Industrial Designs – Proposed Concept Class FW "Well Hole" Railcar:
This is a proposed design railroad class FW flatcar capable of accepting an oversize height load. The main design feature is a dual “I-Beam” which supports the load in a “well” and allows improved stability when transporting a tall load. Due to the extended length of the car it is classified Plate F. The “equivalent” truck centers for the car is 68 feet which exceeds the 46 ft. – 3 in. limit for AAR Plate F. As a result the car can only be used for Limited Interchange Service.
This proposed railcar is very similar to early designs of 73 foot "Opera Window“ style center beam flatcars designed for bulk loading of lumber. Prototype photo of a typical center beam railcar shown. Diagram of BNSF 73 foot "center beam" railcar also attached.
Specifications:
Railroad Class: FW
Railroad Plate: F (Limited Interchange Service)
Capacity: 640,000 lbs. (approximate)
Light Weight: 225,000 lbs. (approximate)
Number of axles: 12
Load Length: 28 ft. (Maximum Overall)
Load Length: 26 ft. (Maximum Well)
Load Width: 8 ft. (Maximum Overall)
Car Height (above rail): 9 ft. – 6 in. (Without Load)
Car Width: 10 ft. - 8 in.
Car Length (overall) 101 ft.
Car Length (car body only) : 72 ft.
Notes: FW – A flat car with hole to enable lading to be lowered due to clearance limits.
This proposed design detail courtesy of Industrial Designs LTD.
Design concept - COPYRIGHT 2016 – “Industrial Designs LTD - Kansas City”
Note: Photos of the proposed concept railcar in approximate 1:48 O scale format to be provided.
