CONDEMNING LIMITS FOR WHEELS ON PRIVATE RAIL CARS - December 19, 2002

Mechanical Liaison Officer's reports by Paul L. DeVerter II

Amtrak's Assistant Chief Mechanical Officer (John W. Hutchison) letter of March 16, 1995 indicates private cars may continue to use the AAR condemning limits for wheels. The Amtrak standards for wheels apply to Amtrak equipment only (not private cars moving on the Amtrak system) and are a conservative approach for the high mileage cars on Amtrak. Although Amtrak wheels must have a minimum of 1 1/8" (18/16") tread thickness at the initial terminal inspection, private car wheels are allowed a minimum of 1" (16/16") tread thickness at the initial terminal inspection.

Download a copy of the letter, print it, and keep it in a handy place (such as the electrical locker) on your car in the event a dispute over wheel limits arises with an Amtrak inspector.

Amtrak Letter - Condeming Limits for Wheels.pdf

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