Let's assume a RR wants to use a Caboose over 50 years of age for passenger purposes.

Does that RR:

1.) Petition the FRA for relief from the 50 year rule, restrictive stenciling, and other requirements of using freight equipment of that age

or:

2.) Subject the Caboose to the same testing and requirements of it's passenger fleet.

If No. 2 is preferable, how does one "designate" the caboose as a passenger car.


I ask because the Reading and Northern trains I rode over the past two weeks has had a caboose (might not yet be 50 years old, appeared to be a late model bay window) at the end of some trains, and although I think it's primarily to serve as a "shoving platform" for reverse moves, there are operations that do allow cabooses to be occupied by paassengers.

(Looking for answers by people that have actually dealth with the situation.)

Apply for a waiver, the FRA considers it a freight car with passengers riding in it.

Mike Tillger

This COULD be a case of "ask a different inspector, get a different answer."

Railroads to ask include the Wilmington & Western (which regularly charters its cabooses), the Verde Canyon RR (whose rebuilt caboose is only available to those chartering it, as I recall), and others.

Ask a railroad that runs MIXED TRAINS.

FRA answered this specific question at ARM conference meeting held at B&O Musuem several years ago. Mike has it right. A caboose is a freight car. There is a lower level waver request route the FRA would like museums to use for freight car issues. It does not require publication in Federal Regester and comment period. Maybe some one here recalls this process.

"Ask a railroad that runs MIXED TRAINS."

I thought I was-at least one has folks that are regulars here.

I think Mike and David have answered my question, however.

Thanks, gents.

Check the search feature, a while back someone from Strasburg explained the waiver process for their historic freight car fleet. They even provided a .pdf scan of the waiver paperwork they sent to the FRA. FRom My memory, it seemed to be a straight forward process.

The FRA will be issuing new wording for the 50 year freight car rule in order to cut down the waiver applications. This will be good for our industry and for the FRA.

As to using a caboose for passengers, the bottom line that the FRA will be looking at is whether the caboose is properly maintained. Beyond that, I cannot say whether they will call it a freight car or a passenger car once the new wording is in place.

My experience of late is that the FRA has a lot of good people who are willing to work with the railroads and give them as much leeway as possible insofar as technicalities are concerned PROVIDED the railroad reciprocates by properly maintaining the equipment.

Linn, thanks for the follow up information.

Thanks, Linn

Great explanation. I'm on leave for the rest of the year. We've been working on the new tank car rule. You saved me from having to put work hat back on for a few minutes. . .

Best Regards,

Steve

My sympathies ... and a Happy New Year.