From BNSF time table 4/2/2000
All Schnabel cars must be handled on or near the rear of trains not exceeding 100 cars in length, must not be handled in trains requiring pusher service and must not be humped or switched with motive power detached.
Speed Restrictions .............................................. 40 MPH
CT 305 Rev 11-88
The CT 305 provides instructions for the movement in freight service of all equipment on own wheels and all loads on open top cars over the Conrail System. This informative publication is to be used by Conrail personnel both operating and non-operating responsible for the proper handling of dimensional and heavy shipments. They are responsible for enforcement of these instructions for all cars or shipments originating on Conrail or received from interchange prior to forwarding.
All Empty Schnabel Cars with MORE than 14 AXLES have the following restrictions: (WECX, 101, 102, 202 203, 301 - GEX40010-BBCX 1000)
1) Account of weight, precede and follow with one empty car of 70 ton capacity. Before detaching locomotive, the hand brakes must be applied at both ends of Schnabel car and on both idler cars.
2) Must not be humped nor moved over hump with motive power detached.
3) Must not be flat switched with motive power detached.
4) Must be moved on rear of train.
5) Must not be moved in trains requiring pusher service.
6) Handling Train must not exceed 100-car length.
7) Maximum speed 40 MPH.
8) On rail lighter than 100 lb./yard, speed not to exceed 10 MPH.
9) Speed in yards not to exceed 5 MPH.
All Empty Schnabel Cars with 14 AXLES or LESS must have the following restrictions: (WECX 200, 201, 204 - GEX 40013, 4017, 40018 - CEBX 100, 102)
1) Must be moved on rear of train.
2) Handling train must not exceed 1 00-car length.
3) Maximum speed 40 MPH.
4) Must not be humped nor moved over hump with motive power detached.
5) Must not be flat switched with motive power detached.
6) Must not be moved in trains requiring pusher service.
Generally, loaded Schnabel Cars must move in Special Freight Train service at shipper expense because of weight, dimensions and necessity to shift load at restrictive locations. These factors usually require more restrictions than for the empty car.
In addition, a very detailed routing must be prepared specifying on which track to operate, location and magnitude of shifts involved at various structures, speed restrictions on segments of the route and passing various structures, and adjacent tracks must be clear of other equipment.
Loads requiring shifts must be accompanied by qualified representatives of the car owner in order to promptly shift load prior to and following passage of restrictive structure, and thus minimize delay to handling train and possibly other rail traffic in vicinity. Railroad employees are not permitted to operate controls for lateral or vertical shifting of loads.
1) Car must be moved only in special train, both empty and loaded.
2) Maximum operating speed loaded is 15 M.P.H. and 25 M.P.H. when empty.
3) Personnel trained in operation of this system must travel with car during all movements.
4) Car, both empty and loaded, should not be subject to pusher service, moved over humps, or flat switched with motive power detached.
5) Special train consist should not exceed ten cars.
6) Survey of track conditions, clearance obstructions, and car operation requirements should be conducted in advance of authorization for movement.
7) Advance handling instructions should be issued to all operating personnel involved in handling this car either empty or loaded.
8) Advance notice should be furnished by the originating carrier to all other carriers concerned, including switch lines, in connection with the movement of the car, either loaded or empty. Originating carrier should advise all other carriers concerned of the value of the car and lading separately, (i. e. the cars total value when loaded and the valued of the car when empty).
