Are Theme Park Steam Locomotives bound by the same FRA rules

[tweetsie190]

Hey there. So, I've noticed this already, but I've never taken the time to think about it: most Steam Locomotives are bound by the FRA to have a boiler inspection every 1,472 operating days or every 15 years, whichever comes first. One of the weirdest things however, is that theme park Steam are usually NEVER down for FRA inspections like other engines operational today. So I pose this question: how tight is theme park steam bound by FRA rules for steam locomotives, if at all?

[Cannonball7]

I am by no means an expert...but I think the FRA rules depend on the track the train runs. Close, insular tracks are not subject to FRA oversight - but tracks that connect to 'public rails' are. For example, Stone Mountain Scenic Railway was not subject to FRA rules until they connected their line to the CSX spur. Then, they fell under all sorts of regulations. So much so...that they ultimately severed the connection.

Now, that doesn't mean that theme park railroads don't follow those regulations as a matter of policy OR local state oversight regulations require them to follow FRA.

Again, I am just going off of what I've heard on here and regarding the Stone Mountain situation. Someone else may know better...

On a separate note, are those your fantastic Tweetie videos on You Tube under the same user name? Love them...great job!

[Steve DeGaetano]

Pretty close, Cannonball. It's not only whether the track is insular, but whether it crosses public roadways. Our New Hope Valley Ry is insular--it doesn't connect with any other railroad; but we're still bound by the FRA regs, including the 1472 day inspection rule, because we cross several public roads.

[Unfortunate Bystander]

Theme Park railroads in California are considered amusement rides and as such are inspected by the State (Division of Safely and Health I beleive).

[CP173]

Pretty close, Cannonball. It's not only whether the track is insular, but whether it crosses public roadways.

This is my understanding, as well. Also, I believe it’s the crossing of any “public conveyance”; often a road, but also - in theory - a canal, another railroad, a public trail, etc. Essentially, “How much trouble can you cause?”

[Steve DeGaetano]

This is my understanding, as well. Also, I believe it’s the crossing of any “public conveyance”; often a road, but also - in theory - a canal, another railroad, a public trail, etc. Essentially, “How much trouble can you cause?”

True. I just think of roads because those are what's most common.

[Boilermaker]

The ASTM has a subcommittee (F24.60) currently working on a standard for amusement park steam locomotives. The rules are structured around the FRA requirements (CFR 49, Part 230) with exceptions when those rules don't apply (think 1-1/2" scale live steam). The work group is rounding third and heading for home and I imagine the first Edition will be published in 2019. The standard will only become mandatory in Jurisdictions that adopt it. The work group includes members representing a broad spectrum of the industry.