order. Do not forget to lower the brake wheel to the floor of each flatcar to allow the road roller to pass.
(2) Runway. Level the road bed at the loading end of the rearmost flatcar to the top of the rails, using 6 - x 8 -
inch timbers. When such timbers are not available, use dirt and cinders to make a level approach or
runway.
(3) Ramp. Use permanent ramps for unloading when available. When such ramps are not available, use
improvised ramps (17,500-lb. maximum capacity), constructed of railroad ties and other available lumber.
1 Runner board
4 Flatcar
2 Beveled ties
5 Lower ties
3 Guide board
Figure 8. Construction of improvised ramp.
(a) Railroad ties. For the construction of the ramp, 14 railroad ties are required. Locate the ties (5, fig. 8)
across the tracks. Bevel the four ties (2) on which the runner boards (1) rest, so that the boards are
not resting on the edges of the ties. Secure the lower ties (5) with stakes when positioned on a dirt
runway or with nails when positioned on a timber runway.
(b) Runner boards. Six 3-in. x 15-in. x 16-ft. boards are also required. Bevel both ends of boards (1,
fig. 8) to permit ease in unloading. Locate the boards (1) across the beveled ties (2). Nail all boards
to the beveled railroad ties (2).
(c) Guide boards. Two 1-in. x 6-in. x 16-ft. boards complete the ramp. Nail the guide boards (3) on the
outer side of the runner boards to guide the road roller during unloading.
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