On viking ship intermodal cars, the upper container is supported by the end structures rather than by the lower container. How is clearance provided to let the lower container drop into place? Something on the end structures has to be moved or removed to provide clearance. Looking at this picture it looks like there may be “spacers” to adjust for the height of the container, but does something move horizontally?
I did notice in that picture that there are several signs warning of high voltage on the side of the car which makes me wonder if the car is connected to a power source which is used to move part of the structure.
Blowing up the picture link to max size and reading the stenciling it appears that the car is usable by only 35 foot, 40 foot and 45 foot containers in specific locations under specific circumstance. 20 foot containers are specificlly prohibited. The bottom container can only be a 35 foot or a 40 foot. Only a 35 foor container can be loaded on top of a 35 footer. A 40 foot or 45 foot container can be loaded on top of a 40 footer, with my reading of the stencils.
I am at a loss as to what the ‘Caution High Voltage’ warnings are about other than electrical lines that may be around a container terminal and container cranes.
I have no idea of what you are referring to about the loading of Viking cars - at least without pictures.
Their locations are noted on the train journal and the stickers provide an additional reminder not to uncouple the cars there, but this isn’t always enough (I’ve heard that ripping the cables apart makes quite a light show…).
Thanks, all, for the answers, especially Carl for answering my main question. I assume the supports are hinged to flip up and out.
I was surprised that “viking ship” was not a commonly used term. As I recall, I think I first saw it on the forum (or maybe it was in TRAINS magazine) a year or two ago, and it immediately struck me as an appropriate name, especially when you see a string of empty ones.
