Perhaps this is a silly question and if it is, my apologies for asking it. There are a couple of operations that have a restored piece of electric equipment that is operated using a trailing "tow behind" generator. Two such operations that come to mind are:

1. San Antonio streetcar # 300 in service in Astoria, Oregon.

2. Denver & Intermountain interurban # 25 in Lakewood, Colorado

I seem to recall other such operations where there is no overhead wire to power the cars.

My question is, do these units have to be "blue carded"?

Thanks.


Les

Not a silly question at all.

Both these operations are either regular heritage street car or occasional historical demonstration operations. Both are considered “fixed guideway” or heritage transit systems. Neither operate on the general system of transportation.

Neither fall under FRA 49 CFR Part 229 regulations which contains the record keeping provision (Blue Card) for diesel, electric and other non steam locomotives.

See 49 CFR Part 229.3 for applicability.

MD Ramsey

For those uninformed: what is a “blue card?”

Another good question!

A “Blue Card” is the Form FRA F 6180-49 periodic inspection record that is required to be displayed in the locomotive. It documents specific information about the locomotive along with inspection dates, out of service credit, etc. Traditionally, the paper form was blue, resulting in the term “blue card” being used as quick identification for the specific record.

MDR

MD Ramsey -

Thanks very much for the info!


Les