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Terminology

Model Trains Terminology
Section is Model Trains;
This is a combination of model train terminology and actual train information. Since I'm relatively new to model trains and trains in general, this is information that I find intersting as well as informative.
#TermDefinition
1Car TypeWhat kind of train car it is

Auto Carrier 
Box Car 
Caboose 
Coal Dump Car 
Coil Car 
Flat Car 
Freight Load 
Gondola 
Hopper 
Locomotive 
Log Car 
Ore Car 
Passenger Car 
Reefer 
Snow Plow 
Stock Car 
Tanker  
Well Car 
2CSXFrom www.csx.com/:

CSX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation suppliers. The company’s rail and intermodal businesses provide rail-based transportation services including traditional rail service and the transport of intermodal containers and trailers.

Overall, the CSX Transportation network encompasses about 20,000 route miles of track in 23 states, the District of Columbia and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Our transportation network serves some of the largest population centers in the nation. Nearly two-thirds of Americans live within CSX’s service territory.

Our transportation network serves some of the largest population centers in the nation. Nearly two-thirds of Americans live within CSX’s service territory.

CSX serves major markets in the eastern United States and has access to over 70 ocean, river and lake port terminals along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The company also has access to Pacific ports through alliances with western railroads.

CSX moves a broad portfolio of products across the country in a way that minimizes the effect on the environment, takes traffic off an already congested highway system, and minimizes fuel consumption and transportation costs.
3CSX Auto RackFrom www.csx.com/:

Auto Rack

Bi-level and tri-level rail cars are designed to transport pick-up trucks, minivans and sports utility vehicles. Each rail car has a maximum load capacity of 10  to 15 vehicles.

Products like larger tractors, motor homes and military vehicles move on uni-level flat cars.

Inside length: 89', 4"
Inside width: 8', 7"

Bi-Levels:
A-Deck height: 7', 4"
B-Deck height: 7', 10"

Tri-Levels:
A-Deck height: 5', 3"
B-Deck height: 5', 3"
C-Deck height: 5', 5"
4CSX BoxcarFrom www.csx.com/:

50' Standard Boxcar

The CSX 50’ standard boxcar fleet can carry from 70 to 100 tons. Our cars are equipped with either cushioned or rigid underframes, single or double sliding or plug type doors. Interior arrangements include nailable steel or wood flooring, rails, bulkheaded and other securement methods.

Boxcars carry a wide range of products, including rolled paper, pulp, newsprint, metals, building materials, appliances, food products, or any bagged and palletized material.

60' Standard Boxcar

Similar to the 50' standard boxcar but 10’ longer in interior length. All cars are equipped with cushioned underframes and doors come in several configurations.

The additional length makes it especially useful for paper service or lighter products that tend to "cube out before weighing out."

50' Hi-roof Boxcar

The 50’ hi-roof boxcar fleet is similar to a 50’ standard car with an additional 2 feet of interior height. This is known as a "Plate F" boxcar. All CSX 50’ hi-roof boxcars have a load capacity of 100 tons and are equipped with cushion underframes and plug doors.

These cars are used primarily in rolled paper service as the extra height is needed to accommodate the larger rolls that are now commonplace. They can also be used for similar commodities handled in other 50’ or 60’ boxcars.

60' Hi-roof Boxcar

The 60’ hi-roof boxcar (Plate F) is similar to 60’ standard cars with an additional 2 feet of interior height. All offer cushioned underframes with capacity up to 100 tons. Car doors come in several configurations.

60' hi-roof cars are the primary choice for appliances, along with rolled paper and auto parts. The additional space makes it especially useful for lighter products that tend to "cube out before weighing out." They can be used for all the commodities handled in other 50’ or 60’ boxcars.

86' Auto Boxcar

These are exceptionally large boxcars, 86’ long, 10,000 cubic feet, with a hi-roof (Plate G) built specifically for shipping automobile parts and appliances. All offer cushioned underframes with double plug or sliding doors.

While designed for specific markets, when availability permits, these cars can be used for lightweight but bulky shipments such as tissue paper or insulation.
5CSX FlatcarFrom www.csx.com/:

General Purpose Flatcar

Flatcars provide an open platform offering flexibility that no other freight car can provide. They range from general purpose to very specialized designs to move extremely large and heavy shipments (multiple-axle, platforms, tie-downs). These cars come in several lengths and configurations and are used to transport a variety of products, from transformers to tractors.

Bulkhead Flatcar

Bulkhead flatcars are similar to standard flatcars, with the addition of a heavily-braced wall at both ends of the car. This enhancement offers additional lading protection and securement.

A variation of the bulkhead flat is the V-deck pulpwood car, designed to transport logs cut to 5' lengths for delivery to paper mills. These cars come in several lengths and are used to transport structural steel, pipe, steel plate, logs and building materials.

Centerbeam Flatcar

The centerbeam flatcar contains a center spine that makes it ideal for carrying lumber, panel and other building products.

Centerbeam flatcars carry lumber, wallboard, other dimensional and building products.

The standard 73' centerbeam flatcar has a carrying capacity of 195,000 lbs. or greater. 61' centerbeams also are available.
6CSX GondolaFrom www.csx.com/:

Plain Gondola

Plain gondolas are open, flat-bottom cars used for a wide range of commodities that are impervious to weather conditions. Cars vary in length up to 65', with the sides ranging from 4’ to 8’ in height.         

Metal, coal, coke, aggregates, sand, ores, gravel, slag, scrap, poles, railroad ties, etc.

The equipment is differentiated by side height and cubic capacity.

Coil Gondola

There are both covered and open coil gondola cars equipped with adjustable, expandable cross members (Callahan bars) that lock coils securely in position. Wood- or metal-lined troughs add to cargo protection.

The covered coil gondola is used exclusively to handle coiled sheet steel.

Open coil cars carry coiled product that does not require protection from the elements.

Cross members (Callahan bars) 6 per car are 19" wide and 79 1/2" long. The 100-ton coil car can accommodate a variety of coil sizes in the same load, from 30" to 84".
7CSX HopperFrom www.csx.com/:

Covered Hopper

Covered hoppers have a roof equipped with hatches for loading material into 2, 3 or 4 compartments. The bottom section of each compartment has a gate for unloading. A wide range of car options are available depending on the commodity, including special interior linings or hatch and gate configurations.

Cars are generally divided into 2 groups, based on cubic foot capacity: small (less than 3,500 cuf) and jumbo (more than 3,500 cuf). Weight capacity is 70 to 110 tons.

These cars are designed for bulk commodities that require protection against the elements and/or contamination. Product type, density and loading/unloading requirements will determine which car is best suited for your needs.

Open-top Hopper

Open-top hoppers are used for handling bulk commodities that are impervious to weather conditions. The bottom section consists of divided hoppers (3 or 4 compartments) with gates or doors. Some open-tops are equipped with rotary couplers, which allow the car to be turned over for rapid unloading. Various cubic footage and weight capacities up to 110 tons are available.

These cars carry products like coal, coke, aggregates, sand, ores, gravel, slag and scrap. Product type, density and loading/unloading requirements will determine which car is best suited for your needs.
8CSX Tank CarFrom www.csx.com/:

Tank Car

Tank cars are very specialized equipment for the shipment of bulk liquids.  Cars are supplied with various linings, loading and unloading fittings, safety appliances, and other characteristics as dictated by regulations.

The primary types of tank cars include:

General service
Heat coil and insulated cars
High pressure tank cars
Acid and liquid sulfur cars
TankTrain cars
Tank cars, which vary in size and shape, carry all types of liquids, from corn syrup to chemicals.

CSX does not own or provide tank cars.
9Model Train ScalesThe scale of the model train type as related to the original size from which it was modelled.

OO Scale - 1:48 scale
HOHO scale - 1:87 scale
NN scale - 1:160 scale
ZZ scale - 1:220 scale
TT scale - 1:450 scale
10Power TypeHow the track is powered and the locomotives are controlled.

DCDirect Current
DCCDigital Command and Control







Presented: 28-Mar-2024 11:59:31

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