Bridge structure used on CPOX 820 Schnabel?

I think the “bridge” mentioned is part of the transformer structure.  Looking at the picture you will see two red arms from the Schnabel car connecting to the transformer structure.  There would be a large link pin used to connect the “bridge” to the two sections of the car. It appears that the “bridge” is integral with the transformer in this case.  In the diagram these two arms are connected with a link that is 22 ½” long and probable used to move the Schnabel car to the location where the actual load will be connected.

I would imagine that the railroad would provide the manufacturer of the transformer the information necessary to design and fabricate their own bridge capable of carrying the necessary loads and details so it will fit properly.  The manufacturer of the load to be moved would be responsible to design the “bridge” to support the weight of the transformer plus the forces generated during the move.

Please note that this is my assessment of from what I see in the picture and diagram.  I have no firsthand knowledge that this is indeed correct.

A Schnabel car is a specialized type of railroad freight car. It is designed to carry heavy and oversized loads in such a way that the load makes up part of the car. The load is suspended between the two ends of the cars by lifting arms; the lifting arms are connected to an assembly of pivots and frames that distribute the weight of the load and the lifting arm over a large number of wheels.

i HAVE NOT DESIGNED one of these either. It looks like the transformer's exoskeleton is designed to support the weight and transport stresses that occur using the schnabel car as a carrier.

I was an exec in the electric utilities equipment divisions of ABB for a while.  Many of transformer cases are designed to be structural elements of a Schnabel-transformer combination sometime.  On occasion the strength required for transportation is a significant factor in determining how the case is made etc.  There is no set way though, each class/size is sometimes different in some ways.  

Also, there are sometimes structural"bridges" or support structures built that attach to the underside and/or lower portion of the transformer sort of like a wrapper, to add strength, particularly if the unit has doors or access panels on its sides, etc, then then bracket to the Schnabel car and provide extra strength.  These are typically stored in the substation yard or somewhere convenient after delivery, in case the unit has to be moved again, later.

Hi Pro hobby • No Photos, I do like this bridge structure process & diagram.

Gary