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SOYOUWANTTOOWNAPASSENGERCAR

VALUABLEINFORMATIONFORPOTENTIALCARBUYERS

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BasedinpartonanoriginaldocumentbyLarryHaines1987and“PrivateCarOwnership”byStanGarner20052011UpdateCommitteeBobMcLean‐ChairmanPhilBowerPaulDeverterStanGarnerRobertaSpragueThecommitteewouldliketoacknowledgetheconstructivecommentswehavereceivedfromAAPRCOMembersandAmtrakpersonnelwhohaveprovidedvaluableinsightandsuggestionsafterreviewingtheoriginalversionofthisdocument.© AmericanAssociationofPrivateRailroadCarOwners,Inc.2011AlthoughAAPRCO,Inc.strivestoensurethattheinformationinitspublications,includingitswebsite,isaccurateandup‐to‐date;industrystandardsanddatadochange,andyouruseofthisinformationisbeyondthecontrolofAAPRCO,Inc.,whichexplicitlydisclaimsanyliabilityresultingfromanyuseoftheinformationinthisorpreviouspublications.

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INTRODUCTION

TheAmericanAssociationofPrivateRailroadCarOwners(AAPRCO)makesthisbookletavailabletoprovideinformationanddatayoushouldknowandconsiderinordertopurchase,ownandoperateaprivatelyownedrailroadpassengercar.ItisintendedforthefuturecarownerwhowilloperatehiscarinconjunctionwithAmtrak.BeawarethatthePrivateVarnish(PV)ownershiplandscapeischangingallthetimeandyoumustundertakesubstantialresearchbeforeventuringintotheworldofPVownership.Theventureintocarownershipmayfeelalittledaunting,butforthosewhohavethe“Time,TalentandTreasure”topursuethe“dream,”itcanbeveryrewarding.Tobeblunt,theinvolvementwithaprivatecarentailsasignificantfinancialobligation,soprospectiveownersshouldhavethefinancialwherewithaltoaffordtheprivilege.Also,beawarethat,inspiteofyourdreamstothecontrary,thisshouldbealaborofloveasveryfewareabletoactuallyrunacarasamoneymakingbusinessenterprise.WHYPRIVATECARSARECALLEDPRIVATEVARNISH(PV)First,wewilladdressacommonquestion–whydoweusetheterm“privatevarnish?”Inthelate1800’s,beforetheautomobile,thewell‐to‐doacquiredorrentedaprivaterailroadcartotravelaroundthecountry.Carsofthatvintageweremadeofwood,whichrequiredcontinualexteriormaintenance.Thecoatingofchoicewasahighglossvarnishthatmadethecarsstandout.Thepublicwouldseetheseshinycarsandknowthattheywerepassengercars.Thosethatwerenotforpublicusewere“Private”.Hence,thetermPrivateVarnishorPVforshort.

GETTINGSTARTED

JOINAAPRCO–DOYOURRESEARCHAAPRCOwasorganizedin1977byprivatecarownerstoestablishanationwidenetworkofinformationandfellowshipandtorepresenttheprivatecarownersasaunifiedbodytoworkwithAmtrak.AAPRCOprovidesmanybenefitsforitsmembersincludingacarinsuranceprogram,carmaintenancedata,carsafetyguides,PrivateVarnishmagazine,regionalmeetingsandnationalconventions.Formorethanaquartercentury,manyPV’shavetraveledtotheseconventions,oftenasSpecialtrains.Tojoina“Special,”ownersbringtheircarstoacentrallocationwheretheyarecombinedintoatrainofuptotwenty‐fiverestoredprivatecarsfortravelovervariousrouteswithcharteredAmtrakorVIAengines.Formany,participationintheseSpecialsgivesthefirstrealintroductiontotheworldofprivaterailroadcarsandthepotentialformakinguseofacarthathasbeenpreservedandmaintainedfortheenjoymentofitsownersandfriends.PotentialcarownersareencouragedtojoinAAPRCOasassociatememberstogainabetterinsighttoprivatecarownership.MembershipinformationisontheAAPRCOwebsite,www.aaprco.com.UNDERSTANDFEDERALREGULATIONSTheFederalRailroadAdministration(FRA),underTitle49,Part200seriesoftheCodeofFederalRegulations(CFR),regulatespassengercars.WhiletheFRAhasexemptedprivatecarsfrommostoftheseregulations,someconfusingconditionsapply.Consultwithanexperttomakecertainthatyourcarisincompliance.Particularattentionshouldbegivento49CFRPart221(markerlights),49CFRPart223(glazing),49CFRPart238(passengerequipmentsafety

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standards)and49CFRPart239(passengertrainemergencypreparedness).TheCFRsareavailableontheInternetathttp://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html.DOYOUHAVETHETHREE“T’S”(TIME,TALENT,ANDTREASURE)? Averyimportantfirststepistoevaluateyourfinancialcapabilitytoowna“PV.”Fewcarsareownedbypeoplewhocanjustwriteacheckfortheircarandfortheimprovements,theyneedorwanttomake.Ifyoudonotfitinthatcategory,andmostpeopledonot,thenlookforacarwith“potential”andthenspendmonthsoryearsofsweatequitymakingitintoyourownprivatecar.Somecarsareownedindividuallyandsomearejointventures.Theindividualmusthavethefinancialcapacityorthetimeandrequiredskillstodoalotoftheworkhimself.Jointventurememberscanhelpfinanciallyandcanincludevariousskills,butdecisionscanbecomecomplicatedwithmanyowners.MUSTHAVEANUNDERSTANDINGANDSUPPORTIVESPOUSEFormostpeopletimeisaveryvaluablecommodity.OwningaPVtakestimeduringtherestorationphaseaswellasduringtheoperatingphase.Formarriedpeoplewithafamily,atolerantandunderstandingspouseisnecessary.Notonlywilltheprojectdivertfinancialresources,butalsotherewillbemany,manydaysunder,aroundandinthecarbeforeawheeliseverturnedforthatfirsttrip.

WHEREISHOMEFORAPOTENTIALRAILCAR? SOMETHINGSTOCONSIDER

YOUNEEDARAILSIDINGStorageisoneofthemostimportantaspectsofowningaprivaterailroadpassengercar.Ataminimum,atemporarystoragefacilityshouldbelocatedandavailablebeforeyoupurchaseacar.PossiblestoragesitesareAmtrakdepotsandyards,freightrailroadfacilities,privatesidings,andmuseumandtouristrailroadproperties.PrivatecarparkssuchasthosefoundinSt.Louis,Missouri;N.Philadelphia,Pennsylvania;andOrangePark,Florida,nearJacksonvilleareavailabletoprivatecarowners.Experiencesbymanycurrentcarownersindicatethattheindustrial/privatesidingisthemostdesirableplacetoparkyourcar.Storagefeesatprivatecarparkscanstartataminimumof$500permonthandgohigherdependinguponlocationandsupportservicesprovided.Securityandutilitiesaretwoofthemostimportantsupportservices.Bothhelptosafeguardyourinvestmentfromvandalsandprotectthecarfromweatherdamage(e.g.,freezingwaterpipes,etc.)Theavailabilityofutilitiesatyourstoragesitewillalsopermittheperformanceofmaintenanceandrepairs.Utilitiesincludeasourceofelectricalpower(preferably480v‐3phase‐while240vwastheoldstandard,ithaslargelybeensuperseded)andwater.Compressedairandtelephoneservicewouldbeaplus,aswould24‐hourguardservice.Whenyouarrangeforastoragelocation,besuretoperformadequateduediligenceregardingwhetherornotthelocationwillremainviable.Railroadsmayabandonsidingsandremovetrackifthereisnotenoughtraffictowarrantthemaintenance.ACCESSTOTHEHIGHIRONGenerally,yourstoragelocationwillnotbeimmediatelyadjacenttotheClassOnerailroadsonwhichAmtrakoperates.ThatmeansyouwillhavetohaveaswitchcrewtransportyourcartoalocationwhereittheswitchcrewcanplaceitontheAmtraktrain‐ortoalocationwhere

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Amtrakcanpickup.Thelocalrailroadswillhavetheirownrestrictionsandrequirements,whichmaybemorerestrictivethanAmtrakrequirements.Itisagoodideatohaveclearancediagramsonboard(AmtrakFormisavailableontheAAPRCOWebSite,www.aaprco.com)andbesurethatthecarmeetsallclearancerestrictionsbetweenthestoragelocationandtherailroad.Themostimportantfactorsaretheclearanceabovethirdrailsandbelowtheoverheadwiresinelectrifiedareas.Ifithasbeenalongtimesincethecarhasmoved,thelocalrailroadwillrequireanairtestandperhapsamechanicalinspectionbeforeitwillevenscheduleapickup.Amtrakrequiresanairtestandmechanicalinspectiononanannualbasis.YoushouldalsoinvestigatethecostinmovingyourcarfromthestoragesidingtotheAmtraktrainordepot.AMTRAKINTERCHANGE­ WHEREAMTRAKWILLPICKUPANDDROPOFFAmtrakwillpickupanddropoffcarsonlyatalimitednumberoflocations,typicallythetrain’sterminalpointsandintermediatestationswith30minutesormoredwelltime.Beforeyoudecideonalocationtostoreyourcar,checkwithAmtrakandmapoutyouraccessplantoitstrains.Eachtime,beforeAmtrakwillpickupacar,aQMP(QualifiedMechanicalPerson)mustperformand/orobservecertaintestingrequirements.TheAmtraktraincrewwillrequirecertainpaperworkbeforeitwillcoupleuptothecar.HOWDOYOUGETITHOME?Inmostcases,onlycarsthathavecompletedtheAmtrakCertificationprocesswillbeallowedonAmtraktrains.Theonlyalternativeistohavethecarmovedinfreightservicewherethecarwillbetreatedasafreightcar.AfreightservicemovehasadditionalimplicationsthatAAPRCOmemberscandiscusswithyouinmoredetail,buttheygenerallyincluderoughhandlingintrainsandinyards,andthelackofsecurityofthecaranditscontents.

THEFUNPARTSOFOWNINGAPV

Thissubjectcouldfillthisentirebooklet,sooneparagraphwillnotdoitjustice.Wesuggestthatyougoonlinetowww.aaprco.comandreview“ThePrivateCarExperience–ExperienceALittleMagic”section.Toreachthissection,scrollover“TravelonaPV”atthetopofthewebsiteandthenclickon“TheExperience.”Afterreadingthissection,imagineridinginarestoredandupdatedrailcarattheendofanAmtraktrainwithpeoplelookingandadmiringwhatyouhaveaccomplished.ThisisthesenseofprideandfreedomthatcancomewithPVownership.MAKEATRIPONSOMEONEELSE’SPVBEFOREYOUDECIDETOBUY.Beforeyoujumpintothewaterbypurchasingaprivaterailcar,itisveryimportanttoactuallyexperiencesomeofwhatisinvolvedbytakingatriponone.Thereareexcursions,offeredbymanyPVownersthatmaybeavailable.TheseareoftenadvertisedontheAAPRCOwebsite,www.aaprco.com,andinPrivateVarnish.AnotheropportunityistoattendtheannualAAPRCOconventionandrideontheSpecialtrain.AnumberofcarownersmakepassageavailabletoassociatemembersofAAPRCO.Thisisafantasticwaytoseemanydifferenttypesofcars,togettoknowotherownersandtheAAPRCOmembers,andtoasklotsofquestionabouthowtheybecameowners.Anotherway,whichwouldbethequickestandleastexpensiveoption,wouldbeashortexcursionbyarailroadmuseumthatoperatesahistoricbusinesscar.Despitetheslowspeedofsuchanexcursion,youwouldgetthe“feel”ofwhatitwouldbelike.

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HOWWILLYOUUSEYOURNEWRAILCAR?ONAMTRAKAprivatecarcanbeusedforbusinesstravelandentertainment,familytravel,charteroperations,shortlineortouristexcursions,stationarydisplayoracombinationoftheabove.TooperateonAmtrakandfreightrailroads,theprivatecarmustconformtocurrentFederalandcarrierregulations.TheFederalRailroadAdministration(FRA),Amtrak,VIA,theAssociationofAmericanRailroads(AAR),theAmericanPublicTransportationAssociation(APTA),andtosomeextent,thelocalfreightrailroadpromulgatetheseregulations.Theexteriordimensionsofthecarmayrestrictitfromoperationoversomeroutes.AmtrakistheonlypracticalmeansoftravelfortheprivaterailroadcaronClass1railroadmainlines.Freightrailroadsdonotpermitaprivatecartobeoccupiedwhileintransitduetopotentialliabilitiesandtheslackactionofthetrain.Youshoulddismissanythoughtsofowningaprivatecarandrovingaboutthecountrysideonbranchlines.Onlyonveryrareoccasionsdoprivatecarstraveloccupiedonfreightonlyrailroads.ONVIAINCANADAVIAiscurrentlyevaluatingtheirpositiononhandlingprivatecarsontheirtrainsinCanada.TheyhavestrictsafetystandardsfortheheightofhandrailsonopenplatformcarsandwillnolongerallowPV’sbehindtheParkseriescarsoncross‐countrytrains.Whilenotimpossible,thesetworestrictionsmaketravelinCanadalessattractivethanitwasafewyearsago.However,ifatripdoesworkout,thesceneryisfantastic.ExpectconsiderablyhighercoststhancomparableAmtrakcosts.ThetariffsforAmtrakandVIAareavailableontheAAPRCOwebsite,www.aaprco.com.LOCALOREXCURSIONRAILROADANDSTATIONARYDISPLAYSShortlineandtouristrailroadshavetheirownregulations.MorerestrictiveFRAregulationsoncarglazingandsafetycomponentsmayalsoapplythanifoperatedonAmtrakservice.ThiscanbeamuchlessexpensiveoptiontooperateyourcarbutyouarerestrictedtothatrailroadContacttheshortlineortouristrailroaddirectlyifyouwanttooperateyourcarontheirline.Stationarydisplayshavenoregulationsexceptforlocalbuildingandzoningcodes.

TYPESOFRAILROADCARS

TherearethreebasictypesofcarsthatcanbeoperatedinAmtrakservice.HEAVYWEIGHTSTEELCARSThesewerebuiltbyPullman,ACFandCC&Fbetween1910and1931.Mostrailroadbusinesscarsareofthistype.Theyaresolidlybuilt,ridewellandcanbestructurallyrefurbishedusingstandardweldingandfabricationmethods.Forthemostpart,thesecarshavesixwheeltrucks.Itshouldbeobviousthatwithmorewheelstherearemorepartstomaintain.Inaddition,findingpartsgetsmoredifficultastimegoesby.

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HeavyweightBusinessCar

LIGHTWEIGHTCARS

ThesecarswerebuiltbyPullman,ACFandCC&Fbetween1935and1956.Theyaregenerallyofcarbonsteelconstructionwithsmoothsidesorwithflutedstainlesssteelsiding.Therearealsolightweightcarsofallorpartialaluminumconstruction.Smoothsidecarscanbestructurallyrefurbishedusingstandardweldingandfabricationmethods.Carswithstainlesssteelsidingovercarbonsteelframesaresubjecttosevere

LightweightSleeperLoungecorrosionbecausewatergetsbetweenthestainless steelandthecarbonsteelsidesheetsandgenerallyrequiresomerebuildingbeforetheyarefittoberun.Thesecarsgenerallyhavefour‐wheeltrucks.STAINLESSSTEELCARSTherearetwostyles:allstainlesssteelcarsbuiltbyBuddandcarbon/stainlesssteelcarsbuiltbyPullmanandACF.BuiltbyBuddbetween1935and1956,thesecarsareofallstainlesssteelconstruction.Whiletheyarenotassusceptibletoelectrolyticcorrosionascarbon/stainlesssteelcars,manyexperiencefatigueproblemsthatrequirespecializedrepairtechniquesbestlefttoaqualifiedshop(generallynoweldingispermissibleonstructuralmembers)

BuiltbyPullmanandACFbetween1937and1956,thesecarsarebuiltwithcarbonsteelframesandstructureswithstainlesssteelsides,endsandroofs.Theyareverysusceptibletoelectrolyticcorrosioncausedbymoistureunderthestainlessskinrequiringextensivedisassembly,structuralrefurbishmentusingstandardweldingandfabricationmethods,andthenreapplicationofstainlesssteelsides,endsandroofs.

BuddStainlesssteelcoach

INTERIORCONFIGURATIONS

Thelayoutofthecariswhatseparatestheuseofthecars.BUSINESSCAR

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Businesscarswereoriginallyintendedforusebyrailroadofficials.Theyusuallyhaveanobservationroomwithopenplatform,staterooms,bathroomwithshower,diningroom,kitchenandcrewquarters.Abusinesscarsleeps5to8plusacrewoftwo.Interiorsarefrequentlypaneledinmahogany,oakorotherhardwoodsandcomfortablyfurnished.SomeheavyweightbusinesscarsdonotmeetdimensionalclearancerequirementsforoperationontheNortheastCorridor.TheserequirementscanberesearchedintheMembersOnlysectionoftheAAPRCOWebsite,www.aaprco.com,underCarOperations.SLEEPINGCARAsleepingcarcanbeallbedroomsorbedroomsandroomettes,oracombinationincludingopensections.Manyhavebeenmodifiedwithdiningroomsand/orlounges.Somehavehadvestibulesturnedintoopenplatforms.Asleepingcartypicallysleeps15‐21.Theinteriorisusuallypaintedsteeloraluminumalthoughsomehavehadwoodpanelingadded.FormerAmtrakownedcarsfrequentlyhavecarpetingonthewalls.Bedroomssleeptwo,roomettessleepone.SLEEPER/LOUNGEAsleeper/Loungeusuallyhasfiveorsixbedrooms,asmallkitchen/buffetandalounge.Thecarsleeps10‐12.Theinteriorisusuallypaintedsteeloraluminumalthoughsomehavehadwoodpanelingadded.FormerAmtrakownedcarsfrequentlyhavecarpetingonthewalls.LOUNGEThiscarhasalarge,comfortableloungeareawithfullbar.Thereisseatingfor20‐40dependingonthecar.Itusuallyhasacrewroomandsometimesashower.Theloungecaristypicallyusedinconjunctionwithsleepingcars.Fullloungesusuallydonothaveopenvestibules.DININGCARAfullservicediningcaristypicallyhalfkitchenandhalfdiningroomseating36(4x2seating)or48(4x4seating.)Somehavebeenmodifiedascombinationdiner/loungecars.Thediningcaristypicallyusedinconjunctionwithsleepingcars.Dinersusuallydonothaveopenvestibules,sotheymusttravelwithothercarstohaveaccess.Originally,foodservicecarsdidnothavearestroom.DOMECARIntroducedinthe1950's,domecarsprovideanupperlounge/diningareawithaglassdomethatprovidesagloriousviewofthecountryside.Thelowerlevelscanbelounges,coaches,diner/loungesorsleeper/lounges.Designedforuseinthewest,theydonotmeetdimensionalclearancerequirementsforoperationonAmtrakbetweenBostonandWashington,DC.Domecarsoriginallyintendedasdinersorloungesdonothavevestibules.COACHESAcoachconsistsentirelyofcoachseatsandisusedforhigh‐densityseatingandcarriageofpassengers.Thesecarsmaybemadeofanyoftheprecedingtypesofconstructionandwereoftencombinedwithbaggage,lounge,anddinetteareas.BAGGAGE/EXPRESSCARS

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Afewbaggage/expresscarshavebeenmodifiedasBar/Lounge/Dancecars.Theyareidealforlargepartygroupstravelingondaytripsoronlongertripswithsleepingorbusinesscars.Thesecarsusuallydonothavevestibules.

SOYOUWANTTOBEAPRIVATECAROWNER

Therearetwowaystogetintotheprivaterailcarworld:purchaseacarthatisalreadyAmtrakapprovedandstarttouseitrightaway,orpurchaseacarthatneedstobebroughtuptoAmtrakstandardsandrefurbishit.Thecostdifferencedependsonthetypeandqualityofcaryoubuy,whatyouhavetodotoit,andhowmuchworkyoudoyourself.Regardlessofwhichwayyougo,RuleNo.1is,“Hireaqualifiedinspectortogooverthecarwithafinetoothcombbeforeyoubuyit.”Thisinspectionwon'tfindeveryproblem,butitwillgiveyouaheadsupifthereareanyobviousproblems.Youshouldaccompanythisinspectorifpossibleinordertoreviewthecarforyourownsatisfaction.AAPRCOcanhelpyoulocateacarinspectorinyourarea.Besureyoufeelcomfortablewiththeinspector,asAAPRCOcannotacceptanyresponsibilityfortherecommendationsofanindividualinspector.SOMEOFTHEITEMSWHICHSHOULDBEINSPECTEDANDREVIEWEDRunninggear‐trucks,wheels,springs,pedestalliners,draftgear,airlines,bearings,brakesystem.(Seeinformationbelowabouta40‐yearinspection.)Mechanicalsystems–water(includingplumbing),heat,airconditioner.Electricalsystems‐generators,batteries,HeadEndPower(H.E.P.),lights,electricallocker,markerlights.Exterior–stainlesssteelflutingandrustbehindthisfluting,paint,windows,doors,roof,grabirons,sidesills,etc.Interior‐lightfixtures,toilets,seats,hardware,signsofwaterleaks,etc.Underbody‐centersill,frame,flooring,andalldrainsincludingkitchen,toilet,andshowerdrains,etc.Couplersanddraftgear–couplersmustbeinterlockingtype.Structuralintegrity–includingthecenterandsidesills,collisionpostsandcouplermountingarrangement.Also,checkwindowandroofleaksandresultantdamage.General‐overallappearance,modifications,wreckdamage,waterdamage,etc.Theaboveisonlyageneraloutline.Thecarinspectorwillgointomoredetailinhisreport.Awordofcautionisinorderhere.Afuturecarownershouldrequestreferencesandbackgroundinformationontheinspectorandthepersonsellingthecar.Theinspector'sjudgmentsand

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statementswillinfluenceyouropinionaboutthecar,thecar'spriceanditsworth.Aswithanyfieldofbusiness,opportunistscanbeencountered.Checkthosereferencesand“Makehasteslowly.”PURCHASINGANAPPROVEDCARArecentlyapprovedcarhasbeensubjectedtoseveralinspectionsbyAmtrakinspectorsusingthelatestcriteriaandhasthebenefitofhavingbeenoperatedinAmtrakservice.Thisdoesn'tmeanthattherearenoproblemsthatneedcorrecting;itjustmeansthecarisaknownentityandanyproblemsshouldberelativelyeasytoidentifyandcorrect.Acarwhichhasbeeninservicefornineortenyearswasprobablyrefurbishedtoanearlierstandardandmayhavehiddenproblemsthatwillneedimmediatecorrection.Theseproblemscanbesignificantandexpensivetocorrect.Youshouldcertainlyrequestandreceivealltheinspectionreportsforanycaryoumayintendtoacquire.Iftherearenowrittenreports,itisnotanapprovedcar.Documentationiscritical.Thecostofanapprovedcarcanbe$200,000to$500,000andup,wayup.PURCHASINGACARFORREFURBISHMENT Ifyoupurchaseacarwiththeintentionofrefurbishingit,youwillneedtodecidehowandwhereyouwillrefurbishit.Therearethreewaystorefurbishacar:(1)doityourselfwiththeassistanceofskilledandqualifiedcraftsmen;or,(2)hireaqualifiedcarshoptodoitforyou;or,(3)acombinationofthetwo.Doingityourselfmeansfindingasuitableplacetodothework,doingalotofresearchanddesign,acquiringagoodsetofspecializedtools,andbeingpreparedtospendalotoftimeandmoney.Whenyoustartout,therulesseemsimpleandstraightforward.Asrefurbishmentprogresses,youlearnthattherulesaren'tasclearastheyfirstseemed.In‐processinspectionsmayrevealadditionalitemsthatneedtobecorrected,includingissuesthatyoubelievedwereOKatthestartoftheprocess.Justasyouputoneappliancebackonthecar,ithastoberemovedagaintocorrectsomethingelse.Theprocessseemsendlessandtakesfarlongerthanexpected.Theendresultisacarwhereyouhavethesatisfactionofknowingaboutthemanydetailsofhowallsystemsfunctionandwhereitmeetsyourownhighstandards.However,beawarethatthedesignandmaterialstandardsusedforpassengercarsareofveryheavy‐dutyconstruction,andoftenexceedwhatistypicallyusedinhomeorbuildingconstruction.Amtrakrequiresspeciallowsmokefire‐resistantwiringforHEPsystems,forexample.Railroadpartsareoftenveryheavy,andmaybedifficulttohandle.Itislikelythatwhatyoucanpurchasefromthelocalbuildingsupplystoremaynotbeadequateforserviceonyourrailcar.Thetruckswilltypicallyrequiredisassembly,specializedweldingandheattreatment.Whiledoingityourselfispossible,itisnotatasktobetakenonlightlybyanovice.Havingaqualifiedshopdotheworkwillcostmore,butifyouarenotequippedtodotheworkyourself,it'stheonlywaytogo.Itdoesrequireyoutospendagooddealoftimeattheshop,usuallysomedistancefromwhereyoureside.Itisextremelyimportantthatyouunderstandwhatisgoingtobedoneandwhattheresultisgoingtobe.Theshopcanusuallygetthejobdonefasterthandoingtheworkyourself.Fasterisrelative:atypicalrefurbishmentwillrequirefromonetofiveyears,dependingoncircumstances.Inanycase,alwaysgetawrittenagreementwithashopbeforeanypaymentismadeoranyworkisstarted.Haveaclearly

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writtenscopeofworkandacceptancecriteria.Havesomewayofidentifyinganymaterialyouarepayingforpriortoitsinstallationontothecar.Inaddition,haveaclearlywrittenBillofSalewheninitiallypurchasingacar.Therebuildofacargenerallytakesfarlongerthanintended,andyoudon'twanttohaveyourpurchasedmaterialsoverlookedifashopchangesownershipinthemeantime.RuleNo.2:“Justwhenyouthinkyou'vesolvedthelastmajorproblem,anotherrevealsitself.”BallparkcoststopurchaseacarsuitableforrefurbishmentareSleeper$25,000;Dome$85,000plus.H.E.P.,40YearTruckRebuild,etc.areextra.Costtorefurbishacaryourself‐$150,000‐$500,000,plus,plus,plus.Thereareahandfulofcarsthathave$1.5‐$2.5millioninvestedinthem.Afellowcarowneroffersthefollowinginsight."Carownersneedgood,soundprojectmanagementskillsinanycontractwork.Rebuildingarailroadcarislikebuildingahousefromscratch,andthepeoplewhodoitsuccessfully‐‐withsuccessmeasuredastimely;withinbudget;ANDwithqualitywork;whichgetsapproved1sttimearound‐‐needtomanagetheircontractorsextremelywell."Thisapplieswhetheryouaredotheworkyourselforhaveashopdoitforyou.Itisequallyimportanttorealizethatanychangesmadeindesignorscopeofworkoncetheprojecthasstartedwilllikelyincreasebothtimeandcost.HealsorecommendsyoustarttodevelopanextensivecontactdirectoryofAmtrakpersonnel,railroadpersonnel,contractors,andpartsandserviceprovidersinallareasofthecountryattheverybeginningofthethoughtprocess.Thislistwillgrowandgrowasyouworkonthecar,thenplaceitinoperation.Fromexperience,suchadirectorybecomesaninvaluableresource,especiallywhenyouhaveaproblemontheroadandneedhelpfast.WHERETOLOOKFORARAILCAR WiththeadventoftheInternet,youcanactuallydoalotofresearchon‐line.TheremaybeadsinPrivateVarnishandinothertradepublications.Inaddition,thereareanumberofbrokersabletoassistyou.Theychargeafeeandcanmakethesearchmuchfasterandmoreeffective.

KNOWWHATYOUAREBUYING

PERSONALOBSERVATIONANDINSPECTIONBYAQUALIFIEDINSPECTORMostnewcarownersdonothaveadetailedknowledgeaboutwhatisinvolvedunlesstheyhavebeenpartofagroupthathaspreviouslyownedacar.Therefore,itisimportanttoretainanexperttolookoveranypotentialpurchasetoprovideanopinionastothestateofacandidatecar.GetaWrittenReportAqualifiedpersonwhoyoumayretainshouldprovideyouwithawrittenreportonhisobservationsandopinionaboutthesuitabilityofacarforyourintendedusage.OfcoursethehighestlevelofjudgmentwillberequiredifyouintendtoupdatethecartorunonAmtrak.Thispersonisentitledtoafeeforhisservicesanddownstreamhewillbecomealifelongsourceofknowledgeandideasasyouproceedwithyourproject.

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Getcopiesofallpastinspectionreportsthatareavailable.IfthecarthatyoumaybelookingathadbeenthroughpartoralloftheprocessofgainingAmtrakcertification,youshouldmakeeveryefforttoobtainacopyofallpastinspectionreportsandotherinteractionwiththeAmtrakMechanicalDepartment.Thesepastdocumentsbecomepartoftheinspectionprocesseachyearandmustbereferencedrepeatedly. UnderstandthecurrentstatusofapotentialcarYouneedtoknowthecurrentstatusofacarwithregardtotheAmtrakcertificationprocess.Whatisthebrakesystemonthecar?WhatisthelatestAnnualinspectiondate,40yearinspectiondate,post40yearinspectiondateandwheredoesitstandintheairbrakeCOT&Stimeframe?Arethereanyoutstandingdeficienciesthathavebeennotedinpastinspections?Arethereanyoutstandingfinancialobligationstoshops,Amtrakoranyfreightrailroadforpastrunningrepairsonthecar?Doesthecaralreadyhavean800,000numberandUMLERtag?EverycarmustbeidentifiablewithintheAmtrakARROWcomputersystem,whichusesthe800,000number.Ifthecardoesnotalreadyhavean800,000number,youmustrequestthatAmtrakassignone.Ordinarily,AmtrakwillnotassignsuchanumberuntilthecarhaspassedinspectionandisreadytorollonAmtrak.Likewise,everycarneedstohaveelectronictagsattachedtothecarsothatasitmovesaroundtherailsystem“readers”thatscaneachtrainwillknowwhatcarispassingby.AAPRCOcanassistyouinarrangingfortheentryofdataintotheUMLER/EMIS(UniversalMechanicLanguageEquipmentRoster)systemthatmusthavecurrentdatasuchasphysicalattributesaswellasinspectiondataaboutthecar.TAKELOTSOFPICTURES(BEFOREYOUSTARTTHEWORK)Therearetoomanythingstorememberaboutthedetailsandsystemsassociatedwithanygivencar.Document,document,document.Weeksoryearslater,youwillwonderwhatsomeitemlookedlikebeforeorduringtherestorationprocess.Ifyoucan,makeavideoofbefore,duringandafter,itwillnotonlyhelpyourememberthings,butitwillbeasourceofprideinyouraccomplishments.RESOURCESFROMAAPRCO:SignupforAAPRCOInformationBoarde‐mailsAAPRCOhasanotificationsystemwhereanyadditiontotheInformationBoardisautomaticallye‐mailedtomemberswhoasktobeaddedtothelist.Inthisway,youwillbekeptcurrentofhappeningsthataffectprivaterailcars.NetworkwithAAPRCOmembersNetworkingisthe#1sourceofinformation.GotoAAPRCOconventions,meetcarowners,askquestions,etc,andcallmembersinyourareaaslistedintheCharterguideortheMembershipDirectory.SignupforMembersOnlyWebPagesWhenyouareamemberofAAPRCO,thereisalocationonthemainpublicwebsitewhereyoucanrequestaccesstotheMembersOnlysite.Doit!Inthemember’sonlysection,thereisa

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wealthofinformationthatwillnotonlyhelpyoubutwillcoverthingsyoumustknowandcomplywith.CarOperationMechanicalreportsThereisinformationunderthesereportsandtheycanbecalledupwithmanypasttechnicalpapersandrealworldcomments.Further,fromthislocationyoucanaccessinformationregarding,“ConditionsforMovementofPrivatelyOwnerRailroadCarsonAmtrak.”See“AmtrakTariff.”GetBackIssuesofPrivateVarnishMagazine.Overtheyears,theassociationmagazine,PrivateVarnish,hasincludedmanyarticlescoveringthehistoryandprocessofbringingoldercarsuptoAmtrakStandards.Additionally,PrivateVarnishhaspublishedtechnicalarticlesthatwillbeveryhelpfulinyourquesttoownaPV.AgeneralindexofitemscoveredineachissueisavailableattheMembersOnlywebsite.Informationonorderingbackissuesisalsothere.

ASSESSYOUROWNCAPACITYWITHSKILLSNEEDED

Skillswithpeoplemanagement,welding,electrical,mechanical,plumbing,andacan‐doattitudeareallessential.Ifyoudon’thavethefirst,youmaybelostbecauseyouwillneedalotofhelpfromknowledgeablepeoplewhohaveworkedaroundrailroadcarsatleasttoguideyouthroughtheprocesses.Refurbishingacarcantakeyearsandlearningaboutwheretoasktherightquestionsisessential.Then,maintainingacaronceitisreadyforthefirsttripcantakemanyhourseachmonth.Inbothcases,itinvolveseithergettingyourhandsdirtyorhiringsomeone.UNDERSTANDTHEMANYSYSTEMSONACARAir&brakes,water,sewage,holdingtanks,propane,power(480voltH.E.P.,240,120,64voltsormaybe32volts),generators,fuel(diesel),airconditioning,emergencylighting,markerlights,etc.,areallthingsyoumustknoworlearnabout.Eachoftheabovelistedsystemsoperateslikeasmallcityutilityrollingdownthetracks.Eachhasaspecificfunctionthatisusuallyinterrelatedwiththeothersandmustbemaintained.Sufficeittosay,theowneroratleastonepersoninanownershipgroupmustbecomean“expert”inalloftheseareas.TheresourceoftheAAPRCOMembersOnlywebsiteisagoodplacetobegintolearnaboutthem.Additionally,findamentorwhohasbeenthroughitbeforeandaskLOTSofquestions.SAFETYISTHEMAINCONCERNOntheAAPRCOwebsite,www.aaprco.com,memberssectionunder“RunningaCar”thereisasectionon“Safety.”Hereyouwillfindinformationontwoimportantsafetytopics:thefirstisthe“PrivateCarOwner/OperatorSafetyManuel”andtheotheris“PassengerSafetyRules”.Bothofthesecanbedownloaded.Itisimportanttorefertothisinformation.The“PassengerSafetyRules”willhelpyouinalertingyourfutureridersoftheneedfordiligenceinandaroundrailcars.Glazing:

V2614

Generally,theglassonacarbuiltafterJanuary1,1946mustbesafetyglassorpolycarbonateplastic(“Lexan”).Intheeventyouintendtoofferpublictripsonyourcar,youwillberequiredtohaveFederalRailroadAdministration(FRA)approvedglazing.Thisisexpensive.Additionally,youmusthaveatleasttwoescapewindowsoneachsideofthecarincaseofemergency.ConsulttheFRAregulationsintheCodeofFederalRegulations,49CFRPart223fordetails.Couplers:ManyofthecarsnowinuseasprivatecarsoriginallyhadTypeEcouplers.Becauseofthesafetyrequirementforcarstoremaintogetherincaseofanaccident,itisnowrequiredthatallcarsbeequippedwithcouplersthatinterlockverticallysotheycannotslipapart.Thiswillrequireachange‐outoftheoldEcouplerstonewerTypeHorTypeF.SomecarswereequippedwithnowhardtoreplaceTypeCScouplers.Thesehadasmallershankandcouplerpocketintothecarbody,whichmakesitdifficulttoinstallanewerreplacementcoupler.Theinterlockingshelf‐typecouplernowusedonhazardousmaterialfreightcarsisnotsuitableforpassengercaruse,asitdoesnotcleartheintercarbufferwalkway.WHATISH.E.P.? (ONTRAINS,INYARDS&ATHOMESITE)H.E.P.standsforHeadEndPower.Passengercarsoriginallywereheatedusingsteamsuppliedfromaboilerinthelocomotiveusinganunderfloorpipeline.Electricalloadssuchaslighting,airconditioningandblowersweresuppliedDCvoltagefrommassiveundercarbatterysets,keptchargedbyanaxle‐drivenDCgenerator.Intheearly1980'sAmtrakconverteditsfleettouse480volt3‐phaseACelectricalHeadEndPowergeneratedonthelocomotiveforallheating,coolingandlightingloads,whichhasnowbecomethestandardforallpassengertrainsintheUS.Asimilar,butnotinterchangeablesystemisusedinCanada.Asetoffourtrainlinepowercablesareroutedthrougheachcar,includingasafetyinterlockcircuittoverifythatalltrainlinesareproperlyconnectedbeforepowercanbesupplied.AllcarsmustbeconvertedtousetheAmtrakHEPpowersystemforuseonAmtraktrains.WhenyouareinanAmtraktrain,theelectricalsystemthatrunsthelengthofthetraincanbeconnectedtoyourcartoprovide480‐voltpowertoyou.YoumusthaveatleasttheHEPtrainlinespassthroughthelengthofyourcaranditonlymakessenseforyoutotakeadvantageofthesystemandusesomeofthepoweryourself.IfyouintendtorunontrainsthatuseAmtrakSuperlinersorSurfliners(high‐levelcars),youwillneedtocarrytwo33‐inchextendercablestoallowyoutohookyourcaruptothehigherreceptaclelocationontheSuperliner.Thereareveryspecificrequirementsforhowyouinstallthecablestopassthispowerthroughyourcaraswellashowtotapintoitasasourceofenergy.Thedisconnect/mainbreakermustbeofaspecifictypeandbrand.Beyondthisbreaker,youinstalltransformerstoreducethevoltagetowhateveryouneedonyourcar.Atmanyyardsandstationswherethecarmightbeparked,groundpowerat480voltsisavailableandispluggedintothecarusingtheH.E.P.cords.BackupgeneratorwithtransferswitchandautomaticcontrolsYouwillnotalwaysbeinatrainorconnectedtoyardpowerandsoitisalmostessentialthatyouinstallabackupgenerator.WheneverthereisapowerfailureoryouaredisconnectedfromtheH.E.P.,youcanhaveanautomaticsystemthatwillstartyourowngeneratorandthencontinuetopoweryourcaruntilH.E.P.comesbackup.AtransferswitchandcontrolsthatisolatethepowerfromthegeneratorfromtheH.E.P.systemisessential.

V2615

220‐voltyardpowercanbecarefullyusedfortemporaryneedsathomeRailcarswereoriginallybuilttousebatteriesasbackupalongwithanundercargeneratordrivenbytheturningofthewheelsasitrollsalong.Thecarswouldhavebeendesignedfor32volt,64voltor110voltDCLightsandequipment.AveryfewusedACpower.Youshouldplanyournewelectricalsystemtoaccept480VoltsfromH.E.P.BeforeAmtrakwentto480voltH.E.P.,thecommonstationandyardpowerwas220voltAC3phase,usedtoruntheaxel‐drivenDCgeneratorbyuseofabuilt‐inACmotortochargethecarbatteriesandmanyprivatecarscanstillutilizethissystem,whichislikewisestillavailableinaveryfewolderdepotsandfacilities.However,thisolderstandbysystemisobsoleteandisbeingretiredfromwaysidelocations.Inanycase,aqualifiedelectricianwhounderstandstheenvironmentthattheundersideofarailcarissubjectedtoshouldplanthevarioustransformersandelectricalpanelsfordistribution.220‐voltpowerisverycommonatindustriallocationswhereyoumightbeabletostoreyourcar.Withcarefulplanning,youcouldpluginthispowertoyouronboardpanelsothatyoucouldhavelightingandminimalheatonthecarwhileinstorage.GENERATOR&CONTROLS(SPECIALTRANSFERSWITCHREQUIRED).Asnotedabove,thecarscanreceivepowerfromtheH.E.P.systempass‐throughtrainlinecablesat480volts.TousethisHEPpower,aspecifichighcapacitycircuitbreakermustbeusedtoconnectyourcar'selectricalsystemtotheHEPsupply.Oncepastthiscircuitbreaker,itisuptotheindividualcarelectricalsystemtomakechangesinvoltagetobeusableforthepowerneedsofthecar.Ifanengine‐drivengeneratorisinstalled,itmustusedieselfuel‐gasolineisprohibited.Thegeneratoranditsassociatedfueltankmustbesecurelymountedtotheundersideofthecar,andbewellshieldedfromundercardebrisdamage.Speciallymuffleredandsoundproof‐enclosedgeneratorsetsareavailableforprivatecaruse‐youandyourpassengersdon'twanttolistentoanengineallnightlongwhenparkedatasiding.WheninAmtraktrainservice,thegeneratormustbeinterlockedtopreventitfrombackfeedingintoade‐energizedHEPtrainline,topreventinjurytomaintenancepersonnel.WHATISANAMTRAK“CERTIFIEDCAR”ANDWHATISREQUIRED?TheAmtrakMechanicalDepartmenthasseveralStandardMaintenanceProcedures(SMPs)whichidentifyindetailitsequipmentrequirementsfortheoperationofprivatecarsonAmtraktrains.AmtrakSMP28603specificallyaddressesprivatecarrequirements.OtherSMPscoverthecriteriaforestablishingaprivatecar'smaximumoperatingspeed,andforrepairandoverhaulofthetruckcomponents.ItisimportanttonotethatanyprivatecarinspectionmustbeperformedbyanAmtrakauthorizedInspector,atthecarowner'sexpense.AmtrakmustbecontactedtoarrangeforassignmentofanInspector.ForacartobeAmtrak"Certified",priortoanyinitialmovementonanAmtraktrain,thecarmustbefullyequippedwithAmtrakHeadEndPower(HEP)electricaltrainlines,amainairreservoirtrainline,andtheAmtrakDoorControl/Communicationpass‐throughtrainline.ThecarmustundergoaphysicaldimensionalexaminationusingtheAmtrak"PC‐5"formandamechanicalexamination,andAmtrakwillissuedauniqueAmtrak800000seriesidentificationnumber.Amtrakwillassignaclearancecodeforthecardesignatingitspermittedroutings.

V2616

Eachcarmustundergoatwelve(12)month"PC‐1"AnnualInspectioncommencingfromthelastinspectiondate,priortoanyoperationinanAmtraktrain.Uponreaching40yearsfromtheoriginaldateofcarmanufacture,acarmustundergoacomprehensive"PC‐2"mechanicalinspection,includingtruckdisassembly.Every10yearsfollowingthePC‐2inspection(sooneronhighmileagecars),thecarmustundergoa"PC‐2A"detailedinspection.DocumentationEverycarapprovedforoperationbytheAmtrakMechanicalDepartmentmusthaveasetofdocumentationonfilewithAmtrakandonboardthecar.Thesedocumentsareprovidedbythevariousinspectors,whoareapprovedbyAmtrakandarepaidforbythecarowner.Theowneralsopaysthecostoftransportationtoandfromtheinspectionpoint.Documentsinclude:PC‐1PrivateCarAnnualInspectionReportsignedbyanAmtrakapprovedPC‐1orPC‐2inspector.PC‐1APrivateCarData.PC‐2PrivateCar40‐YearorOlderInspectionReportsignedbyanAmtrakapprovedPC‐2inspector.PC‐2APrivateCarFollow‐UpInspectionReport,signedbyanAmtrakapprovedinspector.PC‐3Route/MileageLogwithalistofalltripsrun,withwhichcarrierandtotalmileage.PC‐4ShopReportwithcompleterecordofmechanicalandelectricalrepairs,refurbishment,modifications,engineeringdrawingsandphotographsdocumentingtherefurbishmentprocess.PC‐5PrivateCarClearanceFormforusebytheAmtrakClearanceBureau(DimensionalClearance).Anapprovedcarshouldhaveallofthesedocumentsinafolderonboardthecar.TheAmtrakMechanicalDepartment’sdesignatedManagerofPrivateCarStandardsshouldbecontactedtoverifythestatusofthecarpriortofinalizingthepurchase.Ifthecarownercannotorwillnotprovidethisdocumentation,FINDANOTHERCARTOBUYortreatitasanon‐approvedcarandpriceaccordingly.AcaryouarerefurbishingwillhavetohavethesedocumentsgeneratedandsubmittedtotheAmtrakMechanicalDepartmentaspartoftheapprovalprocess.Obtainandkeeponfileanyreportsofpriorwork.ProvidetheAmtrakMechanicalDepartmentwithfollowupreportsanytimechangesormodificationsaremadeafterinitialapprovalhasbeengiven.PC‐1,PC‐3,PC‐4andPC‐5reportsaresubmittedannuallyorasrequired.INSURANCE­ LIABILITYANDPROPERTYAmtrakrequirescarownerstomaintainaninsurancepolicycomplyingwithitsminimumrequirementsandnamingAmtrakasadditionalinsured.Therearecurrentlytwoprimarysourcesforthesepolicies.OneisAAPRCOaffiliated,theotherisRPCA(RailPassengerCarAlliance)affiliated.Thechoiceisyours,buttherearedistinctdifferencesinthepolicies.Generally,theAAPRCOpolicyisnota“claimsmade”policy,andtherearenoaggregregatelimitsonrecovery.Youshouldtalktoyourinsuranceagentaboutthedifferences,whichmostoperatorsfindtobecritical.TheLiabilitypolicyistoprovideprotectionforthecarownerandpaymenttootherswhomayhaveaclaimforsomeactoromissiononthepartoftheentityowningthecar.ThepolicymustnameAmtrakasanadditionalinsuredandwillpayevenifthereissomefaultonthepartofAmtrak.

V2617

ThePropertypolicyistocovertherepairorreplacementoftheactualrailcaritselfinthecaseofdamagetothecar.Again,Amtrakmustbenamedasanadditionalinsuredonthepolicyand,eveniftheycausesomedamagetothecar,theywillexpectyourinsurancetocovertheloss.OWNERSHIPENTITY­ INDIVIDUALORINPARTNERSHIPEverycarownershouldtakestepstolimithispersonalliabilitythatmaybecausedbyowningaprivatecar.Accidentslurkaroundeverycorner,andthisiswhyyoubuyinsuranceforyourautomobileandhome.Aprivatecarisnodifferent.Youshouldstronglyconsidermaintainingadequateinsurancecoverageatalltimes.YoumayalsoconsiderstructuringtheownershipofaPVsoastolimityourliability.Thisisthewholepurposeofformingacorporationinanypotentialrisksituation.Forexample,somePVownerslimitliabilitythroughaLimitedPartnership,withthecarowner(preferablyacorporationitself)beingtheGeneralPartnerandyoubeingtheLimitedPartner.Inthismanner,yourpersonalliabilitymaybelimitedtotheamountyouhaveinvestedinthepartnership.Theremaybeotherformsormethodsoflimitingliability.BeforetakingownershipofaPV,talktoaknowledgeablelawyerinyourjurisdictionaboutpotentialownershipmethodsthatbestsuityourneedsandmeetapplicablelegalrequirements.NEEDWRITTENAGREEMENTWITHBUY­SELLAGREEMENTAnytimeyouspendmorethananominalsumforanewtoy,youwillwanttohaveawrittenagreementsettingforththetermsandconditionsofyourownershipofthecarandthedutiesandwarrantiesoftheseller.Aswasmentionedearlierinthisbooklet,youmustprotectyourselfagainstallkindsofhazards,includingthosecausedbyunscrupuloussellersandtheiragents.Contactaknowledgeablelawyerinyourjurisdictionaboutstructuringabuy‐sellagreementinthewaythatbestsuityourneedsandlegalrequirements.AIRBRAKESYSTEMSANDTESTINGOFAIRCOMPONENTSTheairbrakesonaprivatecarconsistsofanairbrakecontrolvalvesystem,operatingtreadbrakes(abrakeshoeappliesagainstthewheel)and/ordiscbrakes(abrakepadappliesagainstabrakediscinboardofthewheel).Thecarwillalsohaveamechanicalhandbrakesystem,whichusesaleverorwheelatoneendofthecartoapplythebrakesusingalinkageassembly.ThebrakesystemonthecarmustbemaintainedunderspecificFRAregulations.Therearetwobasic"families"ofcontrolvalvesystems,onetypegenerallyusedonpassengercarsandtheothergenerallyusedonfreightcars.Whilebothoperateonthesameprinciples,thepassengertype(26CandolderD22systems)haveagraduatedreleasefeature.Thefreighttype(ABDW)onlyoperatesindirectrelease,anddoesnothaveagraduatedreleasefeature.TheAmtrakstandardisforuseofthegraduatedreleasefeature.AprivatecarequippedwithanABDWorotherbrakesystem,whichoperatessolelyindirectreleasewillonlybeoperatedinAmtraktrainssubjecttovariousAmtrakoperatingrestrictions.Thisincludesminimumtrainconsistrequirements,andamaximumnumberofcarsoperatingindirectreleaseinatrainconsist,asrequiredbyFRAregulations.AmtrakisphasingoutuseoftheobsoleteUCbrakesystemonprivatecars.

V2618

AirbrakecontrolvalvesrequireperiodicCleaning,Oiling,Testing,andthedateofsaidmaintenanceStenciledonthecar(COT&S).ThetimebetweeneachCOT&SismandatedbytheFRAandwillvarydependingonthebrakevalvetype.CurrentCOT&SintervalsfordifferentvalvesinAmtrakserviceareasfollows:TypeD‐22,36months;Type26‐C,48months;andTypeABDW,72months.ForcarsoperatingonfreightrailroadstheFRAintervalsare:TypeUC–15months;TypeD‐22–24monthsandType26Cis36months.AsingleCarAirTestmustbeconductedonthecar,usingacalibratedtestingvalve,wheneveracontrolvalvewasremovedfromthecar,suchasduringtheCOT&S.Itisrecommendedthatyouonlyusecurrentlyapprovedpassengerbrakingsystems,andthisissomethingthatyourinspectorcanadviseyouabout.ForeachCOT&Sevent,thebrakevalvesandothercomponentsthatarerelatedtotheairandbrakesystem(suchaswaterraisingsystems)needtobesenttoashopforinspection,lubricatingandtesting.Allowtimeforshippingandinstallationinadvanceoftheactualvisitfromanapprovedinspector.Thesepartsareheavyandbetweentheshippingchargesandshopworkyoucanbelookingatcostofcloseto$2,000ateachinterval.IfyoucanobtainacopyofPrivateVarnishissues33and34,thereisagoodreviewofwhatisinvolvedintheCOT&Sprocess.COSTSOFOPERATIONONCECERTIFIED Costsforstorage,Insurance,security,power,switching,annualinspections,(COT&S),(periodically)wheelmaintenance&replacement,generalupkeep,fuelforgenerator,airhoses,etc.,canbesubstantial.Beforeyoueventurnawheelwithyournewlyapprovedcar,youmustbepreparedforfixedcostsfortheaboveitemsonanongoingbasis.Youshouldestimatebetween$10,000and$20,000peryearforstorageandupkeep.Ifyouaddina$20,000to$30,000paintjobeverytentofifteenyears,youmayunderstandwhythishobbyisnotforthefaint‐hearted.40­YEARINSPECTIONAccordingtorailroadrules,freightcarriersarenotrequiredtointerchangecarsover40yearsold.MostpotentialPV’sareolderthanthislimit.Amtrak,asourhaulingrailroad,hassetstandardsfortheseoldercarsthatmustbemetbeforetheywillconsiderevenconnectingtoacar.Thesestandardsdealwithmanyaspectsofstabilityofacar.Inparticular,thetrucksmustbecompletelydisassembled,inspectedforwearandthenreassembled.Frequently,allnewpinsandbushingsandinsomecasesnewspringsarerequiredtocorrectexcessivewear.Thecarbodystructuremustalsoundergoanextensiveinspectionforcrackingandcorrosiondamage,andberepairedasnecessary.ThisprocessisexpensiveandverytimeconsumingandadesignatedAmtrakapprovedinspectormustobserveeachphase.Additionally,aspartoftheprocessyouwilllikelyneedtoaddcablingforH.E.P.(passthroughandtappingforyouruseonthecar),communicationsystems(DoorControl/CommunicationsLine)andpossiblylocomotivepush‐pullcontrolMultipleUnit(MU)connections.Thiswholeprocesscanrunwellinexcessof$100,000percar.Italsorequiresheavyequipmenttoliftthecartoremovethetrucksandexperiencedhandstooverhaulanyundercarsystemswhileworkingthere.ThefreightrailroadsgenerallyacceptcarsforcarriagethatmeetAmtrakstandards,butsomemayimposeadditionalrequirements.Inparticular,somefreightcarriers

V2619

arerequiringtheuseofmodernsealedaxlerollerbearingswithrotatingendcapsinlieuofolderbearingdesignswithfixedbolt‐oncovers.AmtrakhasaspecificationforH.E.P.conversion.WhiletherequirementfortheCommunicationsLineisstillintheofficialStandardMaintenanceProcedure(SMP),checktoseeifitcanbewaivednowthatradiosarethecommunicationsystemofchoice.Again,yourcarinspectorcanexplaintherequirements10­YEARTRUCKROLLOUTAfterthefirst40‐yearinspection,everytenyearsoratcertainmileageintervals,thetrucksmustberolledouttoinspectthetrucksandcertainotherenumerateditemsinAmtrak’sspecifications.Thisisusuallyaccomplishedinconnectionwithanannualinspection.(Seecommentsonreplacementofundercarairhoses,below.)LIFEOFAIRHOSESAirhosesareusedtoconnectboththebrakelineandamainreservoirsystemforaironapassengercar,fromcartocar,andbetweencomponentsunderthecar.AARandFRAhavespecifictimeframeswhenthesehosesmustbereplaced.Thehosesbetweencarsmustbereplacedeveryeightyearsbecausetheyareexposedtothesunwhichdeterioratesthem.Hosesthatareunderthecarthatconnecttoeachtruckforbrakingandtotheendbracketswherethehosesbetweenthecarsattachmustbereplacedeverytenyears,generallyinconnectionwiththetenyeartruckrollout.PAINTING–HISTORICALORNEWLIVERY(PAINTSCHEME)Youwillneedtodecidehowyouwantyourcartolook.Willyourestoreittoitsoriginallivery(paintscheme)orwillyouchangeittoanothercolorofyourchoosing?PartofthefunforsomePVownersistoresearchtheheritageoftheoriginalcar.Thiscantakemanyhoursoftimeonlineandatmuseumlibraries,butitisworthit.Realizethatpaintingisjustthecoveringovertheskinofthecar.Therewillbeweeksofpreparationandskinrepairbeforeyoueverspraythefirstcoatofpaint.Youmaygulpatthecostofpaintinexcessof$300pergallon,butthepreparationworkmayexceedtheactualcostofthepaintseveraltimesover.Doyourresearchandaskothercarownerswhattypeandbrandofpainttheyhaveused.Youwillfindthatthereisnoconsensus.Environmentalrequirementscouldaffectthechoice.Partofyourresearchshouldincludereadingthefourissueserieson“PaintingRailroadPassengerEquipment”inPrivateVarnishissues79,80,81,and84.

RESTORATION

INTERIORFIX­UPANDPAINTINGWhenyoufirstlookinsideanoldrailcarthathasbeeninuseorstorageforanumberofyears,itwillseemlikeadauntingtasktoevermakeitlivableagain.Taskoneistojustcleanoutalltheaccumulatedjunkanddoagoodcleaningofallsurfaces.Duringthistask,keepaneyeoutforanydocumentationorlabelsonequipmentthatmighthelpyoufindanoriginalmanufacturerorpartsthatyoumightneed.

V2620

Ifthecaroriginallywasa“woodinterior”suchasanoldbusinesscarwithmahogany,walnutoroakpaneling,makeeveryefforttopreservewhatyoucan.Ifitwasapaintedsteelinterior,bepreparedtodoalotofcleaningandsandingandthenhireagoodpaintertore‐spraythewholethingtobringitbacktolifeinyourowncolorscheme.Thisinitselfwillbeahugetask.Overtheyears,somecarsweredecoratedwithcarpetorvinylwallcoveringonthecorridorwalls.Thecarpetprobablyhasabsorbedmanydifferentodors.Youwillhavetodecidewhethertocleaninplaceorremoveandchangethewalltreatment.RENEWPLUMBING,ASREQUIREDWhenwetalkofplumbinghere,weareonlytalkingofwaterandsewer,nottheairsystemforthebrakes.Waterforthecarissuppliedfromlargetanksunderthecarwhichcanberefilledatvariousstationsasyoutravelacrossthecountry.Oncethetanksarefilledandthespecialfillhandleisclosed,thetankwillbecomepressurizedwithair(fromthebrakelineorasupplementalcompressor)andthenthewaterisforcedupandthroughoutthecar.Afewolderbusinesscarsusegravityfeedofwaterfromoverheadtanks.Chancesaregreatthatifthecarhassatidlethroughawinterperiodthepipesmayhavefrozenandburst.Theprocessoflocatingtheseleaks,usuallyinafloortrenchorunderthecar,willtakesomeeffort.However,itwillmakeyouunderstandwhyitissoimportanttodrainthesystemandblowoutanyremainingwaterinthesystembeforeeachwinterseason,ifyouareinacoldarea.Generally,oncetheintegrityofthepipingcanbeconfirmed,gaskets,packings,etc.willneedtoberenewedtomakeforanoperationalsystemintothefuture.Theremayverywellhavebeenachilledwaterdistributionsystemtodelivercoldwatertoeachsleepingarea.Itisstronglysuggestedtoabandonthatfunctionaswellastodeveloptheapproachtocarryseparatewaterfordrinking.Whilethewatertanksneedtobechlorinatedperiodicallytoprovideasanitarysource,untilyouhavemadestopsatseveralwaterfillstations,thewater,althoughpotable,willlikelybestaleandisbetterusedjustforflushing,showeringanddishwashing,etc.Beawarethatwaterisavaluablecommodityonatripandthatwaterconservationandsomesortofahotwaterrecirculationsystemwillmakefuturetripsmoreenjoyable.Again,usetheAAPRCOwebsite,www.aaprco.com,andpastarticlesinPrivateVarnishasaresource.Inthepast,allusedwaterjustflusheddownontothetracks.Now,whilegraywaterfromsinks,showers,andthekitchencanstillbedisposedofthatway,alltoiletflushingmustgotosomesortofholdingtankoranon‐boarddigestionsystemsuchassoldbyMicrophor.Togettheeffluentfromthetoiletstoaholdingtankwilltakemajorplanningtogettheslopeofthedrainpipesfromthefarthestsourcetoworkout.Whileitisnotnormalpracticeinresidentialconstruction,generally2inchdrainlinescanwork,butplanforstrategiccleanoutsincasethereisastoppage.Becauseoftheneedfordirectdownhillflow,planyourseweragesystemevenbeforeyoustartputtingintheconduitsforH.E.P.andthenew27pinandM.U.systems.RENEWELECTRICAL,ASREQUIRED

V2621

Arailcarisjustasmallrollingresidence.Betweenlighting,fans,callsystems,etc.therearemanycircuitsthatneedtobeconsidered.Attheoutset,makeeveryefforttoobtainacopyofthewiringdiagramforthecarortheclassofcarfromsomesource.IfthecarwasbuiltbyPullman,thereisagoodchancethattheIllinoisRailwayMuseumatUnion,Illinois,mayhavethisandmanyotherdrawingsanddocumentsonfilefromthePullmanarchives.Forafee,whichiswellworthit,theycanlookupandcopyagreatdealoftechnicalinformationusedintheconstructionoftheircars.GETIT!SincemanycarsoriginallyranonDCpowersuppliedbyaSpicerDriveconnectedtothewheels,youwillhavetodevelopanewgameplanforpoweronyourcar.Carscamein32volt,64voltand110voltDCversions.Ifitwasoriginallya110voltcar,youareinluckbecausetheinternalwiringshouldbegoodforpowerdistributionwithinthecar.Forlowervoltagecars,youhavetheoptionofusingastepdowntransformertotheoriginalvoltageorrewiringthecar.Speakwithothercarownerswhohavebeenthroughthisbefore.Don’tjustpullouttheoldwiringuntilyouhaveaplanbecausetheoldwiremayjustbecomeyourpullwirefornewcircuitry.Alwaysplantousestrandedwireandtoprateconnectorsasthemotionofthecarcancauseproblemsdownstream.Assumingyourcarwillbeequippedwithatapfromthe480‐voltH.E.P.system(fullpassthroughsystemnowrequiredbyAmtrak);youwillneedastepdowntransformertoreducethevoltageto220/110forelectricalneedsinthecar.ConsultthearticleinPrivateVarnishIssue85tomorefullyunderstandthevariousoptionsinvolved.Also,seekgoodtechnicaladvicefromsomeonewithgoodelectricalskills.Realizethattherailroadenvironmentisnotordinaryhouseholdwiring.ADDAKITCHENIFCONVERTINGFROMASLEEPEROROTHERCARTHATDIDNOTHAVEONETheplanformostprivatecarownersistohaveacarthatisessentiallyself‐contained.Ifyouarelookingatacarthatwasoriginallyasleeper,thiswillgenerallyinvolvetheremovalofsomeofthesleepingaccommodationsandthebuildingofanewfoodpreparationandeatingarea.Sincethisisanindividualdecision,itwouldbewelltoseekoutothercarownerswhohavebeenthroughthisprocessbeforewithasimilarcarlayout.WithPV’s,itisoftenexpedienttotalktothosethathavegonebeforeandlearnfromtheirmistakesorsuccesses.STRUCTURALCONSIDERATIONS(LOOKFORRUSTINCRITICALAREAS)AllcarsbeingconsideredascandidatestobeconvertedintoaPVhavealreadyservedalonglifeandtraveledmanymiles.Theenvironmentwheretheyrancanmeanahigherlikelihoodofstructuralproblemssuchasrust.Forexample,carsthatruninnorthernclimateswheretheyenduredharshwintersmayberustybecausetheywereexposedtosaltusedtomelticeandsnow.Rustistheresultofoxidationonexposedmetalandismorelikelytoformbetweenlayerssuchastheframetotheskinorattheundersideofthecarbody.Ifitlookslikearustbucket,itmaytakemoretobringitbacktolifethanitisworth.Stainlesssteelcarsdonotrust,butthematerialisverysensitivetodevelopingstructuralcrackingovertime(termedfatiguecracking),orwhenexposedtoexcessiveheat,especiallywhereunderfloorbracketshavebeenattachedtothesidesillsorcentersillbyarcwelding.Repairsperformedundertheguidanceofastructuralengineerfamiliarwithstainlesssteelrailwaycarsmayberequired.

V2622

Electrolysisistheprocessofcorrosionbroughtonbythepassageofelectricalcurrentthroughthetouchingofdissimilarmetals,generallyinconnectionwithmoisture.Themostlikelyplacesitisencounteredonarailcarwillbebetweenstainlesssteelandregularsteelorbetweenaluminumandsteel.Ineithercase,itwillbecomeahugeheadache,andconsultationwithacompetentmetallurgistissuggestedbeforeembarkingonrebuildingacarwiththesecharacteristics.Collisionpostsarefoundatbothendsofrailcars,andasthenameimplies,areintendedtohelpprotectpassengersinthecarincaseofacollisionbetweentwotrains.Thepostsareoftenenclosedintheskinattheendofacarinalocationwheremoisturemayhavecollectedandcausedcorrosiontodeterioratethestructuralintegrityoftheposts.AspartofanyAmtrakinspection,youmayberequiredtoexposethisareaand,ifproblemsarefound,todosubstantialrepairsincludingprovidinganupdatedanalysisbyastructuralengineerfamiliarwithrailroads.Therearemanyrepairstomostcarsthatwillberevealedbythepre‐purchaseinspectionpreviouslyrecommended.Thesemayincludesidesillrepairs,andotherstructuralmembers.REPORTINGMARKSInordertokeeptrackofcarsoperatingontheU.S.railroadsystem,everycarisassignedalocatordesignationwhichconsistsofafourletterowner’sdesignationandasixdigitnumber.Thereportingmark“PPCX”(PrivatePassengerCar‘X’)isfortheexclusiveuseofAAPRCOmembers.Useofthismarkcarriesafinancialresponsibilityforthecarowner.Whenacarmovinginfreightservicerequiressomekindofmaintenancedone,thecarrierwillautomaticallybilltheownerofthereportingmarkconnectedtothatcar.InthecaseofthePPCXmark,theownerisAAPRCO.EachcarownerusingthismarkmustindemnifyAAPRCOforanycharges.Amtrakwillassignasix‐digitnumberinthe800,000seriesforanycarthatwillbeoperatedonAmtrak.ThisnumberwhencombinedwiththePPCXwillbethelocatorforthespecificpassengercar.AmtrakkeepsdataoneachcarintheirARROWcomputersystemsothattheyhavecurrentdataoncardataandinspections.Inaddition,thereisanationalsystemcalledUniversalMachineLanguageEquipmentRegister(UMLER).Onceagain,dataisrecordedinthissystemsothatanyrailroadoverwhichitoperatescanimmediatelyknowdataaboutthecarincluding,butnotlimitedto:Carname&numberYearbuiltandbywhomDateoflastmajortruckrebuild(40yearrequirements)COT&Sdate,LubedateLengthWeightHeightBraketypeCouplertypeBearingsEtc.

V2623

AWORDABOUTASBESTOSBeawarethatbackwhenmostofthepotentialprivatecarswerebuilt,asbestoswastheinsulatingmaterialofchoice.SteamheatwaslikewiseuseduntiltheadventofH.E.P.,andthesteampipesbelow(andsometimeswithin)thecarwerecoveredwithanasbestoswrap.Itisimportanttoaddressthesaferemovalofanyofthismaterialattheoutset.Amtrakwillnotallowanyworkorinspectionstobedoneataterminalonacarwithasbestosuntilafteranoutsidecontractoriscalledintoremoveit.Itisfarbettertodealwithitinalessstructuredenvironment.Stateorfederalagenciescouldrequesttheremovalofasbestos.Certainworkpracticescanalsoreducetheriskofexposureduringremoval.Considerconsultingacertifiedasbestoscontractorbeforeproceeding.Andonthesubjectofinsulation,manyoldercarsusedhorsehairforinsulationbetweenthewalls,andthismaterialwillburn.Soyoushoulddonocuttingwithatorchuntilyouknowwhatisunderneathandadjacentthepartsyouarecutting.SomenewercarshaveStyrofoaminsulation.Again,becarefulwithtorch.

INFORMATIONFORDISPOSINGOFACAR

Planahead.Don’tjustleavetheplantoyourheirsSELLITONYOUROWNSCHEDULEWebsites,carbrokers,noticeinrailpublicationsPrepareinformationpacket(Verbal,brochure,pictures,video,etc.)GIVEITTOYOURKIDSGIVEITTOYOURFRIENDSGIVEITTOAMUSEUMTheremaybeataxdeductionifthemuseumisa501c3organization.Themuseummaywantyoutoprovidethecostofsettingupadisplayand/orprovideamaintenancefund.Thebestthingtodoishirealawyerwhoknowsrailcars.ThelocalBarAssociationmightbeaplacetostartwiththis.

GETTINGREADYFORATRIP

GETONPRIVATECARNOTICELISTFROMAMTRAK.PeriodicallyAmtrakwille‐mailaPrivateCarNoticetoallcarownersorthosewhohaverequestedtobeonthemailinglist.Itishelpfultoreceiveanycurrentinformationinthismanner.ThisinformationisalsoavailableontheAAPRCOMembersOnlywebsite,www.aaprco.comunderNews/Views.

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KEEPAPHONELISTOFCONTACTSIntheprocessofacquiring,restoringandoperatingyourrailcar,youwilltalktohundredsofpeopleforadviceandconsent.Manywillneedtobecontactedinthefuture,andhavingacontactlistwillbeveryhelpful.Makenotesonthelistasyougo.Keepahardcopyinadditiontoputtingthenumbersinyourcellphone.Havingahardcopythatyoucanscanquicklyontheroadishelpful.NORIDINGONFREIGHTTRAINSMostfreightrailroadswillnotallowpassengerstorideonaPVwhenitisbeingswitchedormovedinfreightservice.Andgenerally,youwillnotwanttorideonthebackofafreighttraininanyevent,becauseoftheroughhandlingcharacteristicsofsuchtrains.Indeed,thisiswhyeverythingissecurelylockedorbolteddownwheninfreightservice.GETTOKNOWTHELOCALTRAINPEOPLEOnceyourealizethatyoucannotmovea75to100toncarwithoutthehelpofaswitchcrewandanengine,itbecomesobviousthatgettingalongwiththepeoplewhocanhelpyouisveryimportant.Themorepreplanningandcoordinationthatyoucanworkoutwithyourlocalrailroadrepresentativethebetteryoulifewillbe.CALLANDGETACQUAINTEDWITHSPECIALMOVEMENTSSTAFF.InordertogetyourcarmovedonAmtrak,youhavetosubmitaMovementRequest.ItwillbenefityouasanewcarownertointroduceyourselftotheSpecialMovementsstaffassoonasyoucanandtoaskwhatthingsyouneedtodotomaketheirlifeeasierandyourmovesmoreefficient.Thiswaythestaffwillhaveanameattachedtoan800,000carnumberandhopefullyapositiveimpressionaboutyou.UNDERSTANDTHATYOUARETHEGUESTOFTHERAILROADSAllprivatecarownersshouldunderstandthatwebasicallytravelovertrackthatisownedbythefreightrailroadseventhoughwemaybeattachedtoanAmtraktrain.Freightrailroadswouldratherpassengerswerenotontheirpropertyatall.Afreightcarnevercomplainsbutwheneverapassengerisdelayedorinjured,therailroadgetsbadpress.PVtravelisonlyanoptionbecausethePVbecomespartofanAmtraktrainandbenefitsfromthemandated‐accessestablishedonAmtrak’sbehalf.COMMONCOURTESIESMAKELIFEBETTERFORYOUANDTHENEXTGUYSafetyisthemostimportantaspectofyourexistenceontherailroad.Knowtherules,andmakecertainthatyouandyourguestsobeythem.Thisincludessuchthingsasnotdrinkingontheplatform,andnotofferingalcoholtorailroademployees.Seethedosanddon’tscontainedintheSafetyBrochuresmentionedpreviously.Itissaidthatasmile,a“Please,”anda“ThankYou,”willcutthroughalotofredtape.IfprivatecarownersandtheirguestsarecourteoustotheworkersthatPVownersneedtodealwiththroughoutthesystem,yourtripswillbemuchmorepleasant.Additionally,onebadexperience,whereaserviceisdemandedratherthanrequestedwillreflectnotonlyonthepersonmakingthedemandbutonallothercarsthatcometoafacilityinthenearfuture.

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AMTRAKCHARGESTheactualchargesleviedbyAmtrakareoutlinedinthedocument,“ConditionsforMovementofPrivatelyOwnedRailroadCarsonAmtrak.”Thecurrentchargesatthetimeofthiswritingare$2.10/miletooperateonecarononeofitstrains.Thereisa$1,000.00minimumchargeforanytotaltripmovement.Asecondcartravelingonthesamerequestformcosts$1.60/mile.Thefeeincludesprovidingwaterforyourtanksandice.AmtraknowchargesanannualActivationFeeof$250.00percar.Thisfeeisdueandpayableinthefirstpartofeachcalendaryear.AMoveRequestwillnotbeprocessedunlessyouhaveinhandorhavescheduledyourcar'sPC‐1AnnualInspection.AdailyfeetolayoveratanAmtrakcontrolledstation(i.e.,stayinDenver,Chicago,LosAngeles,Oakland,SeattleorWashington)is$100.00perday,dependingonservices.ApremiumwillapplyforotherlocationssuchasBostonandNewOrleans.Carwashingandsewageholdingtankservicingareextra.HOWDOIGETMYCARONATRAIN? Youfilloutaform,ofcourse!AmtrakFormNRPC2208willdetailthedates,trains,car(s)anddestination(s)youwishtovisit,andwhatservicesyourequireatyourstopovers.YoushouldreviewthearticleinPrivateVarnishissue123,whichexplainsthedetailsneededtocompletetheform.Whenitisfilledout,itmaybemailed,faxedore‐mailedtoAmtrakforreviewand(hopefully)approval.Whenapproved,feesmustbepaidinfullbeforethemovecommences.Youcanobtainafill‐inversionofthisformwithintheAAPRCOMembersOnlysiteunder“CarOperations.”Requestsmaybesubmitteduptooneyearinadvance,butitwillprobablynotbeprocesseduntilafewdaysbeforetherequestedmove.CarsoperatingontheNortheastCorridor(BostontoWashington,DC)musthaveanAClearance(themostrestrictive)onfile.PropaneisnotallowedonanycaroperatinginandoutofNewYorkCity(becauseofthetunnelsinthecityandundertheHudsonRiver).Anumberoftheprivatecarsrunningtodaywerebusinesscarswithanopenplatform.Forthesecars,thedesiredpositionis"rearmost,platformrear"onanytrain.Whenthereareseveralrequestsforagiventrain,theprioritygoestothefirstmoverequestsubmitted.WhenitcomestotheannualAAPRCOSpecial,theChairmanoftheeventisgiventheoptiontoberearmost.YOURNEEDAKNOWLEDGEABLEREPRESENTATIVERIDINGONTHECARAtthetimeyousendinyourMovementRequest,youmustdesignatea“PersoninChargeoftheCar.”Thispersonwillneedtocoordinatewitheachtraincrewtoagreeonanyscheduleorsafetyitemsonthetrip.Whilethismayseemlikeaneasyjob,thereismuchtobeawareofconcerningthephysicaloperationofthecarandhowitmayrelatetothetrainupahead.Forexample,havingtheextendercablesready,knowingaboutthewaterandsanitarysystemsforserviceatterminals,arrangingforgarbagedisposalatappropriateplaces,requestingicefromthecommissary,beingawareofhowtheon‐boardgeneratorsystemworksandhowitmaybeinterrelatedtotheHEP(HeadEndPower)cutover,knowingwheretogetfuelifonalongtrip,etc.areallthingsaPersoninChargemustbeabletohandle.Thisknowledgeablerepresentativemaybethecarownerifheisahands‐onpersonoritmaybeapaidorvolunteerstaffperson.Justknowthatyouhavetoplanaheadforasuccessfultrip.

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TERMINALSWHEREYOUCANGETACCESSTOLONGDISTANCETRAINSOneoftheconcernswithoperatingaprivatecarisaccesstothelongdistancetrains.Inmostcasesaswitchengineandcrewwillbeinvolvedincouplinguptothetrain.IfyourcarisdeliveredtoanAmtrakterminal,saybyafreightrailroad,thenthetrainwillbemadeupbytheyardcrew.Foralistofthelocationswhereyouwillbeabletojoinatrain,researchinformationcontainedintheFacilityGuidesectionoftheAAPRCOMembersOnlywebsite.TERMINALSWHEREYOUCANLAYOVERInformationaboutthevariousroutesandcitiesislocatedontheAAPRCOwebsitewww.aaprco.comintheMembersOnlysectionunder“FacilitiesGuide.”Hereyoucancheckonservicesavailable–Watering,ice,garbagedisposal&pumping.Youcanalsoseethe“AmtrakPrivateCarNotices”whichcontaininformationaboutdetoursduetotrackworkandothercurrentinformation.SCANNER: GETRADIOFREQUENCIESItisofteninterestingandsometimesnecessarytohearwhatisgoingonwiththetrainbylisteninginonconversationsbetweenthedispatcher,theconductor,andtheengineer.Thisisdonebyhavingascannerwhichwillsearchmanyradiochannelsandthenamplifywhatisbeingsaidwhenitfindsanactivefrequency.Thewebsite,www.on‐track‐on‐line.com/amtrak‐freqs.shtmlisagoodsourceforthespecificchannelsthatareusedonthevariousroutesthatyouwillbetravelingon.Fromthewebsiteyoucanselectthetrainsyouwillbeonandprintoutthelistrelatedtothattrain.AAPRCOprovidesitsAmtrakCertifiedmemberswithabookcontainingappropriatefrequencies.TWOWAYRADIO:MUSTSIGNUPANDSENDINFORM/EMERGENCYONLYNormalcommunicationbetweentherailroadpersonnelisbytwo‐wayradio.Whileitisnormallyillegaltotransmitonthe100(soontobe200)railroadchannels,itisrecommendedthateachcarhaveaccesstoaradiothatcanbroadcastintheeventofanemergencyoranappropriateneedtocommunicatewiththeconductor.Theseradioscostseveralhundreddollars.YoumustsignupwithAmtrakandpledgetoonlyusetheradioinanemergency.TheFCChasbeguntheprocessofchangingthefrequenciesandtheirbandwidthusedbytherailroads.Makecertainanyradioyoubuywillhandlethenewsystemrequirements.InstructionsfortheuseofrailroadfrequenciesarecontainedintheMemberOnlysectionunderAmtrakRailroadRadioUseForm.TheFormnotedaboveincludesthewording,“Non‐railroademployeesshouldtransmitonrailroad‐assignedfrequenciesonlywhenauthorizedtodosobytherailroad,orincaseofemergency.”TheonboardrepresentativeshouldhaveaconferencewiththeConductoroneachtrainandlethim/herknowthatwehavearadio.Thissetsupaprocedurefor“necessarycommunications”suchasconfirmingadoublespot,etc.COMMUNICATIONBETWEENCARSONANAAPRCOTRAINWhenagroupofprivatecarownerstravelstogether,suchasontheannualconventionSpecialtrains,thereistheneedtobeabletocommunicatebetweenthevariouscars.AAPRCOhasadoptedtheuseofthe“FriendsRadio”systemthatcanbeobtainedfairlyinexpensively.Byprearrangement,allcarsaretohaveaunitsettoaspecificchannelsothatinformationcanbeshared.BesuretocoordinatewiththeTrainmasterorleaderofthegrouptobeabletohearandrespondtoinformationordirectionthatisbeingsentout.

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NEEDTWO33­INCHH.E.P. EXTENDERCABLESTORUNBEHINDASUPERLINERAsmentionedpreviously,becauseofthedifferenceinheightbetweentheHEPtrainlinereceptaclelocationonasinglelevelprivatecarandthedoublelevelSuperlinercar,eachcarmustcarrytwo33‐inchextendersthatareusedbytheelectricalcrewwhenconnectingtheH.E.P.Itisimportanttokeeptrackofthesecablesbecausetheyareveryexpensiveandoftenmayjustbetossedonthegroundwhenacarisdisconnectedfromatrainatitsfinaldestination.Partofyourjob,asacarowner,istobevigilant,andprotectyourownproperty.MAYNEEDTOCARRYA“BACK­UPHOSE”FORCONDUCTORTOCONTROLBRAKESONREVERSEMOVEAtsometerminalswherecarsaretobeaddedtothelongdistancetrains,acarmayneedtobeshovedsomedistancetobeconnectedtotherearofatrainwaitinginthestation.Itisrecommendedtocarryaback‐uphosethatisconnectedtothebrakelinebythemechanicalcrewintheyardandallowstheconductorto“ridethepoint”duringtheshoveandstillhavecontrolofthebrakingsystem.Thiswillonlyberequiredinspecificsituationssocheckwiththeyardcrewsthatyouseemostofthetime.MORETHINGSTOCONSIDERBEFOREYOURFIRSTTRIP.

1. Leavehomewithafullfueltankandknowthehoursofrunningavailable.2. Carryextraparts:brakeshoes,waterhoses,gladhandhosesandgaskets.3. Callaheadtoeachterminaltobesurethattheyknowyourcarisinboundonthetrain.4. ThefriendshipsandmutualaidavailablefromAARPCOmemberswillbeveryrewarding.

ANNUALCONVENTIONS&SPECIALTRAINS(THISISWHATWELIVEFOR)

Bynowyoushouldhaveabetterunderstandingthatthefirstfewmonthsoryearsofprivatecarownershiparetakenupwithalotofworkbringingaonceoperablehotelonwheelsbacktoanewlife.Afterallthiswork,itistimetobegintoenjoytheoperationsphaseofthisadventure.Ofcourse,justtravelingonyourprivatecar,attheendofanAmtraktrain,istherewardthatmostcarownersstrivefor.Thereisacertainsenseofpridewhenotherpassengerswalktotherearofthetraintoseethisextracarthatobviouslyisnotstandardandlookslikeithassomehistorybehindit.Littledotheyknowwhatyouhavebeenthroughjusttobereadyforthatfirstorsubsequenttravelexperience.OneofthemorepleasantopportunitieswillbetoparticipateintravelonanAAPRCOConventionSpecialTrain.ThisSpecialusuallycontainstwentyormoreprivatecarsallgoingtoathreedayconventionoflike‐mindedfolkswhohavealsoexperiencedtheeffortthatittakestofulfillthedreamofprivatecarownershipandoperation.Let’sstartatthebeginning.Youlearnaboutafutureconventionandknowthatallofthecarsthatintendtoparticipatewillrendezvousatacertaincityorterminalpointonadesignateddate.AfteryouhavehadyourannualinspectionbyanAmtrakapprovedQMP(QualifiedMechanicalPerson),youmustarrangeyourindividualtravelfromyourstoragelocationtoa

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placewhereyoucanjoinAmtrakforthejourneytotherendezvouspoint.ThatmeansplanningtheroutethatyouwanttotakeandsubmittingaPrivateCarMovementRequest.Fornow,ignoringalltheminordetailsofthecostoftravel,arrangingforfood,etc.,yougetyourapprovedPNR(PersonalNumberReservation)forthetripandyouareonyourwaytoawonderfuladventure.Thismayrequiretravelonseveraldifferenttrainsandalongthewayyoumayjoinupwithotherprivatecarsheadedforthesamestartingpoint.Youwillimmediatelyfindthattheseotherlike‐mindedcarownershavebeenthroughthesameprocessyouhavebeenthrough.Theywillenjoyexchanginginformationaboutthehistoryoftheircars,thehurdlestheyhaveovercomeintherefurbishingofthecarsand,moreimportantly,theanticipationofseeingfriendsonthespecialtrainandattheConvention.Uponhearingthatyouownaprivaterailcarpeoplewillsay,“I’veneverknownanybodywhohasaprivaterailcar.”Theappropriatereplyis,“Oh,Ihavelotsoffriendsthathavethem.”YoufinallyarriveatthestartingpointoftheSpecialTrain.MorethantwentyPV’sinonespotisquiteanexperience.PreplanningforthetrainwillhavethelineupofcarsallsetinanticipationofhowtheywillneedtobespottedattheConventionsite.Theswitchcrewwillmakeupthetrain,getallofthepowercableslacedupbetweencars,andcarryoutaverythroughinspectionandtestingofthebrakesfortheentiretrain.Earlythenextmorning,withthreeorfourcharteredAmtrakenginesonpoint,thetrainwillpulloutoftherailyardforthisphaseoftheadventure.TherouteoftheSpecialTrainisplannedtoallowformosttravelinthedaylighthours,forlayoversatstrategicspotstoservicethetrain,andforpassengerstovisitcitiesalongtheway.Often,travelwillbeoverrailsthathavenotseenapassengertrainformanyyearsor,insomecases,aredestinedtoberippedupandabandoned.Thisisknownastravelingon“RareMiles,”andmanyrailfanskeepcopiouslogsoftheseraremileroutesthattheyhaveridden.Aftertravelingtwotothreedayswithovernightstops,thetrainarrivesattheConventionlocationandgenerallywillbedividedupintoseveralparallelstringsofcars.Duringtheconvention,whichisusuallydocumentedinissuesofthemagazinePrivateVarnish,socialactivitiesaswellastechnicalsessionsandbusinessmeetingswillbeavailable.AftertheConventionisover,thetrainmaycontinuebacktoitsstartingpointoritmayendatanotherAmtrakterminallocationwherethecarscandisperseandreturntotheirhomelocations.Always,alotoffunishadbyallandtheanticipationofnextyear’sConventionbeginsalloveragain,realizingthatonaprivatecarthejourneyisatleastasmuchfunasthedestination.Asnotedabove,afunandinterestingtripiswhatwelivefor–theultimaterewardforasubstantialinvestmentandalotofhardwork.Itiswellworthit.

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NEXTVOLUMESThereissomuchtosayaboutthejoysofowningandoperatingaprivaterailcar.Thisvolumeismainlyaboutthepurchaseofaprivaterailcar.Ifyouhavereadthisfarandarestillwonderingifitisworthallthework–Itis.Wehopetogoontofuturevolumesaboutoperatingaprivaterailcar.

CREDITS:

BasedonanoriginaldocumentbyLarryHaynes,1987&variousrevisions.Basedon“PrivateCarOwnership”byStanGarner,2005&variousrevisions.2011UPDATECOMMITTEE:BobMcLean–ChairmanPhilBowerPaulDeVerterStanGardnerRobertaSprague