TM 9-2350-256-20-2
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5.
INSPECTION DURING STORAGE
a.
Perform a visual inspection periodically to determine general condition. If corrosion is found, remove it and clean,
paint, and treat vehicle with the prescribed preservatives.
NOTE
Touchup painting will be in accordance with TM 43-0139.
6.
REMOVAL FROM LIMITED STORAGE
a.
If a vehicle is not shipped or issued upon expiration of the limited storage period, process as applicable in accordance
with MIL-R-62220.
b.
If a vehicle to be shipped will reach its destination within the limited storage period, it need not be reprocessed when
removed from storage, unless necessary because of anticipated in-transit weather conditions.
c.
When the vehicle is to be placed into service, immediately deprocess in accordance with instructions on DD Form
1397.
7.
LOADING
CAUTION
The height and width of a vehicle, when prepared for rail transportation, must not exceed the limitations
prescribed for particular railroad lines. Whenever possible, local transportation officers must be
consulted about the limitations of the particular railroad lines to be used for the movement in order to
avoid delays, dangerous conditions, and damage to equipment.
a.
When a vehicle is shipped by rail, every precaution must be taken to see that it is properly loaded, blocked, and securely
fastened to flatcar floor.
b.
Inspect flatcar prior to loading and see that it is in a suitable condition to carry loads safely.
c.
Prepare flatcar for loading by removing debris, previous blocking, nails, and other obstructions. Inspect flatcar for
loose or broken floor planks. If found unsatisfactory, reject car for use.
d.
If suitable hoisting equipment, permanent loading ramps, and handling equipment are not available for loading or
unloading materiel, improvised runways, ramps, and spanning platforms can be constructed.
e.
Loading must be governed by the capacity and length of flatcars available at time of shipment, as well as requirements
of bills of lading and shipping instructions.
8.
BLOCKING
a.
All blocking instructions specified herein are in accordance with the Association of American Railroads Pamphlet,
Section No. 6 (Rules Governing the Loading of Department of Defense Materiel on Open-Top Cars). Additional
blocking may be added at the discretion of the officer in charge.
9.
VEHICLE SIZE REDUCTION TO ACCOMMODATE RAIL CLEARANCE
a.
The height and width of the M88A1 vehicle can be reduced to conform to the limitations prescribed by a particular
railroad line for transportation on its standard flatcar by removing the items noted in the rail carrier limitation accom-
modations table.
b.
The overall width of 135 inches (in.) (3429 millimeters [mm] ) can be reduced to 124 in. (3150 mm) by the removal
of fender assemblies, tracks, hub and sprocket assemblies, spade extensions, table block brackets, tow bar brackets,
pioneer tool kit bracket, and clamps.
c.
The overall height can also be reduced from 117-1/4 in. (2978 mm) to 112-5/8 in. (2861 mm) by the removal of tracks.
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