According to some embodiments, an autorack railcar roof assembly comprises a center roof panel, a first intermediate roof panel adjacent one side of the center roof panel, and a second intermediate roof panel adjacent an opposite of the center roof panel from the first intermediate roof panel. The center roof panel comprises a first width. The first and second intermediate roof panels each comprise a second width greater than the first width.

A train system having a train element consisting of a single train car configured to travel along a rail system, and including an enclosed first use area and a flat car section. The flat car section includes a drive-on loading area configured to enable a vehicle to be driven onto the flat car section and then transported by the train car. Train element includes a drive system for moving the train element along the rail system and a control system for autonomously controlling the operation of the train car. A sensor system collects sensor data and provides the sensor data, as inputs, to the control system. Sensor data is used by the control system in operating the train car. Lastly, a power system independently powers the drive system and control system.

According to some embodiments, an autorack railcar roof assembly comprises a center roof panel, a first intermediate roof panel adjacent one side of the center roof panel, and a second intermediate roof panel adjacent an opposite of the center roof panel from the first intermediate roof panel. The center roof panel comprises a first width. The first and second intermediate roof panels each comprise a second width greater than the first width.

A train system having a train element consisting of a single train car configured to travel along a rail system, and including an enclosed first use area and a flat car section. The flat car section includes a drive-on loading area configured to enable a vehicle to be driven onto the flat car section and then transported by the train car. Train element includes a drive system for moving the train element along the rail system and a control system for autonomously controlling the operation of the train car. A sensor system collects sensor data and provides the sensor data, as inputs, to the control system. Sensor data is used by the control system in operating the train car. Lastly, a power system independently powers the drive system and control system.

Protective devices, methods and systems for installation on a railway car interior, such as an autorack car designed to transport automobiles. The protector covers structures of the railway car that could potentially damage the automobiles being transported. The protectors may be provided in different lengths to provide a suitable span of coverage of a railway interior structure. The protector has a body with a beaded segment that provides a protective barrier between the automobile, such as its door, and the railway post or other structure. The protectors can be mounted with fasteners or may include integral fastening elements for self-mounting to the railcar. The protector may be formed by assembling together a plurality of sections to provide a protector having a desired length for the installation location. Self-connecting features may be provided on the protector sections for assembly of the protector sections without the need for tools or other equipment.

Protective devices, methods and systems for installation on a railway car interior, such as an autorack car designed to transport automobiles. The protector covers structures of the railway car that could potentially damage the automobiles being transported. The protectors may be provided in different lengths to provide a suitable span of coverage of a railway interior structure. The protector has a body with a beaded segment that provides a protective barrier between the automobile, such as its door, and the railway post or other structure. The protectors can be mounted with fasteners or may include integral fastening elements for self-mounting to the railcar. The protector may be formed by assembling together a plurality of sections to provide a protector having a desired length for the installation location. Self-connecting features may be provided on the protector sections for assembly of the protector sections without the need for tools or other equipment.

A vehicle transporting system is made up of a motor system comprising a magnetic levitation and propulsion system, a transporter body connectable to and moveable by the motor system, and a vehicle coupling system adapted to be coupled one or more vehicles to the transporter body. When one or more vehicles are coupled by the vehicle coupling system to the transporter body, the transporter body and the one or more vehicles can be transported from one location to another location by the motor system.