A flatcar (also flat wagon, or flatbed) is a piece of rolling stock that consists of an open, flat deck mounted on trucks (US) or bogies (UK) at each end. Flatcars designed for carrying machinery have sliding chain assemblies recessed in the deck.
The spine car is an articulated flatcar that uses a central beam and lateral arms instead of a solid deck to carry containers and trailers.
American Flatcars had many different variations. A Bulkhead and a Center beam Flat car.
A bulkhead flatcar is a type of open-top railcar with sturdy, vertical walls at each end to prevent cargo shifting. And the Center beam flatcar is an open-top railcar with a central partition designed to transport bundled building supplies like lumber, plywood, and wallboard.
Examples
A Wooden and Steel Flatcar
Spine Car Flat Cars
Bulkhead Flatcars
Center beam Flatcar
Aircraft Fuselage Cars For carrying Aircraft Fuselage
