Types of Rail Vehicles

Classes of Railway Platforms and Wagons

Freight transportation by railway is carried out using various types of rolling stock. Depending on the nature of the cargo, construction of the body, loading and unloading methods, as well as cargo safety considerations, there are: covered wagons, flatcars, platforms, tank cars, dump cars, bunker cars, and refrigerated cars.


Structure of a Railway Platform

The structure of a platform is based on a welded frame, inside of which a mechanism for loading goods is located. Additionally, the platform is equipped with a running gear, coupling, and braking system, and the set of components may vary depending on the specific model.


The standard configuration of a platform includes two sides on the end parts and eight sides along the frame. The platform's floor is made of metal, and its edges are covered with wood. During loading and unloading, the sides are lowered and secured with locks before transportation. Special devices, such as stands, supports, or clamps, are also provided. The design may also include stakes and multi-level elements. The types of fastenings are determined by the wagon's construction and the nature of the transported goods.


Types of Railway Platforms

Wagons and platforms can be divided into two main categories:


  • Specialized wagons are designed for the transportation of specific types of goods. They are equipped with special mechanisms for convenient cargo fixation and facilitation of loading and unloading processes. This group includes platforms designed for transporting lumber, automobiles, as well as tank cars.
  • Universal wagons are constructions capable of transporting various types of cargo. In this case, the use of special fastenings for cargo fixation is not required, making them versatile and ready for the transportation of diverse goods.

Covered Freight Wagon

Used for transporting goods that require protection from atmospheric precipitation. The wagon's body consists of a frame with a floor, four walls, and a roof. Loading and unloading in universal covered wagons are carried out through doors located in the side walls.


Characteristic Value
Length 15,724 mm
Width 2,764 mm
Height 3,050 mm
Weight 26 t
Volume 138 m³
Load Capacity 68 t

Gondola Car

Designed for the transportation of goods that do not require protection from atmospheric precipitation. Since gondola cars do not have a roof, this allows for fully mechanized loading. For the transportation of bulk goods, there are gondola cars with hatches in the floor, which allow for the mechanized unloading of such cargo.


Characteristic Value
Length 12,690 mm
Width 2,890 mm
Height 2,050 mm
Weight 23 t
Volume 75 m³
Load Capacity 71 t

Hopper Car (Eng. hopper - bunker)

A type of gondola car used for mass transportation of fertilizers, cement, grain, and other bulk goods. To protect against atmospheric precipitation, covered hoppers with loading hatches on the roof are used.


Characteristic Value
Weight 23 t
Volume 81 m³
Load Capacity 70 t

Flatcar

A railcar used for transporting cars, equipment, oversized cargo, containers, as well as bulk goods that do not require protection from atmospheric precipitation.


Container flatcars do not have sides and are equipped with special locks for securing heavy-duty universal containers of any type.


Flatcars for transporting lumber have end walls and additional special supports to prevent cargo shifting.


Tank Car

Used for transporting liquid goods, liquefied gases, and powdered materials.


    Characteristic Value
    Weight 27 t
    Volume 83 m³
    Load Capacity 67 t

    Bunker Type Wagons

    Essentially, covered wagons or covered hoppers with the only difference that multiple compartments are mounted on a single frame, intended for transporting specific bulk cargoes (flour, bitumen, granulated materials).


    Dumpcar (English: dump - overturn, car - wagon)

    A dumpcar, used for transporting and mechanized unloading of bulk and large-piece cargoes.


    Characteristic Value
    Length 17,630 mm
    Width 3,520 mm
    Height 3,620 mm
    Weight up to 30 t
    Volume up to 70 m³
    Load Capacity up to 180 t

    Refrigerated Wagons

    These wagons are used for transporting perishable goods. Specially designed wagons with a built-in cooling system are produced for this purpose, called refrigerated wagons. They are grouped into trains or sections consisting of 23, 12, or 5 units. Each train or section includes wagons equipped with electric and refrigeration equipment.


    Currently, autonomous refrigerated wagons with individual cooling systems and electric heating are becoming more widespread. In addition, there are isothermal wagons with ice-salt cooling, known as icebox wagons, as well as specialized wagons for transporting live fish, wine, and other products.


    Characteristic Value
    Length 20,450 mm
    Width 2,600 mm
    Height 4,690 mm
    Weight 38 t
    Volume 117 m³
    Load Capacity 50 t

    Special Purpose Freight Cars

    Special purpose freight cars are designed for the transportation of goods that require special transport conditions. In railway transport, these cars are classified as follows:


    • Double-deck car carriers;
    • Car carriers;
    • Dumpcars;
    • Mineral wagons;
    • Ballast hoppers;
    • Hopper-dispensers;
    • Hopper-cement cars;
    • Conveyors.

    Also included in the category of special purpose cars are fire and recovery train cars, as well as workshop cars.


    The main technical characteristics of wagons that determine their efficiency include:


    • Number of axles;
    • Wagon load capacity;
    • Tare weight (own weight of the wagon);
    • Axle load.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Freight Railway Cars


    What types of freight cars exist, and what are the purposes of different types?

    There is a variety of freight cars, including tanks for transporting liquids, hoppers for bulk materials, platforms for oversized cargo, closed wagons for protection against weather conditions, and many others. Each type of wagon is designed for a specific type of cargo, providing optimal conditions for its transportation.


    What functional characteristics do platforms for transporting oversized cargo have?

    Platforms are designed for the transportation of oversized and heavy loads, such as construction and agricultural equipment, containers, and other oversized cargo. They are often equipped with securing devices, rails, and other means to securely fix the cargo and prevent its movement during transportation.


    What innovations are applied in modern freight cars to optimize the transportation process?

    Modern freight cars include various innovations to improve transportation efficiency. These innovations include automated loading/unloading systems, cargo condition monitoring (temperature, humidity), aerodynamic resistance reduction technologies, enhanced safety systems, and more. These innovations contribute to a more reliable, safe, and economically efficient cargo transportation.

Types and Sizes of Railway Cars
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