February 11, 1991

(C-7616)

Subject: Elimination of Converted Friction Bearing Side Frames On Interchange Cars: Correction to Field Manual

TO THE MEMBERS AND PRIVATE CAR OWNERS ADR-9111

An advance request for comments on the NTSB initiative to eliminate converted friction bearing side frames on interchange cars was issued December 2, 1989 in Circular Letter c-7449. The Mechanical Division General Committee, during their March 1990 meeting, enclosed a proposal to extend by one year the dates suggested by NTSB and modified the designation of involved hazardous materials cars. A request for comments was issued May 21, 1990 in Circular Letter c-7513. The proposal was submitted to Letter Ballot on July 31, 1990 in Circular Letter No. D.V. 2172.

The industry was notified of the results of the annual Letter Ballot (and subsequent General Committee action) in Circular No. D.V. 2174, dated November 9, 1990. At their October 1990 meeting, in consideration of the reasons advanced for negative votes, the General Committee modified the proposal by adding the words "carrying hazardous materials" to the 1992 deadline for the tank cars.

Field Manual Rule 90 - Cars and/or Car Parts Prohibited in Interchange, should be modified as follows:

9. Truck Side Frames

f. Effective January 1, 1992, all tank cars carrying hazardous materials with converted friction bearing side frames.

g. Effective January 1, 1995, all cars, including tank cars carrying non-hazardous materials, with converted friction bearing truck side frame fumes.

This Circular Letter will serve as your authority to modify Field Manual Rule 90, Section 9.f. and g. accordingly.

Sincerely,

P. T. Ameen