What is involved with performing FRA mandated 92 day inspection on diesel locomotive?
What qualifications are required for person performing said inspection? TIA

Start here to download 49 CFR 229: https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2011-title49-vol4/CFR-2011-title49-vol4-part229. Sub part B has inspection requirements.

As I understand it, you can self-certify - the only burden on the FRA is to show that the person inspecting is not qualified. I'm sure others will chime in if that is not quite correct.

As described above, the requirements are outlined in 49 CFR Part 229, Subpart B.https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?S ... 49.4.229.b

These inspections shall be performed by a qualified mechanical inspector as defined by §229.5. https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?S ... 9.4.229_15"Qualified mechanical inspector means a person who has received instruction and training that includes “hands-on” experience (under appropriate supervision or apprenticeship) in one or more of the following functions: troubleshooting, inspection, testing, maintenance or repair of the specific locomotive equipment for which the person is assigned responsibility. This person shall also possess a current understanding of what is required to properly repair and maintain the locomotive equipment for which the person is assigned responsibility. Further, the qualified mechanical inspector shall be a person whose primary responsibility includes work generally consistent with the functions listed in this definition."

Mike Ramsey

Thanks for the info and links. Normally on a first class RR the shop has a machinist and electrician do this work and it takes 4 hours (?). I believe mobile outfits also use 2 men and they charge portal-to-portal.

Anyone know a mobile outfit in NY-NJ they can recommend and their charges?

Try Rail Mechanical Services in the Harrisburg/Lancaster PA area http://rmsrail.com/

I believe that they do work for GATX on their lease locomotives. I do not know what they charge.

Pay special attention to 229.3, Applicability, and FRA's description of how they interpret "inside an installation that is not part of the general system". That page applies to CFR 240, but they apply the same rationale to CFR 229.