Government Greenlights Grandpa's Rusty Cabooses to Keep Chugging
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad wants to keep using some super old rail cars—like cabooses and a camp car—that are over 50 years old without following certain new safety rules about stenciling and glazing. They’ve asked for more time to keep this special permission, and the public can share their thoughts by June 29, 2026. This helps DGVR keep their vintage trains running smoothly without extra costs or changes for now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Waiver Keeps Vintage Tourist Railcars Operating
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad (DGVR) asked FRA to extend special approval under 49 CFR part 215 so it can continue operating nine cabooses (C&O 90788, C&O 90658, CSRR 311, B&O 1922, B&O 1906, Wabash 2849, Wabash 2749, L&N 5112, Reading 92891) and one camp car (Mower Lumber 419) that are more than 50 years old, and to add caboose ERC & LCo. 18. The petition seeks continued relief from Sec. 215.203 (Restricted cars) and Sec. 215.303 (Stenciling of restricted cars) for use in tourist-related activities only (not commercial freight or interchange).
Expansion of Tourist Route to 28.5 Miles
DGVR requested permission to expand the covered equipment's operating territory to a total of 28.5 miles in the Cass Hill Subdivision. If approved, the specified cabooses and camp car could run over a larger tourist route within that 28.5-mile territory.
Adoption of Heritage Mechanical Standards
DGVR states it will adopt the Heritage Rail Alliance Mechanical Standards Manual RP-001-21 for operations of cars with obsolete brake valves on its system. This adoption is included in the petition as part of how the railroad will operate the covered equipment.
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