Report of Engine Cab Condition Committee Meeting,
0930, April 30, 1999, Room 201, N. Van. BCRC

by

Robin Kelleher, Director, Passenger Services, discussed Budd Car replacement strategy. VIA personnel will look at the equipment to determine if they can be rebuilt or if they need replacing. We should know one way or the other by June, 1999 If a rebuild program is feasible it should go ahead in Spring of 2000. They would need to be rebuilt two at a time. The committee will have an opportunity to provide input if rebuilding is an option.

Require upgrade for Y2K compliance. (memory battery reset problem) Replacement kits to be available by June. Will add more options (air pressure data). Warning tone volume is adjustable by rotating a plastic disk. Red RSD buttons will be replaced with orange.

Replacement tools have ALL gone missing, toolkits will not be replaced.

Getting complaints -- Slugs should be on the long hood end to distance crewperson riding the footboard from engine noise.

This modification is expensive ($50,000 to wire both ends for slug) and is not a priority. About half the units have wiring on both ends now. There will be a commitment to place slug on long hood end at terminals where they will work well. Rob Pasowicz to provide list.

Complaints about sanders not working properly.

Mixed opinion about preference, crews like the convection ovens. Question about whether the electronic signature of the microwave might interfere with Locotrol.

Ovens are inspected and cleaned at 90 day intervals

Intend to equip 70 lead units with headset capability. Cost $3000 per unit plus headsets $300-400 each, total $300,000. Every regular road crewperson will receive a headset. 7different styles. David Clarke brand. Investigating the suitability of Peltor (may be lighter weight). Probable time frame 1 year to completion (depending on budget). Easy to install music capability for low cost at a later date. Headsets well received so far. 6 units done to date.

Brake will stay on when trainline goes into emergency. 4622, 3610 and four others modified to date. Sticker will be applied advising of modification. Probable cost $880,000 for all engines. 3900's and electric engines will not be done. Expect completion date for fleet, Nov. 1999