Standardization News

A proposed ASTM International standard will provide minimum requirements for the inspection and maintenance of steam locomotives that operate in amusement parks. Experts from both the amusement park and steam locomotive industries have joined together in ASTM’s amusement rides and devices committee (F24) to develop the proposed standard.
 
According to ASTM member Ron Lwin, the proposed standard (WK88204) targets the amusement park industry but will also benefit any steam locomotive owner/operator. The initial standard will focus on inspection and maintenance of boilers and appurtenances. Future revisions will expand the scope to include brake systems, driving/running gears, and other areas.
 
“Steam locomotives have been around for over 200 years,” says Lwin, lead auditor, Amusement Rides, Water Parks & Ropeways. “The original steam locomotive manufacturer is often no longer available to give recommendations for maintenance, and off-the-shelf maintenance manuals are not typically available. This proposed standard is intended to give the minimum maintenance requirements based on widely accepted historical practices.”
 
Lwin notes that the main body of the proposed standard will contain bare minimum maintenance for suitable operation of steam locomotives, while the appendix will include more specific best practices.  
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