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.
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.
Wagons and platforms can be divided into two main categories:
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
Used for transporting liquid goods, liquefied gases, and powdered materials.
Characteristic | Value |
---|---|
Weight | 27 t |
Volume | 83 m³ |
Load Capacity | 67 t |
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).
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 |
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 are designed for the transportation of goods that require special transport conditions. In railway transport, these cars are classified as follows:
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:
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.
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.
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.