TM 55-2200-001-12
Change 4
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
b.
Rules to follow
(1)
Position of the drop elides
(a)
There are three possibilities, a follows
(b)
When the drop sides can be placed as shown in sketch 1, they can be used as a loading bridge
as long as they do not reach the position as depicted in sketch 3 during loading because of the
settling of the wagon.
(c)
When the drop sides are as depicted in sketches 2 or 3, they cannot be used as a loading bridge
and must first be lowered.
(2)
Lateral platform loading or unloading. For lateral platform loading or unloading with drop sides
lowered, loading bridges can be used. In this case, however, the space between the edge of the
wagon and the edge of the platform does not necessitate the use of loading bridges.
c.
Procedure to avoid damage to the wagon floor and drop sides. In the case of equipment with rubber shod-
tracks, no particular precaution is necessary. In the case of metal shod-tracks, a rubbing plate must be laid
below the vehicle tracks (*).
8.
Special marking of the German Railways (DB) wagons
a.
In order to facilitate the task of the military authorities responsible for loading and unloading, all DB flat
wagons have a special marking on the side members.
b.
This marking applies only to the end-on loading and unloading of wheeled equipment.
(*) In the Netherlands, this procedure In not mandatory but only recommended.
Change 4 E-8
