AAR Circular Letter C-8837

January 22, 1998

CIRCULAR LETTER

(c-8837)

Subject:     Waiver of New Back-to-Back Rules

TO MEMBERS AND PRIVATE CAR OWNERS

File Number: TWBL-11.2

Please refer to Circular Letter c-8801, dated November 10, 1997. In that circular, we advised the industry of implementation of new back-to-back requirements. The rules affected are Section G II, Rule 1E3 that will require wheels to be mounted with a back-to-back reading between 53" and 53 ³/₁₆". New Field Manual Rule 41 scraps secondhand wheels that are not mounted within the new range. Subsequent to that circular, we have learned that this modification may scrap many wheel sets in service. This action was not intended. This proposal was advanced by the WABL Committee based on the information that was available to them at the time. The purpose of this Circular Letter is to solicit additional information.

The proposed modification for Field Manual Rule 41 remains in effect. However, we offer a waiver to wheel shops that comply with the following requirements. A survey will be conducted from January 20, 1998 to April 15, 1998. This Circular Letter is your authority to participate in the study, but you must advise the AAR of your intent by February 10, 1998. This letter and your letter to the AAR will be your authority to apply wheel sets with a back-to-back reading of 52 ¹⁵/₁₆ to 53 ³/₁₆.

Please call Mr. Sullivan at 202-639-2138 if you have any questions about this survey.

Sincerely,

D.C. Meeks

Director Equipment Performance