Tuesday, December 29, 2009

UPDATE – Force Majeure on Coal Shipments Continues in Effect

The Force Majeure that went into effect at 6:00 PM, December 18, 2009 for Coal Customers, including customers with contracts or other agreements with Norfolk Southern, remains in effect. While service has been restored following winter storm conditions, damage to the Lambert’s Point facility on December 26, 2009 combined with a belt tear on December 27, 2009 have rendered both ship loaders temporarily inoperable. Norfolk Southern is working to restore dumping operations as soon as possible, and will provide notice to all parties when service has returned to normal.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Norfolk Southern-Inclimate Weather Affects Operations.

Received the following through email:

Winter Storm Impacting Mid-Atlantic Operations

A winter storm has brought heavy snow, wind, and power outages to many areas in the Mid-Atlantic region and is now moving into the Northeast and is impacting service in these areas. Customers with shipments moving through these areas should expect delays of up to 48 hours. Local service will also be affected in some of the heaviest hit areas, including western North Carolina, western Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and eastern Pennsylvania.

Norfolk Southern is working to restore normal service in these areas as quickly as possible. Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact their Customer Service Representative.

Customer Service - 800 635.5768

Central Yard Operations representatives are also available to answer any questions regarding local service (set/pull) in the affected area.

Central Yard Operations - 800 898.4296

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

More from the Forbidden Zones

Received the following pictures and captions from Kermit Geary, Jr. These pictures were taken in the vicinity of Oak Island, NJ in early December, 2009. Because of his job, he can get pictures from places that are off-limits to the rest of us, hence the Forbidden Zones.


NS 5616 & CSXT 1317 at Oak Island, NJ



Newark Liberty International Airport 7 at Newark, NJ



NJT 4027 at Newark, NJ



NS 1703 at Oak Island, NJ

More Pics of NJT Raritan Valley Line Santa Train

Below are 2 more pictures of the NJT Santa Train on the Raritan Valley line sent to us by one of our customers. These were taken at the Somerville station, which is undergoing renovation, on Saturday morning, 12-12-09.




Monday, December 14, 2009

For a change of pace...

(Train sightings on 12-12-09.)

...decided to chase after NJT's "Santa Claus Train" on the Raritan Valley Line instead of going trackside along the Lehigh Line on a sunny and cold Saturday morning. With NJT's GP40 seldom seen on the RVL, this was a good time to get some images of the two excursions. The first scene was taken in Raritan after all the passengers were on board. Judging by the size of the crowd, I would speculate that there was a good turnout at Raritan for this first run in comparision to previous years. The second scene was taken as the train approached Whitehouse traveling under a good head of steam on its first run of the day.

Motive power consisted of NJT 4218 and 4219. NJT 4218's history is that it was rebuilt from CR 3199 (GP40) and rebuilt as NJT 4218 (GP40PH-2B). NJT's 4219's hertiage can be traced back to its days as CSX/SBD 6822 and being rebuilt from NJT 4148 (GP40PH-2) and rebuilt as NJT 4219 (GP40PH-2B).

What was nice was getting this opportunity to do some photography when there are not that many chances to do this along the RVL. On weekends, service ceases on NJT's RVL in Raritan and weekdays are definitely out due to my job.


Sunday, December 13, 2009

Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 48, 2009

There is an interesting report available on the web that is "A Weekly Report of North American Rail Freight Traffic by Major Railroad and Commodity." It is currently showing data for week 48 of 2009.

http://railfax.transmatch.com/

Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2008-2009 vs. 2007-2008. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.

Special note: This graph seems to be behind. The line for 2009 extends only half way across the 4th quarter. By week 48 it should be 70% of the way across the 4th quarter. I have no information on this apparent discrepency. For an explanation, please contact the Railfax people.


Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday, late afternoon. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.

Norfolk Southern launches improved investor relations site

Received the following via email.

December 3, 2009

Norfolk Southern launches improved investor relations site

NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today launched a more comprehensive and user-friendly investors section on its Web site. To visit the site, go to www.nscorp.com and select the "Investors" tab.

Additional information and improvements to navigation make it easier to access news releases, earnings presentations, analyst coverage, transcripts, webcasts, podcasts, and other materials pertaining to the financial performance of Norfolk Southern.

A new financial "tear sheet" provides an at-a-glance overview of key facts and figures, including stock performance, headlines and events, and SEC filings. The site now also includes ownership information, e-proxy voting capability, dividend history, an interactive event calendar, and RSS feeds relating to quarterly earnings presentations.

NS launched www.nscorp.com, including its investors section, in 1996. Today, www.nscorp.com hosts more than 14,000 visitors daily.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

Norfolk Southern contacts

Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com

Friday, December 11, 2009

New Jersey Trains and Toys for Tots

There will be 2 different Toys for Tots events this Sunday, 12-13-09, sponsered by New Jersey railroad groups. We have received the following announcements.

New Jersey shortline operator Raritan Central Railway will be sponsoring Toys For Tots

New Jersey shortline operator Raritan Central Railway will be sponsoring a Toys For Tots event this Sunday, December 13th beginning at 12 Noon. RCRY provides local freight service within the Raritan Center complex (home of the Edison,NJ Greenberg Show). As the centerpiece of the event, the railroad will be providing one of its fully painted locomotives, either the former B&M GP9 or one of the ex-CSX B23-7's, accompanied by a bay window caboose borrowed from Norfolk Southern The consist will be parked adjacent to the intersection of Raritan Center Parkway and Campus Drive. We expect Santa and his elves will be joining the festivities.


Toys for Tots Train - Maywood Station

The Maywood Station Museum at 269 Maywood Avenue,
Maywood, NJ will be open this Sunday, December 13
from 9am to 10:30am while the U. S. Marines and the
special Toys for Tots Train is scheduled at the station
collecting unwrapped toys.

For more information, please visit www.maywoodstation.com

Thank you,
The Maywood Station Historical Committee

Thursday, December 10, 2009

A good HO car to scratch build...

Received the following via email. Pictures taken on 12-6-09.
(Click on any picture to see it enlarged; then use your browser's BACK button to return to the blog.)

...was this cable carrying car I discovered parked on a siding at Lansdown Junction (NJ) on the Lehigh Line. It is used by Michels Mid America, a company based in Wisconsin. They use it when laying cable along the right-of-way. From what I saw, it seems to be fairly easy to build and would make for an interesting addition for any HO train layout. Here are a few views of this car.








Norfolk Southern joins U.S. Green Building Council

Received the following via email.

December 8, 2009

Norfolk Southern joins U.S. Green Building Council

Railroad is industry leader in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability

NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern has joined the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit, membership-based organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for the nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

Through its latest public-private partnership initiative, the Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Program, NS will capitalize on the inherent efficiencies of rail transportation to substantially reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the Crescent Corridor program, NS has committed to submitting buildings from three of its proposed intermodal terminals in Birmingham, Ala., Greencastle, Pa., and Memphis, Tenn., for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification.

Norfolk Southern is USGBC's first Class I railroad member.

"Railroads are the most environmentally friendly means of moving the goods that move the economy," said NS CEO Wick Moorman. "Norfolk Southern's goal is to lead the industry in emissions reduction, efficient energy use, and environmentally focused public-private partnerships."

"LEED certified buildings are environmentally responsible and healthier places to live or work," Governor Ed Rendell said. "Pennsylvania has been in the forefront of developing high-performance buildings - second only to California in the number of LEED certified projects. Our Energy Independence Strategy will help us do even more for our environment. This component of Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor Program adds further value to this smart and environmentally friendly infrastructure investment."

"Now as America and the world begin making a historic transition to a green economy, we look to make Alabama a leader in science and technology." said Governor Bob Riley. "Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor Program is one such project that will connect Alabama to the global markets, promote economic development, and protect the environment. Alabama will continue to be an active partner in these collaborations that foster an environment of progress, competitiveness, and innovation. "

"We need to continue building on existing clean energy policies in Tennessee and support broader clean energy efforts," Governor Phil Bredesen said. "Tennessee is truly positioned to be a leader in the development of regional and national energy solutions that can provide economic and environmental benefits to our citizens. Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor Program will provide a clean, environmentally friendly future for Tennessee and the nation, while further enhancing our competitiveness and spurring economic growth."

"By becoming a member company of the U.S. Green Building Council, Norfolk Southern is demonstrating its commitment to our shared goal of a more sustainably-built environment," said Chris Smith, USGBC's chief operating officer.

The LEED certification system rewards current best practices and provides an outline for buildings to use less energy, water, and natural resources while improving the indoor environment - with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. The process for obtaining LEED certification is based on accumulating points in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. NS actively has been incorporating LEED standards into its building and planning designs and is committed to achieving these standards.

Norfolk Southern also is implementing sustainable operations throughout its facilities, including the use of the state-of-the-art low emission cranes and tractors that will reduce the particulate emissions by 90 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 45 percent. NS is experimenting with new methods to reduce truck idling, and implementing improved strategies for reducing electricity usage at all of its facilities as well.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Rudy Husband 610-567-3377 rudy.husband@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

SNOW!!!!!!!!!

Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.

Greetings:

Hope everyone survived the Thanksgiving Holiday (November, for our Canadia/en friends). Had a small dinner with my parents and then a good trip to Cumberland, MD with Adam Christman & his girlfriend Anna. (Check CSX6000 on youtube for some of the results).

Happened to be back in the Lehigh Valley area for the first measureable snow event of the season...one of the few times I will make an effort to shoot NS...what goes better with Black than white snow?!?!?!?

Hope you enjoy these images taken today...12-6-2009...as much as I enjoyed taking them!!

NS 2665 westbound at Kline's Lane, Emmaus, PA



NS 5290 & train H-76 at Bethlehem, PA



NS 6608 with TR# 35G at Allentown, PA



NS 9709 with TR# 262 at Emmaus, PA

NS Christmas and New Year Holiday Operations

Received the following via email.

Monday, 12-07-09

Christmas Holiday Operations

In observance of the Christmas Holiday, Norfolk Southern will curtail (non-intermodal) freight operations beginning 7:00 AM on Thursday, December 24, 2009. Full operations will resume at 7:00 AM, Saturday, December 26, 2009. Interline gateways will remain open for traffic delivered from connecting carriers and passenger trains will continue to operate through the Holiday.

New Year Holiday Operations

In observance of the New Year Holiday, Norfolk Southern will curtail (non-intermodal) freight operations beginning 7:00 AM, Thursday, December 31, 2009. Full operations will resume at 7:00 AM, Saturday, January 2, 2010. Interline gateways will remain open for traffic delivered from connecting carriers and passenger trains will continue to operate through the Holiday.

Customers with critical shipments, particularly unit trains, where customer operations will continue through either of these holidays, should contact their Customer Service or Marketing Representative regarding service requirements.

Where local service (set/pull) will be required through the holiday period or for questions regarding specific shipments, customers are encouraged to contact their Central Yard Operations or Customer Service representative.

Customer Service - 800 635.5768
Central Yard Operations - 800 898.4296

Friday, December 04, 2009

2009 Santa Train on New Jersey Transit Raritan Valley Line

This year’s trips (morning and afternoon) will be held Saturday, December 12, 2009.

Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves for a train ride through the country. This trip features Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus along with a few of Santa's helpers. There are sing-a-longs, candy canes and coloring books for the kids. In addition, each car on the train features a drawing for a trainset; that's ten train sets per trip! Santa pays a visit to each car and is more than happy to pose for pictures with the kids.

The train operates west from Westfield to Highbridge, NJ and back, a two hour trip.

The morning train will originate from Raritan at 8:30 AM and go to Westfield where it will depart at 9:00 AM for the trip to High Bridge. You may board this train at either Raritan or Westfield. This train will then return to Westfield, stopping at Raritan along the way back.

The afternoon trip will depart Westfield at 1:00 PM, travel to High Bridge and return to Westfield. The second trip does not stop at Raritan.

This year, tickets are only $13.00 for adults and $11.00 for children age 1 to 12. Children under 1 are FREE.

We have tickets for these trips. Stop in the Big Little Railroad Shop now before these trips sell-out. Cash or personal check made out to the Jersey Central Railroad Historical Society. Sorry, no credit cards for train tickets.

For more information visit the following web site:

http://www.jcrhs.org/santa.html