Description
For Sale: Car Bridge Autorack Car (20/bag) PN#688
As seen in the photo. There are 20 in a bag. 3D printed using ABS. May come in various colors based on our filament stock. If you want a specific color, let us know and we will try to accommodate.
(Note: Original metal car bridge is not for sale and shown in photos for comparison only.)
What Are Car Bridges on Autorack Cars?
Car bridges are hinged metal ramps that connect adjacent autorack cars, allowing vehicles to be driven from one car to the next during loading or unloading. They’re especially important on multi-level autoracks, which can carry up to 15 vehicles per car across two or three decks.
Why They Matter
- Enable continuous loading from one end of the train to the other
- Reduce time and labor during vehicle transfer
- Allow drive-through loading at specialized terminals
Typical Autorack Configuration
- Bi-level autoracks: Used for larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks
- Capacity: ~10 vehicles
- Car bridges: 2 (one at each end)
- Tri-level autoracks: Used for sedans and smaller cars
- Capacity: ~15 vehicles
- Car bridges: 2 (one at each end)
- Auto Train (Amtrak): May use up to 30 autorack cars, each with 2 bridges, totaling 60 bridges on a full consist
Car Bridge (for Autoracks or Light Vehicles)
- Purpose: Carries automobiles, SUVs, or light trucks.
- Structure:
- Often part of a multi-level rack system (bi-level or tri-level)
- Includes perforated decks, ramps, and vertical rack beams
- Weight capacity: Lower than trailer bridges
- Loading method: Vehicles drive on via ramps or are loaded at terminals
The key difference between a car bridge and a trailer bridge on a flatcar is what they’re designed to carry — even though they may be the same size. A car bridge is optimized for lighter passenger vehicles, while a trailer bridge is built to handle heavier highway trailers used in TOFC (Trailer-on-Flat-Car) service.
Quality-Craft-Tri-level-Auto-Rack-Drawings.pdf
