Convertible hopper railcar design with internal bracing for adapting car

Abstract

The invention provides a railroad car adapted to transport bulk commodities such as coal, mineral ores, or the like yet efficiently and safely haul bladders filled with flowable commodities. The railcar includes a rugged bracing configuration which enables the railcar to readily transport bulk commodities in standard industry volumes, and within existing industry standards for material handling procedures such as flood loading of coal and rotary dumping of coal cars. The bracing configuration, floor layout, and car dimensions also permit the use of a maximum volume of bladders for effective hauling of materials in such bladders while avoiding undue wear and tear on the bladders. The bracing generally consists of at least one brace including a lower horizontal strut, an upper horizontal strut, and a generally vertical strut member. The bracing allows the railcar to handle bulk commodities such as coal while eliminating surges in bladders filed with flowable products. The utilization of the railcar is optimized, allowing for maximum volumes of materials to be readily transported in two directions as opposed to just one, thus reducing capital investment and operating costs for the railroad.