Subject: Structural Repairs (8/16/00)
Amtrak now takes the position that an Amtrak inspector will determine what areas of a car need structural repairs. Amtrak will not engineer the repairs, however, this must be done by a Professional Engineer, or someone known to Weisinger to be competent in the field of structural repairs.
Welding on stainless steel is generally frowned upon, although both Budd and Pullman did a lot of spot welding of stainless. Welding technology has come quite a way since our cars were built, and even the FRA is beginning to allow welding as a repair method. Nonetheless, Amtrak will require doubler plates and an engineering report for repairs to side sills and center sills. Questions should be sent to Harold Weisinger.
Paul L. DeVerter II
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