Re: Tank car capacity?

bcp Wrote:
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> Isn't "capacity" based on truck strength, empty
> weight, etc?
>
> Bruce


Railroad car capacity is typically based on axle bearing size, wheel size/design capacity and general car design. This determines the maximum loaded GROSS weight. The load capacity is determined by subtracting the light weight from the gross weight.

By contrast, most modern railcars are now 286,000 pounds (143 tons) maximum gross weight, with a lightweight of 25-50 tons depending on car type. Autoracks and intermodal cars are examples of types that have a limited capacity due to their car design, regardless of bearing/wheel capacity.