[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 146 (Monday, July 31, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39069-39070]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-18680]



-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration


Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    In accordance with 49 CFR Sections 211.9 and 211.41, notice is 
hereby given that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has 
received from the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) a 
request for a waiver of compliance with a requirement of Federal rail 
safety standards. The petition is described below, including the 
regulatory provisions involved and the nature of the relief being 
requested.

National Railroad Passenger Corporation Waiver Petition Docket 
Number H-95-3

    The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) seeks a waiver 
of compliance with certain provisions of the Locomotive Safety 
Regulations (49 CFR Part 229). AMTRAK is requesting a temporary waiver 
of compliance with Section 229.29, for eleven locomotives equipped with 
the New York Air Brake Company/Knorr Brake Corporation Computer 
Controlled Brake (CCB). Section 229.29 stipulates that all brake valves 
must be cleaned, tested and inspected every 736 calendar days. On 
January 29, 1985, FRA granted approval for the 26-L type air brake 
equipment to be cleaned, inspected and tested every 1,104 calendar 
days. The petition requests that the CCB brake valves be maintained on 
a 5-year test interval.
    The CCB brake equipment combines certain pneumatic features of the 
26L brake with microprocessor controls. The CCB pneumatic and electro-
pneumatic devices rely on poppet valve and seat technology which has 
been proven in service in other Knorr brake equipment.
    Locomotive AMTRAK 809 was equipped with the CCB brake equipment 
when built by General Electric Company (GE) in 1993. It was placed in 
service on August 31, 1993, and has since accumulated over 260,000 
miles in intercity revenue operation both as a lead and trail unit. 
Early software logic defects were corrected as they occurred and the 
CCB system has been reliable since. Amtrak is requesting the waiver for 
this locomotive and for 10 additional P40 locomotives (Amtrak 700-709) 
now being delivered by GE.
    The CCB system consists of a console desk controller, an electronic 
control system unit and a pneumatic interface unit. The electronic 
control system unit contains the logic processor (computer), power 
supply, input/output interfaces, diagnostic program and brake operation 
programs. The desk console controller contains the standard automatic 
and independent brake operating handles. The console controller also 
contains a direct connection to brake pipe which is utilized for 
emergency brake applications. The pneumatic interface unit contains the 
connections to the standard train line and locomotive multiple unit 
pneumatic lines. The pneumatic unit contains all of the devices which 
are driven by the electronic control system to perform all functions 
currently carried out by the 26-L brake system.
    The brake system includes advanced diagnostics and a self test 
program. The self test program is manually initiated and provides a 
test of all electronic and pneumatic interface functions. Any faults 
detected are displayed on the system unit. In-service faults are 
detected and stored in non-volatile memory. The railroad states that 
safety is enhanced by the CCB Equipment in (1) constant vigilance for 
deviation from performance by the microcomputer, (2) the control of 
faults to a known safe 

[[Page 39070]]
condition, and (3) the capability of warning the operator of a fault 
condition. These features are not available in the existing 26-L Brake 
Equipment. Life of all components are rated in excess of 5-years.
    Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings 
by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate 
scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since 
the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party 
desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in 
writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for 
their request.
    All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the 
appropriate docket number (e.g., Waiver Petition Docket Number H-95-3) 
and must be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Clerk, Office of 
Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration, Nassif Building, 400 
Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590. Communications received 
within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice will be 
considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after 
that date will be considered as far as practicable. All written 
communications concerning these proceedings are available for 
examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) in Room 8201, 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590.

    Issued in Washington, DC on July 26, 1995.
Phil Olekszyk,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Compliance and Program 
Implementation
[FR Doc. 95-18680 Filed 7-28-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P