Tiedown Handbook For Rail Movements - SDDCTEA - U.S. Army

SIXTH EDITION SDDCTEA PAMPHLET 55-19
If applicable, wrap cushioning material (waterproof paper, burlap, or plastic—to protect
the paint) around the gun tube, and secure the gun tube with one complete loop of 3/8-inch
wire rope, with two clamps, to a lifting eye on each side of the gun tube (a total of 2 complete
loops). On the M1 tank, use the engine hatch cover lifting eyes as the hull attachment points
for the wire rope loops. Hand tension the wire rope, but fully torque the clamps. This must be
checked at the flatcar loading site, but will be easier to apply at the motor pool before
loading begins.
The bridge sections of tracked vehicles used as bridge launchers normally must be
removed and shipped separately.
For further guidance, check the vehicle data plate, operator's manual, and on older
vehicles, the transportability guidance technical manual applicable to the vehicle being
secured.
C. TRACKED VEHICLES ON CHAIN-EQUIPPED FLATCARS
The size and number of chains required will depend on the size and weight of the vehicle.
Slip hooks as used on the DODX 40000-, 41000-, and 42000-series flatcars should be applied
to tiedown provisions with the point down (Fig 11). If the hooks are placed horizontally,
they can point either direction.
Figure 11. Slip hooks with the point down.
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