Hi guys,
As you know from my Mid-week update, the A.P.R.R. sent the
corporate jet for Senior Engineer Ed and is awaiting his arrival as he needs to
do a non-revenue run and report prior to going into revenue service. Since He
is the Senior Engineer, it was only fitting that he fly with the elite
corporate jet usually reserved for Sir Neal.
The flight crew is checking out the plane to make sure Senior
Engineer Ed is ready for his arrival…
The Captain and First Officer head to the plane….
The A.P.R.R. flight attendant gives senior Engineer Ed the salute
he deserves as he boards the plane….
Below is the report Senior Engineer Ed filed to me….
To: Sir Neal, President and
CEO A.P.R.R.
From:
Senior Supreme Engineer for Life Ed
Subject: Inspection and
Certification Report for GP38-2 # 302 and #303
Date: September 27th,
2017 21:07 EST
Sir Neal,
As requested, I have
completed a detailed inspection of APRR GP38-2 units numbered 302 and
303. Enclosed for your review is the Certified Inspection Report for both
units. As Senior Supreme Engineer for Life, I fully affirm and testify
that both aforementioned units are mechanically sound, meet and exceed all
federal safety standards as of September 27th, 2017. I further assert
that both units are in superior condition and should reliably provide
millions of miles of revenue generating service.
Background: As you are
surely aware these units were manufactured by General Electric – Motive
Division. A total of 2,700 units were produced between January 1972 and
July 1986. The GP38-2 units own a decades long reputation for ease of
maintenance and long term reliability. As testimony to that reputation,
the majority of units produced are still in service today with the farthest
home being the Saudi Arabian Transportation Ministry which owns a single unit.
Both units were originally
manufactured to specifications for the Union Pacific railroad where they
remained in continuous service for a period of 25 years. They were
then purchased by a New Mexico Leasing corporation where they remained
mothballed in the desert for another 19 years. A.P.R.R. negotiated
the purchase of both units in February 2016. No record of the transaction
is currently available as the CEO of the APRR has indicated an intense desire
to keep the details of the purchase sealed.
Upon taking delivery both
units were immediately taken to the APRR’s Level 5 Maintenance Facilities where
a frame up restoration was undertaken. Every component in each unit was
either refurbished, repaired or replaced. Upon completion of the
restoration both units were sent out for paint and lettering to a company
located in Road Island.
On September both units
returned to the APRR maintenance facilities where they were released to Senior
Supreme Engineer for life Ed for Certification of Road Worthiness.
Attached is the final report:
LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION Report
Date: September 26th , 2017
Inspection Facility : APRR Level 3 Maintenance Yard
Owner: Atlantic and Pacific Railroad
Roadname and Number: A.P.R.R. GP38-2
#302 Note – a 2nd report certifying A.P.R.R GP38-2 Unit #303
is provided under separate cover.
Certification Inspector : Senior Supreme Engineer for
Life Edward J. Walsh
Federal Inspection License Number:
GA/NJ6798-2345rjr567
License Expiration Date: Special License –
Lifetime no expiration date
Top/Cab
Inspection
Yes[X] No[ ] #1 §229.23
PERIODIC
INSPECTION Examine Form
F6180.49A (Blue Card) to ensure all inspections & tests prescribed by Part
229 are current.
Yes[X
] No[ ] #2 §229.119
CABS,
FLOORS, PASSAGEWAYS Determine that cab floors and passageways are
free of impediments that might cause a tripping/slipping hazard. Cab seats must
be properly secured to prevent personal injury.
Yes
[ X] No[ ] #3 §229.129
AUDIBLE WARNING DEVICE Operate the horn on
the leading locomotive to determine that it functions. When equipped, operate
the bell.
Yes X]
No[ ] #4 §229.127
CAB
LIGHTS Cab overhead and instrument lights shall be operative and
provide sufficient illumination. Passageways used by the crew shall also be
illuminated.
Yes[X]
No[ ] #5 §229.117
SPEED
INDICATORS Inspect the
speed indicator on the controlling locomotive to determine that it is not
damaged. Tests shall be made to determine accuracy after departure.
Yes[ X
] No[ ] #6 §229.46/47/49/53/59
BRAKE
SYSTEMS Locomotive brakes shall be known that they operate as
intended. Test procedures should include the testing of automatic and
independent brake valves. Drain water and oil from the reservoir.
Yes[X
] No [ ] #7 §229.13
CONTROL
OF LOCOMOTIVE Whenever two or more locomotives are coupled in remote
or multiple control, all systems shall respond to control from the cab of the
controlling locomotive. (i.e. propulsion, sanders, air brakes, etc.)
Yes[ X ] No [ ] #8 §229.135
EVENT
RECORDERS Examine event recorder if accessible to crew members, for evidence of
tampering.
Yes[ X
] No [ ] #9 §229.41
PROTECTION
- PERSONAL
INJURY Exposed moving mechanical parts, relays, switches and high voltage
equipment (inside cab & engine room compartment) shall not present undue
safety hazards to crew members.
Yes[
X] No [ ] #10 §229.43
EXHAUST
& BATTERY GASES Inspect for signs of diesel exhaust,
battery gases or other noxious fumes are vented to the outside and not in
the cab of the controlling locomotive.
Yes [ X ] No[ 1] #11
§229.101
ENGINES
Temperature and pressure alarms shall be observed to determine that the engine
functions properly. A shut down engine shall be tagged with a warning notice.
Yes
[ X ]
No [ ] #12 §229.45
GENERAL
CONDITION Inspect to determine that no defects exists that would
endanger the safety of the crew, such as insecure or improper function of
components, safety appliances, structural defects, etc.
Ground/Bottom
Inspection
Yes
[ X ] No [ ] #13 §229.123
PILOTS,
SNOWPLOWS, ENDPLATES The end in the direction of travel of each lead
locomotive must have a pilot plate or snow plow properly secured and
be not less than 3 inches nor more than 6 inches from
rail.
Yes [X ]
Not [ ] #14 §229.61
DRAFT
SYSTEM Couplers & uncoupling levers must function properly.
Visually inspect the exposed components or the draft system for defects.
Visually inspect the exposed components or the draft system for defects.
Yes
[ X ] No [ ] #15 §229.89
JUMPER
CABLES Jumper cables may not be broken, chafed, or left hanging with
one end free. Jumper receptacles may not have broken terminals or retainer
caps.
Yes [X ] No [ ] #16 §229.131
SANDERS
Sanders must operate on each locomotive in front of the first powered wheel set
in the direction of travel and must be aligned to deposit sand on the
rail.
Yes [X ] No [ ] #17 §229.125/133
HEADLIGHTS,
AUX. LIGHTS Headlights and dimmer switch must be operative for the lead end
of road locomotives & both ends of locomotive in switching service. Aux.
lights may not be used in lieu of headlight.
Yes [ X ] No [ ] #18 §229.55
PISTON TRAVEL
Piston travel must not exceed l 1/2 inches less than the maximum total travel.
Total possible piston travel can be acquired from the Blue Card, (F6180.49A).
Released brakes shall provide brake shoe clearance
Yes [ X ] No
[ ] #19 §229.57
FOUNDATION
BRAKE GEAR Inspect brake rigging to ensure that all parts are
secured. Brake shoes must align correctly with the wheel and not be overlapped
and grooved.
Yes [X ] No [ ] #20 §229.75
WHEELS
Inspect wheels for the following conditions:
·
Flat spot(s) · High flange . Shelled spot(s)
·
Thin flange . Thin rim · Gouge or chip in flange
·
Cracks or breaks in flange, rim, plate or hub.
Yes
[ X ] No [ ] #21. §229.67/69/71
TRUCKS
Trucks may not be cracked or broken. Conduct walk-around inspection of
exposed truck components for cracked, broken or hazardous conditions. Inspect
the underside from outside gauge of rail for defective components. No part
except wheels and non-metallic sand hoses may be less than 2½ inches from rail.
Yes [X ] No [ ] #22 §229.65
SPRING
RIGGINGS Truck springs and rigging must not be broken and be in
proper position; and spring safety hangers to be in correct position. Shock
absorbers may not be broken or leaking clearly formed droplets of oil or fluid.
Yes
[X ] Not [ ]
#23 §229.91
MOTORS
& GENERATORS No traction motor may be cut out. All traction motor
cables and cable connections should be damage free, and free from accumulation
of oil that may be a hazard
Yes
[ X ] Not [ ] #24 §229.64
PLAIN
BEARING Inspect plain bearing boxes for cracks or damage that might
cause loss or contamination of lubricant.
Inspector Comments §300.01
- Custom paint fit and
finish far exceeds APRR, industry, and more importantly, NYCTL standards
for paint and lettering..
- Special Order Locomotive
Engineer / Conductor Seating: At per ridged specifications an
inspection was made to the 2 locomotive seat positions. Both seats
are constructed of 4” of heated/cooled rolling bubbles padding covered in
Grade I Corinthian Leather with auto temperature and vibrating
sensors. Both seats are 100% self-conforming to all key points on
employee’s body stress points thereby insuring total relaxation and
stimulation on an automatic regiment.
- Fluid Replenishment
System: Both units contain an industry first Engineer Fluid
Replenishment System designed and engineered by the CEO of the A.P.R.R.,
Sir Neal. Representing a quantum leap in Fluid Replenishment
System technology, the APRR Mark XX system is capable of dispensing a
total of 167 different hot or cold liquid products from a single
gold plated distribution nozzle. Selection of product is
automatically done by the proprietary Mark XX based on time of day, exterior
temperatures, geographical location of locomotive at time of disbursement,
onboard meal selection and general mood of engineer. Refreshments
range from water, coffee, Tropicana to Red and White Imported wines,
Russian Vodkas, Scottish and Irish whiskies, and local and national beers
brands. Upon prolonged testing, the APRR Mark XX Fluid
Replenishment System has been certified road worthy.
Certifier’s Signature :
(Digitally Recorderd ) as per §709.56
Thank you Senior Engineer Ed for your detailed report. I hope you enjoyed the flight to and from The A.P.R.R. facilities.
Sir Neal
