for tightening the turnbuckles. A ¾-

inch squaredrive heavy-duty socket wrench is required to tighten the ratchet at the anchor blocks. Open

hooks should be wire-tied to prevent them from becoming disconnected during over-the-road forces en-

countered en route.

Table 7-3. Application of Materials for Tiedown of Hemtt on Center Rail Chain-Tiedown Flatcar (Fig 7-3)

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Loading rules 4, 5, 7, 11, 15(g), 19, 19A, 19B, and 19C appearing in section 1 of the Rules Governing the Loading of

Commodities on Open-Top Cars and Trailers, published by the Association of American Railroads, provides applicable

guidelines and are mandatory in application.

CAUTION

Vehicles loaded on conventional wood deck chain-tiedown flat-cars are placed in the tiedown

position with the gearshift placed in neutral and the parking brakes set.

The load shown in figure 7-4 depicts the use of conventional wood deck chain-tiedown flatcars. The appli-

cation of materials for tiedown of the HEMTT on a conventional wood deck chain-tiedown flatcar is pro-

vided in table 7-4.

7-7

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