TM 55-2200-001-12
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(b)
Usable floor width (with drop-sides raised where they are fitted).
(c)
Wheel base (distance between axles or bogie pins).
(d)
Height of loading surfaces above the rails unladen and new. Upper and lower limits are required
in order to:
(i)
Prevent the equipment loaded on ordinary flat wagons from encroaching the gauge.
(ii)
Prevent, when the floor is lowered by the load, the risk of contact with the platforms and the
lower parts of the gauge, particularly when the load exceeds the usable width of the wagon.
(e)
Permissible wagon load.
(f)
Permissible concentrated load. The characteristics are shown either by means of a precise
value, or one or two limiting values.
(2)
As far as possible, similar principles have been followed in categorizing ordinary and special flat
wagons.
c.
Classification
(1)
Flat wagons are broken down into eleven categories:
(a)
Four for ordinary flat wagons (0, 1, 2, 3).
(b)
Seven for special flat wagons (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10).
The table listing these classifications is at Annex A.
(2)
In order to be classified within a given category, a type of wagon must meet all characteristics of this
category.
(3)
Minimum characteristics established for a category of wagons correspond to those of the type of
wagon classified into this category which offers the characteristics least favourable for military
transport. As a consequence, a load which does not exceed these characteristics can he loaded on
any wagon of that category.
(4)
Ordinary flat wagons have been broken down into progressive categories (see Annex D). Therefore,
all ordinary flat wagons in one category can be replaced by another in a higher category. This
principle is not valid for special flat wagons. The replacement of these wagons can only take place
after consulting the unified sketchbook.
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