Repair work observations

Robby Peartree · **Posted:** Sat Oct 18, 2003 6:51 pm

Hello,

During a recent discussion with a locomotive engineer with a tourist railroad they commented that they heard from a FRA inspector that they were noticing more repair work being done on steam locomotives due to operating practices. Has anyone else heard such comments?

Thank you

Robby

epsw271@aol.com

dave · **Posted:** Sun Oct 19, 2003 7:36 am

The repair work surge we are now experiencing is largely due to the implementation of the new FRA regulations which require a complete resurvey and recalculation. With some locomotives getting their first very good look in many decades, lots of previously unknown conditions needing attention are being discovered.

I haven't heard about operating practices changing in any way that requires more repairs to be made - they vary from place to place anyhow. Could be somebody out there is doing something to tear their power up on a regular basis, but it wouldn't be a common practice.

Any more specifics?

Dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

Roger · **Posted:** Sun Oct 19, 2003 9:06 am

With some locomotives getting
> their first very good look in many decades,
> lots of previously unknown conditions
> needing attention are being discovered.

It is about time! Steam can be forgiving on lack of maintenance but if some of these pieces are getting there first eyeball again, it's about time.

Robby Peartree · **Posted:** Sun Oct 19, 2003 1:54 pm

This, I believe, is separate from the CFR 49 Part 230. No exact specifics on the type of damage done. As these comments could have meant a lot of things I do not want to speculate direct causes. The thing that I am interested if is this one inspectorÂ’s observation in a region, or is this something the FRA is beginning to see nation wide. If it is a problem that is developing, now is the time for the industry to take corrective action before we go down a path that may not be the best for the industry.

Robby

> The repair work surge we are now
> experiencing is largely due to the
> implementation of the new FRA regulations
> which require a complete resurvey and
> recalculation. With some locomotives getting
> their first very good look in many decades,
> lots of previously unknown conditions
> needing attention are being discovered.

> I haven't heard about operating practices
> changing in any way that requires more
> repairs to be made - they vary from place to
> place anyhow. Could be somebody out there is
> doing something to tear their power up on a
> regular basis, but it wouldn't be a common
> practice.

> Any more specifics?

> Dave

epsw271@aol.com