May 10, 1994

Circular Letter
(c-8186)

Subject: Prohibition of Valdunes Creusot-Loire SP, NHT 36 Wheels in Interchange and Addition to Field Manual Rule 41, A.1 and B and Rule 90, B.6.

TO THE MEMBERS AND PRIVATE CAR OWNERS

File: AC-1946
CRB-950

The wheels described below have been identified as causal factors in several derailments and deficiencies in their comparative in-service performance have been noted. In order to expedite their removal from interchange service, the Arbitration and Rules Committee, at its April 20-22, 1994 meeting, approved the following additions to the:

Field Manual of the AAR Interchange Rules

Wheels and Axles

Rule 41 - Wheels

A. Wear limits, gaging, cause for removal

1. Condemnable at any time

t. Remove on sight, prohibit in interchange as follows:

(7.) Valdunes, Creusot-Loire non-heat-treated, 36-inch, straight-plate wheels marked F or FW manufactured in 1980 and 1981.

B. Correct Repairs

Group G - Wheels - Obsolete

Qualifier

20. Valdunes, Creusot-Loire non-heat-treated, 36-inch, straight-plate wheels marked F or FW manufactured in 1980 and 1981.

Rule 90 - Cars and/or Car Parts Prohibited in Interchange

B. Car Parts

6. Wheels and Axles

m. Valdunes, Creusot-Loire non-heat-treated, 36-inch, straight- plate wheels marked F or FW manufactured in 1980 and 1981.

Implementation

The additions detailed above are effective July 1, 1994. Revised pages to Rules 41 and 90 will be issued as part of Change No. 94-2 to the 1994 Field Manual.

On behalf of the Arbitration and Rules Committee

Sincerely,

P. T. Ameen