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Do tank cars carrying corn syrup or vegetable oils require a buffer car between them and a locomotive? If they do does the same go for when they're empty (not cleaned)?
No, corn syrup and vegetable oils are non-hazardous commodities and can be handled in any position on the train.
Thank you Ed.
How about waste motor oil?
Rscott417 Wrote:How about waste motor oil?

A load of waste oil would require a buffer car since its still flammable.
Ok, thank you.
Waste motor oil may not be a hazardous material (could be just combustible). If the STCC doesn't start with a 49 its not a hazmat. If its combustible it requires no cover and can, in fact, be used as a cover car.
I found this tank car cleaning website, it says Motor Oil STCC number is 9000520
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Going back to this thread real quick, if a crew is using a shoving platform should they get a buffer car also?
Rscott417 Wrote:Going back to this thread real quick, if a crew is using a shoving platform should they get a buffer car also?
It's the conductor's job to check the train's consist to make sure there are no hazmat, inflammable or loads that might shift. If any are found then other cars are put between them & locomotives or cabooses/shoving platforms). Buffer cars are usually only used on ethanol or flammable crude oil unit trains trains.
lajry Wrote:Buffer cars are usually only used on ethanol or flammable crude oil unit trains trains.
Thanks Mike, I was thinking the same thing.
Here is a page out of an old Conrail Hazardous Materials book. I'm sure there are finer restrictions, but this seems to cover the basics.

You may need to click the magnifying glass in the upper left of the picture to get a bigger version. remember to click the magnifier a second time to get the full size shot in the mini window. All the text was legible when I checked it.

[Image: 20151006_142753.jpg]
A agreement between the FRA and the railroads allows one buffer car between engine and a buffer car is needed as the last car on the rear of the train on unit tank trains of crude oil.
Note 4 seems a little strange to me, anyone else have any thoughts on the matter?

Mark
Mr Fixit Wrote:Note 4 seems a little strange to me, anyone else have any thoughts on the matter?

Mark

Mark,Some high and wide loads require constant watch so technicians rides in a specialized caboose. As far as the guards that would be for certain types of Government and Military shipments.
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