[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 209 (Monday, October 29, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54567-54569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-27140]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration


Petition for Modification of Single Car Air Brake Test Procedures

    In accordance with part 232 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR), notice is hereby given that the Federal Railroad Administration 
(FRA) received a request for modification of the single car air brake 
test procedures as prescribed in 232.305(a).

The Association of American Railroads

[Docket Number FRA-2001-10819]

    Pursuant to 49 CFR 232.307, the Association of American Railroads 
(AAR) seeks modification of the single car air brake test procedures, 
S-486, as prescribed in Sec. 232.305(a) of the Brake System Safety 
Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and Equipment.
    The sections, paragraphs and parts of S-486, that AAR request to be 
modified are as follows:
    3.1.2.9--original   If the car is equipped with an empty/load 
device, the device must be set to the LOADED position.
    (Modification--3.1.2.9)  If the car is equipped with an empty/load 
device, the device must be set to the LOADED position. For side frame 
sensing devices, place a block (2 inch minimum thickness) under the 
sensing arm. For slope sheet sensing devices, insert a pin (supplied by 
Ellcon-National for their empty/load device) or push in a plunger 
(WABTEC).
    The following Note is being added to Section 3.5 System Leakage 
Test:
    (Modification)--

    Note: The hand brake Inspection (3.6) can be made while the car 
brake system is being charged or during the System Leakage Test 
(3.5)

    3.5.2--original  If any part of the ball is above the condemning 
line, it indicates that the brake system is not charged or that 
excessive leakage exists. Open the flowrator by-pass cock and make a 
complete check for leakage of all pipe connections, reservoir 
separation plate gasket, control valve covers and exhausts, service and 
emergency portion to pipe bracket gaskets, quick service exhaust 
valves, and vent valve exhausts. Correct any leakage found and repeat 
the system leakage test.
    (Modification--3.5.2)  If any part of the ball is above the 
condemning line, it indicates that the brake system is not charged or 
that excessive leakage exists. Open the flowrator by-pass cock and make 
a complete check for leakage. Check all pipe connections, reservoir 
separation plate gasket, control valve covers, and service and 
emergency portion mounting gaskets. Correct any leakage found and 
repeat the system leakage test. If excessive leakage still exists, 
check all control valve cover gaskets, quick service, manual release 
valve and vent valve exhausts. Correct any excessive leakage found and 
repeat the system leakage test.
    3.6.1--original  Lubricate the hand brake winding shaft and oil 
cups, if so equipped, with a good grade of 30W oil. With the hand brake 
in released position, note that the brake cylinder piston push rod(s) 
have returned into the brake cylinder(s). Apply the hand brake. Observe 
that the bell crank is in normal working range. Using a bar, determine 
that all shoes applied by the hand brake are firmly set against the 
wheels to verify that associated linkage does not bind or foul. On cars 
with WABCOPAC/NYCOPAC type truck mounted brakes and a hand brake that 
operates the brake beams on both trucks, a minimum of one shoe on each 
beam must be firmly set against the wheel to verify that associated 
linkage does not bind or foul. Release hand brake using operating wheel 
and/or lever. Note that drum chain is fully unwound, that bell crank, 
if so equipped, drops to lower limit, and that there is minimal slack 
in the horizontal chain.
    (Modification--3.6.1)  Lubricate the hand brake winding shaft and 
oil cups, if so equipped, with a good grade of 30W oil. With the hand 
brake in released position, note that the brake cylinder piston push 
rod(s) have returned into the brake cylinder(s). Apply the hand brake. 
Observe that bell crank, if so equipped, is in normal working range. 
Using a bar, determine that all shoes applied by the hand brake are 
firmly set against the wheels to verify that associated linkage does 
not bind or foul. On cars with WABCOPAC/NYCOPAC type truck mounted 
brakes and a hand brake that operates the brake beams on one or both 
trucks, a minimum of one shoe on each beam must be firmly set against 
the wheel to verify that associated linkage does not bind or foul. 
Release hand brake using operating wheel and/or lever. Note that drum 
chain is fully unwound, that bell crank, if so equipped, drops to lower 
limit, and that there is minimal slack in the horizontal chain.
    Original--3.8.1  Measure and note brake cylinder piston travel and 
check all brake levers for angularity. Piston travel on standard 
(single capacity) 12-inch stroke body mounted brake cylinders is 7 to 9 
inches. Other than standard, cars must be adjusted per badge plate or 
stenciling on car.
    (Modification--3.8.1)  Measure and note brake cylinder piston 
travel and check all brake levers for angularity. If piston travel is 
outside of the nominal range in Rule 3, piston travel must be adjusted 
to the initial set up dimension.
    Original--3.8.2  On cars with direct acting truck mounted brakes 
without slack adjusters, observe that the piston travel does not exceed 
3 inches (without brake shoe renewal). If piston travel exceeds 3 
inches, adjustment in accordance with Instruction Pamphlet 2391 Sup.1, 
Paragraph 1.3.3 is required.
    (Modification--The contents of this paragraph are deleted.)

    Original--3.8.3  Check the entire rigging system for any binding or 
fouling.

    (Modification--The contents of this paragraph will become the new 
3.8.2. There will not be a 3.8.3.)

    Original--3.9.1  On cars with less than 100 feet of brake pipe, 
reduce the brake pipe pressure 50 psi in Position 4 or 5, and then move 
the device handle to Position 3. (This must not produce an emergency 
application.) With the brake pipe pressure no lower than 40 psi,

[[Page 54568]]

quickly open the test device \3/8\-inch cock. This test must produce a 
control valve emergency application as indicated by the rapid venting 
of the brake pipe pressure to zero. The brake cylinder pressure must be 
higher than the final full service pressure noted in Paragraph 3.7.7. 
If the brake cylinder pressure is not higher, first soap the gauge and 
pressure tap before replacing any brake components. No leakage is 
allowed. If leakage exists at the gauge connection, release the brake, 
repair or replace tap or gauge and repeat this test. If emergency brake 
cylinder pressure still does not increase over the full service 
pressure, the most likely cause is a defective emergency portion, which 
must be replaced.
    (Modification--3.9.1)  Reduce the brake pipe pressure to 50 psi in 
Position 4 or 5, and then move the device handle to Position 3. (This 
must not produce an emergency application.) With the brake pipe 
pressure no lower than 40 psi, quickly open the test device \3/8\-inch 
cock. On cars with brake pipe length of over 100 feet, place the device 
in position 4 and quickly open the test device \3/8\ inch cock. This 
test must produce a control valve emergency application as indicated by 
the rapid venting of the brake pipe pressure to zero. The brake 
cylinder pressure must be higher than the final full service pressure 
noted in Paragraph 3.7.7. If the brake cylinder pressure is not higher, 
first soap the gauge and pressure tap before replacing any brake 
components. No leakage is allowed. If leakage exists at the gauge 
connection, release the brake, repair or replace tap or gauge and 
repeat this test. If emergency brake cylinder pressure still does not 
increase over the full service pressure, the most likely cause is a 
defective emergency portion, which must be replaced.
    Original--3.12.3.1  Flowrator Method
    (Modification--title change)  Brake Cylinder Leakage Test--
Flowrator Method
    Original-3.12.3.2  Brake Cylinder Gauge Method
    (Modification--title change)  Brake Cylinder Leakage Test--Gauge 
Method
    Original--3.15.3  If the brake cylinder gauge was installed in 
3.1.2.6, MAKE CERTAIN THAT GAUGE IS REMOVED AT THIS TIME. Soap male 
brake cylinder pressure tap. No leakage allowed. If leakage is present, 
release brake and replace the brake cylinder pressure tap per section 
4.4.
    Original--3.15.4If the slack adjuster is found to be defective, 
make necessary repairs and/or replace the slack adjuster and test the 
slack adjuster according to Paragraph 4.1.
    (Modification--The contents of 3.15.3 have been eliminated. 3.15.4 
has been reworded and is now found in 3.15.3. There will no longer be a 
3.15.4. 3.15.3) If slack adjuster is found to be defective, continue 
with the single car test. After the single car test is completed, make 
necessary repairs and/or replace the slack adjuster and test the slack 
adjuster according to Paragraph 4.1.
    (Modification--A new paragraph is added. 3.16.2.1)  Make certain 
that any block(s) that were installed between brake shoe(s) and 
wheel(s) in section 3.13.6 are removed at this time. If a pin was 
inserted into a slope sheet empty/load sensor, make certain that the 
pin is removed.
    Original--3.16.3  Move device handle to Position 1. Note that the 
brake cylinder piston remains in the release position during charging.
    Original--3.16.4  When the brake pipe pressure has reached a 
minimum of 80 psi, move the device handle to Position 5. Allow brake 
pipe pressure to decrease to zero psi. Note that the brakes apply 
thereby indicating that the brake cylinder release feature has reset.
    (Modification--3.16.3 and 3.16.4 has been changed, renumbered, with 
additional paragraphs as follows:)
    (Modification--3.16.3)  Completing test on a Loaded Car or on a Car 
not equipped with a brake cylinder test gauge
    (Modification--3.16.3.1)  Move device handle to Position 1. Note 
the brake cylinder piston remains in the release position during 
charging.
    (Modification--3.16.3.2)  When the brake pipe pressure has reached 
a minimum of 80 psi, move the device handle to Position 5. Allow the 
brake pipe pressure to decrease to zero psi. Note that the brakes apply 
thereby indicating that the brake cylinder release feature has reset. 
Go to section 3.16.5
    (Modification--3.16.4)  Completing Test on an empty car equipped 
with empty/load and a brake cylinder test gauge.

    Note: If car has defective slack adjuster, change slack adjuster 
and test according to Sect 4.1, and then continue test with section 
3.16.4.1.

    (Modification--3.16.4.1)  Place the device handle in Position 1 and 
recharge the car until the flowrator ball floats below the top of the 
tube. Note that the brake cylinder piston remains in the release 
position during charging.
    (Modification--3.16.4.2)  Place the handle in Position 5 and allow 
the brake pipe pressure to decrease to zero psi. Note that the brakes 
apply thereby indicating that the cylinder release feature has reset. 
The brake cylinder pressure must be at least 20 psi lower than the 
final full service pressure noted in Paragraph 3.7.7. Probable cause 
for failure of the empty/load equipment, if the equipment has a 
separate sensing device, is in the adjustment of the sensor device or 
the sensor device itself, and the next likely cause is the empty/load 
valve itself.
    (Modification--3.16.5)  If brake cylinder gauge was installed in 
3.1.2.6, MAKE CERTAIN THAT GAUGE IS REMOVED AT THIS TIME. Soap male 
brake cylinder pressure tap. No leakage is allowed. If leakage is 
present, drain brake cylinder, release brake and replace the brake 
cylinder pressure tap per section 4.4.
    (Mod--3.16.6)  If the empty/load was tested, soap the empty/load 
device, the equalizing reservoir and associated piping. If leakage is 
present, drain brake cylinder, release and replace the defective empty/
load equipment and test per section 4.6.
    Original--3.17.2  If empty/load device on an empty car was set to 
loaded position, return to empty position.
    Original--3.17.3  To prevent possible overcharge problems, drain 
car reservoirs.
    Original--3.17.4  Shut off air supply to test device, or place 
device handle in Position 3.
    Original--3.17.  Open \3/8\-inch cock, and disconnect test device. 
Remove the dummy coupling
    Original--3.17.6  Make certain that any block(s) that were 
installed or brake shoe(s) that were removed in section 3.13.6 are 
removed or replaced.
    Original--3.17.7  If required, secure the car to prevent movement.
(Modification--3.17.2 through 3.17.7 has been changed as follows:)

    (Modification--3.17.2)  To prevent possible overcharge problems, 
drain car reservoirs. If empty/load device on an empty car was set to 
loaded position and was not set to empty position in section 3.16.2, 
return setting to empty position.
    (Modification--3.17.3)  Shut off air supply to test device, or 
place device handle in Position 3.
    (Modification--3.17.4)  Open \3/8\-inch cock, and disconnect test 
device. Remove dummy coupling.
    (Modification--3.17.5)  If required, secure the car to prevent 
movement.
    original--4.1.20  Measure piston travel. Piston travel should be 
nominally 7\1/2\ inches or as described on badge plate.
    (Modification--4.1.2)  Measure piston travel. Piston travel should 
be nominally 7\1/2\ inches or as described in Rule 3.

[[Page 54569]]

    Original--4.1.4  Install block(s) between brake shoe and wheel or 
remove brake shoe(s) at one end of car. Cars with multiple slack 
adjusters must have blocks installed at each slack adjuster location.
    (Modification--4.1.4)  Install block(s) between brake shoe and 
wheel at one end of car. Cars with multiple slack adjusters must have 
blocks installed at each slack adjuster location.
    Original--4.1.8  Place device handle in Position 1 and completely 
recharge car. Remove block(s) or reinstall brake shoe(s).
    (Modification--4.1.8)  Place device handle in Position 1 and 
completely recharge car. Remove block(s) between shoe(s) and wheel(s).
    Original--4.4.3  Complete air brake test as described in 3.17.
    (Modification--4.4.3)  If empty/load device on an empty car was set 
to loaded position, return to empty position. Complete air test as 
described in 3.17.

    (Modification--The following paragraphs have been added:)

    (Modification--4.5)  Brake Cylinder Leakage Test Using Gauge.

    Note: If the car is equipped with an empty/load device, the car 
must be set to the LOADED position. If the car is equipped with a 
brake cylinder pressure tap, install a brake cylinder pressure 
gauge. If the car does not have a tap, go to section 4.2, Retaining 
Valve Test.

    (Modification--4.5.1)  With the control valve cut in, move test 
device handle to Position 1 and fully charge the system to 90 psi. Move 
the reducing valve handle to the low-pressure position while leaving 
device handle in Position 1. Brake pipe pressure will continue to drop 
to 80 psi. After the brake pipe pressure has stabilized at 80 psi, wait 
3 minutes, then note pressure on brake cylinder gauge. Wait another one 
minute, then recheck brake cylinder gauge. No more than 1 psi increase 
or decrease in brake cylinder pressure is allowed. If brake cylinder 
pressure decreases, probable cause is a leak in the brake cylinder or 
its associated piping. If brake cylinder pressure increases, probable 
cause is either a defective service portion or a defective emergency 
portion, finish test as described in Paragraph 3.17.

    Note: To determine which portion may be defective, move the 
device handle to position 5 and increase the brake application to a 
30 psi reduction, then return the device handle to position 3. After 
the brake pipe pressure has stabilized, wait 2 minutes, then note 
brake cylinder gauge. Wait another one minute, then check brake 
cylinder gauge. If the brake cylinder pressure has increased, the 
emergency portion is defective, or an internal leak exists in the 
reservoir separation plate between the auxiliary and emergency 
reservoirs. If the brake cylinder pressure did not increase, then 
the service portion is defective.

    (Modification--4.6)  Empty/Load Test.

    Note: When empty/load equipment is installed on a car, the 
equipment must be installed and adjusted according to OEM 
instructions. The following test is to be used after empty/load 
equipment has been replaced.

    (Modification--4.6.1)  Install brake cylinder pressure tap on car 
unless the car is already so equipped. Install brake cylinder pressure 
gauge. Begin test with car fully charged and device handle in Position 
1. Make sure the empty/load equipment is set for LOADED position.
    (Modification--4.6.2)  Move the reducing valve handle to the low-
pressure position while leaving device handle in Position 1. Brake pipe 
pressure will continue to drop to 80 psi. After the brake pipe pressure 
has stabilized at 80 psi, wait 3 minutes, then note pressure on brake 
cylinder gauge. Wait another one minute, then recheck brake cylinder 
gauge. No more than a 1 psi increase or decrease in brake cylinder is 
allowed. If brake cylinder pressure decreases, probable cause is a leak 
in the brake cylinder or its associated piping. Correct leakage and 
continue test. If brake cylinder pressure increases, probable cause is 
either a defective service portion or a defective emergency portion. 
Replace service and/or emergency portion and make a complete single car 
test.

    Note: To determine which portion may be defective, move the 
device handle to Position 5 and increase the brake application to a 
30 psi reduction , then return the handle to Position 3. After the 
brake pipe pressure has stabilized, wait 2 minutes, then note brake 
cylinder gauge. Wait another one minute, then recheck brake cylinder 
gauge. If brake cylinder pressure has increased, the emergency 
portion is defective, or an internal leak exists in the reservoir 
separation plate between the auxiliary and emergency reservoirs. If 
the brake cylinder pressure did not increase, then the service 
portion is defective.

    (Modification--4.6.3)  Place the reducing valve handle to the high-
pressure position and recharge the car until the flowrator ball floats 
below the top of the tube. Apply the brakes with a 30 psi reduction 
with device handle in Position 5. Record the brake cylinder pressure.
    (Modification--4.6.4)  Place the device handle to Position 1 and 
recharge the car until the flowrator ball floats below the top of the 
tube. Set the empty/load equipment to EMPTY position.
    (Modification--4.6.5)  Place device handle in Position 5 and allow 
the brake pipe pressure to decrease to zero psi. The brake cylinder 
pressure must be at least 20 psi lower than the final full service 
pressure noted in Paragraph 4.6.3. Probable cause for failure to the 
empty/load equipment, if the equipment has a separate sensing device, 
is in the adjustment of the sensor device or the sensor device itself, 
and the next most likely cause is the empty/load valve itself. Finish 
test as described in Paragraph 3.17.
    Interested parties are invited to submit written views, data, or 
comments. All communications concerning these proceedings should 
identify the appropriate docket number (e.g., Docket Number FRA-2001-
10819) and must be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Clerk, DOT 
Central Docket Management Facility, Room PL-401 (Plaza Level), 400 
Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Comments received within 
60 days of the date of this notice will be considered by FRA before 
final action is taken. Pursuant to Sec. 232.307(d), if no comment 
objecting to the requested modification is received during the 60-day 
comment period or if FRA does not issue a written objection to the 
requested modification, the modification will become effective 15 days 
after the close of the 60-day comment period. All written 
communications concerning these proceedings are available for 
examination during regular business hours (9:00 a.m.--5:00 p.m.) at the 
above facility. All documents in the public docket are also available 
for inspection and copying on the Internet at the docket facility's web 
site at http://dms.dot.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC on October 23, 2001.
Grady C. Cothen, Jr.,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Standards and Program 
Development.
[FR Doc. 01-27140 Filed 10-26-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P