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"The Temperature Isn't Hot Enough -- Keep That Train Moving!" -- PSR Supervisor
Author: Trigger
Date: 03-02-2023 - 18:38
A hot box detector doesn't do a whole helluva lot of good if it's calibrated to not sound an alarm until it analizes a journal or axle that's emitting a temperature of, say, 10,000 degrees.
Preliminary investigation of recent train derailments indicates the cause of, or contributing factor to, the incidents was a mechanical failure, specifically burnt journal bearings. Accordingly, FRA is issuing this Safety Advisory to make recommendations to enhance the mechanical reliability of rolling stock and the safety of railroad operations. This Safety Advisory recommends that railroads: evaluate the thresholds for inspections based on hot bearing detector (HBD) data; consider the use of real-time trend analyses of HBD data as a criterion for inspection; ensure the proper training and qualification of personnel responsible for the calibration, inspection, and maintenance of HBDs **SEE NOTE A**; ensure proper inspection of rolling stock with HBD alerts; and improve the safety culture of their organization, particularly as it pertains to operational decisions based on HBD data. (Emphasis added)
NOTE A: Translation: i.e., Quit hiring Bubba Blues and Pee Wee Hermans to be HBD maintainers, just because they meet all the affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion requirements. In other words, stop acting like the Biden administration.
Sandusky, OH – October 8, 2022
On October 8, 2022, at approximately 4:20 pm EDT, NS Train 310-08, consisting of 3 headend locomotives with 98 freight cars and 3 locomotives in tow (dead-in-tow), derailed 1 of the dead-in-tow locomotives and 20 freight cars. The train was traveling east from Elkhart, Indiana to Cleveland, Ohio when the train derailed near MP 240. Prior to the derailment location, the train crew did not receive any HBD alarms for an overheated journal bearing, but instead the crew was contacted by the dispatcher to ensure they were aware of the suspect bearing in their train. Upon notification from the dispatcher, the crew stopped the train and noticed smoke coming from the journal bearing. The crew requested permission to set out the subject car multiple times and requested support from mechanical inspectors. After two hours, while the train remained stopped on the mainline, NS sent an electrician to investigate the crew’s report. The electrician reported the smoke had stopped and the bearing had cooled. The crew was then directed to move the train. After the train travelled another 7 miles, it derailed due to a burnt journal bearing. One axle on a “dead-in-tow” locomotive failed catastrophically, causing the derailment. Initial reports state one tank car placarded UN 3257 “HOT” was punctured and leaked molten paraffin wax into the surroundings. This derailment caused power outages to approximately 1,200 residents.
SOURCE:
[railroads.dot.gov]
Preliminary investigation of recent train derailments indicates the cause of, or contributing factor to, the incidents was a mechanical failure, specifically burnt journal bearings. Accordingly, FRA is issuing this Safety Advisory to make recommendations to enhance the mechanical reliability of rolling stock and the safety of railroad operations. This Safety Advisory recommends that railroads: evaluate the thresholds for inspections based on hot bearing detector (HBD) data; consider the use of real-time trend analyses of HBD data as a criterion for inspection; ensure the proper training and qualification of personnel responsible for the calibration, inspection, and maintenance of HBDs **SEE NOTE A**; ensure proper inspection of rolling stock with HBD alerts; and improve the safety culture of their organization, particularly as it pertains to operational decisions based on HBD data. (Emphasis added)
NOTE A: Translation: i.e., Quit hiring Bubba Blues and Pee Wee Hermans to be HBD maintainers, just because they meet all the affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion requirements. In other words, stop acting like the Biden administration.
Sandusky, OH – October 8, 2022
On October 8, 2022, at approximately 4:20 pm EDT, NS Train 310-08, consisting of 3 headend locomotives with 98 freight cars and 3 locomotives in tow (dead-in-tow), derailed 1 of the dead-in-tow locomotives and 20 freight cars. The train was traveling east from Elkhart, Indiana to Cleveland, Ohio when the train derailed near MP 240. Prior to the derailment location, the train crew did not receive any HBD alarms for an overheated journal bearing, but instead the crew was contacted by the dispatcher to ensure they were aware of the suspect bearing in their train. Upon notification from the dispatcher, the crew stopped the train and noticed smoke coming from the journal bearing. The crew requested permission to set out the subject car multiple times and requested support from mechanical inspectors. After two hours, while the train remained stopped on the mainline, NS sent an electrician to investigate the crew’s report. The electrician reported the smoke had stopped and the bearing had cooled. The crew was then directed to move the train. After the train travelled another 7 miles, it derailed due to a burnt journal bearing. One axle on a “dead-in-tow” locomotive failed catastrophically, causing the derailment. Initial reports state one tank car placarded UN 3257 “HOT” was punctured and leaked molten paraffin wax into the surroundings. This derailment caused power outages to approximately 1,200 residents.
SOURCE:
[railroads.dot.gov]
| Subject | Written By | Date/Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|
 "The Temperature Isn't Hot Enough -- Keep That Train Moving!" -- PSR Supervisor |
Trigger | 03-02-2023 - 18:38 |
|
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