[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 99 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29343-29345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-11591]


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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 Sec.  232.305(a). The individual 
petition is described below, including the party seeking relief, the 
regulatory provisions involved, the nature of the relief being 
requested, and the petitioner's argument in favor of relief.

The Association of American Railroads

[Docket Number FRA-2004-17566]

    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. 
Specifically, AAR intends to remove all references to the flowrator 
method of testing brake cylinder leakage, and only permit the use of 
the gauge. The Sections, Paragraphs and Parts of S-486 that AAR request 
to be modified are as follows:
    Original--3.1.2.6 Check the control valve pipe bracket, associated 
brake cylinder piping, and empty/load device for male brake cylinder 
pressure taps. If so equipped, apply a quick-disconnect coupling with a 
brake cylinder pressure test gauge.
    Modification--3.1.2.6 Apply a brake cylinder pressure test gauge to 
the brake cylinder pressure tap.
    Paragraphs 3.1.2.7 and 3.1.2.8 The contents of these two paragraphs 
are being eliminated.
    Original--3.1.2.7 If the car being tested has certain wheel 
defects, a brake cylinder pressure tap must be installed. See the Field 
Manual of the AAR Interchange Rules, Rule 3, Chart A, for these 
defects. After the tap is installed, apply a cylinder test gauge. Note: 
If the car has the wheel defects shown in the Field Manual of the AAR 
Interchange Rules, Rule 3, Chart A, and has a pipe plug in the brake 
cylinder pipe, remove the plug and install an AAR-approved brake 
cylinder pressure measurement tap. If the car is equipped with an 
empty/load valve and the pipe plug is located upstream of the empty/
load, install the brake cylinder pressure tap downstream of the empty/
load valve. After the tap is installed, apply a cylinder test gauge.
    Original--3.1.2.8 The preferred location of the male pressure tap 
is within a 2-ft radius around the exterior surfaces of the pipe 
bracket for single-capacity brake systems. For brake systems equipped 
with empty/load valves, the preferred location is within a 2-ft radius 
of the exterior surfaces of the empty/load valve, and the pressure tap 
must be located in the pipe from the empty/load valve(s) to the brake 
cylinder(s). The pressure tap may be located at the side sill of the 
car near the control valve or the empty/load valve if so equipped. See 
the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Standard S-4020, 
for a more detailed description of recommended pressure tap locations.
    Paragraph 3.1.2.9 is being modified and renumbered as 3.1.2.7
    Original--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-in. minimum thickness) under the sensing arm. 
For slope sheet sensing devices, insert a pin (supplied by Ellcon-
National) or push in a plunger (WABTEC). Note: For cars equipped with 
empty/load devices, all test procedures must be performed in the loaded 
condition. Cars with empty/load devices that automatically reset to the 
empty position must be manually reset to the loaded condition for each 
of the tests defined here.
    Modification--3.1.2.7 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-in. minimum thickness) under the 
sensing arm. For slope sheet sensing devices, insert a pin (supplied by 
Ellcon-National) or push in a plunger (WABTEC). Note: For cars equipped 
with empty/load devices, all test procedures must be performed in the 
loaded position. Cars with empty/load devices that automatically reset 
to the empty position must be manually reset to the loaded position for 
each of the tests defined here.
    Original--3.5.1 With the control valve cut in, move the test device 
handle to position 1 and charge the system to 90 psi. Close the 
flowrator by-pass cock to determine if excessive leakage exists. Allow 
the ball to stabilize at its lowest reading. When the ball stabilizes 
at a point between the condemning line and the bottom of the tube, note 
the location of the top of the flowrator ball. Open the flowrator by-
pass cock.
    Modification--3.5.1 With the control valve cut in, move the test

[[Page 29344]]

device handle to position 1 and charge the system to 90 psi. Close the 
flowrator by-pass cock to determine if excessive leakage exists. Allow 
the ball to stabilize at its lowest reading. The ball must stabilize 
between the condemning line and the bottom of the tube. Open the 
flowrator by-pass cock. Original--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.
    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. New or 
reconditioned hand brakes do not require lubrication at the time of 
application. Handbrakes requiring lubrication shall be in accordance 
with MSRP section H3.
    Paragraph 3.7.6 is being eliminated.
    Original--3.7.6 If the car is equipped with a bleed/stabilizing 
type vent valve, ensure that the bleed valve is reset (stem in, no air 
exhausting).
    Paragraph 3.7.7 is being modified and renumbered as 3.7.6.
    Original--3.7.7 If the brake cylinder gauge was installed as 
described in paragraph 3.1.2.6 or paragraph 3.1.2.7, soap the male 
pressure tap and coupling. No leakage is allowed. Note the brake 
cylinder pressure after the brake pipe pressure has stabilized for 
later comparison with paragraph 3.9.1, emergency tests, and paragraph 
3.16.4.2, empty/load test.
    Modification--3.7.6 Soap the male pressure tap and coupling. No 
leakage is allowed. Note the brake cylinder pressure after the brake 
pipe pressure has stabilized for later comparison with paragraph 3.9.1, 
emergency tests, and paragraph 3.16.4.2, empty/load test.
    Paragraph 3.7.8--is being renumbered as 3.7.7. There will no longer 
be a Section 3.7.8.
    Modification 3.12.1--A third probable cause is being added.
    3. Excessive brake cylinder leakage can cause the brake pipe to 
continue reducing.
    Paragraphs 3.12.3 and 3.12.3.1 are being eliminated.
    Original--3.12.3 If a brake cylinder pressure gauge was installed, 
go to paragraph 3.12.3.2.
    Original--3.12.3.1 Brake Cylinder Leakage Test--Flowrator Method
    Use the flowrator method if a brake cylinder pressure gauge is not 
used. After the pressure has stabilized at 80 psi, wait 1 minute, close 
the flowrator by-pass cock, and observe the flowrator until the ball 
stabilizes. If the airflow causes the top of the flowrator ball to rise 
two lines or more over the ball position noted previously in the system 
leakage test (paragraph 3.5.1), inspect the brake cylinder and 
associated piping for leakage. Repair any leakage found and repeat the 
test. If no external brake cylinder or associated piping leakage is 
detected, the probable cause is a defective service portion. If any 
exhaust of air is detected at the emergency portion vent valve or at a 
separate quick-service valve, then that particular valve portion is 
defective. At the completion of this test, open the flowrator by-pass 
cock. Proceed to paragraph 3.13. Note: In addition to brake cylinder 
leakage, this test checks for leakage of brake pipe pressure to the 
brake cylinder when the control valve is in service lap position. This 
type of defect results in abnormally high brake cylinder pressure. 
However, emergency reservoir pressure leaking to the brake cylinder or 
to the auxiliary reservoir has the same effect, but is undetectable 
with this test.
    Paragraph 3.12.3.2 is being modified and renumbered as 3.12.3.
    Original--3.12.3.2 Brake Cylinder Leakage Test--Gauge Method
    Use the brake cylinder gauge method if a brake cylinder pressure 
gauge was installed as described in paragraph 3.1.2.6 or paragraph 
3.1.2.7. After the brake pipe pressure has stabilized at 80 psi, wait 3 
minutes and then note the pressure on the brake cylinder gauge. Wait 
another 1 minute and then recheck the brake cylinder gauge. No more 
than a 1-psi increase or decrease in brake cylinder pressure is 
allowed. If brake cylinder pressure decreases, the probable cause is a 
leak in the brake cylinder or its associated piping. If brake cylinder 
pressure increases, the probable cause is either a defective service 
portion or a defective emergency portion. Note: To determine which 
portion may be defective, move the device handle to position 5, 
increase the brake application to a 30-psi reduction, and then return 
the device handle to position 3. After the brake pipe pressure has 
stabilized, wait 2 minutes and then note the brake cylinder gauge. Wait 
another 1 minute and then recheck the 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 3.12.3 Brake Cylinder Leakage Test
    After the brake pipe pressure has stabilized at 80 psi, wait 3 
minutes and then note the pressure on the brake cylinder gauge. Wait 
another 1 minute and then recheck the brake cylinder gauge. No more 
than a 1-psi increase or decrease in brake cylinder pressure is 
allowed. If brake cylinder pressure decreases, the probable cause is a 
leak in the brake cylinder or its associated piping. If brake cylinder 
pressure increases, the probable cause is either a defective service 
portion or a defective emergency portion. Note: To determine which 
portion may be defective, move the device handle to position 5, 
increase the brake application to a 30-psi reduction, and then return 
the device handle to position 3. After the brake pipe pressure has 
stabilized, wait 2 minutes and then note the brake cylinder gauge. Wait 
another 1 minute and then recheck the 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.

[[Page 29345]]

    Original--3.16.3 Completing the Test on a Loaded Car


    Note: If a car is empty and equipped with an Empty/Load, go to 
paragraph 3.16.4 or on a car not equipped with a brake cylinder test 
gauge.


    Modification--3.16.3 Completing the Test on a Loaded Car or an 
Empty Car without Empty/Load.


    Note: If a car is empty and equipped with an Empty/Load, go to 
paragraph 3.16.4.


    Original--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 Completing Test on an empty car equipped with 
empty/load


    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.


    Original--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.
    Modification--3.16.5 Make certain that the brake cylinder pressure 
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.
    Paragraphs 3.17.2 through 3.17.5 The contents of these paragraphs 
have not changed. Paragraph 3.17.2 was divided into two paragraphs, 
therefore causing the other paragraphs to be renumbered.
    Modification--3.17.2 To prevent possible overcharge problems, drain 
car reservoirs.
    Modification--3.17.3 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--3.17.4 Shut off air supply to test device, or place 
device handle in Position 3.
    Modification--3.17.5 Open \3/8\-inch cock, and disconnect test 
device. Remove dummy coupling.
    Modification--3.17.6 If required, secure the car to prevent 
movement.
    Original--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 Brake Cylinder Leakage Test


    Note: If the car is equipped with an empty/load device, the car 
must be set to the loaded position. Install a brake cylinder 
pressure gauge.


    Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings 
by submitting written views, data, or comments. All communications 
concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket 
number (e.g., Docket Number FRA-2004-17566) and must be submitted to 
the Docket Clerk, DOT Docket Management Facility, Room PL-401 (Plaza 
Level), 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. 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 a.m.--5 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.
    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78). The Statement 
may also be found at http://dms.dot.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC on May 17, 2004.
Grady C. Cothen, Jr.,
Acting Associate Administrator for Safety.
[FR Doc. 04-11591 Filed 5-20-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P