Old Cabooses Dodge Paint Rules for Movie Star Turns on Rails
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation wants to keep using three super old cabooses without following some usual safety rules about painting and reflectors. These cabooses won’t carry freight but will be used for photos and movies. People have until April 1, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Reflectorization Waivers Codified for Tourist Cars
The notice references a recent FRA Final Rule (91 FR 3375, Jan. 27, 2026) that codified waivers for reflectorization on freight rolling stock used exclusively in tourist operations. That rule formalizes relief from certain reflectorization requirements for equipment used solely in tourist service.
Extension Sought for 3 Historic Cabooses
The Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation (MSTP) asked the Federal Railroad Administration to extend a special approval so three cabooses (MSTP 2838, MSTP 2839, and MSTP A909), each more than 50 years old, do not have to meet certain stenciling (49 CFR 215.303) and reflectorization (49 CFR part 224) rules. MSTP says these cars will not carry freight and will be used only for photography and filmmaking; the public may comment on the petition by April 1, 2026.
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