AAR Circular Letter Summary – September 2023

Date

2 years ago

About AAR Circular Letters

Circular letter summaries are produced monthly by Greenbrier Management Services Group.

AAR circular letters provide information of general applicability to the railroad industry, including proposed and final rules, revisions, standards and recommended practices, and calls for comments. These summaries provide the main points of circular letters issued in the prior month, as well as important implementation deadlines.

For access to the complete circular letter, please go to my.aar.org/circulars. Circular letters are a fee-based service provided by the AAR’s Transportation Technology Center Incorporated (TTCI). You may subscribe online at publications@aar.com or call 719.584.0538.

Implementation Circulars

C-14210
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-IV Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging, S-9372.V3.0.
Issued: September 8, 2023
Effective: September 8, 2023

S-9372.V3.0 (attached to the circular) defines the messages passed between a PTC Back Office and an Energy Management (EM) system that operates on a PTC-equipped locomotive. S-9372.V3.0 will be incorporated into the next issue of the MSRP section K-IV Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging. In the interim, insert the Circular into your copy of the MSRP Section K-IV and be governed accordingly.

C-14208
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP). Section K-V Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management, Standard S-9419.V1.0.
Issued: September 8, 2023
Effective: September 8, 2023

S-9419.V1.0 describes the security aspects of PSA-2 as they relate to back-office applications. S-9419.V1.0 will be incorporated into the next issue of the MSRP section K-V Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management. In the interim, please insert the Circular into your copy of the MSRP Section K-V and be governed accordingly.

C-14215
Notification of Approval and Pending Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section H-II, ROLLER BEARING MANUAL, S-723, Vented Backing Rings, to Not Allow Vented Backing Rings to be Returned to Service, effective January 1, 2024
Issued: September 20, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024

Revisions to MSRP H-II, S-723 will come into effect on January 1, 2024. A draft of the pending changes is attached to the circular and provides the industry with guidance and allow actions to be taken now. These changes are now considered approved and will be implemented effective January 1, 2024. Please plan and be governed accordingly.

CPC-1410
Salco UHMWPE Lined Pressure Plates
Issued: September 21, 2023
Effective: 90/120 calendar days from CPC release date.

The AAR TCC requires that tank car tanks equipped SALCO UHMWPE lined pressure plates not be offered loaded 90 days from the publication of this CPC. Empty cars would be prohibited 120 days from publication. The removal is in response to NARs attributed to the component.

CPC-141
Salco UHMWPE Lined Pressure Plates Update
Issued: September 26, 2023
Effective: 90/120 calendar days from CPC release date.

The AAR TCC requires that tank car tanks equipped SALCO UHMWPE lined pressure plates not be offered loaded 90 calendar days from September 21, 2023. Residue cars would be prohibited 120 days from publication September 21, 2023. The removal is in response to NARs attributed to the component. This CPC supersedes CPC-1410.

CPC-1412
Tank Car Facility Activity Codes B89 and RLJ
Issued: September 27, 2023
Effective: September 27, 2023

Facilities currently having the activity code B89 and/or RLJ may continue to perform work to safety systems and/or jacket repair under their current certification, until the 2024 facility audit is completed. Facilities wishing to add B89/RLJ per CPC-1405 shall complete and return the T-3 form. The T-3 form is attached to the circular.

CPC-1414
Recommended Railroad Operating Practices for Transportation of Hazardous Materials
Issued: September 29, 2023
Effective: September 29, 2023.

AAR’s Safety and Operations department has amended “III. Yard Operating Practices B” by removing Hazard zone A (Hazard zone A, B, C or D). These are the only changes from OT-55-R Dated July 1, 2022.

AAR Circular No. OT-55-R Dated October 1st , 2023 (attached to the circular) becomes effective October 1st , 2023 and supersedes all previous versions. Under the provisions of Standard S-050, which may be found on the TTCI web site (www.AAR.com), this circular reflects the final action on this matter.

Call for Comment

C-14207
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section G, WHEELS AND AXLES, S-631 and S-632, and MSRP Section G-II, WHEEL AND AXLE MANUAL, RP-631, RP-633, and RP-634, Alternate Combination Gauge
Issued: September 7, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposal includes the following revisions:

S-631 GAUGE, WHEEL—ALTERNATE COMBINATION GAUGE FOR WHEEL MEASUREMENTS

Added an alternate combination gauge as a new Standard to MSRP G.
S-632 GAUGE, WHEEL—ALTERNATE COMBINATION GAUGE FOR WHEEL MEASUREMENTS INCLUDING LOCOMOTIVE FLANGE LIMIT OF 0.875 IN.
Added an alternate combination gauge as a new Standard to MSRP G.
RP-631 RECOMMENDED WHEEL SHOP PRACTICES
Added references for use of the alternate combination gauge.
RP-633 FIGURES
Added measurement method for use of the alternate combination gauge.
RP-634 GAUGES – WHEEL AND AXLE SHOP
Added a new Figure containing the alternate combination gauge.

All drafts are attached to the circular. The proposed revisions do not have costs associated with implementation.

C-14214
DRAFT S-9452B.V1.0 – OPA Data Dictionary, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management
Issued: September 15, 2023
Effective: 15 days for comment.

The purpose of this document is to list a set of common data dictionary variable and events for the OPA. Railroads and vendors may implement additional data dictionary variables and events for their own systems management.

The DRAFT document and Comment Form are found at: DRAFT S-9452B.V1.0

C-14213
DRAFT S-9461.V1.0 – ITCSM Data Transfer, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management
Issued: September 15, 2023
Effective: 15 days for comment.

This document contains interoperable requirements for messages that support interaction with the MAIN-CDX system including Data Transfer Request Message, Data Transfer Response Messages, Data Transfer Notification Message, Data Transfer Notification Response Message and Payload Structures for MAIN-CDX. This document also includes the behavioral requirements for these messages.

The DRAFT document and Comment Form are found at: DRAFT S-9461.V1.0

C-14211
DRAFT S-9363.V1.1 – Interoperable Train Control (ITC) Time and Location – Interface Control Document (ICD), in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-IV, Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging
Issued: September 15, 2023
Effective: 15 days for comment

This document specifies the formats for a time message and a location message. Both messages are expected to be multicast in an area. This document describes the Edge Message Protocol (EMP) message header and the EMP message body for time and location messages. It describes the fields of the header and body, their semantics and commentary for their use.

The DRAFT document and Comment Form are found at: DRAFT S-9363.V1.1

C-14217
Solicitation of Comments: Revisions to MSRP F, Sensors, S-6001, Bearing Temperature Performance
Issued: September 25, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposed addition to this standard is a new industry trending rule for hot bearing detectors (HBD), placed as section 4.1.3. The combination of the rule’s components will meet A1 requirements of the AAR Field Manual Rule 36. Repairs will use Why Made Code 51 (WM 51) when billing.

The proposed additions to S-6001 (attached to the circular) will supersede those released for comment on August 2, 2023, in circular C-14194. Contact information for comments or questions are included in the circular.

C-14218
Solicitation of Comments for revisions to MSRP E BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, M-602, GASKETS, AIR HOSE, Updates, and additions
Issued: September 27, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposed changes to M-602 (attached to the circular) incorporate modernization updates throughout the text and add specifications for alternate standard gaskets.

C-14219
Solicitation of Comments for revisions to MSRP E BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, S-4031, TRAINLINE ARRANGEMENT FOR CARS WITH E/F-TYPE COUPLERS AND DRAFT SYSTEM BUFF TRAVEL OF 6 TO 10 INCHES, END HOSE ARRANGEMENT.
Issued: September 27, 2023

Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposed standard (attached to the circular) sets forth the angle cock location and end hose requirement for an arrangement that may be applied to cars equipped with E68 or EF511 type couplers (or similar shank length E/F couplers) and end of car draft system travel of no less than 6 inches to no greater than 10 inches from nominal to full buff position.

Comments from interested parties are solicited under the provisions of AAR Standard S-050. Submit comments or questions to Heath Bushell, BSC Manager, at MxV Rail via email at brakes@aar.com. Please include the Circular Number in the subject line of your email.

C-14220
Solicitation of Comments for revisions to MSRP E BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, S-4031, TRAINLINE ARRANGEMENT FOR CARS WITH E-TYPE COUPLERS AND WITH DRAFT SYSTEM BUFF TRAVEL OF 6 TO 10 INCHES, END HOSE ARRANGEMENT.
Issued: September 27, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposed standard specifies the angle cock location and end hose requirement for an arrangement that may be applied to cars equipped with E-60 or E-67 type couplers with end-of-car draft system travel of no less than 6 inches to no greater than 10 inches from nominal to full buff position.

Comments from interested parties are solicited under the provisions of AAR Standard S-050. Please submit comments or questions to Heath Bushell, BSC Manager, at MxV Rail via email at brakes@aar.com. Please include the Circular Number in the subject line of your email.

C-14221
Solicitation of Comments for revisions to MSRP E BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, S-486, CODE OF AIR BRAKE SYSTEM TESTS FOR FREIGHT EQUIPMENT—SINGLE CAR TEST, EXPLICATION OF “SOAP.”
Issued: September 27, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The S-486 proposal (attached to the circular) adds an Appendix to provide an explication of “soap” which used throughout the text. The proposed changes do not modify the test process or any technical requirements of the codified portion of the standard, which is incorporated by reference in 49 CFR 232.305(f)(1)(ii). However, the CFR referenced the 1991 version of this standard, and the CFR will need to be updated (as outlined in 1 CFR 51.11). This process is procedural and is not expected to impact the implementation of S-486.

C-14222
Solicitation of Comments for revisions to MSRP E BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, S-4027, Automated Single Car Test Equipment, Conventional Brake Equipment—Design and Performance Requirements. Data validation enhancements.
Issued: September 27, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The S-4027 proposal aims to enhance the accuracy and consistency of Automated Single Car Test Device test data to facilitate compliance with Federal Railroad Administration requirements. These changes also add an Appendix to provide output file requirements in a tabular format.

The proposed changes do not modify the test process or any technical requirements of the codified portion of the standard, which is incorporated by reference in 49 CFR 232.305(f)(1)(ii). However, the 2018 version of this standard is referenced by the CFR, and the CFR will need to be updated (as outlined in 1 CFR 51.11). This process is procedural and is not expected to impact the implementation of S-4027. The referenced Federal Regulations are also attached to the circular.

Comments from interested parties are herewith solicited under the provisions of AAR Standard S-050. Please submit comments or questions to Heath Bushell, BSC Manager, at MxV Rail via email at brakes@aar.com. Please include the Circular Number in the subject line of your email.

CPC-1415
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revisions to MSRP Section C-III, Chapter 1 and Appendix V Specification for Tank Cars (M-1002)
Issued: September 29, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The Tank Car Committee (TCC) is requesting comments on the addition of Appendix V, Volume Determination of Tank Car Tanks and Capacity Tables, and related definitions, updated in Chapter 1. The AAR requires the Exhibit PC-1 (ver. 6.0), attached to the circular, to be completely filled out and submitted via e-mail to kdorsey@aar.org within 30 calendar days from the date of this CPC.

C-14223
DRAFT S-9353 Appendix A V1.2 Data Element Specifications, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-IV, Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging
Issued: September 29, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.

This document is external to the content to the requirements in AAR Standard S-9353 V1.0, “Railroad Electronics Standards Committee (RESC) Data Dictionary”. It contains the actual data atomic and compound data element definitions in the data dictionary. The update frequency of the AAR document and the content of the appendix is not the same, therefore, the information in the appendix is stored separately from the document. Comments regarding the DRAFT may be submitted by using the Comment Form found on the SharePoint site and emailing the completed form to submitcomment@aar.org. The DRAFT document and Comment Form are found at: DRAFT S-9353 Appendix A V1.2

Notice of Circulars

C-14206
Informational Circular, Car Repair Facility Labor Rate – Effective October 1, 2023
Issued: September 5, 2023
Effective: October 1, 2023

The Car Repair Facility Labor Rate, effective October 1, 2023, is $188.55.

C-14205
2023 Remaining AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Training Classes
Issued: September 5, 2023
Effective: September 5, 2023

The following opportunities remain in 2023 for AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Training classes:

Basic Auditor Training Class | November 7-9 | San Diego, CA
Advanced Auditor Training Class | September 12-14 | San Antonio, TX
Root Cause Analysis Class (RCCA Training) | October 24-25 | Pueblo, CO

C-14209
S-9420.V1. THIS CIRCULAR HAS BEEN CANCELED.
Issued: September 8, 2023
Effective: September 8, 2023

Please remove S-9420.V1.0 from your files.

C-14212
Informational Circular, Canadian Car Repair Facility Labor Rate – Effective October 1, 2023
Issued: September 11, 2023
Effective: October 1, 2023

The Canadian Car Repair Billing Labor Rate calculation for October 1, 2023 is $234.99 CAD.

C-14216
Informational: Request for participation from providers of wheel impact load detector (WILD) technology
Issued: September 22, 2023
Effective: September 22, 2023

AAR’s Equipment Health Monitoring Committee is soliciting participation for a task force whose charge is to develop or enhance industry validation standards for WILDs.

Member organizations are those regularly established in the manufacture and/or installation of wheel impact load detector (WILD) technology systems for use in the North American freight rail industry. Contact information is included in the circular.

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