(The following appeared on the Progressive Railroading website on August 26, 2010.)
Yesterday, Union Pacific Railroad unveiled a prototype 90-foot-long AutoFlex™ convertible multi-level rail car designed to transport vehicles in a bi- or tri-level formation.
The AutoFlex will provide more flexibility by adjusting to accommodate large or small vehicles; enhanced loading and unloading safety resulting from an improved panel end-door structure; better service quality because of a more durable door edge system, improved tie-down chock systems and upgraded in-transit damage protection measures; and enhanced security because an exterior ladder is accessible only when end doors are open, according to the Class I.
“Results of our preliminary tests have been very promising in terms of vibration, stability and overall ride quality,” said UP Chief Mechanical Officer Barry Kanuch in a prepared statement.
UP holds 15 U.S. patents pertaining to the newly engineered car’s design and a process used to develop the car. The railroad’s current fleet of 18,000 multi-level cars is the largest in the rail industry, according to UP.