06-30-2010, 07:55 AM
Dave, There were new air brake rules implemented around 2003, I can't remember for sure and all the records and test were left behind, hoping I would never have need for them again. If you worked before this you won't be aware of all of them, but actually I think they took a lot of the mystery out of them.
I used to argue with my FRA man, who I had met years ago as a volunteer on another short line, and we became very good friends, that being said, he would have cited his mother for a violation. Any how I came from years of working many mechanical related jobs, and could never ever figure why you had to tear working brake valves apart and "repair" them. I actually think this was a make work rule. I believe "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" on a lot of things.
When they had the run-aways on the UP, he was the top investigator. They found 28 defective brake valves. The reason they were defective was, pipe cleaner parts plugging holes, poor replacement gaskets, and wire brush bristles.
Now had they not been "repaired" there is a good chance no accident would have happened. So now, they only need to be repaired when there is a problem. All cars have to undergo a single car air brake test at least every 5 years, unless the brake has to be cut out, wheel build up shows, flat spots, or a car is on a repair track, then the test has to be done. The reports of this test are entered into the umler data base for the car, which can be accessed by any railroad, and the information is transmitted when the car is electronically interchanged.
Are you bored yet? That is why I will never have paperwork for my models
Charlie
I used to argue with my FRA man, who I had met years ago as a volunteer on another short line, and we became very good friends, that being said, he would have cited his mother for a violation. Any how I came from years of working many mechanical related jobs, and could never ever figure why you had to tear working brake valves apart and "repair" them. I actually think this was a make work rule. I believe "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" on a lot of things.
When they had the run-aways on the UP, he was the top investigator. They found 28 defective brake valves. The reason they were defective was, pipe cleaner parts plugging holes, poor replacement gaskets, and wire brush bristles.
Now had they not been "repaired" there is a good chance no accident would have happened. So now, they only need to be repaired when there is a problem. All cars have to undergo a single car air brake test at least every 5 years, unless the brake has to be cut out, wheel build up shows, flat spots, or a car is on a repair track, then the test has to be done. The reports of this test are entered into the umler data base for the car, which can be accessed by any railroad, and the information is transmitted when the car is electronically interchanged.
Are you bored yet? That is why I will never have paperwork for my models
Charlie