In the case of double stack containers, how is the top container anchored to the bottom container?
A little device called a twistlock. These are permanent on chassis that carry containers, and decks on cont ships.
They're called inter-box connectors (IBC). Newer stack cars have a small box in which a supply of them can be carried. When loading the containers, these connectors have to be placed by hand in the holes along the top of the lower container. When the top container is set down on them, they are twisted to lock.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
Are they also unlocked and removed by hand when unloading?
Usually - There are devices on some straddlebuggies in the intermodal terminals that can engage the levers going by, but they are somewhat futile to engage. A 6Lb or 8Lb engineers hammer is fairly the proper tool of choice followed by a cheater pipe.
Last time I looked, and IBC costs about $58 each. They do wind up in some pretty strange places. (where intermodal cars never go)... Have one in my office (used as a doorstop & conversation piece) that was found in the weeds on a former main line in Missouri that had not seen a train since 1983.
Thanks all! The picture of the locking device is very helpful.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.