While watching a CSX coal train I noted that the coal cars were of the same type, but stenciled on the cars were different weights as to maximum load capacity. For examply one had a maximum of about 105K, the next was about 106K, no consistency. I doubt they load each individual car to its capacity. How is this determined and why the difference’s on the same type of coal car?
The difference is because no two cars are exactly the same. Scale weight is rounded off to the nearest 1000 LB. Paint, patches,brake shoe, wheels and other things add to or decrease the light weight of cars. Also it could have had left over material when reweighed or it could have been raining or snowing.
Pete
Each car design has an absolute maximum gross weight, which is set by the design of wheels and trucks. To find out what that maximum is, add load limit and light weight.
Load limit and light weight will vary, but the total (for cars of identical characteristics) will be a constant.
Chuck
Light weight will differ significantly on a fleet of cars manufactured/owned by the same company. 286,000 pounds is the assumed maximum loaded weight of today’s loaded four axle cars. I’ve seen cars with a 2,000 more pound load limit than the ones right next right next to them. Every additional paying pound the railroads can haul is another buck in their pocket. That is the reason aluminum coal gons are preferred over steel.