May 21, 1990

Subject: Request for Comments: Elimination of Converted Friction Bearing Side Frames on Interchange Freight Cars
To: Members and Private Car Owners

File: GC-1788
(c-7513)

During their meeting on March 21-22, 1990, Mechanical Division General Committee members reviewed a recommendation from the Car Construction Committee to establish a time frame for the prohibition of converted friction bearing side frames (i.e. those that have been modified to incorporate roller bearings in a friction bearing journal box) to coincide with the phaseout of plain bearings.

In its deliberations, the General Committee had the benefit of Member and Private Car Owner views on a December 20, 1989 circular (c-7449) which sought preliminary comments on NTSB recommendations R-89-66 and R-89--67. These called for elimination of converted friction bearing side frames in two phases - freight cars used in hazardous materials interchange service by January 1, 1991, and all freight cars by January 1, 1994.

After examining all factors, the General Committee endorsed a proposal to extend by one year the dates proffered by NTSB and to modify the designation of involved hazardous material cars.

Specifically, it is proposed that AAR rule changes be progressed to prohibit converted truck side frames on all DOT classification tank cars in interchange service after January 1, 1992, and on all freight cars in interchange service after January 1, 1995.

In accordance with the provisions of Interchange Rule 123, the views of interested parties on the proposed rule change are hereby solicited. Responses should be directed to the Secretary-Mechanical Division, and should reach this office within 30 days of the date of this circular. All comments received by that date will be considered prior to finalizing implementing rules.

Sincerely,

Leavitt A. Peterson