Troubleshooting and the FRA 203 inspection in Tales of the Jointed Track

FRA and CFR rule 203 stated that locomotives will be inspected every calendar day. It was up to the shops, when they go in for SFS ( Sand Fuel Service) to be carded. Out on the road, it is up to the road crews.

A basic inspection is fuel, oil and water levels. Notation of excessive leaks, whether fuel or water. Exhaust leaks in the car body. Excess pooling of oil and or water in the engine room or sumps. Piston travel and brake shoes, with in the required limits. Plows or pilots not below 2 and 1/2 inches above the rail. Hand rails and doors in good repair and conditioned for use.

It is a standard inspection. I walked power even at the round house or service facility, so I knew what condition the power was in.

Troubleshooting … various locations:

I would do this, at Big Lift mostly, but I have caught trains elsewhere, if I was gone due to other problems. The FRA 203 inspection I did were mostly on the DP units. We would be called by the crews, if that needed to be performed.

The spot for the DP units and / or swing helpers is around where old Titan Road used to be. The Titan Parkway Overpass, has rerouted traffic over and away from the North and Southbound mainlines. There is a Water trailer, which is a gas powered pump, 3000 gallon tank and 150 feet of industrial hose, There is an adapter fitting for the fill cone on the Locomotive. This was all housed in an Old Dominion Truck trailer. The water tank is insulated, with drain lines and two infrared heaters to prevent freeze ups during the winter.

The water trailer, near the southbound main line. The dirt road, is the remains of the now closed Titan Road. That was the access to tracks when we looked at the DP’s.

Looking east toward the water trailer off of old Titan Road. The building to the left is Zimcor Steel, the buildings to the right are the Big Lift Yard offices.

The Titan parkway overpass is about 20 cars north of the spot and water trailer. You will be able to see the DP’s, as the come into the curve, that 20 to 25 cars depending on speed. I short count ‘em, and that way I can get the DP’s where I need ‘em. At four car lengths away I tell them, “Four cars and when ya can get them stopped. This will place the DP’s plus or minus one car for the spot, or right on. Plus over time I knew what engineer could or would do what.

We meaning the Mentors and Mechanical, or I, or just mechanical, depending who was out of pocket, would attach to the crew, when the train stopped. If it was both of us, the Mechanical walked the bottoms and provided fuel readings. I would access the tops, get the diagnostics, check water levels, and sign out the cards.

Example: “Mentor BNSF 8996, you’re stopped back here. When your ready, Mentor and/or Mechanical are attaching, to inspect the DP’s.” ” BNSF 8996 stopped and set and centered for Mentor and/or Mechanical”. “Roger, BNSF 8996, set and centered, going in between”.

The inspection would be made, and the BNSF FRA 203 card would be signed.

Example: Date- 05/06/2012 Station- Big Lift Name/Signature- RM Terry Time-2356

We would release the train. I would make sure I had visual of my Mechanical man, and get the fuel readings, before releasing the crew and train.

Example: “BNSF 8996 Mike, We are both in the clear. You have 2900 gallons of fuel on the DP’s ( the lowest reading was given for both units). Water levels are at the required limits, no other exceptions noted. You can go when your ready.” ” Roger Mentor and Mechanical clear and okay to go 2900 gallons of fuel”. “I’ll log in the inspection report, for the remotes (DP’s) when I get to the office”. “Thanks have a good one”. “You too”.

I usually waited till I saw them actually moving. The DP’s would throttle up, and the air was released. They’d strain against the releasing air and tonnage. “BNSF 8996 brakes releasing and you are rolling back here”. “Rolling thanks again”.

Sometimes there would be another at Acequia waiting, for the train ahead to clear. “BNSF 9952 South Mentor”. “Go ahead 9952”. “Yeah Shoe, we’re here at Acequia, need our DP’s looked over”. “Sure bring ‘em on, we’ll spot ya” “Thanks”.

Repeat the process…