| 摘要 |
A multiple track rail transportation system provides cars (10) having a greater than standard width to span adjacent parallel tracks, and apparatus providing for such cars (10) to ride on standard wheel trucks (20) on each of the parallel tracks. Laterally spaced apart and coupled conventional engines may be used to pull such cars (10), and interconnection between the laterally spaced apart locomotives is provided to enable the train to be operated by a single crew in the cab of one locomotive. Alternatively, a single locomotive spanning the two adjacent parallel tracks may be used. Couplings are provided to enable conventional cars to be coupled to the wider cars (10) and/or engine as needed. The system provides gains in efficiency over relatively narrow trains limited by a single track, allowing shorter trains to still carry the same amount of cargo and/or passengers, and moreover allows wider loads to be carried without disassembly or transfer to smaller cars. Relatively wide river barges carrying bulk or other freight may be transported directly upon a flat car using the multiple track system.
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