TM-9-2350-311-20-2
HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM; M109A2, M109A3, M109A4 AND M109A5
TECHNICAL MANUAL; UNIT MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR CAB, ARMAMENT, SIGHTING AND FIRE CONTROL, ELEVATING AND TRAVERSING SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS
DECEMBER 1993
TM-9-2350-311-20-2 - Page 108 of 828
TM 9–2350–311–20–2
2–47
2–35 LOADING VEHICLE FOR SHIPMENT
CAUTION
•
The height and width of a vehicle, when prepared for rail transportation, must not exceed the
limitations prescribed for particular railroad lines. Whenever possible, local transportation offi-
cers must be consulted about the limitations of the particular railroad lines to be used for the
movement in order to avoid delays, dangerous conditions, or damage to equipment.
•
The howitzer cannon must never extend beyond end of flatcar to avoid possible damage to
howitzer.
When a vehicle is shipped by rail, every precaution must be taken to see that it is properly loaded, blocked, and securely
fastened to flatcar floor.
Inspect flatcar prior to loading and see that it is in a suitable condition to carry loads safely.
Prepare flatcar for loading by removing debris, previous blocking, nails, and other obstructions. Inspect flatcar for loose or
broken floor planks. If found unsatisfactory, reject the car for use.
If suitable hoisting equipment, permanent loading ramps, and handling equipment are not available for loading or unload-
ing materiel, improvised runways, ramps, and spanning platforms can be constructed.
Loading must be governed by the capacity and length of flatcars available at time of shipment, as well as requirements of
bills or lading and shipping instructions.
Position the vehicle as far from the brake wheel end of the flatcar as space permits. Provide a minimum clearance of 4
inches (10.2 cm) below and 6 inches (15.2 cm) above, behind, and to each side of the flatcar brake wheel.
2–36 BLOCKING
a.
General
All blocking instructions specified herein are minimum and are in accordance with the Association of Ameri-
can Railroads Pamphlet, Section No. 6, Rules Governing the Loading of Department of Defense Materiel on
Open-Top Cars. Additional blocking may be added at the discretion of the officer in charge.
b.
Track Inside Cleats
Locate two cleats (6 in. x 6 in. x 14 ft) (15.2 cm x 15.2 cm x 4.3 m) along the inside of the left and right
tracks. Nail to car floor with 30-penny nails, staggered approximately every 12 inches (30.4 cm).
c.
Chock Block
Construct four chock blocks; two to fit the angle between the tracks and car deck at the front of the vehicle
and two to fit the angle between the track and car deck at the rear of the vehicle. Using 1–5/8 inches (4.1
cm) thick lumber, make chock blocks 12 inches (30.4 cm) wide and a minimum of 18 inches (45.72 cm)
high. Nail pieces together with 20-penny nails. Locate one chock block against the front of each track and
one against the rear of each track. Toenail the chock blocks to the car floor with 40-penny nails.
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