AAR Circular Letter Summary – August 2020

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About AAR Circular Letters

Circular letter summaries are produced monthly by Greenbrier’s Regulatory Management team, a division of Greenbrier Management Services Group.

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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-13625
Implementation of Editorial Revision to MSRP Section E – BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, Standard S-402, Welding of Air Brake Pipe and Fittings for Railroad Cars – Welding Procedure Clarification
Issued: August 3, 2020
Effective: August 3, 2020

The Brake Systems Committee has concluded that the AWS D15.1 qualification for welding on pipe or round tubing includes the performance test. Therefore, the verbiage in S-402 paragraph 4.0 referring to qualification testing has been eliminated. Revised Standard S-402, attached to the circular, is now implemented and effective immediately. The revision will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section E. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.

 

C-13626
Implementation of Editorial Revisions to MSRP Section E – BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, Standard S-401, Brake Design Requirements.  Hand brake marking requirements have been removed.
Issued: August 3, 2020
Effective: August 3, 2020

Standard S-910 was accepted by the industry and implemented on June 3, 2020, by circular C-13595, and includes guidance for hand brakes in paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2. Therefore, the content Standard S-401 paragraphs 7.3, 7.31, 7.32, and 7.6 is no longer necessary and has been removed. Revised Standard S-401, attached to the circular, is now implemented and effective immediately. The modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section E. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.

 

C-13623
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specification M-220, Casting Component Nondestructive Testing Requirements, Regarding Updates to Inspection Requirements
Issued: August 3, 2020
Effective: August 3, 2020

Specification M-220, attached to the circular, is now implemented and effective immediately. Revisions include modification of language in paragraphs 5.1.2 for Appendixes B and C was to clarify meaning. The revisions will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section S. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.

 

C-13628
Implementation of Editorial Revisions to MSRP Section D, TRUCKS AND TRUCK DETAILS, Specification M-965 Truck Systems to Control Roll Stability of Freight Cars, Appendix A Update
Issued: August 4, 2020
Effective: August 4, 2020

Appendix A has been updated and includes the following:

  • Systems have been arranged in two categories for those that are no longer permitted (on new car or on Rule 88 projects), and those that are permitted.
  • Items are listed in alphabetical order.
  • Additional systems have been added, approved by EEC.

The revised Specification M-965, attached to the circular, is now implemented and effective immediately. This modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section D. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.

 

C-13630
Implementation of Editorial Revisions to MSRP Section C, CAR CONSTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS AND DETAILS, and Section L, LETTERING AND MARKING OF CARS.  Relocation of publications M-947, S-910, and S-916.  Retirement of Section L.
Issued: August 6, 2020
Effective: August 6, 2020

The AAR Equipment Engineering Committee (EEC) has determined the following:

The content of Section L does not justify an entire MSRP section. Therefore, M-947, S-910 and S-916 are relocated from Section L to Section C, to be inserted in their alphabetical/numeric sequence location.

The Umler Data Specification Manual includes a thorough description of mechanical designations and has been updated more recently than the standards. Therefore, RP-900, S-900, S-901, S-902, S-903, S-904, S-905, S-907, S-908, and S-909 are retired by release of this circular.

Based on the content now being included elsewhere or no longer needed, the following publications are retired by release of this circular: S-912, S-913, S-914, S-915, and RP-902.

The following publications are hereby retired by release of this circular: RP-901, RP-903, RP-904, and S-911 have seldom been referenced and therefore do not need to be maintained.  Car owners may apply such marks as they see fit.

 

CPC-1371
Notification Regarding Non-Compliant Tank Car Service Equipment
Issued: August 10, 2020
Effective: August 10, 2020

The purpose of this CPC is to notify industry that any tank car service equipment manufactured by a facility whose AAR facility registration/certification has expired is not compliant with AAR M-1002/M-1003 standards and that service equipment is prohibited in North American Railroad Interchange Service. Registration or certification has expired for the following companies:

  • Crane CP&E
  • Crane ChemPharma (Xomox Hungary)
  • Flowserve, Cookeville Valve Operations
  • Flowserve Ahaus Gmbh
  • Descote S.A.S.

As of August 10, 2020these facilities have not obtained or maintained AAR M-1002/M-1003 facility certification. The full text of CPC-1371 including station stencils, expiration dates etc., is attached to the circular.

Refer to AAR M-1003 and M-1002 facility registries for status of facility certification: http://www.aar.com/standards/TankCarCommittee.html

 

C-13635
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 29-B, 29-C, 29-I, and 29-K: Coils of Flat Steel – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: August 18, 2020
Effective: August 18, 2020

The implementation of revisions to figures 29-B, 29-C, 29-I, and 29-K from Section 2 are effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments into your copy of Section 2 and be governed accordingly.

 

C-13636
Notice of implementation to include Cordura Sleeves in Figure 14-B: Plate or Slab, Horizontal, Steel, 10 ft. wide or less, 20 ft. long or Over on Flatcars or Bulkhead Flatcars – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: August 18, 2020
Effective: August 18, 2020

LR 3.5.101 – Section 2, Fig. 14-B has been updated. The implementation of these revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment for Figure 14-B from Section 2 and be governed accordingly.

 

C-13637
Notice of Implementation: Release of 2020 editions of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manuals (OTLR)
Issued: August 25, 2020
Effective: August 25, 2020

These manuals cover North American rail industry requirements for securing commodities that are loaded on open top rail cars, trailers, and containers for safe and reliable rail transport. They are maintained and published by AAR on behalf of the AAR’s OTLR committee and can be accessed at: https://my.aar.org/otlr

The implementation of these revised changes to Sections 1 through 7 is effective immediately. Carriers are asked to ensure that copies of this circular letter are distributed to all concerned shippers and railroad personnel for their attention and guidance.

Call for Comment

C-13627
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions Proposed to MSRP Section C, CAR CONSTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS AND DETAILS, Standard S-2056, Clearance Plate Diagrams for Interchange Service:  Proposed New Diagram Plate N
Issued: August 3, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment

Plate N is not intended to replace any existing diagrams but would be published in addition to the existing diagrams. In addition to Plate N, a new section 15.0 Plate Summary Table has been added to provide a list of dimensions of the various plates, rounded to the nearest inch, that are typically used for entrance into clearance software programs. The proposed draft of Standard S-2056 with Plate N included is attached to the circular.

 

C-13624
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section S-III, COUPLER AND YOKE DETAILS, Standards S-176, S-177, S-178, S-179, and S-180, Regarding EOC Yokes
Issued: August 3, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment

EEC and CSTCC have worked with manufacturers to upgrade EOC material requirements to M-201 Grade E. The proposed change to Grade E will be effective on January 1, 2021. This change only affects the manufacture of new EOC yokes governed by standards S-176, S-177, S-178, S-179, and S-180 and does not address any other cushion unit components. Existing inventories of non-Grade-E EOC yokes may continue to be utilized. Proposed changes are attached to the circular.

 

C-13621
Solicitation of Comments on the Retirement and Archiving of MSRP Section M, Recommended Practice – RP-545 Testing Electrical Components
Issued: August 3, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment

The proposal to retire RP 545 is based on the observations that the document’s title does not accurately content and that the subject matter is adequately addressed in other Section M Standards and Recommended Practices.

 

 

C-13629
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section G, Wheels and Axles, M-107/M-208, and S-658, and MSRP Section G-II, WHEEL AND AXLE MANUAL, S-659, and RP-633, AAR-2A Standard Profile, AMFLEET Axle Relief Grooves, and Wheel Seat Measurement
Issued: August 4, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment

Proposed revisions (included in the circular) involve the following sections:

  • M-107/M-208 Wheels, Carbon Steel
  • S-658 Axle for Passenger Cars (AMFLEET) Inboard Roller Bearing—Raised Wheel Seat
  • S-659 1.0 Mandatory Rules Governing Wheel Shop Practices as Required By Interchange Rules
  • RP-633 4.0 Figures

The proposed revisions do not have costs associated with implementation.

 

C-13633
Solicitation of Comments: Revisions to MSRP Section F, SENSORS, Std S-920 AAR Component Identification – Bar Code Standard Addition of Data Glossary Elements for Side Frames and Bolsters
Issued: August 7, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment

The requested elements proposed for the S-920 Component Identification Data Glossary will enable car owners to identify which cars have increased component life (ICL) bolsters and side frames. It will also enable AAR to better find ICL status truck components should the need arise. A proposed version of S-920 is attached to the circular. The edits relevant to this circular are in Appendix B & C; found on pages 33 and 35.

 

C-13632
Solicitation of Comments: Revisions to MSRP Section F, SENSORS | S-920 AAR Component Identification Bar Code Standard  Modifications to Section 17 – Emergency Brake Valve Portion CID Labels and Section 18 – Service Brake Valve Portion CID Labels.
Issued: August 7, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment

The proposal to S-920 (attached to the circular) allows for a CID label pad to be machined into the casting of the service and emergency portions of a freight car brake valve. The edits relevant to this circular are in Section 17 & 18; found on pages 17-20.

 

 

C-13631
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revisions to MSRP, Section M, Recommended Practice – RP-589, RATING FOR SPECIFIC FUEL CONSUMPTION OF DIESEL ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES
Issued: August 7, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment

The proposed revisions reflect new testing technology, updates, and an addition to the 2.0 DEFINITIONS section including revisions within the AAR Standard Reference Conditions segment of the 2.0 DEFINITIONS section. The entire text of the proposal is attached to the circular.

 

C-13638
DRAFT Standard S-9371.V3.0 – PTC Onboard Segment-Energy Management Interface Control Document (ICD), is available for review and comment.  In support of AAR’s MSRP, Section K-IV, Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging
Issued: August 27, 2020
Effective: 10 days for comment

This document describes the messages passed between a PTC onboard segment and an Energy Management (EM) system that operates on a locomotive. Comments regarding the DRAFT may be submitted to submitcomment@aar.org or by using the Comment Form found on the SharePoint site. The DRAFT document and the Comment Form can be found on the RESC SharePoint site at: https://communities.railinc.com/sites/aar/aarptcresc/resclibrary

 

Notice of Circulars

C-13622
Correction – Revisions to July 1, 2020 Field Manual and CRB Price Master
Issued: August 3, 2020
Effective: July 1, 2020

After the issuance of the July 1, 2020 Field Manual and Car Repair Billing Price Master, it was observed that Rule 9 Job Codes 1456 and 1480 were missing several Why Made Codes. The job codes have been revised and are included in the circular. Circular Letter C-13622 is identified as mandatory in accordance with Rule 1.5.b.(11) and must be maintained until the next revision of the Field Manual and Office Manual.  Effective date of the corrected version is July 1, 2020.

A new Price Master will be released to correct the missing Why Made Codes. The updated Price Master will be available through the Car Repair Billing application on the Railinc website. Insert the attached pages into your hard-copy publications as appropriate. Subscribers to the electronic Field and Office Manual will receive instructions from AAR detailing how to obtain updated files.

 

 

C-13634
Save the Date – Announcing the 2021 AAR’s 33rd Quality Assurance Auditor and Industry Conference
Issued: August 13, 2020
Effective: August 13, 2020

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) has postponed the AAR Quality Assurance Auditor and Industry Conference that is usually held in January of each year and has moved it to July 26, 2021 week in Fort Worth, Texas.

 

CPC-1372
Notification Regarding M-1002 Appendix B Demonstration of C6r
Issued: August 28, 2020
Effective: August 28, 2020

Activity Code C6r – Remove and Replace Tank Car Service Equipment, Including Gaskets, Leakage Test, and Modifications.

Industry recently inquired with the AAR Tank Car Committee as to what is an acceptable test fixture to use when demonstrating C6r modifications. The purpose of this CPC is to respond to this inquiry. It is to be noted that the preferred demonstration would be performed on an available tank car. C6r includes the required minimum demonstration of a modification to a tank car (refer to Appendix B M-1002 paragraph 3.6.14.1.2). Being that C6r is limited to remove and replace of tank car service equipment, the modification under this activity code is to the fitting’s arrangements configuration. Appendix B paragraph 3.6.14.3 states that this capability can be demonstrated on a tank car (preferred) or in lieu of a tank car, a test fixture.

Therefore, if a facility so chooses to demonstrate C6r modification on a test fixture in lieu of a tank car, the facility’s test fixture must replicate an actual tank car in service.  This means that the fittings arrangement configuration of the test fixture must mirror an existing tank car with an Approved AAR Form 4-2 and fittings arrangement drawing – no exceptions. This test fixture and modification demonstration must be supported by all the requirements of the AAR specifications, standards, rules; and federal regulations as if it were an actual tank car. The replicated fittings arrangement cannot have any interference with the setup of the test fixture component or have an alternate configuration to the approved design that includes, but not limited to, the piping, nipples, pressure gauges, measure/test equipment or any other components to operate the test fixture. Additionally, CPC-1359 addressed the applicability of fitting arrangement approvals.

Greenbrier’s response to COVID-19

As this challenging time continues, Greenbrier would like to provide an update on operations and our continued dedication to our customers, employees, and communities. As rail workers and contractors are designated “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers”, Greenbrier’s manufacturing and repair facilities are fully operational. Our office teams are available as well, though most are working remotely. We encourage you to contact your Greenbrier representative if you have any questions or concerns—we are here for you.

For more information, visit our webpage that details Greenbrier’s response to COVID-19.

Greenbrier’s Regulatory Services Group

Peace of mind for your business.

The Regulatory Management Group, led by James Rader, provides regulatory, engineering, process consulting and advocacy support to the railcar repair industry and the petrochemical rail shipper community.

  • ASNT Level III Subscription Services
  • DOT Compliance Assessments (Corporate and Plant)
  • DOT Hazardous Materials Training (Corporate and Plant)
  • Expert Witness Services in Rail-Related Litigation
  • Federal Government Claims Mitigation (e.g. FRA and PHMSA)
  • Nondestructive Testing Programs
  • Quality Assurance Program Development
  • Regulatory Counsel and Policy Advocacy
  • Railcar Repair Management (Design Review, Drawings, Engineering and AAR Approval Administration)
  • Tank Car Reliability and Maintenance Programs (49 CFR Subpart F of Part 180)
  • Tank Car Maintenance Data Collection and Reliability Performance Analysis
  • Welding Program Development

For inquiries about these summaries or any of our services, please reach out to: regulatoryservices@gbrx.com

About Greenbrier Management Services (GMS)

Greenbrier Management Services (GMS) is North America’s most comprehensive railcar management solutions provider. GMS manages nearly 400,000 railcars and has invested over 20 years in developing technology, processes, and people to provide the best railcar management products and services in the industry. GMS is powered by proprietary software and the best subject matter experts in the railcar business.

 

COMPREHENSIVE. INTEGRATED. VALUE.

Combined, these two vitally important capabilities are able to deliver world-class solutions to every type of customer, from Class I railroads, lessors and industrial shippers to financial investors. GMS brings broad expertise to cover nearly any railcar management need that customers may have and its integrated solutions and reporting can be customized for any customer function or management need.