Museum Begs Feds: Please Stop Making Us Remove the Fragile Brick
Published Date: 6/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The Virginia Museum of Transportation asked for a special pass to skip removing a fragile brick inside their steam locomotive during yearly inspections. They say taking the brick out usually breaks it, but they can still check it well enough with less damage. People have until August 24, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could save time and money while keeping the train safe.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Waiver to Skip Arch Brick Removal
The Virginia Museum of Transportation petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration on May 6, 2026, asking for a waiver from 49 CFR 230.61(c) so it does not have to remove the arch brick during the annual inspection of locomotive Norfolk and Western 611. VMT says removal usually breaks the brick and proposes using an ultrasonic examination after removing only small pieces from the upper side; the arch tubes were renewed in July 2025. FRA is accepting public comments on Docket FRA-2026-1057 through August 24, 2026.
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