The volume \( V \) of a rectangular prism can be calculated using the formula:
\[ V = \text{length} \times \text{width} \times \text{height} \]
Given:
- Length = 18 meters
- Width = 3 meters
- Height = 4 meters
Now, substituting the values into the formula:
\[ V = 18 , \text{m} \times 3 , \text{m} \times 4 , \text{m} \]
Calculating step-by-step:
- \( 18 \times 3 = 54 \)
- \( 54 \times 4 = 216 \)
Thus, the volume of the railway car is:
\[ V = 216 , \text{cubic meters} \]
So, the answer is \( \boxed{216} \).