c-10279 m993specification 2006(1)

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Specification M-993 -06

MECHANICAL CERTIFICATION OFFLATCARS FOR AUTORACK SERVICE

Adopted 2004; Effective, August 1, 2004: Revised November 2005, EffectiveJan. 1, 2006

1.0 PURPOSE & SCOPE

1.1This Specification is intended to form the basis of, and describe theprocedures for, mechanical certification of multi-level auto rack cars.Cars not certified may continue to operate in the National ReloadPools under conditions established by the Multi-Level PoolingExecutive Committee.

1.2All repairs and replacement components must meet or exceed originalmanufacturers construction and specifications, to include subsequentmodifications and to comply with current AAR and FRA instructions.

1.3Premium technology is defined as flat cars equipped with M-921-D End-of-Car Cushioning Units, Stabilized Valves, Swing Motion trucks,standard three piece trucks equipped with Koni Yaw Dampers, orFrame Bracing.

1.4 Mechanical Certification of multi-level auto rack car is to be performed based on

the following mileage criteria:

1.4.1 Cars equipped with Swing Motion trucks at 1,200,000 miles.

1.4.2 Cars equipped with standard three-piece trucks that are equipped with KoniYaw Dampers or Frame Bracing at 900,000 miles.

1.4.3 Cars equipped with standard three-piece trucks at 600,000 miles.

1.5 For car owners that do not have car mileage for individual car numbers, mechanical

certification of bi-level auto rack cars is to be performed at the following intervals based

on an assumed mileage of 50,000 miles per year:

1.5.1 Cars equipped with Swing Motion Trucks at expiration of 24 years.

1.5.2 Cars equipped with standard three-piece trucks that are equipped with Koni Yaw Dampers or Frame

Bracing at the expiration of 18 years.

1.5.3 Cars equipped with standard three-piece trucks at the expiration of 12 years.

1.6 For car owners that do not have car mileage for individual car numbers, mechanicalcertification of tri-level auto rack cars is to be performed at the following intervals based

on an assumed mileage of 40,000 miles per year:


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2.3.1.1 Truck side frames and bolsters are to bedisassembled, inspected and repaired in accordwith AAR Specification M-214, latest edition.

2.3.1.2 Side frames must be mated in pairs in accordwith Standard S-378 in the Manual of Standards &Recommended Practices.

2.3.1.3 All truck springs are to be gauged for permanentset in compliance with Field Manual Rule 50.

2.3.1.4 Trucks must be equipped with long travelconstant contact side bearings, and havespringing and snubbing arrangements as outlinedin AAR Specifications M-950 or M-950-A, latestedition.

2.3.1.5 Other types of trucks with ride enhancementsmay be used, which may or may not requireconstant contact side bearings.

2.3.1.6 Wheels, axles, roller bearings and adapters are tobe inspected and replaced as required underapplicable Interchange Rules.

2.3.2 Premium Trucks

2.3.2.1 Truck side frames and bolsters are to beinspected, repaired and returned to originalequipment manufacturers nominal dimensionsas required.

2.3.2.2 Side frames must be mated in pairs in accordwith Standard S-378 in the Manual of Standards& Recommended Practices.

2.3.2.3 Trucks must be equipped with long travelconstant contact side bearings, and havespringing and snubbing arrangements asoutlined in AAR Specifications M-950 or M-950-A,latest edition. Springing and snubbingarrangements are to be inspected, repaired andbrought back to original equipmentmanufacturers dimensions.

2.3.2.4 Wheels, axles, roller bearings and adapters are tobe inspected and replaced as required under

applicable Interchange Rules.

2.4 Air Brakes, Hand Brakes and Rigging

2.4.1 Air brakes are to be tested in accord with the provisions of FieldManual Rule 3. Trainline air hoses are to be renewed if within12 months of expiration date as established in Field ManualRule 5.


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2.4.2 Automatic slack adjusters must be inspected and tested forproper operation. Replace as required with approved new orreconditioned slack adjusters.

2.4.3 Air brake equipment must conform to provisions of Field ManualRule 88, A.1 and Office Manual, Rule 88, Mechanical

Requirements for Acceptance - Minimum MechanicalRequirements Category (1) Air Brake Equipment a-i, l, m, n, p, r.2.4.4 Hand brakes are to be inspected and tested on the car. If

defective, replace with approved new or reconditioned handbrake.

2.4.5 Brake rigging is to be inspected and adjusted as necessary toassure free unobstructed operation of brakes on both trucks,throughout the range from new to fully worn wheels and brakeshoes. Top rod must not contact axle under any condition ofrigging.

2.4.6 Brake beams and brake heads must be inspected and repairedor replaced under the provisions of Field Manual Rule 6.

2.4.7 Brake pins and levers must be inspected for wear. Worn pinsare to be replaced; levers must have elongated holes weldedand drilled, or drilled and bushed, to original dimensions.Restore levers deformed in excess of 1" to originalconfiguration. All heat treated levers having holes built up orelongated holes welded and re-drilled must be re-heat treatedafter welding.

2.4.8 Bottom rod supports, brake beam safety supports, and bottomrods must be inspected and repaired under the provisions ofField Manual Rules 10 and 11.

2.4.9 End hose arrangements must be in accord with Field ManualRule 4.

2.4.10 Car air brakes must pass single car test after painting iscompleted.

2.5 Stenciling (Car)

2.5.1 Car body to be stenciled in accord with S-910, Section "L" of theManual of Standards & Recommended Practices, and carowner's specifications.

2.5.2 Certification stenciling to be applied as follows:

CAR CERTIFIED MONTH YEAR

COMPANY OR RAILROAD LOCATION

2.6.3 Certification stenciling to be 1" letters and located to the left ofcar reporting marks on both sides of the car.

3.0 Certification


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3.1 All shops performing certification of auto racks must be AAR inspectedand certified in accordance with AAR Specification M-993, and QAcertified in accordance with AAR Specification M-1003.

3.2 Facilities desiring AAR certification should submit written request to

AAR, including:

3.2.1 Cover letter, showing facility name and location, companycontact, and statement that the facility will comply with allapplicable AAR and federal requirements.

3.2.2 Completed M-993 Checklist showing compliance with AARrequirements. This self- assessment must be verified by AARinspection within 6 months.

3.2.3 Appropriate inspection/service fee, per AAR Office ManualAppendix E.

3.3 Once the above information is received, applicant may begin operationpending successful AAR certification inspection and M-1003certification.

3.4 Once official AAR certification inspection is completed, applicant will beadvised of results. All exceptions noted must be correctedimmediately and AAR advised of corrective actions.

3.5 AAR M-1003 certification must be obtained by the applicant facility within six (6)months of request for AAR certification under M-993.

3.6 The AAR Specially Equipped Freight Car Committee will exercise authority overall aspects of M-993 approval.

3.7 Continued compliance with all AAR requirements must be demonstrated tomaintain official AAR M-993 certification.

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c-10279 m993specification 2006(1)

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