I asked this before but don't remember the answer. What kind of brake valves are on the SRR coaches? I vaguely recall that they're a really old type of passenger brake. Are parts still available for these valves? How does the FRA feel about their use -- are those cars running on waivers, or are they fully certified?

We use P-2 type triple valves on almost all our cars (all except one, as far as I can think, that car having a P-1 valve), these dating back to the 'teens, if not slightly earlier. While you may initially get somewhat of a dumbfounded response when inquiring to WABCO about replacement parts, most all consumable parts are still available for these valves. As far as their use is concerned, to my knowledge the cars are limited to captive service on SRC, and would not be allowed out on a Class 1 rr. Perhaps a certain S.S. Weaver could elaborate more as to their exact status with the FRA. Hope this helps.

49CFR Part 238 Passenger Equipment Safety Standards, 238.3, (c), (3) exempts "Tourist, scenic, historic, or excursion operations, whether on or off the general railroad system of transportation..."

So they could venture off line then again, depending on host railroad approval?Joshua

If that's so, why does our local FRA man insist that SCRM keep our coaches' D-22 valves in date? Not doubting you, just trying to understand this.

Don't forget the grand Strasburg double header, wooden coach excursion to Harrisburg on Conrail, but that was 20 years ago.

Those 1223-7002 trips were indeed grand, but they didn't operate with the great splinter fleet-- the cars used were mostly DL&W MU "high trailers", with the PA state museum's P-70 and possibly the SRC's WM steel coach.

"Great Splinter Fleet" - priceless ;)475 and (if I remember the tale correctly) four wooden cars did travel from Leaman Place to Harrisburg and back in 1999 or so for the filming of the Thomas movie.JAC

Matt:Because while the passenger operations themselves are exempt from Part 238, the brake systems and tests are regulated under Part 232, Appendix B (old Part 232). The valve dates are referenced by Standard S-045 in the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices of the AAR, which is cited in Appendix B.Not to ruin your day, but exemption to Part 238 doesn't remove one's operation from all of the other applicable regs, which are too numerous to cite here.Hope this helps.

JAC (and Kelly and Linn):That term was meant with affection... it is how the NYO&W's great fleet of wood coaches and parlors was referred to by NY-area fans (in contrast to NYC's "Great Steel Fleet"). The O&W cars ran until the late 40s. I doubt there is a splinter to be found on any of SRC's operating cars-- they are too nice for that!

No offense taken ... we have all kinds of terms for the cars after mashing our thumbs, banging our heads or clotheslining ourselves on the truss rods.

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Where does one find a copy of the above mentioned?

The AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices is worth the investment. Barring that, the FRA makes available to the public all AAR standards that they incorporate into their regulations. Contact your regional office and ask for a copy of the standard.

How long can those P-type valves go between COT&S's?