A “star code” indicates that a car is not capable of carrying the maximum load that would otherwise be permitted by the truck design. [Read more…] about Star Code Stencil
Rolling Stock
Autorack
A vehicular flat car equipped with a superstructure designed to protect the lading. Autoracks come unilevel, bi-level, or tri-level configurations depending on the size of the vehicle to be carried. Autoracks are “circus loaded“, with loading ramps at each end and bridge plates between each car. Most autoracks consist of a single unit, but some are articulated.
Articulated Car
A form of multi-unit car which utilizes an articulated connector instead of a drawbar.
The most common examples of articulated cars include intermodal well cars and articulated autoracks.
Wheel Flat Car
A flat car specially equipped for carrying wheelsets between wheel shops and car shops.
Track Geometry Car
A car equipped with sensors for measuring the geometry of the rails beneath it, such as rail head profile, cant,gauge, crosslevel, and numerous others.