Home Open Account Help 201 users online

Nostalgia & History > progression of car weight

Date: 12/20/03 10:21
progression of car weight
Author: prionw

An article in Trains mag mentioned that there is interest in building 315,000 lb cars, but the current infrastructure (particularly many bridges) won't support that load. The standard max now is 286,000 and before that 263,000 lbs (all re: 4-axle cars). What were the standard max weights before this? Would this relate to 100, 70 and 40 ton boxcars I've read about?

Thanks,

WP

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Quote ]
Date: 12/20/03 14:24
Re: progression of car weight
Author: timz

Each bearing size has/had its weight limit. Used to be with bearings of a certain size the car could gross 169,000 lb-- next step was 220,000, then 263,000, then 315,000. (Before 286,000 was thought of.)

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Quote ]
Date: 12/21/03 16:05
Re: progression of car weight
Author: john1082

A reasonable question would be:

"At what point does a four axle car become to heavy for axle loading and at what point will the industry have to look at six axle trucks for normal / usual / day-to-day use?"

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Quote ]
Date: 12/21/03 17:37
Re: progression of car weight
Author: prionw

I found this map on BNSF's site. I didn't realize 315,000 was supported so widely.

http://www.bnsf.com/vicc/capacity/weight_restriction_a.html

Thanks,

WP

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Quote ]

[ Share Thread on Facebook ] [ Search ] [ Start a New Thread ] [ Back to Thread List ] [ <Newer ] [ Older> ] 
Page created in 0.0267 seconds