Rail car Level Indicators

Do you mean transverse level (from side to side, across the tracks), longitudinal level (from end to end, along the tracks), fluid level in a tank car, or something else entirely?

You can use laser pointer as the indicator

its easy to find and cheaper as a toy on the markt.

[Thinks: the cant applied to the track will affect the positioning of the vehicle relative to the rails on several counts. The vehicle's suspension and speed will affect the position of the body relative to the axle. The speed and the radius of curvature affects where the axle is relative to the rails; the wheelsets have a coned tread profile. The condition of the sleepers and track sub-structure, the stiffness of the rails, and the design of the suspension and the loaded weight of the vehicle affect the deflection under each axlebox. Spring condition and the distribution of the load will also affect how the vehicle sits both longitudinally and laterally. Then there's the gradient to consider.......]

The simplest level indicator might consist of a spirit level, a long and stiff straight edge for it so sit on, a set of packing pieces to bring the above assembly level and a calibrated measuring stick of some sort in order to quantify things.

Ah!

Is this about level in relation to the horizon or level in relation to a straight edge placed across the rails at right-angles to the rail edge?

I would use a round spirit level. Place it in the floor of the car and if the bubble goes to the center where the cross hairs cross, it is level. When done, put the level in your pocket and go on to the next car. Other option would be a long level as mentioned above... especially if the floor of the car is somewhat rough.

Bill

A simple plumb-line hung from the roof of the vehicle could be all that is needed.