GALVANIZED
An electrolytic process by which steel is coated with a film of zinc to retard oxidation or atmospheric corrosion by cathodic protection.

GASKETS
Material inserted in a joint between two mating surfaces to prevent leakage of whatever fluid that may pass through the joint.

GATE (DISCHARGE)
A general term used to describe the bottom door assembly that serves as a discharge opening on hopper cars.

GAUGE OF TRACK
The distance between the heads of the rails of a railroad track. The standard gauge in North America is 4'- 8 1/2".

GAUGING DEVICE
A system which furnishes an indication of liquid levels inside the tank.

GEARED HAND BRAKE
A hand brake arrangement that employs gears to multiply and transmit forces applied at the handwheel.

GONDOLA CAR
A freight car with low sides and ends, a solid floor, and no roof. Used mainly for transportation of coal, iron and steel products and other lading not requiring protection from weather. Special types of gondola cars are built with high sides (for coal), removable covers (for steel or aluminum coils), and other attachments for some specialized service. Some of the newer gondola cars are constructed of aluminum.

GOUGE
A deformation caused by mechanical means, that results in the loss of parent metal or weld metal.

GRAB IRON
A round steel handhold mechanically attached to various areas on a car to provide a secure place for crewmen or other operating personnel to hold on.

GRIT
A blasting material consisting of fine sharp edged particles of steel, iron, or other material. See "Blast."

GRL
Gross Rail Load, See "Gross Weight."

GROOVE WELD
The weld made in the groove between two members to be joined.

GROSS TON
Equal to 2240 pounds.

GROSS WEIGHT (GROSS RAIL LOAD) GRL
The total combined weight of a car and its contents. Truck capacity determines the maximum allowable GRL. For example, the maximum GRL for a car equipped with 100 Ton trucks is 263,000 lbs.

GUSSET PLATE
A flat steel plate used to reinforce a joint between two members in a steel structure.