About AAR Circular Letters

Circular letter summaries are produced monthly by 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 [email protected] or call 719.584.0538.

Implementation Circulars

C-14033
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section H-II, ROLLER BEARING MANUAL, Standard S-726, Cone Marking Requirement
Issued: October 12, 2022
Effective: October 12, 2022

The purpose of the circular letter is to notify the industry of revisions to MSRP Section H-II, ROLLER BEARING MANUAL, Standard S-726, Cone Marking Requirement, regarding who may restore the markings on cones after grinding or machining. Revised Standard S-726, 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 H-II. Please update your library and be governed accordingly

C-14032
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section I, Intermodal Equipment Manual, Recommended Practice RP-853, Trailer Skirt
Issued: C-14032
Effective: C-14032

Revised recommended Practice RP-853, 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 I. Please update your library and be governed accordingly

C-14030
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP, Section M LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT, Specification M-1005 LOCOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS SAFETY ASSESSMENTS AND ANALYSES
Issued: October 12, 2022
Effective: October 12, 2022

Specification M-1005 is mandatory for all locomotives that implement changes or updates to safety critical systems after October 9, 2017, or are built new after October 9, 2017. The revised M-1005 specification, attached to the circular, is implemented effective immediately. The specification will be incorporated into the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section M. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.

C-14035
Subject - Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section N, Standard S-810, Field Impact and Over-the-Road Tests of Multi-Level Tie-Down Equipment and Methods
Issued: October 14, 2022
Effective: October 14, 2022

Changes to MSRP Section N, Standard S-810 are now implemented and effective immediately and will be incorporated in the next issue of MSRP Section N. In the interim, insert the circular attachment into your copy of MSRP Section N and be governed accordingly.

C-14036
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-I Railway Electronics Architecture and Concepts of Operations, Standard S-9080.V4.0
Issued: October 19, 2022
Effective: October 19, 2022

S-9080.V4.0, attached to the circular, will be incorporated into the next issue of the MSRP Section K-I Railway Electronics Architecture and Concepts of Operations. In the interim, insert the Circular in your copy of the MSRP Section K-I and be governed accordingly.

C-14039
Implementation of Revised MSRP Section G-II, WHEEL AND AXLE MANUAL, 2022
Issued: October 25, 2022
Effective: October 25, 2022

A new edition of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section G-II, WHEEL AND AXLE MANUAL has been published and is now available for purchase in both printed and electronic versions at: www.aarpublications.com. All previously implemented standards and specifications are included in this print of Section G-II. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.

Call for Comment

C-14029
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section C II: Design, Fabrication, and Construction of Freight Cars, M-1001, Appendix C Specification for Instrumented Wheel Sets
Issued: October 5, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The purpose of the circular letter is to solicit comments for revisions proposed to MSRP Section C II: Design, Fabrication, and Construction of Freight Cars, M-1001, Appendix C Specification for Instrumented Wheel Sets. The Equipment Engineering Committee (EEC) is updating the specification to add clarifications and to allow more flexibility in the calibration process. The following bullet points summarize the more substantial changes. Attached A summary of changes and a track changes version of the proposed Specification with editing comments is attached to the circular.

C-14034
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specification M-212, Couplers and Yokes, Secondhand-Classification and Reconditioning Procedure, regarding EF coupler butt reconditioning, hardness testing, and a new lug gauge
Issued: October 12, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The purpose of the circular letter is to solicit comments for revisions proposed to Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specification M-212, Couplers and Yokes, Secondhand-Classification and Reconditioning Procedure, regarding:

• Reconditioning of shank butts for E/F and F type couplers (file CSTC-S-M212.15),
• Updating hardness testing locations and requirements (file CSTC-S-M212.11), and
• Implementing a new classification gauge to eliminate E and E/F couplers with overworn pulling lugs from returning to service (file CSTC-S-M212.08).

Changes are indicated with change bars in the file attached to the circular. If adopted as proposed, the attached file will replace M-212 in its entirety. Insertion of new figures in Appendix C resulted in many reference changes throughout the document.

C-14038
DRAFT S-9102.V1.0 - Locomotive Systems Time Synchronization is available for review and comment, in support of MSRP - Section K-II, Locomotive Electronics and Train Consist System Architecture
Issued: October 19, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The purpose of the standard is to set forth the requirements for standardizing locomotive time synchronization and serves to eliminate the operational and technical issues associated with disparate time. The document specifies an industry-standard architecture that defines the conventions for integrating time services on board new road locomotives.

The Draft document and Comment form are found at: RESC Library - S-9102 v1.0 Locomotive Systems Time Synchronization - All Documents (sharepoint.com)

C-14037
DRAFT S-9101.V1.2.1 - Locomotive Electronics System Architecture is available for review and comment, in support of MSRP - Section K-II, Locomotive Electronics and Train Consist System Architecture
Issued: October 19, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The draft specifies an industry-standard architecture that defines the conventions for integrating electrical and electromechanical devices on board new road locomotives. The purpose of the standard is to set forth the requirements for the standard locomotive electronics architecture.

C-14040
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section I, Intermodal Equipment Manual, M-998, IBC Handle Requirement
Issued: October 25, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposed changes define the orientation, length, and diameter of the IBC handle to make improve ease of operation. The proposed revision to M-998 does not have costs associated to Private Car Owners with implementation.

C-14045
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 108.2.c
Issued: October 30, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

At the September 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee (ARB) a request for interpretation of Rule 108.2.c. was received and discussed. ARB determined that Rule 108.2.c was informational and did not indicate responsibility, therefore ARB proposed the removal of Rule 108.2.c to avoid future confusion. The proposed revision was approved:

Current Field Manual Rule 108.2.c: (see Field Manual page 730)

1. If damaged to the extent of Rule 95.B.6.b. and c. state whether car

was subjected to unfair usage conditions outlined in Rule 95.A.

Proposed Field Manual Rule 108.2.c:

1. Vacant

C-14044
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 48
Issued: October 30, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposal addresses questions regarding repairs of Swing Motion pedestal rockers and their proper repair. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.

C-14043
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 48.A.3.a
Issued: October 30, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposal clarifies that clip-on-type pedestal liners that are broken or cracked but still perform their intended function are not to be considered as Cause for Attention. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.

C-14042
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 37
Issued: October 30, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposal revises Field Manual Rule 37 for Nevis Adapter Pads. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.

C-14041
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 13 and 83
Issued: October 30, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposal includes revisions to Field Manual Rules 13 and 83. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.

C-14046
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 15
Issued: October 31, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposal is a revision of Rule 15 based on a review of '99 Job Codes. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.

Notice of Circulars

C-14028
Informational Circular, Enforcement of M-216 Compliance for F-Type Knuckles
Issued: October 3, 2022
Effective: January 1, 2023

As of January 1, 2023, all newly manufactured F-type knuckles for North American interchange service are required to meet M-216 fatigue requirements. In accordance with M-216 and M-211 these knuckles are identified by the letter V at the end of the catalog number (e.g., F51AEV). After January 1, 2023, manufacturers must not accept orders for non-M-216 F-type knuckles except to draw down existing inventory.

This deadline applies to the production of new knuckles and not the application of existing stock. Existing inventories of the non-M-216 knuckles may continue to be applied. Manufacturers with existing purchase orders for non-M-216 F-type knuckles that extend beyond the deadline may work with the CSTCC for special consideration.

As existing non-M-216 inventory is exhausted, the CSTCC will work with CRB to begin removing corresponding Job Codes for application of new knuckles.

C-14031
Informational: Implementation of Editorial Modifications to S-920 Appendices A-H (Registered Component Data Glossaries)
Issued: October 11, 2022
Effective: October 11, 2022.

AAR's Component Tracking Taskforce (CTTF) together with the Equipment Health Monitoring Committee (EHMC) has provided notification to the industry that a minor editorial modification has been made in the interest of clarity to the headers of the Data Glossaries in Appendices A-H of MSRP F, Sensors, S-920 Component Identification (CID) Bar Code Standard. S-920 is appended to the circular and now implemented and effective immediately. The revised S-920 standard will be incorporated into the next published issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section F.

Upcoming Event

MARS Winter Meeting
January 17 - 19, 2023

Greenbrier is a proud sponsor and exhibitor at the MARS Winter Meeting the Westin Chicago in Lombard, IL.

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: [email protected]

About Greenbrier Management Services (GMS)

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