E COUPLER
The most commonly used standard AAR coupler, can be double shelf design or without shelves. Cast in several grades of steel, and have several shank configurations to meet varying service requirements.

ECONOMIC LIMITS
The maximum dollars that can be economically justified for the repair of a car. Also referred to as maximum repair expense.

EDUCTION PIPE
See "Siphon Pipe" and "Dip Tube."

ELECTRODE
Commonly a consumable steel rod or wire through which electric current is conducted from electrode holder to welding arc. The electrode is "consumed" by providing the filler metal for the weld.

EMERGENCY PORTION/BRAKE VALVE
One of three parts of the air brake control valve whose function is to control the buildup of brake cylinder pressure during an emergency brake application.

EMPTY & LOAD BRAKE
A brake arrangement applied to lightweight cars that provides lighter-braking forces when the car is empty and heavier-forces when loaded. This prevents over braking and sliding of wheels when the car is empty. Flat spots due to sliding can cause wheel replacement.

EMPTY MILEAGE
A car traveling on railroads empty or not loaded with a commodity.

EMPTY WEIGHT
See "Light Weight."

END FRAME (HOPPER & TANK)
The structural arrangement at each end of the car to which the end platform gratings and handbrake are mounted.

END LADDER
A ladder mounted at the end of a car providing access from the end platform to a top walkway or platform.

END PLATFORM
A narrow, full car width platform located at each end of a car approximately 48 inches above the rail.

END POST
On hopper cars, any one of several vertical structural members running between the end sill and the hopper car body or roof at the top of the car.

END SHEET
On hopper cars, the sloping and sometimes vertical sheet closing the car at each end.

END SILL
The outboard transverse structural member of the end frame.

END SLOPE
On hopper cars, the angle at which the end sheet is sloped.

EPOXY
A component used in some exterior paints and interior coatings.

EQUALIZATION BILLING
A charge by the railroads for transporting empty railcars a distance in excess of statutory maximums.

EQUIPMENT REGISTER
Is a tariff setting forth ownership, reporting marks, marked capacity, length, dimensions and cubical capacity of cars used to transport freight. However, not gallonage on tank cars for tariff purposes.

EQUIPMENT TRUST PLATE
See "Trust Plate."

ETCH LINE
Local consumption of metal due to corrosion. See "Bath Tub Ring."

EXCESS FLOW VALVE
A valve normally installed within the vapor and liquid (siphon) pipes of a pressure car intended to shut off flow out of the tank once a certain flow rate is reached.

EXCESS MILEAGE CREDITS
Rental credits which are generated as a result of mileage charges exceeding car rental payments, calculated on an annual basis.

EXTERIOR BLAST
Means by which paint and other materials are removed from the car prior to paint. See Blast.

EXTERIOR COILS
Heater coils that are attached to the outside of the tank.

EXTREME HEIGHT
The distance from the top of the rail to the highest point on the car.