All
Contact Us

This notification provides a brief summary of each AAR Circular Letter issued during the prior month. TrinityRail monitors these Circular Letters as they relate to or may impact TrinityRail’s fleet, its customers, its shop network and its manufacturing operations. Please click on the hyperlinks below to access the full circular. The circular number is hyperlinked to the TrinityRail QA Portal. Members of the portal will be able to open the Circular Letters and any attachments. Non-members will need to access the Circulars via their AAR Circular Subscriptions.

These Circular Letter – Quick Notes are intended to improve accessibility to the users and are not proof of revision to the AAR, MSRP’s, Office or Field Manuals per AAR MSRP-J M-1003 2.3.5.

CPC-1392
Subject: Amendment to CPC-1390
Date Issued: May 3, 2022
Date Effective: May 3, 2022
Group: Manufacturer, Repair Shops
Summary:
On 4/6/22, the AAR published CPC-1390 implementing final action on revisions to the AAR MSRP, Section C, Part III, M-1002. The sole purpose of this CPC is to notify industry that during the 4/22 AAR TCC agreed to editorially amend the following two items: Corrected Exhibit B-1 fillable formService equipment category H – heater systems has a delayed effective dat e of 1/1/23. There are no changes to the implemented final actions on revisions to Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Appendix B of M-1002, published under CPC-1390.

CPC-1393
Subject: Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revisions to MSRP Section C-III, M-1002, Appendix B
Date Issued: May 3, 2022
Date Effective: May 3, 2022
Group: Manufacturing, Repair Shops
Summary:
The TCC is requesting comments on the proposed revisions identified by change bars in the margin within the attached Appendix B of AAR MSRP C-III, M-1002. The revisions pertain to the following AAR TCC Docket:T91.2.7 Qualification Requirements for Exterior Heater CoilsProposed Revision Summary:Appendix BSpecifies the demonstration capabilities option for service equipment category H for activity code C4m and C5 The AAR TCC has made it clear to the AAR staff that the Exhibit PC-1 ver. 4.0 form must be completed will all information for the comment(s) to be considered.

CPC-1394
Subject: Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revisions to MSRP Section C-III, M-1002, New Appendix Z
Date Issued: May 3, 2022
Date Effective: May 3, 2022
Group: Manufacturing, Repair Shops
Summary:
The TCC is requesting comments on the proposed revisions identified by change bars in the margin within the attached new Appendix Z of AAR MSRP C-III, M-1002. The revisions pertain to the following AAR TCC Docket:T1.3.1 Consider M-1002 Recommended Practice for Sample Plans
Proposed Revision Summary: New Appendix Z Specifies the use of ANSI Z1.4 as the statistical method for single sample plan when requested by the TCC The AAR TCC has made it clear to the AAR staff that the Exhibit PC-1 ver. 4.0 form must be completed will all information for the comment(s) to be considered.

C-13977
Subject: DRAFT S-9008.V1.0 – PTC Security Architecture 2 (PSA 2) Standard is available for review & comment, in support of AAR’s MSRP- Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements & Systems Management
Date Issued: May 4, 2022
Date Effective: May 4, 2022
Group: Locomotive
Summary:
The Positive Train Control Interoperability Committee of the AAR is publishing DRAFT Standard S-9008.V1.0 – PTC Security Architecture 2 for review & comment. This document outlines enhancements to the management & exchange of the key material used for communication between a locomotive & the back office & the production of key material used for communication between a locomotive & a WIU. In order to provide time for review & comment, this document will have a 14-day comment period.

C-13978
Subject: DRAFT S-9416.V1.0 – ITCSM Agent Requirements to Support PSA-2 Standard is available for review & comment, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements & Systems Management
Date Issued: May 4 , 2022
Date Effective: May 4, 2022
Group: Locomotive
Summary:
The Positive Train Control Interoperability Committee of the AAR is publishing DRAFT Standard S-9416.V1.0 – ITCSM Agent Requirements to Support PSA-2 for review & comment. PSA-2 is a second-generation security architecture that improves key life cycle management for BOS to Onboard communication as well as protection & life cycle management of Wayside operational private keys. This document describes the minimal set of behaviors that a remote onboard application must comply with for interfacing with ITC Systems Management to support the PSA-2 architecture. In order to provide time for review & comment, this document will have a 14-day comment period.

C-13979
Subject: DRAFT S-9418.V1.0 – PSA-2 Gateway Requirements is available for review & comment, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements & Systems Management.
Date Issued: May 4, 2022
Date Effective: May 4, 2022
Group: Locomotive
Summary:
The Positive Train Control Interoperability Committee of the AAR is publishing DRAFT Standard S-9418.V1.0 – PSA-2 Gateway Requirements for review & comment. This document only describes the security aspects of PSA-2 as they relate to the Systems Management Gateway. In order to provide time for review & comment, this document will have a 14-day comment period

C-13980
Subject: DRAFT S-9419.V1.0 – PSA-2 Back Office Application Requirements is available for review & comment, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements & Systems Management.
Date Issued: May 4, 2022
Date Effective: May 4, 2022
Group: Locomotive
Summary:
The Positive Train Control Interoperability Committee of the AAR is publishing DRAFT Standard S-9419.V1.0 PSA-2 Back Office Application Requirements for review & comment. This document only describes the security aspects of PSA-2 as they relate to back office applications. In order to provide time for review & comment, this document will have a 14-day comment period

C-13981
Subject: DRAFT S-9420.V1.0 – ITC Key Management Service Standard is available for review & comment, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements & Systems Management
Date Issued: May 4, 2022
Date Effective: May 4, 2022
Group: Locomotive
Summary:
The Positive Train Control Interoperability Committee of the AAR is publishing DRAFT Standard S-9420.V1.0 ITC Key Management Service for review & comment. This document provides an industry approved specification for Key Management Services (KMS). The KMS is an industry defined set of services that may be realized by one or more components. Various applications in a railroad’s back office utilize the KMS to generate, store & validate various cryptographic materials. The KMS controls which applications are authorized to receive certain key material & if authorized securely delivers key material to a requesting application. The KMS also handles various administrative functions related to key materials. KMS makes significant use of ITC Systems Management in working with PTC applications, in particular foreign back offices & remote assets. In order to provide time for review & comment, this document will have a 14-day comment period.

C-13982
Subject: DRAFT S-9504.V1.0 – PSA-2 W-OPK File Service Requirement Standard is available for review & comment, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements & Systems Management
Date Issued: May 4, 2022
Date Effective: May 4, 2022
Group: Locomotive
Summary:
The Positive Train Control Interoperability Committee of the AAR is publishing DRAFT Standard S-9504.V1.0 PSA-2 W-OPK File Service Requirement for review & comment. This document describes the security aspects of PSA-2 as they relate to W-OPK File Management. It is anticipated that requirements for synchronizing W-OPK files between a locomotive & the back office will be handled like Track Data files. In order to provide time for review & comment, this document will have a 14-day comment period. The time will begin with the date posted above.

C-13975
Subject:Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 71 & 88.B.10
Date Issued: May 5, 2022
Date Effective: May 5, 2022
Group: Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration & Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the EEC to revise Field Manual Rules 71 & 88.B.10, was reviewed & approved. The entire text of the revision is identified below.

C-13984
Subject: Informational Circular, 4-pressure Automated Single Car Air Brake Test (ASCABT) Capability Deadline Approaching
Date Issued: May 6, 2022
Date Effective: May 6, 2022
Group: Car Owner, Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
AAR circular letters C-13546 & C-13607 were issued to implement an AAR Interchange Rule requirement to equip freight cars with 4-pressure ASCABT capability by 6/30/25. Rule 4, paragraph E.27 states: Control valve set not equipped with 4-pressure test capability after 6/30/25, is not allowed. This Rule was issued on 7/1/20, to notify the industry of the deadline & to provide ample time (5 years) for brake equipment to be updated. Most cars can accept a 4-Pressure access plate to provide the required capability. The application of a 4-pressure access plate kit on some equipment may be problematic due to clearance issues. The AAR is issuing this circular to provide information on available access plate configurations. Brake control valve manufacturers offer several options to facilitate the application of 4-pressure capability without modifying the car. Attachments to this Circular include catalog supplements from NYAB & Wabtec detailing the available kit options. For specific dimensions & clearance requirements, contact the valve manufacturer. Should the car design not have the necessary clearance to allow the application of a 4-pressure access plate, the handling carrier should contact the car owner for disposition. As a reminder to repair facilities, Rule 1 states an ASCABT Device(s) capable of performing a 4-pressure ASCABT will be required by 7/1/23.

C-13985
Subject: Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 3 & 4
Date Issued: May 9, 2022
Date Effective: May 9, 2022
Group: Car Owner, Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration & Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Brake Systems Committee to revise Field Manual Rules 3 & 4 to clarify service procedures, was reviewed & approved.

C-13987
Subject: Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 18
Date Issued: May 9, 2022
Date Effective: May 9, 2022
Group: Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration & Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Coupler System & Truck Castings Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 18 to remove obsolete text in Figure 18.14, was reviewed & approved.

C-13988
Subject: Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 36
Date Issued: May 9, 2022
Date Effective: May 9, 2022
Group: Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration & Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by to revise Office Manual Rule 36, was reviewed & approved.

C-13989
Subject: Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 1 & 41
Date Issued: May 9, 2022
Date Effective: May 9, 2022
Group: Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration & Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the WABL Committee to revise Field Manual Rules 1 & 41 to add clarification for the location of the back-to-back measurement, was reviewed & approved.

C-13990
Subject: Informational Circular, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Appendix A
Date Issued: May 9, 2022
Date Effective: May 9, 2022
Group: Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration & Rules Committee a proposal was advanced to revise Field & Office Manuals Appendix A definition of Knowledge, was reviewed & approved.

C-13986
Subject: Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 6
Date Issued: May 10, 2022
Date Effective: May 10, 2022
Group: Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration & Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Brake Systems Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 6 clarify end hose height, was reviewed & approved.

C-13991
Subject: Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Appendix D
Date Issued: May 10, 2022
Date Effective: May 10, 2022
Group: Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
Circular C-12745 was issued on 11/14/16 announcing the creation of the App. D Task Force. The Task Force has been working with the Car Repair Billing Committee to improve & expand the capabilities of the existing App. D. At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration & Rules Committee a proposal was advanced to revise Field Manuals App. D, was reviewed & approved.

CPC-1387
Subject: Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revisions to MSRP C-III, Specification for Tank Cars, Chapters 1 & 2, & Appendices C, D, E, M, R, U & Y
Date Issued: May 13, 2022
Date Effective: June 15, 2022
Group: Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
This Rev 1 of CPC-1387 is only extending the comment period close date from May 14, 2022 to June 15, 2022.

C-13992
Subject: Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section G-II, Wheel & Axle Manual, S-659, RP-631, RP-632, R-633, & RP-634, Bearing Sampling, NHT Wheels, UT Data Retention, & Gauging Amtrak Wheels
Date Issued: May 17, 2022
Date Effective: May 17, 2022
Group: Manufacturer, Repair Shop
Summary:
The purpose of this circular letter is to notify the industry of revisions to MSRP Section G-II, Wheel & Axle Manual: S-659, Mandatory Rules Governing Wheel Shop Practices as Required by Interchange Rules, RP-631, Recommended Wheel Shop Practices, RP-632, General Requirements & Information, RP-633, Figures, RP-634, Gauges—Wheel & Axle Shop. On March 29, 2022, Circular Letter C-13946 was issued to solicit comments. Comments were received & considered by the WABL Committee. Changes were made to S-659, 1.7.10.3 abd 1.7.10.6.

C-13993
Subject: Soliciting Participants for Inclusion in the 2023 CRB Survey Process
Date Issued: May 20, 2022
Date Effective: May 20, 2022
Group: Information
Summary:
The purpose of this circular letter is to solicit Non-Class I Railroad & Running Repair Agent participants for inclusion in the 2023 Car Repair Billing (CRB) survey process. As detailed in C-13558, issued on 4/30/20, the CRB survey process & calculation methodology now includes these parties in addition to Class I Railroads. In order for new participants’ data to be included in the CRB labor & material calculations for 2023, each of the three individual surveys must be completed & submitted to the AAR by the deadlines identified below:Base Wage Rate Survey – submitted to AAR by July 30, 2022Overhead Study Survey – submitted to AAR by September 9, 2022Material Price Survey – submitted to AAR by November 10, 2022The deadline for notifying the AAR of your company’s participate is 6/15/22.