HEP - 27 PIN COMMUNICATIONS TRAINLINE SYSTEM - July 20, 2001

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

 Amtrak has agreed with AAPRCO that private cars may operate without the installation of the 27 pin communication cables, effective July 9, 2001. There are two conditions.

1. Cars may not operate in the Northeast Corridor, or in Push-Pull service without the 27 pin communication system being operable. Push-Pull service may also require an operable MU communication system.

2. The 27 pin communication systems that are currently on Amtrak certified cars must be maintained fully operational.

Details will have to be worked out to properly identify which cars do not have 27 pin capability. Probably will require a new classification, perhaps in the clearance form. Harold Weisinger will discuss this at the convention.

This agreement was reached after an initiative begun by Bart Barton with Harold Weisinger, started over a year ago. This should save our members approximately $5,000 in up-front costs.