Federal Railroad Administration Rules

Index For This Page

This page was last updated on August 18, 2015.

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Locomotive identification

The letter 'F' shall be legibly shown on each side of every locomotive near the end which for identification purposes will be known as the front end. (49 CFR 229.11, paragraph a)

The locomotive number shall be displayed in clearly legible numbers on each side of each locomotive. (49 CFR 229.11, paragraph b)

Note that there is no mention of requiring a railroad name to be shown, just the number.

Footboards

All locomotives built after March 1975 must not be equipped with footboards. (49 CFR 231.30 paragraph d., part 1)

After September 1978, all locomotives built before April 1975 must not be equipped with footboards. (49 CFR 231.30, paragraph d., part 2)

Contrasting colors

All locomotives used in switching service built after March 1977 must be equipped with illuminated step treads. (49 CFR 231.30, paragraph c., part 6)

After September 1979, all locomotives used in switching service built before April 1977, and not equipped with illuminated step treads, must have the outer edge of each step tread painted in a contrasting color. (49 CFR 231.30, paragrpah a., part 2)

All locomotives used in switching service built after March 1977 must have their vertical handholds painted a contrasting color at least 48 inches above the step tread surface. (49 CFR 231.30, paragraph e., part 1)

After September 1979, all locomotives used in switching service built before April 1977 must have their vertical handholds painted a contrasting color at least 48 inches above the step tread surface. (49 CFR 231.30, paragraph a., part 2)

Freight Car Running Boards (not Roofwalks)

All cars built after April 1966, and entering service before October 1966 must not be equipped with roofwalks, except those with roof hatches. (49 CFR 231.27, paragraph i.)

By December 31, 1983, all cars built before April 1966 must not be equipped with roofwalks. (49 CFR 231.1, note)

A note about names, nomenclature, and what to call 'em. UP called them running boards. In the federal documentation, they are called roofwalks. (Don Strack, email to UP Modelers Yahoo discussion group, September 1, 2001)

In looking through numerous issues between 1888 and 1980 of the Car Builders' Cyclopedia, I find that the Dictionary of Car Terms lists "Running Board" in every issue and "Roofwalk" in none. So, it would appear the Master Car Builders had a distinct preference for Running Board, as did the UP. The federal writers must have been readers of Model Railroader or some other popular modeling magazine. (Dick Harley, email to UP Modelers Yahoo discussion group, September 6, 2001)

Terms Defined

49 CFR = Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Transportation (Department of Transportation).

Chapter II (Part 2xx) concerns the Federal Railroad Administration.

Part 229, Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards.

Part 231, Railroad Safety Appliance Standards

 

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