TM-55-2320-280-14 HMMWV Transportability Guidance M998 Series Download
Page 32 of 44
25 August 1988 TM 55-2320-280-14 CHAPTER 7 RAIL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE Section I. GENERAL 7-1. Scope This chapter provides rail transportability guidance for movement of the HMMWVs. It covers safety considera- tions and lists the materials required to prepare, load, block, and tie down the vehicles. 7-2. Maximum Utilization of Railcars Additional cargo, as approved by the activity offering the trucks for transport, may be transported with the vehi- cles. Section II. TRANSPORT ON CONUS RAILWAYS 7-3. General The transportability guidance contained in this section is applicable when the HMMWVs are transported on CONUS railways. Consideration is given to single and multiple vehicle movement on the types of railcars nor- mally used for the movement of these vehicles. The vehicles, when loaded on suitable railcars, can be trans- ported without restrictions and disassembly. 7-4. Preparation When the HMMWV is placed on flatcars or open-top cars, outside mirrors should be repositioned in front of the windshield. All doors except the driver's door should be tied closed. All material, including antennas, that ex- ceeds the width of the vehicle should be removed and secured inside the vehicle. All antennas should be low- ered and tied down. 7-5. Loading of HMMWVs on Railcars With Wood Floor a. The HMMWVs can be driven or towed onto the railcar if suitable ramps or bridges are available. They also can be placed in the tiedown position on the flatcar by a crane of adequate capacity. b. The HMMWV must be positioned on the centerline of the railcar. When the vehicle is in position, its front or rear must clear the end of the railcar by 12 inches. Where practical, the HMMWV should be positioned so the front and rear shackles are located equal distances to the nearest flatcar side pocket. This allows similar angles of tiedown for both the front and rear of the HMMWV. 7-6. Blocking and Tiedown of HMMWVs on Wood-Deck Railcar a. After the HMMWV is loaded on the flatcar as shown in figures 7-1 and 7-2, it will be blocked and tied down with the materials shown in table 7-1. 7-1