Equipment on Wood Skids, Rigid Method

TM 38-260

the length of the cross car block using metal plates at least 4 (102mm) by (102mm) by five-

sixteenths inch (8mm) on the cross car block and 4 (102mm) by 4 inch (102mm) by one-half

inch (13mm) under the car floor.

b. The cross bar blocks are reinforced by backup blocks located lengthwise to the car in

line with each skid runner.

(1) Backup blocks consist of 2 (51mm) by 4 inch (102mm) material, not less than 18

inches (457mm) in length, laminated to be equal in height to the cross car block.

(2) The lower piece of the lamination is secured to the car floor with six or more 30d

nails staggered over the length, with each lamination nailed in a like manner.

(3) When possible, the blocks shall be abutted to stakes inserted in the pockets at the end

of the car or to the end walls when loading box cars.

c. To prevent side movement of the skid assembly, a cleat equal in length to the skid

runner is placed against each side of the skid assembly.

(1) For skid assemblies with 4 (102mm) by 4 inch (102mm) runner beams, the cleat is of

2 (51mm) by 4 inch (102mm) material, secured to the car floor with 30d nails staggered not

more than 12 inches (305mm) apart.

(2) For skid assemblies with runners of greater than 4 (102mm) by 4 inch (102mm)

material, the lengthwise cleat is of 4 inch (102mm) material, secured to the car floor with spikes

or bolts.

d. Backup blocks of equivalent height and not less than 12 inches (305mm) in length shall

be nailed to the car floor perpendicular to the cleat.

(1) When clearances do not permit a 12 inch (305mm) backup block, the car walls, or

stakes shall be used.

(2) At least two backup blocks shall be used at each side, and additional blocks shall be

installed to provide not more than 30 inch (762mm) spacing.

e. When stakes are used, they shall be 4 (102mm) by 5 inches, (127mm), cut and tapered to

fit all stake pockets opposite the skid assembly. The stakes shall extend at least 4 inches

(102mm) below the stake pocket and be held in place with a 40d nail driven into the stake

directly below with the head even with the outside of the stake pocket.

f. Type II runner beam skids over 10 feet (3m) long shall be blocked with 4 inch (102mm)

wood blocks nailed in place between the outrigger and load bearing runner beams not more than

30 inches (762mm) apart.

8-44