(erielack) yellow stripe/DF, was EL 2007 calendar - description and review

["Paul Brezicki" <doctorpb_@_bellsouth.net>]

Does "DF" specifically refer to load-restraint devices including bulkheads, cushion-couplers, underframe cushioning device or any of the above? SP's freight equipment spec sheets listed several car types equipped with "Hydra-Cushion" cushion underframe devices including flats, mech reefers and several types of boxcars. These used a long-travel hydraulic cushioning device. Most or all autoparts boxcars of 50' 60' or 86' length have cushion couplers and/or underframes, as far as I can tell. Evidently these were necessary in addition to load restraints.

Paul B

My guess is they would probably be used for something more 
delicate-newsprint, perhaps, among other things-where slack action damage 
would be enough to render the lading unusable if damaged. Auto parts 
generally are moved in racks or totes(a metal bin set up to be lifted by a 
forklift, usually used for bulk items that are not especially delicate; 
they're stackable and can be loaded floor to ceiling in a boxcar), and while 
damage control is important, the racks are designed to prevent things such 
as doors, hoods, fenders, etc, from banging into each other or the car 
sides. There is a lot of open space in the racks, hence not much weight. It 
is one reason why the auto industry used those 86 foot cars. I used to pick 
up once in a while at Ford Buffalo Stamping, and rarely at Dearborn 
Stamping, and got to see how the body panels were set up in the racks and 
loaded in the cars. The same racks were used for loading in trailers. I 
don't recall if the cars were DF or not, but it didn't look like it was 
necessary.

Tom B

- - ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Janet & Randy Brown" <jananran_@_mymailstation.com>
To: <erielack_@_lists.railfan.net>
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 10:05 PM
Subject: Re:(erielack) EL 2007 calendar - description and review


>A diagonal yellow stripe, on the door or elsewhere, usually denoted a car 
>equipped with load-restraining devices -- "Damage Free" usually appeared in 
>or nearthe stripe.  Perhaps they were equipped for moving automobie 
>parts -- frames or body sections or the like.
>
> Randy Brown


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