Here's an answer to Brian's question about trailers on flat cars, thru the Modelintermodal Yahoo Group. Tom Hawley ----- Original Message ----- From: Paul Brezicki To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2012 6:50 AM Subject: [modelintermodal] Re: TOFC Question
Tom, It's an excellent question. All TOFC hitches are designed to bear the entire weight of the trailer front, with the landing gear feet raised above the floor. The ACF Model A hitch came into widespread use in 1958, appearing on all new flatcars and began to retrofit flats with their original pedestal/screw jack apparatus. As well as fully securing the front of the trailer, the raised position prevented flat landing gear feet from interfering with the 8" longitudinal travel of cushion hitches. The pedestal apparatus was also designed to carry the entire weight of the trailer. The 1936 patent application for the apparatus by CGW engineer Howard Atherton describes the jack under the trailer front being "operated to raise the front end of the trailer to take the weight off the dolly wheels". All TOFC cars (except Clejans) used variations of the CGW apparatus until the ACF and G85 hitches came along. Photos exist that clearly show the landing gear raised above the deck, although in many cases, the feet are so close to the deck, it's difficult or impossible to see this. As a practical matter for modeling purposes, I model my landing gear in barely retracted position, so the trailer can also sit reasonably level when grounded. In some cases, this involves removing the feet and reattaching after shortening the legs. Paul Brezicki Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest . Unsubscribe . Terms of Use . Send us Feedback .
