CHAPTER 7 RAIL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

TM CHAPTER 7 RAIL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE 55-2350-262-14 Section I. 7-1. Scope This chapter provides rail transportability guid- ance for movement of the M9 ACE. It covers technical and physical characteristics and safety concerns and prescribes the materials and guid- ance required to prepare, load, tie down, and unload the vehicle. 7-3. General The transportability section is applicable Section Il. TRANSPORT guidance contained in this when the vehicle is trans- ported on CONUS railways. Consideration is given to single and multiple movements of this vehicle by the types of flatcars normally used. The vehicle, when loaded on a suitable flatcar, can be trans- ported without sectionalization or major disassem- bly. 7-4. Preparation for Loading The dozer blade side extensions must be removed to reduce the width of the vehicle. The operator’s enclosure and engine exhaust removed to reduce the height. 7-5. Loading of the M9 General-Purpose Flatcars stacks must be ACE on a. A crane may place the vehicle in the tiedown position on the railcar, approximately centered, or the vehicle may be driven or towed aboard if a suitable ramp or bridge is available. When the vehicle is loaded by crane, the procedures and precautions outlined in paragraph 6–4b will be observed. Once the vehicle is loaded on the railcar, but before it is tied down, relieve the hydraulic pressure to allow the vehicle to settle. b. Typical loading diagrams of an M9 ACE on a general-purpose flatcar with a minimum width of GENERAL 7-2. Maximum Utilization of Railcars Additional cargo, as approved by the activity offering the items for transport, may be trans- ported with the vehicle. The minimum width of the railcar should be 10 feet 4 inches. ON CONUS RAILWAYS 10 feet 4 inches are shown in figures 7–1 through 7–3. The type of blocking and tiedown depicted is compatible with standard loading practices and provides adequate restraint against the forces en- countered during movements at normal speeds. c. Table 7-1 is the bill of materials for blocking and tiedown of an M9 ACE. Table 7–2 provides data for the application of materials required to restrain the vehicle. NOTE The parking brake must be set transmission placed in neutral. General Instructions and the Loading rules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 19, and 19A, appearing in section 1 of the General Rules Governing the Loading of Commodities on Open-Top Cars, published by the Association of American Railroads, provide applicable guidelines and are mandatory in application. 7-6. Transport of the M9 ACE on 54-foot DODX Flatcars a. The procedures in paragraphs 7–4 and 7–5 apply. b. When two vehicles are transported on a 54-foot DODX flatcar, the vehicles should be spaced to permit the correct blocking and bracing of each vehicle. (figs 7–1 through 7-3 and tables 7-1 and 7-2). Section Ill. TRANSPORT ON FOREIGN RAILWAYS 7-7. General by the types of flatcars normally used. When loaded on a proper flatcar in reduced configuration The transportability guidance contained in this (para 7-4), the vehicle is suitable for generally section is applicable when the M9 ACE is trans- unrestricted rail movement throughout Europe ported on foreign railways. Consideration is given and also in all countries worldwide that use to single and multiple movements of this vehicle standard- or wide-gauge track. The vehicle is 7-1