Autorack Question

[joecool1212]

I've seen pictures of auto carriers both bi level and tri level. In a big unit train how do they unload all the cars? Do they uncouple each car to back up to a ramp? Sounds like a lot of work for a large train full of cars? Can anyone tell me how its done? Joe A.[8D]

[dehusman]

First they normally keep auto racks seperated in blocks or groups of cars between bi's and tri's. In any case the bi's and tri's would be separated and then you spot would a whole cut of bi's or a whole cut of tri's. The unloading crews back a ramp up to the end of the track and unload the entire level of all the cars, then lower the ramp and unload the next level on all the cars, etc.

Dave H.

[joecool1212]

I see so they drive through from one car to the other untill the whole level is empty. Then empty the next level. right? Joe A

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by joecool1212

I see so they drive through from one car to the other untill the whole level is empty. Then empty the next level. right? Joe A

Yes. And if there are 60 or so cars they cut them up into blocks and unload. Saw them load Jeep Liberty's and Cherokee's at Toledo Ohio.

[Anonymous]

And do those guys move! CP handles all of the Ranger Pickups for Ford St. Paul. While switching their yard, I've watched them load. I swear that they do about thirty driving through the train. The noise is unbelievable! I keep waiting for the brakes to fail and see a Ranger come sailing out the top level of the end car! We have an unloading facility in Cottage Grove MN (just south of St. Paul) . The tough ones to unload are the big Dually pickups. With their rear fender flares, they clear by only a couple of inches. Helpers are sent to walk in front of and behind each truck to make sure a scrape doesn't happen. The unloading ramps kind of remind me of the old mobile steps at airports. They are built on a truck chassis with side mount seat and steering wheel. A hydraulic system is used to raise and lower the ramp. When spotting cars, the cars must be exactly a certain distance apart so that the temporary ramps between the cars don't fall to the ground. We use a premeasured piece of pvc so we can get the spacing right. There is only a couple on inches variation allowable. Geoff

[joecool1212]

Sounds like fun to watch. How do they open the end doors? Do they have special hinges to keep the door swing close to the body? Joe A.

[Anonymous]

It's a mess of locks and levers!

[joecool1212]

Thought something like that . I have a walthers trilevel autorack and there is a lot of stuff on the end doors that looks complicated. Hope I can check out some loading and unloading action somewhere someday soon. Joe A.

[Anonymous]

Kind of a radial action on the doors. They slide in close to the car sides. Of course, lubrication is necessary yet unprovided. A major pain in the butt when they stick. Leave the car and let the carmen close em up! geoff