Work Item
ASTM WK88204

New Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Steam Propelled Locomotives

1. Scope

This practice prescribes minimum requirements for the inspection and maintenance of steam locomotives.

Keywords

Railroad; Railway; Trains; Steam Train; Steam Locomotive; Steam Engine

Rationale

The Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Steam Propelled Locomotives has been in development for over 10 years in order to give the basic requirements for maintaining steam locomotives, some of which operate in amusement parks. It was a collaborative effort between professionals from the amusement industry and subject matter experts from the steam locomotive industry who have a thorough understanding of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines and how to maintain steam locomotives. FRA, ASME, National Board Inspection Code, and ASTM standards were used as guidelines in the development of this practice. This practice seeks to provide the bare minimum maintenance requirements for suitable operation of steam locomotives that fall outside of FRA Jurisdiction or other Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Steam locomotives have been around for over two hundred years. The original steam locomotive manufacturer is usually not around to give recommendations for maintenance, and off the shelf maintenance manuals are not typically available. This standard is intended to give the minimum maintenance requirements based on widely accepted historical practices. The main body contains the bare minimum maintenance for suitable operation, while the appendix expands into more specific best practices.

The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.

Details

Developed by Subcommittee: F24.60

Committee: F24

Staff Manager: Katerina Koperna

Work Item Status

Date Initiated: 10-21-2023

Technical Contact: Ronald Lwin