Need to know how M1A1 Abrams tanks are shipped via rail. I heard that the DOD six axle flats are no longer used. I received some conflicting information on the AOL N Scale board. Some reported seeing these shipped on 89' TTX flats with two tanks per flat. I also heard they are shipped on 60 ' flats with one tank per car. Checking the TTX website the largest capaciy they list for an 89" flat is 162,500 lbs (81 tons) which is not enough for two M1A1's (providing they weigh 60-63 tons each) The 60' car will accept one tank. Which brings up the second question; How much does a M1A1 weigh?
I saw on "Weapons at War" on the History Channel that the M1A1 weighed 71 or 72 tons each. Hope this helps. ------------------ David <url>http://www.geocities.com/nscaler_55</url> [This message has been edited by nscaler (edited 20 April 2000).]
It would be worth noting that the weight quoted would be for a fully loaded tank, which is not how they're shipped (ie, no ammunition on board). Now, I'm not real sure about stateside, but over in Germany we could only ship one tank per flat, due to weight. As far as car type goes, I've seen DODX 6 axle cars and TTX 4 axle types both spotted here at Ft Carson. I'll keep my eyes open, but again, I'm pretty sure that 1 tank per car is suitable.
Sorry it took so long, but here goes... I talked to the folks at our Transportation Office, and they tell me that the tanks only go on th 6 axle DODX cars, due either to weight or dimensions. The guy I talked to said two per car, but I can't remember ever seeing more than one per in the last 15 years. Better late than never, and I hope this helps. Jenks - the REAL big blue!
I returned from a business trip in March of this year at Ft. Stewart, GA and just happen to have a photo of Abrams tanks on a DODX flat for you. I emailed it to your AOL account. It clearly shows two tanks per 6 axle car. ------------------ Enjoy our hobby! Mark
