Report of Engine Cab Condition Committee Meeting
Mar. 26, 1998, Prince George
by
Attendance
| David Moorhouse | S. Biln |
| Harry Ulch | G. Younger |
| Rik Campbell | P. Rebagliati |
| Bob St.Croix | B. Colquhoun |
| Guest | |
| Rick Morgan (UTU 1923 Alternate) |
MINUTES OF OCTOBER MEETING
Item 2.4 Locomotive Cab Audio System information had been provided to L. Behnish by D. Moorhouse at Oct. 17, 1997 meeting.
"LABOUR RELATIONS" ISSUES
Third Seat in GM's and Dash 7's
BC Rail adamant that these units have third seat installed. Have sourced reclining (some units have non-reclining models that will be replaced) IPS brand seats that will swivel and adjust so that the seat back can be placed up against the control stand when not in use.
UTU and CUTE continue to oppose the installation of a third seat in these locomotives due to confined space.
S. Biln states that the decision to install the third seat is out of the hands of this committee, it is our job to find the best possible solution. G. Younger states that these units were OK'd by the Ministry with three "piano stool" seats installed.
S. Biln to contact Ministry to inspect third seat installation.
Toilet compartment in CAT and GM's
Unlikely that we will be able to control temperature in nose of CAT's to the point where it will be within Ministry requirements in extreme cold. ie. 650 to 840 , although it will be above freezing. BCR reluctant to prototype anything if it doesn't have approval from unions.
Proposed "Armaflex" Arctic insulation job with electric parabolic heater appears to be best possible solution. One unit will be prototyped, then union GCA's and Ministry to inspect.
Eng 761 in Squamish shops to be done before May 1, 1998.
NEW LOCOMOTIVES
Due to tight market conditions, no new locomotives will be available until 2000. This may be an advantage as we will not be tied to any other order as we have in the past. We can get the units configured the way we want, not what some other railway wants.
New Locomotives cont.
Committee will receive an opportunity to revisit new locomotive specifications before order is made.
Budget $10-12 million per year for new locomotives to average 2-3 unit purchases per year. Hope to receive 5 or 6 at a time.
BCR exploring lease options for any new business.
MK LEASE LOCOMOTIVES
BCR intends to keep these for the foreseeable future. What must be done to make them acceptable to the union?
| Obvious CCO upgrades | Paper towel holders |
| Third door installation similar to Dash 9's | Alerter |
| Bathroom door latch | Electric brake system changed |
| Wiper park | Tend to skid with GM's trailing |
| Fridge relocation | VDT display changed |
| Flat paint | Heating inadequate (full of coal dust) |
| Desk upgrade (needs lip) | Positive pressure ventilation |
| Cup holders | Headset - capable radio installation? |
| Side windows awkward | Crossover walkway guards not compatable with BCR's |
| Mirrors stick out too far | |
| Noise insulation |
R. Campbell provides written list which includes other items not shown here.
Plan for limited testing in lead service.
ONGOING ISSUES
Magnetic Clips for Paperwork
P. Rebagliati supplies box full of magnetic clips marked "BC Rail Train Operations", thank you Peter and Harry.
Locomotive Cab Audio (Headsets)
Apparently we now have six radios at the radio shop that are headset / intercom capable. If so, these will be installed in MK locos without prejudice. Music capability to be further investigated, Moorhouse again provides LCAS report. P. Rebagliati to progress.
Moorhouse to contact radio shop mgr. Doug Hicks at 5606 to investigate.
| GPS | Harry would like it clarified that it is not a locator system he wants, but an emergency rollover beacon |
| Control Stand Beep Tones | Different tones for each alarm? How will headset affect beep alerts? Dash 7's tones too loud. Suggest flashing lights rather than beep. L. Sopel to provide selection of tones and light from all units. Will prioritize tone requirements in conjunction with B. St. Croix |
| Electronic Bell | Not interested |
| SBU storage | Few more done, G. Younger to supply numbers |
| Armrests | New armrests with adjusting knobs
to be supplied.
Existing armrests are being broken by people sitting on them, members are reminded to be gentle with the armrests in order to preserve them. |
| Seating (All units) | Conductor's side will have1800
rotating, high-back AirChief seats
Seats will all be shampooed within 90 days, then once per year thereafter |
| Side Display Speedos | Progressing, numbers to be supplied |
CAT ENGINES
| Slug 401, body rotting, louvers on sides detached | |
| 631 and 632 to be retired by year end | |
| Sandbox handles stick out, catch clothing. |
640's
| Not to be retired as soon as planned, will upgrade minimally, including ovens, speedo etc. Bob and Harry to inspect and provide list. |
GM's'
| Block forms falling behind fridge, need storage to organize form pads, up high, out of the way. | |
| 758 has no desk light |
DASH 7's
| Toilet cleaning and dumping infrequent. Dash 7's in Takla service will be cleaned and dumped at P. Geo. before each departure. | |
| Vertical handholds at rear. One prototype in progress | |
| Rocky Mountain units--excessive initial loading (excitation problem?) |
DASH 8's
| Request reading light above third seat for trainees | |
| Request remove window stoppers to improve options for window opening | |
| Control stand drafts -- Have sealed up all sorts of places in some units. | |
| Wiper exhaust noise--ongoing | |
| Continue program of applying sandpaper strips on leading edge of inside stairs |
DASH 9's
| Not intended for lead service, except in emergency circumstances. |
ELECTRIC ENGINES
| No upgrades done, had planned to retire them; however, now plan to use them for a while yet. Will consider small housekeeping issues. |
BUDD CARS
GEC Austin (European Manufacturing Company), to perform audit of our service to determine needs. Looking at replacement of existing equipment with similar, new equipment in 3 to 5 years.
NEW ISSUES
| Crossover chain guards on lease units not compatible with our safety bars. | |
| Budd seats worn, need draft sealing, improved gauge lighting |
FUN FACTS
Coffee pots cost $22.75 each
| Year | Pots Purchased |
| 1995 | 73 |
| 1996 | 224 |
| 1997 | 317 |
Last year BC Rail spent over $7100 on coffee pots
Next meeting Oct, 1998. Exact date to be determined