Mechanical Services

RPCA has a close working relationship with The Pittsburgh Air Brake Company, Inc. (PABCO), a family-owned and -operated business. PABCO manages a Single Car Test Device rental program and calibrates wheel gauges for RPCA members.

About PABCO

PABCO was opened in 1990 by William E. Jubeck after a 23-year career with the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad. While he is now retired, he continues to serve as a teacher and Technical Advisor in our Education Department, providing 50+ years of invaluable experience and knowledge of the railroad business.

President Michael R. Jubeck, Sr. has been with PABCO since its inception and took over the day-to-day operations of the company since his father’s retirement. He credits his father for sharing his wisdom and expertise and hopes to pass it on to his own son in turn.

Single Car Test Device 

A single car test device is used to individually test air brakes on a railcar or locomotive. SCTDs are used after air brakes have been repaired or after a scheduled COT&S. The SCTD can also be used trouble shoot the air brake system when problems occur.

Single Car Test Devices must be recertified every 92 days. For any individual or company who owns passenger equipment, this would mean that you would have to keep constantly sending your SCTD to a shop to be recertified. RPCA offers a SCTD rental program managed by RPCA member Pittsburgh Air Brake. For $75.00 per week plus shipping, you can rent a certified SCTD. For more information on this program, please contact Pittsburgh Air Brake.

Master Wheel Gauge

Railcar wheels must meet federal regulations that govern their use. To accurately measure your wheels to ensure compliance you will need to use a calibrated wheel gauge. After years of service wheel gauges can be bent, worn and out of adjustment. Pittsburgh Air Brake maintains a master wheel gauge available to calibrate wheel gauges owned by RPCA members. For more information on having your gauge calibrated contact Pittsburgh Air Brake. Wheel gauges can be recertified at the annual RPCA conference.