TM 55-2200-001-12
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NATO UNCLASSIFIED
4. Conditions of Employment and Choice of Site
a.
Because the RU ramp can be used under a variety of conditions, it oilers complete freedom as regards the
choice of sites for loading and unloading; it can be used:
(1)
In railway stations which have no static facilities.
(2)
In railway stations with inadequate static facilities for heavy loads.
(3)
On the open track when it is not possible to unload in a railway station.
(4)
To increase the effective handling capacity of a railway station to a maximum compatible with the
operation of the railway system.
b.
It is recommended that the ramp be erected on a site where the rail is flush with a hard surface (cobbled goods
yard, near a level crossing etc.). If this is impossible, an access platform must be constructed to enable the
vehicles to take up s position in line with the axis of the wagon and avoid damage to the rails or vehicles. This
platform consists of wooden sleepers laid parallel to the rails; it should be at least twice as long as the vehicles to
be loaded/unloaded.
5. Description
a.
Head of the ramp. The end of the ramp against which the train to be loaded will be brought to rest.
b.
Foot of the ramp. The end of the ramp opposite to the head.
c.
Ramp erected on a track where the rails are flush with a hard surface. The ramp consists of 9 layers of sleepers
laid out as described in Drawings 3 to 11 and a flooring (see Drawing 12).
d.
Ramp erected on a track where the rails are not flush with a hard surface.
(1)
The site for the ramp and the access platform should be level with the upper part of the sleepers on the
railroad track. The first layer (see Drawing 3) is doubled with sleepers placed in the same way but sleepers
No 103 and 214 are not included.
(2)
An access platform (see Drawing .13) is built at the foot of the ramp so that the base of the flooring rests
on the end of the platform.
(3)
When the ramp is erected near a level crossing, it should never hinder road traffic; the hard surface can
only be used to facilitate the manoevering of the vehicles and to avoid having to construct an access
platform.
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NATO UNCLASSIFIED
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