TTX Company Flatcar Converted to a Container-on-Flatcar (COFC) Rail Impact Test

摘要

The U.S. Army Defense Ammunition Center (DAC)% Validation Engineering Division (SIOAC-DEV), was tasked by DAC, Transportation Engineering Division (SlOAC-DET), to perform a rail impact test on a modified flatcar, supplied by TTX Company (TX), designed to carry three 20-foot or one 40-foot and one 20-foot containers. These flatcars were first made available to the U.S. Army (USA) to transport ammunition laden containers; however, their use was questioned relating to the protective criteria of 49 CFR for the transportation of hazardous materials. The tested flatcar was modified to meet the transportation criteria of 49 CFR, and, as a result of these rail impact tests, it was found that the flatcar could transport three ammunition laden containers. One of the three ammunition laden containers was the Ml PLS flatrack loaded with boxed ammunition. This flatrack was rail impacted without the use of chains to restrict the outward movement of the flatrack end walls. The dimensional tolerances between the end walls were not exceeded and the rough terrain container handler (RTCH) was able to insert the twist locks into the comer fittings of the Ml PLS flatrack. With the cushioned draft gear the Ml PLS flatrack passed the rail impact test without chains.