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{{short description|Type of railroad car for transporting large objects, containers, or machinery}}
{{About|North American practice|usage in Europe and other countries following UIC practice|Flat wagon}}
{{More citations needed|date=September 2022}}
[[File:Spine car 01.jpg|thumb|[[Flatcar#Spine car|Spine car]] with one [[STAA doubles|pup trailer]] ]]
A '''flatcar''' (US) (also '''flat car''',<ref name="flat" /> or '''flatbed''') is a piece of [[rolling stock]] that consists of an open, flat deck mounted on trucks (US) or [[bogie]]s (UK) at each end. Occasionally, flat cars designed to carry extra heavy or extra large loads are mounted on a pair (or rarely, more) of bogies under each end. The deck of the car can be [[wood]] or [[steel]], and the sides of the deck can include pockets for [[Side stake|stakes]] or tie-down points to secure loads. Flatcars designed for carrying machinery have sliding [[chain]] assemblies recessed in the deck.<ref>[http://research.nprha.org/NP%20Flat%20Cars/Forms/AllItems.aspx "NP Flat Car Diagrams"]. Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association. Retrieved November 21, 2012.</ref>

Flatcars are used for loads that are too large or cumbersome to load in enclosed cars such as [[boxcar]]s, but which will not be harmed by the weather.  They are also often used to transport [[intermodal container]]s ([[shipping container]]s) or [[Semi-trailer|trailers]] as part of [[intermodal freight transport]] shipping.

==Specialized types==
[[File:Boeing 737 fuselage train hull 3473.jpg|thumb|left|[[Boeing 737NG]] [[fuselage]] being transported by rail.]]

===Aircraft parts flatcars===
Aircraft parts were hauled via conventional [[Boxcar|freight cars]] beginning in [[World War II]]. However, given the ever-increasing size of aircraft assemblies, the "Sky Box" method of shipping parts was developed in the late 1960s specifically to transport parts for the [[Boeing 747]] and other "jumbo" jets of the time. The "Sky Box" consists of a two-piece metal shell that is placed atop a standard flatcar to support and protect [[wing]] and [[Empennage|tail]] [[Manufacturing|assemblies]] and [[fuselage]] sections in transit (originally, [[Flat car#Heavy capacity flatcars|depressed-center]] or "fish belly" cars were utilized).

[[Boeing 737]] aircraft fuselages constructed by [[Spirit Aerosystems]] in [[Wichita, Kansas]] are hauled as special loads to the [[Boeing Renton Factory]] for final assembly.

===Bulkhead flatcars===
[[File:FAB's IMG 4267 Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad-ICE 66210 HIghend-stakesided-Flatcar.JPG|thumb|left|Worn [[Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad|ICE]] [[Side stake|stakesided]] bulkhead flatcar in the [[RBMN]] [[Duryea yard]] in July 2012]]

Bulkhead flatcars are designed with sturdy end-walls ([[Bulkhead (partition)#Other uses of the term|bulkheads]]) to prevent loads from shifting past the ends of the car. Loads typically carried are [[pipe (material)|pipe]], [[steel]] [[Slab (casting)|slab]]s, [[utility pole]]s and [[lumber]], though lumber and utility poles are increasingly being hauled by skeleton cars. Bulkheads are typically lightweight when empty. An empty bulkhead on a train puts it at a speed restriction to go no more than {{cvt|50|mph|km/h}}. Since bulkheads are lightweight when empty, [[Hunting oscillation|hunting]] can occur when the car is above {{cvt|50|mph|km/h}}. Hunting is the wobbling movement of the trucks on a freight car or a locomotive. If the wheels hunt against the rails for a period of time, there is a high risk of a [[derailment]].
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===Centerbeam flatcars/lumber racks===
{{multiple image
 | align = right
 | total_width = 450
 | image1 = Lumber carrier car 03.jpg
 | caption1 = [[Strapping#Steel|Steel strapping]]
 | image2 = Center beam flat car 2.webp
 | caption2 = [[Polyester]] [[Strapping#Polyester|rolled strapping]]
 | footer = Centerbeam flatcars / lumber racks
 }}
Centerbeam flatcars, centerbeams, center partition railcar, or "lumber racks"{{r|flat}} are specialty cars designed for carrying bundled building supplies such as [[dimensional lumber]], [[wallboard]], and fence posts. They are essentially bulkhead flatcars that have been reinforced by a longitudinal [[I-beam]], often in the form of a [[Truss#Vierendeel truss|Vierendeel truss]], sometimes reinforced by [[diagonal]] members, but originally in the form of stressed panels perforated by panel-lightening "opera windows", either oval-shaped (seen above) or egg-shaped. These flatcars must be loaded [[symmetry|symmetrically]], with half of the payload on one side of the centerbeam and half on the other, to avoid tipping over.

===Heavy capacity flatcars===
[[Image:heavy duty flat.jpg|thumb|left|A heavy duty flatcar with load in [[Ontario]] in 2004]]
Heavy capacity flatcars are cars designed to carry more than {{convert|100|ST|t LT|2|abbr=on|lk=on}}. They often have more than the typical North American standard of four [[axle]]s (one two-axle [[Bogie|truck]] at each end), and may have a depressed center to handle excess-height loads as well as two trucks of three axles each (one at each end) or four trucks (two at each end) of two axles each, connected by [[span bolster]]s. Loads typically handled include electrical power equipment and large industrial production machinery.

===Circus use===
{{Main|Circus train}}
A circus train is a modern method of conveyance for [[Circus (performing art)|circus]] troupes. One of the larger users of circus trains was the [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus]] (RBBX), a famous [[United States|American]] [[Circus (performing art)|circus]] formed when the [[Ringling Brothers Circus]] purchased the [[Barnum and Bailey Circus]] in 1907, merged in 1919, and closed permanently as a merged company in May 2017.
{{clear}}

===Remote control use===
Some companies, such as [[CSX Transportation]], have former wood-carrying flatcars rebuilt into platforms which mount [[Remote control locomotive|remote control]] equipment for use in operating locomotives. Such platforms are fitted with appropriate headlights, [[Train horn|horns]], and air brake appliances to operate in the leading position on a cut of cars (i.e. coupled ahead of the locomotive).

=== Intermodal freight use ===
{{further|Well car}} 
COFC (container on flat car) cars are typically {{convert|89|ft|m|2}} long and carry four {{convert|20|ft|m|2|adj=on}} [[intermodal container]]s or two {{convert|40|ft|m|2|adj=on}}/{{convert|45|ft|m|2|adj=on}} shipping containers (the two {{convert|45|ft|m|2|adj=on|disp=or}} containers are carryable due to the fact that the car is actually {{convert|92|ft|m|2|abbr=on|disp=or}} long, over the [[Headstock (rolling stock)|strike plates]]). With the rise of [[intermodal freight transport|intermodal-freight-transport]]–[[Well car|specific cars]], and given the age of most of these flats, numbers will decline over the next several years. Indeed, when the first [[well car]]s appeared, allowing double stacking, many container flats were re-built as [[autorack]]s. The few "new build" container flats are identifiable by their lack of decking, welded steel frame, and standard {{convert|89|ft|m|2|adj=on}} length. One variant is the {{convert|50|ft|m|2|adj=on}} car (which usually carries one large container as a load); these are actually re-built old [[boxcar]]s. Common [[reporting mark]]s are FEC, CP, SOO and KTTX. The ATTX cars, which feature non-sparking grips and sides, are built for hauling [[dangerous goods]] (ammunition, flammable fluids, etc.).

<gallery mode="packed" caption="Containers on flatcar" heights="150px">
Image:FEC 37066 20050604 WI Glen Haven.jpg|A [[Florida East Coast Railway]] flatcar carries two [[Intermodal container|shipping containers]] as it passes through [[Glen Haven, Wisconsin]].
</gallery>

==== Spine car ====
A spine car is a car with only center and side sills and lateral arms to support [[intermodal container]]s.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="175px">
File:Spine car 02.jpg|Spine cars with semi trailers on them
File:Railroad car with container loads.jpg|A spine car with a 20&nbsp;ft [[tanktainer]] and an open-top 20&nbsp;ft container with canvas cover.
</gallery>

==== Trailer-on-flat car ====
{{further|Trailer-on-flatcar}}
[[Image:Flat car - KCS 8985.jpg|275px|thumb|This [[Kansas City Southern Railway]] flatcar is fitted with [[fifth wheel coupling]]s for hauling [[Semi-trailer|trailers]]. (2004)]]
A [[Trailer-on-flat-car]], or [[Piggy-back (transportation)#Rail|piggy-back car]] allows two {{convert|28.5|ft|m|2|adj=on}} trailer pups or one [[semi-trailer]] up to {{convert|57|ft|m|2}} to be carried. Like well cars, these usually come in [[Articulated vehicle#Trains and rail|articulated]] sets of five or three.

A longer TOFC (trailer on flat car) is usually an {{convert|89|ft|m|2|abbr=on}} car. In the past, these carried three {{convert|30|ft|m|2|abbr=on}} trailers which are, as of 2007, almost obsolete, or one large, {{convert|53|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}, two {{convert|40|ft|m|2|adj=on}} or {{convert|45|ft|m|2|adj=on}} trailers. As intermodal traffic grows, these dedicated flats are in decline. Most have been modified to also carry containers as well. One notable type is [[Canadian Pacific Railway|Canadian Pacific Railway's]] XTRX service—dedicated five-unit flats that only carry [[Semi-trailer|trailers]].


[[File:89 foot flat car intermodal.png|375px|thumb|center|Four {{convert|89|ft|m|2|adj=on}} long intermodal flatcars [[Piggyback (transportation)#Rail|Piggyback]] <br> 2 forty-foot containers can fit on each 89-foot flat car <br> 4 twenty-foot containers can fit on each flatcar<br>one [[semi-trailer truck]] can fit as well]]

=== Skeleton car ===
Similar to the spine car except that it is designed to carry [[lumber]] or [[utility pole]]s, a skeleton car is composed of a center sill and lateral arms only. No deck, sometimes no side sills and sometimes no end sills.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.readytrain.com/catalog/bcrlogcar.html |title=Model of a skeleton car |access-date=2011-03-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715161152/http://www.readytrain.com/catalog/bcrlogcar.html |archive-date=2011-07-15 |url-status=dead }} {{Cite web |url=http://www.readytrain.com/catalog/bcrlogcar.html |title=BC Rail Box car |access-date=2011-03-15 |archive-date=2011-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715161152/http://www.readytrain.com/catalog/bcrlogcar.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.atlaso.com/IR/irskeleton.htm |title=Another model |access-date=2011-03-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403155615/http://www.atlaso.com/IR/irskeleton.htm |archive-date=2011-04-03 |url-status=dead }} {{Cite web |url=http://www.atlaso.com/IR/irskeleton.htm |title=ATLAS O - Industrial Rail Skeleton Log Car |access-date=2011-03-15 |archive-date=2011-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403155615/http://www.atlaso.com/IR/irskeleton.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://research.nprha.org/NP%20Flat%20Cars/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=60&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fresearch%2Enprha%2Eorg%2FNP%2520Flat%2520Cars%2FForms%2FAllItems%2Easpx&RootFolder=%2FNP%20Flat%20Cars |title=40 ft (12.19 m) log flat car with side stakes |access-date=2011-03-15 |archive-date=2011-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727131918/http://research.nprha.org/NP%20Flat%20Cars/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=60&Source=http:%2F%2Fresearch.nprha.org%2FNP%20Flat%20Cars%2FForms%2FAllItems.aspx&RootFolder=%2FNP%20Flat%20Cars |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://research.nprha.org/NP%20Flat%20Cars/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=59&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fresearch%2Enprha%2Eorg%2FNP%2520Flat%2520Cars%2FForms%2FAllItems%2Easpx&RootFolder=%2FNP%20Flat%20Cars |title=42 ft (12.80 m) log flat car with side stakes |access-date=2011-03-16 |archive-date=2011-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727131941/http://research.nprha.org/NP%20Flat%20Cars/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=59&Source=http:%2F%2Fresearch.nprha.org%2FNP%20Flat%20Cars%2FForms%2FAllItems.aspx&RootFolder=%2FNP%20Flat%20Cars |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://research.nprha.org/NP%20Flat%20Cars/Flat%20Cars%20Skeleton%20Log%20121000-121249.jpg Skelleton logging car, {{convert|80000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} capacity]</ref> The arms can include pockets for [[side stake]]s or tie-down points to secure loads.

=== Idler flatcars ===
In some marine services, the [[Linkspan#Train ferry|linkspan]] between a [[train ferry|ferry]] or [[Car float|barge]] and its [[Ferry slip|dock]] is very weak. In order to avoid loss of cargo or heavy locomotives, an old flatcar (which is usually the lightest car available) is used as a bridge between the locomotive on the dock and the cars on the ferry or barge.

Idler flatcars are also used in oversize freight service, as loads such as [[pipe (material)|pipe]] often overhang the ends of most standard-sized flatcars. Empty flatcars will be placed on both ends of the loaded car. This protects the cargo ends from damage and ensures that the loads don't bind and damage the ends of adjacent cars.

Often a flat car is placed directly in front of a [[crane (railroad)|crane]] ("big hook") in order to:
* provide a way to remove a wrecked car from a crash site.
* provide a way to store new or removed rail from a work site.
* allow room for the crane's boom while in transit to and from a work site.

Idler flatcars are also used to mount one kind of [[Railway coupling|coupler]] on one end and another kind on the other end ([[dual coupling]]). This is called a match wagon or a [[barrier vehicle]].

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="175px">
FM CN 668080.jpg|[[Canadian National Railway|CN]] flatcar with newly built [[Volvo]] [[grader]]s on the [[Goderich–Exeter Railway]]. 
Image:Loaded flat cars, covered loads.jpg|A string of flatcars carries [[tank]]s (under [[Tarpaulin|tarps]]) in April 1943
File:Interurban and 'pusher' cart.jpg|The [[Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society]] single vehicle does not use a [[trolley-pole]], instead it is powered by a [[Diesel generator|generator]] towed on a small flatcar.
</gallery>

==See also==
{{portal|Trains}}

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Bogie bolster wagon]]
* [[Conflat]]
* [[Containerization]]
* [[Flatbed trolley]]
* [[Flatbed truck]]
* [[Intermodal container]]
* [[Load securing]]
* [[Rollbock]]
* [[Rolling highway]]
* [[Side stake]]
* [[Slate waggon]] 
* [[Transporter wagon#Transporter flatcar|Transporter flatcar]]
* [[Tie down strap]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
<references>
<ref name=flat>{{cite web
|url = http://worldtraderef.com/WTR_site/Rail_Cars/Guide_to_Rail_Cars.asp
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110308053304/http://worldtraderef.com/WTR_site/Rail_Cars/Guide_to_Rail_Cars.asp
|url-status = dead
|archive-date = 2011-03-08
|title = Guide to Railcars}}</ref>
</references>

* {{cite book|author=Thompson, Scott R.|year=1996|title=Great Northern Equipment Color Pictorial: Book Two, Freight Cars|publisher=Four Ways West Publications |location=La Mirada, CA |isbn=1-885614-11-X}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Flat railway wagons}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140327040407/http://www.americanrailcar.com/RailcarManufacturing.aspx Rail car manufacturing]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111007195551/http://worldtraderef.com/WTR_site/Rail_Cars/Guide_to_Rail_Cars.asp Guide to Rail Cars]

{{Freight cars}}
{{Intermodal containers}}

[[Category:Freight rolling stock]]