AAMR &ME INC Working Document SMS MODULE 3 Structural Gauge, Rail Infrastructure, Vehicles & Rail Track Specifications FOR 7 ¼ INCH GAUGE MINIATURE RAILWAYS FOR THE INFORMATION AND OBSERVANCE OF ALL Miniature Railway Staff TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE RAILWAYS SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SMS) WHICH SETS OUT THE PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES TO ENSURE THE RAILWAY OPERATES SAFELY AT ALL TIMES Working Draft Issued xxxx 2008 SPECIAL NOTE RE OTHER GAUGES UP TO 15 INCH This document currently relates specifically to 71/4” gauge requirements however as part of the review of the draft it is intended it be modified in future to provide for separate tables of specific date for each gauge from 71/4” to 15” inclusive. AAMR Members operating gauges other than 71/4” are encourage to contribute to the development process. 2 KEY TRACK & STRUCTURAL SPECIFICATIONS TRACK GAUGE, CURVES AND GRADES Nominal Reference Track Gauge 7.25 inches Gauge Widening 2mm to 4mm (on curves tighter than 20m) Nominal Minimum Curve Radius in Sidings 45 ft +- 13.00m +- Recommended Minimum Main Line Radius 60 ft +- 19.00m +- Recommended Average Mainline Radius 80 ft +- 22.00m+- Recommended Maximum Grade on Main Line 1 in 50 or 2% Recommended Ruling Grade on Main Line 1 in 100 or 1% Recommended Minimum Width between Running Lines 1,200mm Recommended Minimum Width between Sidings 1,000mm 184.15mm STRUCTURAL GAUGE FOR SIGNALS POSTS, GANTRIES, & TUNNELS 1. Posts and Uprights (Minimum Distances) 1,200mm from c/line of track 2. Minimum height of trusses or under-slung signal heads 2,200mm above railhead 3. Minimum Tunnel Bore 1.8m (Speed restricted to 8kph), 2.4 m Bore (Normal speed). KEY SPECIFICATIONS OF EMBANKMENTS Width of Top of Embankments 2.00m +- Batter of Bank 5 horizontal to 4 units vertical Composition Compacted under Engineers Directions AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 3 KEY SPECIFICATIONS OF BRIDGES Miniature Railway bridges must be constructed in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia. Working within that Code: Bridges over 1.00m above natural ground level must be constructed with footways and hand rails 1.00m above the floor of the bridge. Hand rails shall be set 2.00m apart to allow adequate walk space at the side of a train. The bridge shall be constructed in accordance with specifications as approved by a consulting engineer and approved by the relevant municipal council or approval authority. Where a bridge is below one metre in height, it may be constructed without foot boards or hand rails subject to a Hazard and Risk assessment having regard to the operating speed over the structure, the installation of safety guide rails between the running lines and the safety features of rolling stock operated on the railway including installation of chains and coupling bars to a minimum shank thickness of 12mm to ensure vehicle couplings cannot twist in a derailment. Details are provided in the section on Bridges regarding this guideline. CARRIAGE DIMENSIONS See separate diagram and explanatory notes for key dimensions STORAGE DIMENSIONS Minimum dimensions for carriage storage roads Width 700mm x Height 900mm Minimum dimensions for loco shed roads Width 750mm x Height 1,200mm Clubs should check the height of larger narrow gauge steamlocomotives built to American outline with spark arrestor funnels as they may be in excess of 1,200mm high. In addition, loco roads may be spaced at up to 1.5 to 2.00m track centres to allow for access for inspection and light maintenance activities. TUNNEL SPECIFICATIONS Tunnels may be made up from structural members covered with mesh, fabric or other material to create an enclosed space. They may also be constructed out of concrete drainage sections or cylindrical cast concrete pipes. The essential criteria is that they should be at least 2m wide at a height of 1m above rail and be 2.2m high at the lowest point of the signal heads to reduce the possibility of a rider standing up in a carriage and striking their head on the underside of the structure. Normal line speed is permitted through a 2.2m diameter tunnel. Where pipes of 1.8m diameter are used, a restricted speed of 8 kph should be applied to all trains passing through the structure. Under no circumstances should a tunnel be less than 1.8m in diameter. AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 4 MINIATURE RAILWAY TRACK, WHEEL & CARRIAGE STANDARDS Reference Description Reference Letter Imperial Measure Metric Measure G 7 ¼” 184.150 mm CG 7” 177.825 mm Check Rail CR 6 5/8” 168.500 mm Width of Flangeway W 3/8” 9.325 mm Gauge Clearance (G-BB-2 x FT) GC 5/64” 2.150 mm Gauge Widening (Curves and Frogs) GW 1/8” 1 to 3 mm Railhead Radius (This is a critical dimension to reduce excessive wear of the root radius of wheels) HR 0.08” to 0.12” 2 to 3 mm Depth of Flangeway DF 5/16 to 3/8” 8-9.5 mm Check Clearance (CR+W-BB-BT) CC - 1.825 mm CC – Comparing the two STDs CC Super Elevation of Outer Rail on Curves (Note: Depends on Curve Radius and Allowed Speed of Trains. Super Elevation in excess of 6mm may be dangerous as it can make passengers stock unstable) SE TRACK DIMENSIONS Reference Track Gauge (Historic Standard from which all other measurements are referenced) Check Gauge (CR W G –W +CW) 1.6125 mm 1/8 to 1/4 Recommended Size of Sleepers (Preferred Plastic or redgum) Attached with ¼ hex headed fasteners Maximum Drop at Joints AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 3 to 6 mm 50 x 50 x 477 mm JD 1/16th 1 to 2 mm 5 WHEEL DIMENSIONS Back to Back BB 6 11/16” 170.0 mm Flange Depth FD 0.2 – 0.3” 5 -7.5 mm Flange Thickness FT 0.236” 5 mm to 6mm Flange Angle – Front (degrees) [20 degrees for aluminium] FF 15 - 20 20 Degrees Flange Angle – Rear (degrees) (Commencing from 1/3 up from the bottom of the flange) FR 2 Degrees 8 Degrees Wheel Check (BB + FT) WC 6 15/16” 176 mm Wheel Gauge (BB + (2 x FT) ) WG 7 3/16” 182.0 mm Wheel Root Radius (Should be more than the Rail Head radius) WR 1/8” Wheel Tyre Taper (degrees) WT 1 in 20 2 Degrees Wheel Tyre Width (minimum) WW 1” 20 mm to 25 mm AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 3.0 mm 6 SPECIFIC VEHICLE DIMENSIONS Centre-line of Coupler Height Above Rail CH 6” Dimensions of Standard Coupling Pocket CP CPR 2” x 3” or 2” x 4” 1 ¼” Coupler Pin Diameter CP ½” Drawbar Cross Section DB 1” x ½” Safety Chain – Dist off Centreline SC 6” 150.0mm 7” 5mm link chain 175.0mm Coupler Pin Recess Distance from End Face of housing Specifications of Safety Chains Air Line Couplings – Dist off Centreline AC Specifications of Stored Air Line (1/4 BSP M or F connection) Specifications of Brake Line connection) 152.0mm 50 x 75 or 50 x 100mm 30.00mm 12.00mm 25 x 12.0mm Ryco Type 201 fitting ( ¼ BSP M or F Jamac Type 310 fitting Recommended Distance between Vehicle Buffer Beams 250.00mm Recommended Max Height of Seat (crush height) above rail. SH 16” 400.00mm Recommended Minimum Width of Seat SW 5” 125.00mm Recommended Minimum Foot Well Width FW 5.5” 135.00mm Recommended Min Internal Width of Car CW 18” 450.00mm Recommended Min Height of Car Sides above Floor CS 4” 100.00mm Recommended Max Height of Car Sides above Rail MCR 24” 650.00mm Recommended Max Width of all Carbodies CW 24” 600.00mm Recommended Maximum Fixed Wheel Base of bogies or coupled wheels. FWB 32” 800.00mm VH 40” 1,000.00mm Recommended Maximum Height of Vehicle AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 7 Equipment (Locomotives Carriages and unspecified Rolling Stock) The equipment used on miniature railways has evolved over many years to suit operating conditions, the ergonomic of passengers, legislative requirements and the experience gained through careful analysis of incidents that suggest modifications to design criteria to reduce operational risk. Notwithstanding the best intentions of clubs and associations to define operating and constructional standards, the reliability and inherent stability of equipment is ultimately reliant on the training and common sense of the operator to ensure an item of equipment is safe to operate within its design parameters. The specifications for passenger carriages will be influenced by the following design, operational and safety issues. However these notes are not meant to represent all the criteria to be considered in the design and operation of a passenger carriage;- Body Length: Generally a maximum of 4,500mm due to the need to design coupling pockets to accommodate a long travel swing of couplers on 50 foot and smaller radius curves in sidings and workshops. Body Width: Carriages may be built to a scale outline and outside width will depend on the scale adopted. However if the prime requisite is to make the carriages ergonomically comfortable, the scale of choice will be 2 inch scale and the outside width will vary between 480 and 580mm with inside dimensions 30 to 50mm narrower. The benefit of adopting these dimensions will make it easier for passengers to become seated and to alight from carriages. Body Side Height: Generally speaking, the maximum side height above rail should be no more than 650mm. This situation will also be compounded by whether the club has ground level or high level platforms. Where ground level platforms apply, it is desirable that carriage side height be 50 to 100mm lower. As a minimum, and to comply with an independent Insurance Consultants Report on acceptable foot attire, the minimum side height of a carriage should not be less than 300mm above rail including a minimum of 100mm over the bogies. This set of dimensions is accepted by independent Insurers as providing a safe environment for any form of foot attire including sandals, slip-ons and thongs. Seat Height: As a general rule, the crush seat height should be kept as low as possible to reduce the centre of gravity of the car. Operating experience has shown that for a given unladen carriage mass of about 150 to 200 kg including heavy bogies of about 30 to 50 kg each, the seat should be no more than 400mm above rail. Where lighter carriages are used the seating height should be further reduced to between 300mm and 400mm. AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 8 Carriage Ends: To discourage passengers from putting legs over the ends of the carriage body the end sheet of the carriage should be 50mm above the crush height of the seat. This also provides passengers with an identifiable location to hold on to during the journey which in turn makes for a more settled rider. Coupling Pockets: The adoption of a standard coupling pocket is even more important than deciding on which coupler is to be adopted by a club. Adopting the 28mm square shank type auto couplers and setting the centre line of the coupler at 152mm when positioned in a rectangular coupling pocket (50 x 100 or 50 x 75mm) allows virtually any type of coupler (Bar, Hobby Auto or Castledare Chopper) to be installed. Coupling Space: In order to minimize arms or legs being caught between cars on points or tight curves, it is desirable for the length of coupling bars, or couplers to be drilled such that the buffer beams are no less than 200 - 250mm apart when vehicles are coupled. This distance also facilitates persons to step between carriages as required. Safety Objective: To take advantage of risk analysis undertaken and approved by an Insurer for the rider to be able to safely wear any type of footwear, it is essential that the minimum side height of the standard carriage be not less than 300mm above rail and the upper edge of the carriage side sheet be not less than 100mm above the highest section of the floor which is usually over the bogies. This is to actively discourage riders from lifting out their feet and dragging them along the track whilst the train is in motion. Special types of carriages modeled on double stack container cars joined by permanent drawbars having a rail clearance of 25mm – 50mm have quite different operating attributes and are safe to operate provided the side panels along the foot-well section of the car are of a minimum height of 100mm so as to also discourage feet from being lifted out whilst the train is in motion. AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 9 AAMR& ME Inc Specifications MINIATURE RAILWAY BRIDGES Background Generally all miniature railway bridges must comply with the following provisions;1. Issue of a Planning Permit and Building Permit by the Local Council or registered Building Professional for its use as a miniature railway bridge, 2. Compliance with relevant provisions of the Building Code of Australia, 3. Compliance with appropriate OH&S hazard and risk assessment protocols that consider the design of rolling stock and regulations for the operation of trains over the structure. 4. Annual certification by a structural engineer that it is fit to operate over for miniature railway purposes, Emergency Evacuation of a Train Immobilized on the Bridge. An evacuation process may arise where a train could lose power whilst on the bridge. Options would then be;Move the train to solid ground by an external means of power, since apart from loss of power, the train is still capable of motion by either pushing/pulling the entire train using another train or by pulling the train in either direction by external means. Alternatively this may be effected by provision of walkways and handrails, or alternatively by way of a moveable platform that can be positioned adjacent to any carriage immobilized on the bridge. Concurrent with this evacuation process is the need to mark out an evacuation route to facilitate egress of passengers to a safe area and for all staff to be trained in the implementation of an evacuation. Operating Guidelines over a Low level Bridge under 1m in Height Low level Bridges are defined as; The rail bridge is less than 1m above ground, The rail bridge is a rail bridge and no pedestrian access is permitted, The rail bridge is in an area restricted to operating staff only, The rail bridge is currently fitted with a guide rail, The rail bridge is subject to a 8 kph speed limit, AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 10 Operating Arrangements & Procedures over Bridges Where bridges do not have foot ways or guide rails because of their low height, reducing the level of a potential hazard (Minimization of Risk of Derailment and or Overturning) to where it becomes a genuinely negligible risk may be achieved by incorporating the following design and operating procedures 1. All rolling stock is equipped with automatic couplers which virtually eliminates excessive inclination of a vehicle which ensures that individual carriages (and the train) remains upright if derailed, 2. All drivers and Guards are equipped with radios or appropriate forms of communication to immediately summon additional operating staff and the Operations Officer to the scene to take appropriate action as may be required, 3. In the event of an engine failure on the bridge, the following train is authorized to enter the section and under the direction of the train crew and or Operations Officer on the day, push the stopped train clear. Alternatively if possible a train may be re routed onto the stopped train and the combined train hauled clear depending on the circumstances, 4. If a locomotive or carriage becomes derailed and as a result is disabled to the extent that it cannot be moved, then individual carriages will be uncoupled and manually positioned to clear the section and unloaded the passengers removed by an approved appliance where applicable, 5. Measure the risks by reference to the operating statistics since completion of the bridge including the number of passengers and trains passing over it without incident, 6 Examine the operating speed over the bridge to assess the level of risk, i.e., a curve of say 60 feet radius has a theoretical maximum speed of about 20 kph and as the track speed on the Railway maybe say in the order of 10kph, we would have, with the 5 kph permanent speed restriction applying to operation over the bridge, an actual track speed of 50% of normal track speed and 25% of the theoretical curve speed, 7. At the posted speed of 5 kph, the trains braking effect should be tested such that it may be braked to a complete stop within 1.5m in the event of an incident. Rollovers are therefore measured as being remote and speculative, with the safety of patrons well protected by all of the above checks and balances, 8. In the event of an incident, test for response time and with the aid of radio communications if available members with approved appliances, should be able to be on the scene within 2-3 minutes, apart from immediate attendance by the train crew. AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 11 General Provisions for Operating over Miniature Railway Bridges The above operating guidelines relate to Miniature Railway bridges that do not have foot ways or guide rails because of their low height and that have the following characteristics;1. Keep speed to 5kph or less, 2. Use 25mm x 12mm shank or hobby cast automatic couplers to materially reduce the likelihood of tipping over if a derailment occurs, 3. Relay track with good quality rail to ensure the profile is to an optimum standard. 4. Fit a guide rail between the running rails so that there are in effect 2 sets of guide rails to guide and control trains whilst crossing the bridge.- Where two adjacent gauges are provided a check rail may not be practicable. 5. Fix additional planking outside of the existing running rails no more than 25 mm below the existing running surface of the rails so that any displaced wheel would receive additional support and guidance to minimize tilt and ensure that the carriage is kept captive in a virtually upright orientation. 6. Installation of a moveable set of stairs with handrails, placed on a concrete path with spring loaded feet which set themselves positively when loaded or an approved appliance to ensure safety of passengers. 7. Extension of the guide rails where possible about 2 metres past the ends of any bridge to ensure they guide the carriages clear and that both ends of the guide rails are chamfered at about 30 degrees so they don’t present a blunt end to oncoming trains Operation over a low level bridge under these conditions may be a safe practice and any risk associated with various incident scenarios is measured having regard to the circumstance of each case and assessing whether it is a very low level of risk. If not, it may be appropriate for the Railway to vary operating procedures to contain any hazards associated with a site specific operating regime. If in doubt, and having regard to your duty of care, it would be prudent to discuss the issue with your insurer, risk consultant or engineer to ensure that all areas of risk are identified and mitigated and that there is full disclosure as required under the insurance policy. The term “approved” where used means approved by the inspecting consulting engineer or Public Liability insurer. AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 12 Appendix Background information on Miniature Railway Bridges If the bridge has a deck height in excess of 1 metre above average ground level then it will have to incorporate hand rails and walkways in accordance with the relevant building standards. If the bridge deck is less than 1 metre above average ground level it does not necessarily require provision of hand rails and decking. Each low level bridge must be treated on its merits and in the context of its Hazard & Risk profile including operating conditions at each railway and the design of carriages and couplings. The design of the bridge will take into account the operating environment, the history of incidents on bridges at the Railway and any other known incident in Australia and overseas and the OH&S reasonably practicable test of health and safety as delineated in the applicable legislation. Any hazard and risk analysis should also have regard to whether the likelihood of an incident is reasonably foreseeable (ie, it must be determined whether a postulated worst case risk scenario is reasonably likely or is remote or speculative in all the circumstances). However the risk of operation over a low level rail bridge with or without walk-way boards or hand rails will depend on the identification of hazards and the elimination of identifiable risk. The level of risk will also depends on a host of other considerations including its height and the operating and equipment specification of the railway including structural design considerations and the design and operation of rail equipment to ensure any hazards are minimized. It cannot be emphasized enough that under the OH&S legislation, clubs are required to ensure that they have reasonably assessed all risk and adopted a bridge design, which, together with appropriate equipment specifications and operating practices will ensure that the operation of trains over the bridge is to a safe, reasonable and practical standard and takes account of the risk that a train could become disabled whilst on the bridge structure and passengers may have to be de-trained by members. General Health & Safety Considerations and the Clubs Legal Obligations Uniform legislation and their subordinate regulations in all Australian States affecting the construction and use of rail bridges for miniature railways are almost entirely “performance based” – that is, compliance with duties under legislation is achieved by producing safe outcomes and not by strict compliance with any particular form of written prescription, whether contained in a published technical Standard, such as an Australian one or any other recognized Standard from another jurisdiction. From a legislative viewpoint therefore, a club is not obliged to comply strictly with AS 3533 requirements nor is a club obliged to observe any requirements as set out in any bodies operating standards. In fact, if a club were to be prosecuted by a State WorkCover Authority in the event of a serious accident, strict compliance with any Association operating codes would not be necessarily a viable defence at all as the primary guideline will be the relevant State Worksafe Code of Practice for Plant, or its equivalent. . AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 13 In relation to any and all hazards or risks, a club must; Identify all hazards Assess all risks Eliminate or control all risks (as far as reasonably practicable) which could affect the health and safety of all employees, patrons, contractors, visitors and volunteers. Contractual Obligations with your Insurer Clubs must distinguish clearly between their legal obligations under State Law and their contractual obligations with their insurer. If in doubt as to the application of this requirement, consult your Insurer. Bridge Certification Existing bridges must have “Certification” as to their structural adequacy, integrity and current condition in the context of the intended use as at the date of construction. The Building Code of Australia allows existing bridges to continue in service, (or even if built today as a completely new structure), without any walkway or handrails, simply on the basis that the bridge deck is less than 1 (one) metre high measured from solid ground. Australian Standard AS 1657, “Fixed Platforms, Ladders and Walkways”, cannot be invoked as a “stand alone” requirement and applied to any bridge structure. The prescriptions in AS1657 only apply if and when such walkways, ladders and platforms are called up by another instrument such as a provision of the BCA, a particular clause of a contract or by specific legislation requiring such platforms. This means that not every bridge must have walkways, ladders and platforms fitted to it. For example, some structures intended to be accessed by the public are fitted with such platforms and walkways whilst others, like escalators in public places, are clearly not fitted out the same way. Adding such additions to an existing bridge would render all existing certifications, approvals, and endorsements “VOID” and would involve considerable trouble and expense to re-establish the same endorsements for an existing bridge structure which would have to be extensively modified. In addition, any change to an existing structure would require re-computation of the design specifications to ensure that the existing foundations and the bridge longitudinal beams are designed to allow for say, a significant cantilevering effect of a 2.0m plus deck when passengers walk on one side of an extended bridge deck and to also carry the displaced weight of a derailed locomotive or train. AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 14 Carriage Design to allow all types of Footwear in Sided Cars Having regard to recommendations made by an insurance consultant engaged in 2005 to report on acceptable footwear in sided cars, the AAMR Shoe Code specifies three categories of carriage and the type of footwear approved for each type. The first category is the traditional open straddle, The second is a fully sided car running on 7 ¼ inch gauge and above Railways The third category is the drop-well container type car which is characterized by the bogies being generally outside of the passenger compartment. These Shoe standards codify a sensible and safe operating framework that understands the needs of the hobby whilst maintaining necessary safety standards so as to minimize risk during public running. In the interests of public safety, Clubs shall self-regulate all patrons who enter the premises to ride the trains to ensure that passengers;1. who exhibit signs of being ill, 2. who may be suspected to be under the influence of drugs and / or alcohol, 3. have unsuitable footwear having regard to the type of rolling-stock used on the railway and the risk profile of operating practices. shall not be permitted to ride any trains. Members and the public shall not ride on trains with bare feet or unsuitable footwear and or loose and flowing clothing subject to the following requirements;a) Straddle type carriages in any gauge with low level open foot-boards without sides. Fully enclosed footwear is required. ie, Child & adult footwear having exposed toes and or heels including but not restricted to beach and fashion thongs, scuffs with bare heels, strap shoes and sandals, are not permitted. b) Fully sided carriages in any gauge that have sides at least 300mm above rail with a minimum height of 100mm over the bogie sections. Any type of footwear but not bare feet are permitted subject to;The club Safety Officer preparing and having adopted by the clubs committee of management a Hazard identification & risk analysis in respect to such footwear having regard to the type of fixed and moveable operating equipment used at the railway, trackside access and evacuation procedures along the line of the railway. c) Drop-well Container Type Carriages. Container type drop-well carriages that have the bogies outboard of the body structure and a railhead clearance of 25-50mm shall have side boards to a minimum of 100mm above the floor of the car. The side boards may be incorporated in the side RHS member which forms part of the structure of the vehicle. As for b) above. AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708 15 d) Hazard minimization procedures shall be undertaken by Clubs by;1. Placing suitable signs around grounds, specifying the type of footwear and clothing that is acceptable. This is to be a condition of entry and riding of trains. 2. Regularly advertise in local newspapers and other media outlets of the shoe requirements. 3. Review and minimize hazards along trackside access ways to defined evacuation points giving access to internal tracks and public roadways in the event that a train becomes completely inoperative and passengers are required to walk to evacuation assembly points. 4. Roster members to patrol the entry concourse advising intending passengers of the shoe requirement. 5. Considering having available throw-a-way socks and a selection of different sized preowned shoes for passengers to wear so that the intending passenger has a choice – confrontation between members and the public is therefore minimized. 6. Require ticket staff to again remind passengers buying tickets of the rules of the railway. 7. Station staff politely and firmly directing passengers who still have inappropriate footwear to change their shoes as otherwise they will not be able to ride the trains unless the host Club operates fully sided cars. It is necessary to stress that the rule is for the safety of the intending passengers. 8. Where the host club operated both straddle and sided cars, members of the public who have open footwear may be directed to ride in sided cars where that is approved by the clubs insurers. AAMR & ME SMS Module 3, Infrastructure, Vehicle, Wheel & Track Specifications 040708