US Patent 11801876 Hourglass autorack car

According to some embodiments, an articulated railcar comprises a first railcar and a second railcar coupled via an articulated railcar truck. The first railcar and the second railcar each comprise a first end, a second end, and a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side disposed between the first end and the second end. The first longitudinal side comprises a center panel and an intermediate panel. The center panel is disposed between a center of the railcar and the intermediate panel. The intermediate panel is disposed between the center panel and the first end or the second end. A width of the railcar at the intermediate panel is greater than a width of the railcar at the center panel.