F COUPLER
An alternate standard freight car coupler having the head portion cast in a special configuration that results in less free slack and restricted vertical movement between mating couplers. Cars equipped with F-couplers must have special flexible spring-supported coupler carriers to compensate for the loss of vertical freedom between couplers.

F & D
Refers to "Flanged and Dished," which is the shape of jacket heads made on the Plant No. 1 head press.

FABRICATION
An assembly manufactured by joining together two or more parts (usually by welding or bolting).

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION (FRA)
A branch of the DOT that promulgates safety standards for rail equipment used in interchange.

FEED-GRADE
A level of interior preparation suitable for use in the livestock feed industry.

FERROXYL TEST
A chemical test used to determine if a stainless steel surface is iron free.

FIBERGLASS
The most commonly used tank car insulation, consisting of a felt-like blanket of glass fibers bonded with a special resin.

FIELD MANUAL
One of two manuals that together form the Association of American Railroads Code of Interchange Rules governing the condition and repair of railway equipment used in interchange service. The Field Manual contains technical information concerning mechanical condition, wear limits and repair criteria for interchange cars. See "Office Manual."

FILL HOLE
Generally refers to the relatively small opening (with bolted and hinged cover) located on the manway cover plate of acid cars used to load the tank car.

FILLER METAL
The metal to be added in making a welded joint or added to restore a corroded tank to acceptable thickness. See "Electrode."

FILLET WELD
A weld of triangular cross-section joining two surfaces at right angles to each other.

FITTINGS HOUSING
A general term used to describe the steel housing that surrounds top fittings.

FIXED TUBE GAUGE
A tube, mounted on the top fittings nozzle, extending into the tank a fixed distance. Commodity flowing out of the valve at the top of the tube indicates that the liquid level is at or above the bottom of the tube.

FLANGE (Fittings)
The overhanging edge at the end of a nozzle, pipe, valve, or other fitting, containing a series of bolt holes to enable connection to another flange with the same bolt hole pattern.

FLANGE (WHEEL)
The portion of the wheel extending diametrically outward from the wheel tread. This flange rides against the inside of the railhead thereby keeping the wheel on the rail.

FLANGED OFF
Refers to a tank nozzle or saddle upon which valves or other fittings would normally be mounted, but is instead closed off with a blind flange or a plate without a hole.

FLASH POINT
The temperature at which the vapor above a liquid (or solid) forms an ignitable mixture with the surrounding air.

FLASHING
Relatively small pieces of jacket material used to achieve a tight fit around nozzles and other appurtenances that protrude through the jacket of an insulated tank car.

FLAT CAR
A freight car having a flat floor or deck laid on the underframe, with no sides, ends or roof, designed for handling commodities not requiring protection from the weather.

FLOW CAPACITY
The capacity in cubic feet per minute (cubic meters per second, metric) of air at standard conditions discharged when tested at the required flow rating pressure.

FLUOROSCOPE
A phosphor screen, x-ray intensifier used to detect defects in tank welds.

FLUOROTAPE
A video magnetic tape recording of the output of a fluoroscope.

FMV
Fair market value.

FOAM
A shortened term for polyurethane foam insulation; a high efficiency insulation used in sandwich cars and other insulated tank cars transporting highly temperature sensitive products. Not generally used on cars equipped with heater coils.

F.O.B.
Acronym for free on board; meaning the customer is not charged for freight to a designated F.O.B. location. Also used to designate point of delivery.

FOLLOWER BLOCK
A steel plate mounted between the draft gear and the end of the coupler shank.

FOOD-GRADE
A level of interior preparation suitable for use with ladings intended for human consumption. Also, a term used to describe gaskets suitable for use with the above type of ladings.

FOREIGN CAR
Any car not belonging to the particular railway on which it is running.

FOUNDATION BRAKE RIGGING
See "Brake Rigging."

FOUR-WAY ENTRY PLATFORM
Refers to an operating platform with (2) side and (2) end openings.

FRA
See "Federal Railroad Administration."

FRANGIBLE DISC
The operating part of a safety vent designed to burst at a pre-determined tank pressure.

FREE TIME
The period allowed to load or unload before demurrage or storage charges begin to accrue.

FREIGHT BILL
The carriers invoice for services rendered.

FREIGHT CAR
A term generally applied to any railway freight car excluding tank cars.

FREIGHT CHARGE
The charge assessed for transporting freight.

FREIGHT CLAIM
A demand upon a carrier for the payment of overcharge or loss or damage sustained by shipper or consignee.

FREIGHT YARD
See "Classification Yard."

FRICTION BLOCK SIDE BEARING
A truck side bearing consisting of a loose block of steel retained by a bracket on top of the truck bolster. See "Side Bearing."

FRONT STOPS
The draft lugs fastened to the draft sill at the front end or the end nearest the coupler. Sometimes called front draft lugs. See "Draft Lugs."

FULL GRATING PLATFORM
A top platform whose entire walking area consists of a flat grating surface.

FULL PAYOUT
Refers to a lease rate designed to provide full recovery of the associated cost within the term of the lease or within some other specified time period.

FULL-SERVICE LEASE
A lease whereby the lessor provides all maintenance, administrative, and tax services required for the use and operation of leased property.

FUNNEL FLOW®
A Union Tank Car tank design where the two tank halves are tilted downward toward the center, thereby facilitating drainage.

FUSION WELDING
A group of processes in which metals are welded together by bringing them to the molten state at the surfaces to be joined.