Ok As a Unit Movement officer I rail heading was part of the training. Even thought My specialty was Airfield operations. Having been stationed in Germany for most of my career Rail heads, Convoys and Airfield operations( My Last 8 yrs in Stuttgart) I became some what of an expert. MTH and Lionel will put M1A1s on TTX flat cars. Not in real life. You might see M113s or M577s on TTX cars and to a lesser extent M2/M3 Bradleys, but not Tanks, M109,etc. State side and in Germany DOD had rail cars for tracked vehicles especially for the M60A1 and the M1A1. Durring WW2 Shermans would fit on standard flat cars, Starting with the Pershing which was wider. DOD started ordering purpose built cars that were wider. With the advent of the M48s that's when the tanks were too wide to fit and you would have overhang. I am attaching a current unclass US Army TEA PAM 55-19
To end the nit picking. During WW2 Unit markings were removed for security(OPSEC) so all you would see were the Star and US Army and USA Number. Same rule applies now. But not always followed especially units heading to NTC or JRTC in the states and in Germany to CMTC.
Section X. Loading and Tiedown Checklist
For Vehicles on Chain Tiedown Flatcars
NOTE: Copies of this page should be distributed to loading teams.
Make certain all hood latches are secured (to avoid wind damage).
Leave at least 10 inches between vehicles.
Check for proper brake wheel clearance (see fig 1, p. 2).
Do not cross the chains.
Use symmetrical tiedown patterns (multiples of 4).
Secure tiedowns at approximately 45 degree angles.
Seat and lock chain anchor or winch.
Secure shackle in tiedown provision with wire tie or cotter pin.
Pull chain tight and attach hook above the compression unit.
Tighten chain.
Use appropriate tools.
Make sure chain is not kinked or binding.
Secure hooks with wire or nylon tie straps.
Make sure turnbuckles are wired or locked.
Tighten jamnuts with two wrenches. Lower locking sleeves.
Do not secure chains to axles or springs unless figure shows to.
Make certain turrets and guns, radiator doors, side skirts, outriggers, crane
booms, expansible van bodies, movable parts, and secondary loads are secured
from extending up or out over the side of the flatcar during transport.
