                              October 24, 2003
BNSF Railway Co.
ALL DIVISIONS

                            SYSTEM GENERAL ORDER NO. 21

TO ALL CONCERNED,

SUBJECT: Warm Journal Detectors
SUBDIVISION: All

BNSF Railway is now utilizing "Warm Journal" technology,
in addition to our existing Trackside Warning Detectors (TWD).
This technology is being evaluated to determine it's ability to
predict journal failures in conjunction with our existing TWD's.
In this regard, when a train stop is indicated, the NOC mechanical warm
bearing desk will utilize the information that is currently only provided
to the NOC, evaluate the severity of the potential failure indicated and
will then contact the chief dispatcher who will, in turn, contact
train crews via radio with instructions on the action required.
Train crews are to contact the NOC Mechanical Warm Bearing Desk. When a
running set and release is indicated the warm bearing desk will contact
the train crew directly.

Since this is only a potential failure condition that is being predicted
well in advance of any actual failure, when notified to take action
relative to a "warm" bearing/journal, train may be moved without
any additional speed restriction to a convenient location to inspect
or set out as directed by the dispatcher in order to minimize the
impact on operations.  In addition, walking the train is not required
and train may also be moved to expedite the inspection and/or set
out.  These instructions for cars identified with only warm bearings
do not supercede any guidelines for handling hot journals or defective
cars identified by Trackside Warning Devices or from other visual
inspections.

Action required may include:

1) Perform a Set and Release of the Air Brakes:
Perform a set and release of the air brakes (minimum of 10 psi
brake pipe reduction) in an attempt to release any sticking brakes
at the first convenient location and consistent with good train
handling. A "running release" may be performed if engineer
determines conditions will allow as per ABTH Rule 103.3, Item C.

2) Stop and Inspect a Specified Car:
Stop to inspect specified car and be governed by specific inspection
instructions given in each case.

3) Set Out a Specified Car:
Set out specified car at location as directed by dispatcher.





APPROVED:
C R ICE
EXEC VICE PRESIDENT & COO

SYSTEM GENERAL ORDER(S) FOR THE SYSTEM DIVISION IN EFFECT
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| 9,15-21                                                               |
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