Received the following via email.
April 28, 2011
Norfolk Southern supports Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee storm recovery
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern said it is supporting relief efforts in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, three of the states hardest hit by severe storms earlier this week.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at NS are with our employees, neighbors, and business partners who have been affected by these terrible storms," said CEO Wick Moorman. "Weather may be unpredictable, but what is certain is that in its wake all of us will pull together to recover and rebuild."
Norfolk Southern's contributions will include $100,000 to the American Red Cross in each of the three states, free rail transportation for movement of certain critical response supplies, and zero-interest loans for employees who suffered property damage.
Norfolk Southern has 3,600 employees in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee and operates over 2,400 miles of railroad there.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
Saturday, April 30, 2011
NS receives its 11th TRANSCAER National Achievement Award
Received the following via email.
April 27, 2011
Norfolk Southern receives its 11th TRANSCAER National Achievement Award
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation has earned the TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) National Achievement Award for 2010. This is the eleventh time - and the ninth consecutive year - that Norfolk Southern has earned the award that recognizes extraordinary achievement in support of efforts to prepare communities to respond to a possible hazardous materials transportation incident.
In 2010, Norfolk Southern held multiple large-scale training events in Asheville, N.C.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Johnson City, Morristown, and Martin, Tenn.; Mobile, McIntosh, Selma, Jasper, and Muscle Shoals, Ala.; and Rural Retreat, Va. Along with other Norfolk Southern TRANSCAER events throughout the year, these training events reached out to 92 cities and counties in adjoining states and resulted in the training of 4,890 emergency responders.
Norfolk Southern chose the training locations based on key hazardous materials routes as well as requests from shippers of hazardous materials and local emergency responders. Training events included classroom instruction, hands-on training, and table-top and actual drills.
TRANSCAER is a voluntary national outreach effort that focuses on assisting communities to prepare for and to respond to a possible hazardous material transportation incident. TRANSCAER members consist of volunteer representatives from the chemical manufacturing, transportation, distributor, and emergency response industries, as well as government.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 ( robin.chapman@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
April 27, 2011
Norfolk Southern receives its 11th TRANSCAER National Achievement Award
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation has earned the TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) National Achievement Award for 2010. This is the eleventh time - and the ninth consecutive year - that Norfolk Southern has earned the award that recognizes extraordinary achievement in support of efforts to prepare communities to respond to a possible hazardous materials transportation incident.
In 2010, Norfolk Southern held multiple large-scale training events in Asheville, N.C.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Johnson City, Morristown, and Martin, Tenn.; Mobile, McIntosh, Selma, Jasper, and Muscle Shoals, Ala.; and Rural Retreat, Va. Along with other Norfolk Southern TRANSCAER events throughout the year, these training events reached out to 92 cities and counties in adjoining states and resulted in the training of 4,890 emergency responders.
Norfolk Southern chose the training locations based on key hazardous materials routes as well as requests from shippers of hazardous materials and local emergency responders. Training events included classroom instruction, hands-on training, and table-top and actual drills.
TRANSCAER is a voluntary national outreach effort that focuses on assisting communities to prepare for and to respond to a possible hazardous material transportation incident. TRANSCAER members consist of volunteer representatives from the chemical manufacturing, transportation, distributor, and emergency response industries, as well as government.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 ( robin.chapman@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
NS Roanoke Locomotive Shops log 1 million injury-free employee-hours
Received the following via email.
April 26, 2011
Norfolk Southern Roanoke Locomotive Shops log 1 million injury-free employee-hours
ROANOKE, VA. - Norfolk Southern's Roanoke Locomotive Shops achieved 1 million injury-free employee-hours in March. The facility near downtown Roanoke, which employs about 200 people in the heavy maintenance and overhaul of the railroad's locomotive fleet, reached the milestone March 12 after 3 ½ years without an injury.
Chuck Sloan, shop manager, attributed the achievement to "TEAMWORK - in all capital letters. It's a cooperative effort between labor and management that focuses on safety, operating performance, and customer service. We have strong, proactive safety committees to support these efforts. The dedication, commitment, and teamwork of everyone in the shop made this possible."
This is the first time the Roanoke Locomotive Shops achieved the million-employee-hour mark. The facility, where employees log more than 900 employee-hours a day in activities that include operating heavy machinery, had not had a reportable injury since Oct. 9, 2007.
For 21 years in a row, Norfolk Southern has won the E. H. Harriman gold medal award for employee safety for achieving the rail industry's lowest employee personal injury ratio. Norfolk Southern has won the award every year since 1989. (The awards for 2010 have not yet been announced.) The Harriman awards are presented annually for outstanding performance in railroad safety to the U.S. railroads whose employees have the lowest number of injuries for every 200,000 employee-hours worked.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 (robin.chapman@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
April 26, 2011
Norfolk Southern Roanoke Locomotive Shops log 1 million injury-free employee-hours
ROANOKE, VA. - Norfolk Southern's Roanoke Locomotive Shops achieved 1 million injury-free employee-hours in March. The facility near downtown Roanoke, which employs about 200 people in the heavy maintenance and overhaul of the railroad's locomotive fleet, reached the milestone March 12 after 3 ½ years without an injury.
Chuck Sloan, shop manager, attributed the achievement to "TEAMWORK - in all capital letters. It's a cooperative effort between labor and management that focuses on safety, operating performance, and customer service. We have strong, proactive safety committees to support these efforts. The dedication, commitment, and teamwork of everyone in the shop made this possible."
This is the first time the Roanoke Locomotive Shops achieved the million-employee-hour mark. The facility, where employees log more than 900 employee-hours a day in activities that include operating heavy machinery, had not had a reportable injury since Oct. 9, 2007.
For 21 years in a row, Norfolk Southern has won the E. H. Harriman gold medal award for employee safety for achieving the rail industry's lowest employee personal injury ratio. Norfolk Southern has won the award every year since 1989. (The awards for 2010 have not yet been announced.) The Harriman awards are presented annually for outstanding performance in railroad safety to the U.S. railroads whose employees have the lowest number of injuries for every 200,000 employee-hours worked.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 (robin.chapman@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
NS reports first-quarter 2011 results
Received the following via email.
April 27, 2011
Norfolk Southern reports first-quarter 2011 results
For 2011 vs. 2010, Norfolk Southern achieved the following first-quarter records:
· Railway operating revenues increased 17 percent to $2.6 billion.
· Income from railway operations improved 8 percent to $600 million.
· Diluted earnings per share rose 32 percent to $0.90.
NORFOLK, VA. - For the first quarter of 2011, Norfolk Southern Corporation reported net income of $325 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, 26 percent higher than $257 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2010.
First-quarter 2011 results included a $58 million non-cash charge associated with an unfavorable insurance arbitration ruling that reduced net income by $36 million, or $0.10 per diluted share. For the same period of 2010, results were impacted by a $27 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, deferred tax charge resulting from the enactment of healthcare legislation.
"Norfolk Southern delivered an excellent financial performance during the quarter, reflecting the strong market for freight rail transportation and the value of our service product," said CEO Wick Moorman. "We see continuing opportunities for growth in almost every segment of our business, and we're optimistic about our prospects for the balance of 2011."
First-quarter railway operating revenues improved 17 percent to $2.6 billion, compared with the first quarter of 2010, as the result of 8 percent increases in revenue per unit and traffic volume.
General merchandise revenues were $1.3 billion, 10 percent higher compared with the same period last year. Coal revenues increased 30 percent to $816 million compared with first-quarter 2010 results. Intermodal revenues were $485 million, up 18 percent compared with the first quarter of last year.
Railway operating expenses for the quarter were $2.0 billion, up 20 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. The increase was largely due to higher fuel costs, which rose by $135 million or 53 percent, primarily as the result of increased prices as well as the effects of an unfavorable arbitration ruling and higher traffic volumes.
Income from railway operations for the quarter improved 8 percent to $600 million compared with the same period of 2010.
The railway operating ratio was 77.1 percent, compared with 75.2 percent in first- quarter 2010.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
April 27, 2011
Norfolk Southern reports first-quarter 2011 results
For 2011 vs. 2010, Norfolk Southern achieved the following first-quarter records:
· Railway operating revenues increased 17 percent to $2.6 billion.
· Income from railway operations improved 8 percent to $600 million.
· Diluted earnings per share rose 32 percent to $0.90.
NORFOLK, VA. - For the first quarter of 2011, Norfolk Southern Corporation reported net income of $325 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, 26 percent higher than $257 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2010.
First-quarter 2011 results included a $58 million non-cash charge associated with an unfavorable insurance arbitration ruling that reduced net income by $36 million, or $0.10 per diluted share. For the same period of 2010, results were impacted by a $27 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, deferred tax charge resulting from the enactment of healthcare legislation.
"Norfolk Southern delivered an excellent financial performance during the quarter, reflecting the strong market for freight rail transportation and the value of our service product," said CEO Wick Moorman. "We see continuing opportunities for growth in almost every segment of our business, and we're optimistic about our prospects for the balance of 2011."
First-quarter railway operating revenues improved 17 percent to $2.6 billion, compared with the first quarter of 2010, as the result of 8 percent increases in revenue per unit and traffic volume.
General merchandise revenues were $1.3 billion, 10 percent higher compared with the same period last year. Coal revenues increased 30 percent to $816 million compared with first-quarter 2010 results. Intermodal revenues were $485 million, up 18 percent compared with the first quarter of last year.
Railway operating expenses for the quarter were $2.0 billion, up 20 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. The increase was largely due to higher fuel costs, which rose by $135 million or 53 percent, primarily as the result of increased prices as well as the effects of an unfavorable arbitration ruling and higher traffic volumes.
Income from railway operations for the quarter improved 8 percent to $600 million compared with the same period of 2010.
The railway operating ratio was 77.1 percent, compared with 75.2 percent in first- quarter 2010.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
NS declares quarterly dividend
Received the following via email.
April 26, 2011
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced the regular quarterly dividend of 40 cents per share on its common stock, payable on June 10, to stockholders of record on May 6.
Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 115 consecutive quarters.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
April 26, 2011
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced the regular quarterly dividend of 40 cents per share on its common stock, payable on June 10, to stockholders of record on May 6.
Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 115 consecutive quarters.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Rock'in Out in 2011
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.
Working in the Blue Island IL area this week, I got to see many remnants of the old Baby Line...CRI & P!!!! (Chicago Rock Island & Pacific) And today (4-15-11), the Rock Island renaissance locomotive from the Iowa Interstate came into town! A fitting end to the week if I must say so myself.
Working in the Blue Island IL area this week, I got to see many remnants of the old Baby Line...CRI & P!!!! (Chicago Rock Island & Pacific) And today (4-15-11), the Rock Island renaissance locomotive from the Iowa Interstate came into town! A fitting end to the week if I must say so myself.
Iowa Interstate 513 at Blue Island, IL
METX 3001 (ex RI) at Blue Island, IL
RI 4238 (as METX) at Blue Island, IL
RI 4382 (as METX) at Blue Island, IL
Friday, April 22, 2011
High Speed Rail in the USA
Here are links to a couple of interesting CNN articles about High Speed Rail in the USA. Hopefully, this information will lead to a better informed discussion of the topic.
U.S. high-speed rail 'myths' debunked
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/13/high.speed.rail.fact.check/index.html?iref=allsearch
Riled about rail: Why all the anger over high speed trains?
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/04/21/harrod.high.speed.rail.trains/index.html?hpt=T2
U.S. high-speed rail 'myths' debunked
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/13/high.speed.rail.fact.check/index.html?iref=allsearch
Riled about rail: Why all the anger over high speed trains?
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/04/21/harrod.high.speed.rail.trains/index.html?hpt=T2
Thursday, April 21, 2011
BNSF collision near Red Oak, Iowa
We were alerted to this tragic accident via an email which included the photo below. Do not know what newspaper the photo is from. Article below is from the Associated Press.
Federal team to probe fatal Iowa train accident
Updated 01:58 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2011
RED OAK, Iowa (AP) — A federal team has been assigned to investigate a train accident in southwest Iowa that left two crew members dead, officials said Monday.
A news release from the National Transportation Safety Board said Michael Flannigan, the lead NTSB investigator, will head the seven-member team.
Authorities said an eastbound coal train rear-ended a train carrying maintenance equipment in McPherson, which is about five miles west of Red Oak, on Sunday morning, killing the conductor and engineer on the coal train. Their names have not been released.
A spokesman for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Gus Melonas, said Monday that workers had cleared one track and that rail traffic was moving through the crash site. The adjacent line remained closed as the accident investigation continued, Melonas said.
The train had been headed from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to Chicago pulling 130 cars of coal. The coal cars were to be transferred to another line in Chicago to be sent to an Eastern utility, he said.
The other train was hauling 34 cars of maintenance equipment belonging to the railroad. It was going from Bridgeport, Neb., to Creston, Iowa, Melonas said. The maintenance train also had two crew members. They were not injured.
According to preliminary reports, 10 cars on the maintenance train derailed as well as one of the three locomotives on the coal train.
Rail traffic was rerouted or otherwise affected until the repairs were completed.
That included Amtrak's California Zephyr train. The closure of both tracks had forced Amtrak to bus its passengers from Galesburg, Ill., to Omaha, Neb., around the accident site, which is about 40 miles southeast of Omaha.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said Amtrak expected to return to normal service through the area on Monday afternoon.
To see this photo full size, simply click on it. Then, use your browsers BACK button to return here.
Federal team to probe fatal Iowa train accident
Updated 01:58 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2011
RED OAK, Iowa (AP) — A federal team has been assigned to investigate a train accident in southwest Iowa that left two crew members dead, officials said Monday.
A news release from the National Transportation Safety Board said Michael Flannigan, the lead NTSB investigator, will head the seven-member team.
Authorities said an eastbound coal train rear-ended a train carrying maintenance equipment in McPherson, which is about five miles west of Red Oak, on Sunday morning, killing the conductor and engineer on the coal train. Their names have not been released.
A spokesman for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Gus Melonas, said Monday that workers had cleared one track and that rail traffic was moving through the crash site. The adjacent line remained closed as the accident investigation continued, Melonas said.
The train had been headed from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to Chicago pulling 130 cars of coal. The coal cars were to be transferred to another line in Chicago to be sent to an Eastern utility, he said.
The other train was hauling 34 cars of maintenance equipment belonging to the railroad. It was going from Bridgeport, Neb., to Creston, Iowa, Melonas said. The maintenance train also had two crew members. They were not injured.
According to preliminary reports, 10 cars on the maintenance train derailed as well as one of the three locomotives on the coal train.
Rail traffic was rerouted or otherwise affected until the repairs were completed.
That included Amtrak's California Zephyr train. The closure of both tracks had forced Amtrak to bus its passengers from Galesburg, Ill., to Omaha, Neb., around the accident site, which is about 40 miles southeast of Omaha.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said Amtrak expected to return to normal service through the area on Monday afternoon.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
SPRING TRAINing at Steamtown
Steamtown NHS is hosting a special event on Saturday, 4-30-11, called SPRING TRAINing. There will be a multi-media railroad slide show similar to East Rail. That will be followed in the evening by a special night photo session. For more information and to order tickets, please visit the following web site:
http://railfan.com/springtraining/
http://railfan.com/springtraining/
The most interesting common carrier frieght train in the USA.
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Heading, text, photos, and captions are his.
After seeing this train at various times and places along the Indian Harbor Belt Railroad, I was finally able to grab some decent shots of it. Leaves the Arcelor Mittal (old Inland Steel) facility in East Chicago, IN, then takes the IHB south to Gibson, heads west to Dolton IL, then leaves the IHB for NS rails up to the South Chicago, IL facility. The frequency is two round-trips every 24 hours, seven days a week. Number of bottle cars can vary from one to as many as six. (at least that was based on personal observations). This train is literally the HOTTEST train on the system. Speed limit is 10 MPH for loaded trains, 15 MPH for empty trains...and they do not stop for anything!
By far, this has to be the most interesting regularly scheduled, common carrier, freight train plying the nations rail system today.
After seeing this train at various times and places along the Indian Harbor Belt Railroad, I was finally able to grab some decent shots of it. Leaves the Arcelor Mittal (old Inland Steel) facility in East Chicago, IN, then takes the IHB south to Gibson, heads west to Dolton IL, then leaves the IHB for NS rails up to the South Chicago, IL facility. The frequency is two round-trips every 24 hours, seven days a week. Number of bottle cars can vary from one to as many as six. (at least that was based on personal observations). This train is literally the HOTTEST train on the system. Speed limit is 10 MPH for loaded trains, 15 MPH for empty trains...and they do not stop for anything!
By far, this has to be the most interesting regularly scheduled, common carrier, freight train plying the nations rail system today.
NS 7131's Steel Train at Gibson, IN
NS 7131 on the Steel Train at Gibson, IN
Arcelor Mittal 157 at Gibson, IN
Arcelor Mittal 204 at Gibson, IN
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Saturday's rail grinding on the LEHL...
(Train sightings on 4-9-11.)
Would see the LORAM rail grinding train holding at Flemington Jct. (MP 51) to wait for three eastbound NS trains to pass on the morning of April 9 . Once those three trains passed, it would then head down to the Royce Running track (MP 39.6) in Hillsborough (NJ) to once again take this siding and wait on NS 213’s passage. After 213 passed, it would come back out on to the main and head east to Port Reading Jct. The reason the rail grinding came back out on to the main and not head down the Royce Runner was NS 64J was occupying the east end of this siding. At Port Reading Jct. the train would then start its rail grinding operation west to Easton (PA). The train is seen here at Three Bridges (NJ) just west of the BR&W interchange (MP 48.4).
Would see the LORAM rail grinding train holding at Flemington Jct. (MP 51) to wait for three eastbound NS trains to pass on the morning of April 9 . Once those three trains passed, it would then head down to the Royce Running track (MP 39.6) in Hillsborough (NJ) to once again take this siding and wait on NS 213’s passage. After 213 passed, it would come back out on to the main and head east to Port Reading Jct. The reason the rail grinding came back out on to the main and not head down the Royce Runner was NS 64J was occupying the east end of this siding. At Port Reading Jct. the train would then start its rail grinding operation west to Easton (PA). The train is seen here at Three Bridges (NJ) just west of the BR&W interchange (MP 48.4).
Monday, April 18, 2011
NS QUARTERLY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
Received the following via email.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN QUARTERLY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
We cordially invite you to join us on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. EDT to review our first-quarter 2011 results. We will issue earnings results shortly after market close on April 27.
For those interested in participating, we will broadcast via teleconference that will be available by dialing 877-869-3847 several minutes prior to the start of the call. At the conclusion, you can listen to an audio replay, which will be available until May 4, 2011. The replay number is 877-660-6853, using PIN 2861 and access code 368649.
In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible, and presentation materials will be posted on the company's website at http://www.nscorp.com/ under the Investors section. Following the earnings call, an Internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company's website. In addition, the replay will be available for download to a portable audio player or computer as a MP3 - or podcast - file. Both the replay and MP3 file can be found at http://www.nscorp.com/ in the Investors section.
For electronic notification of future earnings events, we invite you to subscribe to NSInvest, Norfolk Southern's e-mail distribution list for news releases on earnings and issues pertaining to the financial performance of Norfolk Southern. To subscribe, please follow directions on our website under the Investors section.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Hostutler
Director Investor Relations
Norfolk Southern Corporation
NORFOLK SOUTHERN QUARTERLY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
We cordially invite you to join us on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. EDT to review our first-quarter 2011 results. We will issue earnings results shortly after market close on April 27.
For those interested in participating, we will broadcast via teleconference that will be available by dialing 877-869-3847 several minutes prior to the start of the call. At the conclusion, you can listen to an audio replay, which will be available until May 4, 2011. The replay number is 877-660-6853, using PIN 2861 and access code 368649.
In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible, and presentation materials will be posted on the company's website at http://www.nscorp.com/ under the Investors section. Following the earnings call, an Internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company's website. In addition, the replay will be available for download to a portable audio player or computer as a MP3 - or podcast - file. Both the replay and MP3 file can be found at http://www.nscorp.com/ in the Investors section.
For electronic notification of future earnings events, we invite you to subscribe to NSInvest, Norfolk Southern's e-mail distribution list for news releases on earnings and issues pertaining to the financial performance of Norfolk Southern. To subscribe, please follow directions on our website under the Investors section.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Hostutler
Director Investor Relations
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Famous numbers in the Windy City
Received the following from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.
Spent the weekend in the Windy City along the old Milwaukee RR in the Bensonville, IL area. Got the METRA 611 (F40C) . After hearing of the demise of the F40C fleet with those hideous contraptions as replacements, it was REAL nice to get the 611 on a METRA commuter train...Nice Number also...
The 4449 showed up later... Was looking for the 1218, 3985, 3751 but to no avail.
The UP just shows what happens out here if things sit around too long...one of the many reasons I hate cities.
Spent the weekend in the Windy City along the old Milwaukee RR in the Bensonville, IL area. Got the METRA 611 (F40C) . After hearing of the demise of the F40C fleet with those hideous contraptions as replacements, it was REAL nice to get the 611 on a METRA commuter train...Nice Number also...
The 4449 showed up later... Was looking for the 1218, 3985, 3751 but to no avail.
The UP just shows what happens out here if things sit around too long...one of the many reasons I hate cities.
METRA 611 at Bensonville, IL
Soo Line 4449 at Bensonville, IL
UP 2038 - 2027 at Franklin Park, IL
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Railroading in Northwest NJ
Received the following announcement via email.
Hackettstown Historical Society News
April 2011
Volume 3, Issue 6
Railroading in Northwest NJ
People familiar with northwest New Jersey are familiar with the miles and miles of rail track that traverse the state. There are many romanticized stories of the railroads, but they are truly the backbone of our country, and helped join east with west. Join us on Thursday, April 7, 2011 as Bob Pennisi, noted railroad author/publisher, takes us for a virtual ride on the rails of Northwestern New Jersey.
The slideshow presentation will cover railroading in Morris, Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon counties. It will focus on the Lackawanna, Erie Lackawanna, Lehigh & Hudson River, Morristown & Erie, Susquehanna, Jersey Central, Conrail & NJ Transit railways. Bob Pennisi, the evening's speaker, was an agent-operator for the Erie Lackawanna from 1962 until 1977 when he left to pursue publishing rail books. He was been an avid rail fan for his entire life and a photographer for over 50 years.. The Hackettstown Historical Society meets in Seay Hall on the campus of historic Centenary College. The meeting begins at 7:30 and is free to Society members. All are welcome; a donation is appreciated from the public. For more information on the Historical Society and its events, please call the museum at 908.852.8797 or visit the Society's website. http://hackettstownhistory.com/
Hackettstown Historical Society
106 Church Street
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Hackettstown Historical Society News
April 2011
Volume 3, Issue 6
Railroading in Northwest NJ
People familiar with northwest New Jersey are familiar with the miles and miles of rail track that traverse the state. There are many romanticized stories of the railroads, but they are truly the backbone of our country, and helped join east with west. Join us on Thursday, April 7, 2011 as Bob Pennisi, noted railroad author/publisher, takes us for a virtual ride on the rails of Northwestern New Jersey.
The slideshow presentation will cover railroading in Morris, Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon counties. It will focus on the Lackawanna, Erie Lackawanna, Lehigh & Hudson River, Morristown & Erie, Susquehanna, Jersey Central, Conrail & NJ Transit railways. Bob Pennisi, the evening's speaker, was an agent-operator for the Erie Lackawanna from 1962 until 1977 when he left to pursue publishing rail books. He was been an avid rail fan for his entire life and a photographer for over 50 years.. The Hackettstown Historical Society meets in Seay Hall on the campus of historic Centenary College. The meeting begins at 7:30 and is free to Society members. All are welcome; a donation is appreciated from the public. For more information on the Historical Society and its events, please call the museum at 908.852.8797 or visit the Society's website. http://hackettstownhistory.com/
Hackettstown Historical Society
106 Church Street
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Beware of phishing emails
Something a little off the topic, but very important.
Last week a large email marketing services company was hacked, exposing millions of peoples email addresses. There is a good chance that one of the companies that has your email address is a client of this marketing services company. These exposed email addresses could be used to launch a phishing attack. Beware of legitimate looking emails. Read the article linked below for more information.
Millions of emails exposed in major security breach
http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/04/03/6402261-millions-of-emails-exposed-in-major-security-breach?gt1=43001
For those who do not know what Phishing is, here is a definition from the Computing Dictionary.
phishing definition
security
("brand spoofing", "carding", after "fishing") /fishing/ Sending e-mail that claims to be from some well-known organisation, e.g. a bank, to trick the recipient into revealing information for use in identity theft. The user is told to visit a web site where they are asked to enter information such as passwords, credit card details, social security or bank account numbers. The web site usually looks like it belongs to the organisation in question and may silently redirect the user to the real web site after collecting their data.
For example, a scam started in 2003 claimed that the user's eBay account would be suspended unless he updated his credit card information on a given web site.
Last week a large email marketing services company was hacked, exposing millions of peoples email addresses. There is a good chance that one of the companies that has your email address is a client of this marketing services company. These exposed email addresses could be used to launch a phishing attack. Beware of legitimate looking emails. Read the article linked below for more information.
Millions of emails exposed in major security breach
http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/04/03/6402261-millions-of-emails-exposed-in-major-security-breach?gt1=43001
For those who do not know what Phishing is, here is a definition from the Computing Dictionary.
phishing definition
security
("brand spoofing", "carding", after "fishing") /fishing/ Sending e-mail that claims to be from some well-known organisation, e.g. a bank, to trick the recipient into revealing information for use in identity theft. The user is told to visit a web site where they are asked to enter information such as passwords, credit card details, social security or bank account numbers. The web site usually looks like it belongs to the organisation in question and may silently redirect the user to the real web site after collecting their data.
For example, a scam started in 2003 claimed that the user's eBay account would be suspended unless he updated his credit card information on a given web site.
Ringling Brothers circus will be arriving in May!
(Modeling idea from one of our customers.)
... as that is what the billboard is advertising. The painters are putting on the finishing touches as the morning sun is starting to shine on them. I got this idea while attending a ice hockey game in Trenton. There were some advertisements regarding the circus's arrival laying around. I thought that using some creativity and a scanner might result in a billboard. This ad was made by cutting and taping those original ads to be a little bigger than the billboard kit poster's space. I scanned it in along with adding text and dates. Had to experiment with the font and colors to see what combination looked best. Once that was done, I used a photo editing program to print off this "photo" of the ad then carefully trimmed so it would fit in on the billboard. Elmer's White glue was used and matte photo paper from Staples was used when printing it off. I thought that creating this allows my layout to be a little more personalized by creating a one-of-a-kind billboard.
... as that is what the billboard is advertising. The painters are putting on the finishing touches as the morning sun is starting to shine on them. I got this idea while attending a ice hockey game in Trenton. There were some advertisements regarding the circus's arrival laying around. I thought that using some creativity and a scanner might result in a billboard. This ad was made by cutting and taping those original ads to be a little bigger than the billboard kit poster's space. I scanned it in along with adding text and dates. Had to experiment with the font and colors to see what combination looked best. Once that was done, I used a photo editing program to print off this "photo" of the ad then carefully trimmed so it would fit in on the billboard. Elmer's White glue was used and matte photo paper from Staples was used when printing it off. I thought that creating this allows my layout to be a little more personalized by creating a one-of-a-kind billboard.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Easter Bunny Train Ride tickets NOW ON SALE!
Received the following information via email from Mr. E. Bunny, c/o Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg, NJ.
Easter Bunny Train Ride & Easter Egg Hunt
Ride our classic train along the beautiful Delaware River.
Celebrate the coming of Spring with a visit from the Easter Bunny on the Delaware River Railroad Excursions. Board our beautifully decorated train and visit with the EasterBunny! Join Mr. Bunny on a ride to his home! Once we arrive in the Bunny patch join Mr. Rabbit for an Easter Egg Hunt!
Every child will be able to look for their very own colorful Easter Egg. Each egg is filled with either a small toy or candy and each child can forage for a couple of eggs!
NEW THIS YEAR!
The Amazing Juggler Josh Horton and Gary the banjo playing Hobo.
An 1.5 hour train trip.
A stop at the bunny patch for an Easter Egg Hunt.
Entertainment by one of todays best young jugglers.
Photography by JED studios ( the same folks that do the photography for The Polar Express).
A banjo playing Hobo.
AND
Mr. Rabbit himself.
This is a fun trip for the whole family!
4 trips a day!
11:00 AM- 12:30 PM- 2:00 PM- 3:30 PM
April 16, 17 & 23
For more information and to order tickets, please visit the following web site:
http://877trainride.com/Easter.htm
Easter Bunny Train Ride & Easter Egg Hunt
Ride our classic train along the beautiful Delaware River.
Celebrate the coming of Spring with a visit from the Easter Bunny on the Delaware River Railroad Excursions. Board our beautifully decorated train and visit with the EasterBunny! Join Mr. Bunny on a ride to his home! Once we arrive in the Bunny patch join Mr. Rabbit for an Easter Egg Hunt!
Every child will be able to look for their very own colorful Easter Egg. Each egg is filled with either a small toy or candy and each child can forage for a couple of eggs!
NEW THIS YEAR!
The Amazing Juggler Josh Horton and Gary the banjo playing Hobo.
An 1.5 hour train trip.
A stop at the bunny patch for an Easter Egg Hunt.
Entertainment by one of todays best young jugglers.
Photography by JED studios ( the same folks that do the photography for The Polar Express).
A banjo playing Hobo.
AND
Mr. Rabbit himself.
This is a fun trip for the whole family!
4 trips a day!
11:00 AM- 12:30 PM- 2:00 PM- 3:30 PM
April 16, 17 & 23
For more information and to order tickets, please visit the following web site:
http://877trainride.com/Easter.htm
NS announces 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference
Received the following via email.
April 1, 2011
Norfolk Southern announces 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference
NORFOLK, VA. -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) will hold its 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference on June 8 for active buy- and sell-side analysts as well as the company's largest shareholders at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, Pa.
Norfolk Southern plans to present a comprehensive overview of the company's operating, financial, and strategic initiatives at the event, which will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude around 3 p.m. The morning session will include prepared presentations, while the afternoon session will include a guided tour of Norfolk Southern's Juniata Locomotive Shop, the company's primary overhaul and heavy repair facility for its fleet of locomotives.
The convention center is located at 1 Convention Center Dr. in Altoona. It is a 35-minute drive from the Altoona-Blair County Airport at Martinsburg, Pa., a one-hour drive from the University Park Airport at State College, and a 2½-hour drive from Pittsburgh International Airport.
Those interested in attending the meeting should first signal their interest by visiting http://www.nscorp.com/, selecting the "Investors" tab, and submitting the required application information by May 6, 2011. NS then will contact qualified applicants in order to finalize their reservations for the conference.
NS will host a dinner at the convention center the night before the conference and will provide a continental breakfast and lunch during the conference itself. Applications should note any dietary restrictions or other special requirements.
NS' intent is to accommodate everyone who wants to attend the conference; however, attendance will be restricted if demand exceeds capacity. Each firm should limit its participation to a single representative.
Simultaneous Webcast details for interested investors will be provided at a later date.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing superior connections to western rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is North America's largest rail carrier of metals and automotive products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Rudy Husband, 610-567-3377 (rudy.husband@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
April 1, 2011
Norfolk Southern announces 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference
NORFOLK, VA. -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) will hold its 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference on June 8 for active buy- and sell-side analysts as well as the company's largest shareholders at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, Pa.
Norfolk Southern plans to present a comprehensive overview of the company's operating, financial, and strategic initiatives at the event, which will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude around 3 p.m. The morning session will include prepared presentations, while the afternoon session will include a guided tour of Norfolk Southern's Juniata Locomotive Shop, the company's primary overhaul and heavy repair facility for its fleet of locomotives.
The convention center is located at 1 Convention Center Dr. in Altoona. It is a 35-minute drive from the Altoona-Blair County Airport at Martinsburg, Pa., a one-hour drive from the University Park Airport at State College, and a 2½-hour drive from Pittsburgh International Airport.
Those interested in attending the meeting should first signal their interest by visiting http://www.nscorp.com/, selecting the "Investors" tab, and submitting the required application information by May 6, 2011. NS then will contact qualified applicants in order to finalize their reservations for the conference.
NS will host a dinner at the convention center the night before the conference and will provide a continental breakfast and lunch during the conference itself. Applications should note any dietary restrictions or other special requirements.
NS' intent is to accommodate everyone who wants to attend the conference; however, attendance will be restricted if demand exceeds capacity. Each firm should limit its participation to a single representative.
Simultaneous Webcast details for interested investors will be provided at a later date.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing superior connections to western rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is North America's largest rail carrier of metals and automotive products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Rudy Husband, 610-567-3377 (rudy.husband@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
Friday, April 01, 2011
Close Clearances Revisited
Received the following photos and captions via email. Photographer unknown.
A lesson on close clearances
A lesson on close clearances
Vehicles are shipped by rail in what is known as auto racks.
Auto racks are over 20 feet tall and are fully enclosed to protect the vehicles from damage. (12/31/2010)
Not all railroad tracks can accommodate 20 foot high freight cars.
Note the sheared roof and bent ends on this auto rack because of a recent mishap in Locust Point, Baltimore, MD. (3/20/11)
The destination of these auto racks was Curtis Bay, MD, which likely meant that these vehicles were destined for export. After the mishap, the damaged auto racks and vehicles were moved to the domestic vehicle distribution center at Jessup, MD for unloading and evaluation. (3/20/2011)
Happy CONRAIL Day! (C-Day, plus 35 years)
No foolin'...and Happy New Month! Conrail came into being, 35 years ago.