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Monday, May 30, 2011
"Three bubbles, no trouble..."
Received the following via email.
...was what the conductor in the caboose might have thought when he saw these three zeroes on a hot box detector. Other conductors would use such descriptive phases as "three donuts and a twinkie" or that was the balance in their bank account when seeing this triple zero indicator. A triple zero would indicate that there were no defects. If the lighted number read something like 83, that would mean the problem was 83 axles ahead of the caboose. Just like cabooses on freight trains, these type of hot box detectors are a piece of railroading history. This particular scene was taken in Banff, Alberta Canada back in August, 1986.
...was what the conductor in the caboose might have thought when he saw these three zeroes on a hot box detector. Other conductors would use such descriptive phases as "three donuts and a twinkie" or that was the balance in their bank account when seeing this triple zero indicator. A triple zero would indicate that there were no defects. If the lighted number read something like 83, that would mean the problem was 83 axles ahead of the caboose. Just like cabooses on freight trains, these type of hot box detectors are a piece of railroading history. This particular scene was taken in Banff, Alberta Canada back in August, 1986.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
CR train at Belle Mead, NJ - April, 1981
Received the following via email.
The slide mounts on these two images said "APR 81" so I will venture a guess to say these two images are from 1981. This view is from the current and soon to removed Route 206 highway bridge above the Belle Mead station. A CR freight with GP40s 3105 and 3065 wait for the signal to proceed south. So how many changes have taken place since this scene was taken? Here are some of the more visble observations... There is only one track here now and note how the track near the station seems to be wearing a coating of rust. No way any vehicle could be parked there today in 2011 unless your vehicle was an Abrams tank! That area is overgrown with trees. The freight house in the upper left hand corner in no where to be seen these days. Perhaps it is obscured by trees or has been leveled. Belle Mead station is in need of some major funding in order to restore it to a usable state. As for the signal bridges, "BM" Tower and interlocks, they are also gone.
The slide mounts on these two images said "APR 81" so I will venture a guess to say these two images are from 1981. This view is from the current and soon to removed Route 206 highway bridge above the Belle Mead station. A CR freight with GP40s 3105 and 3065 wait for the signal to proceed south. So how many changes have taken place since this scene was taken? Here are some of the more visble observations... There is only one track here now and note how the track near the station seems to be wearing a coating of rust. No way any vehicle could be parked there today in 2011 unless your vehicle was an Abrams tank! That area is overgrown with trees. The freight house in the upper left hand corner in no where to be seen these days. Perhaps it is obscured by trees or has been leveled. Belle Mead station is in need of some major funding in order to restore it to a usable state. As for the signal bridges, "BM" Tower and interlocks, they are also gone.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Tromping through the Bluegrass
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.
Had not been in Corbin, KY for at least 10 years....remember it well in the days of my youth with ALCO's of all types and descriptions in road and yard duties...Still some interesting stuff there..one of the last SD-40's, another example of how railroads are downsizing their locomotive fleet (CSXT 2007) and just as I was getting ready to head for Hazard...the OCS on a deadhead trip towards Chicago-land!!! Twice in the same year!!! Not that I am complaining, mind you!!
Had not been in Corbin, KY for at least 10 years....remember it well in the days of my youth with ALCO's of all types and descriptions in road and yard duties...Still some interesting stuff there..one of the last SD-40's, another example of how railroads are downsizing their locomotive fleet (CSXT 2007) and just as I was getting ready to head for Hazard...the OCS on a deadhead trip towards Chicago-land!!! Twice in the same year!!! Not that I am complaining, mind you!!
CSXT 4621 at Corbin, KY
CSXT 2007 at Corbin, KY
CSXT 9999 & train at Corbin, KY (4)
CSXT 9999 & train at Corbin, KY (7)
Friday, May 20, 2011
Blog counter milestone
Yesterday, Thursday 5/19/11, our blog counter passed the 50,000 mark. That's 50,000 page views since January 1, 2007. Over 4 years and 5 months, that is about 943 hits per month; but we started slowly. We are now averaging between 1200 and 1500 hits per month. Plus we are getting visitors from all around the world.
Loud cell-phone talker removed from quiet car by police
The following is from various news reports on the Internet about an incident aboard an Amtrak train this past weekend.
An Amtrak train was stopped in Oregon, and a woman was escorted off the train by police.
Lakeysha Beard was charged with disorderly conduct after police said she got into a verbal altercation with passengers on the train. The other passengers complained she refused to put down her cellphone, even after train staff made repeated announcements for passengers to not use cellphones, according to police.
When a passenger confronted her about her loud talking, police said Beard got aggressive. She was riding in one of the train's designated quiet cars; and she had reportedly been talking non-stop on the phone since getting on the train in Oakland, CA, a period of 16 hours.
Amtrak created quiet cars in 2001 when a group of passengers who rode the Philadelphia to D.C. route every morning asked if they could reserve a car where cell-phone loudmouths weren't welcome. Ever since, the rare havens of quiet have become a battlefield between silence-loving rule-followers and rebellious cell-phone addicts.
Many commuter agencies, including New Jersey Transit, have also created quiet cars on their trains.
Two web articles that have further details and commentary are the following:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43078616/ns/today-today_tech/t/cops-kick-cellphone-blabbermouth-train/
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110518/us_yblog_thelookout/loud-cell-phone-talker-removed-from-quiet-car-by-police
An Amtrak train was stopped in Oregon, and a woman was escorted off the train by police.
Lakeysha Beard was charged with disorderly conduct after police said she got into a verbal altercation with passengers on the train. The other passengers complained she refused to put down her cellphone, even after train staff made repeated announcements for passengers to not use cellphones, according to police.
When a passenger confronted her about her loud talking, police said Beard got aggressive. She was riding in one of the train's designated quiet cars; and she had reportedly been talking non-stop on the phone since getting on the train in Oakland, CA, a period of 16 hours.
Amtrak created quiet cars in 2001 when a group of passengers who rode the Philadelphia to D.C. route every morning asked if they could reserve a car where cell-phone loudmouths weren't welcome. Ever since, the rare havens of quiet have become a battlefield between silence-loving rule-followers and rebellious cell-phone addicts.
Many commuter agencies, including New Jersey Transit, have also created quiet cars on their trains.
Two web articles that have further details and commentary are the following:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43078616/ns/today-today_tech/t/cops-kick-cellphone-blabbermouth-train/
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110518/us_yblog_thelookout/loud-cell-phone-talker-removed-from-quiet-car-by-police
St. Louie blues
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.
Working 8 nights in a row, sleeping during the day...sounds like fun, NOT!!! With all there was to see in St Louis, spent most of the days sleeping or recovering from a bronchial infection...also not fun. Did get to see some of the last remnants of the Manufacturers RR as well as a few UP coal trains...the night stuff is all existing light and taken while on the job. now on towards Hazard, KY
Working 8 nights in a row, sleeping during the day...sounds like fun, NOT!!! With all there was to see in St Louis, spent most of the days sleeping or recovering from a bronchial infection...also not fun. Did get to see some of the last remnants of the Manufacturers RR as well as a few UP coal trains...the night stuff is all existing light and taken while on the job. now on towards Hazard, KY
AMTK 90200 at St Louis, MO
Manufacturers Rwy 256 at St Louis, MO
METRO 4009, 2003 at St Louis, MO
UP 6999 at St Louis, MO
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Special excursions on Black River & Western RR - Memorial Day weekend
Following article appeared in the Courier News (NJ) on Monday, 5-16-11.
A historical ride on Hunterdon County railroad
by Walter O’Brien - Staff Writer
May. 16, 2011
EAST AMWELL — Bringing passenger train service back to Hunterdon County is a hot topic, but here’s a chance to ride the rails where passengers haven’t ridden in years.
The Black River Railroad Historical Trust will run special train excursions on May 28 and May 29, in addition to its regular Ringoes-Flemington trips on May 30, all from the railroad’s station in Ringoes.
A Photo Freight excursion will leave at 10:30 a.m. May 28 from Ringoes Station for a ride on a mixed freight train featuring restored vintage rolling stock along hard-to-reach areas of the Black River & Western
Railroad between Ringoes and the Three Bridges section of Readington. This five-hour round-trip will include several run-bys at various stops on the line to allow passengers to disembark and take photographs. Some stops are between stations, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 ride free.
The Three Bridges excursion sets off at 10:45 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. May 29 from Ringoes for a two-hour round-trip over the entire active Black River & Western line between Ringoes and Three Bridges in a rare opportunity to ride the rails usually reserved for freight traffic only. These are some of the tracks being discussed in plans to bring commuter passenger rail service back between Flemington and Bound Brook. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for children 3 to 12. Children under 3 ride free.
Reservations and tickets are required for both trips. Light refreshments will be available on the train, but there are no restrooms.
As part of the Black River Railroad Historic Trust’s nonprofit mission to keep railroad history alive in New Jersey, the trust is restoring Central New Jersey Coach #1009 and Central New Jersey Baggage Car #420.
The plan is to put the coach back in service for passengers, and to make the baggage car a showpiece in an interactive museum telling the story of railroading in the Northeast. The trust’s work is funded by donations and purchases at the Ringoes Station gift shop.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Hunterdon holiday train excursions
WHEN: Memorial Day Weekend
WHERE: Ringoes Station, 105 John Ringo Road, East Amwell
INFO: Email info@brrht.org or visit Black River
Railroad Historic Trust web site: http://www.brrht.org/
Regular summer schedule excursion train rides between Flemington and Ringoes begin on Monday, May 30th. See the web site above for more information.
A historical ride on Hunterdon County railroad
by Walter O’Brien - Staff Writer
May. 16, 2011
EAST AMWELL — Bringing passenger train service back to Hunterdon County is a hot topic, but here’s a chance to ride the rails where passengers haven’t ridden in years.
The Black River Railroad Historical Trust will run special train excursions on May 28 and May 29, in addition to its regular Ringoes-Flemington trips on May 30, all from the railroad’s station in Ringoes.
A Photo Freight excursion will leave at 10:30 a.m. May 28 from Ringoes Station for a ride on a mixed freight train featuring restored vintage rolling stock along hard-to-reach areas of the Black River & Western
Railroad between Ringoes and the Three Bridges section of Readington. This five-hour round-trip will include several run-bys at various stops on the line to allow passengers to disembark and take photographs. Some stops are between stations, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 ride free.
The Three Bridges excursion sets off at 10:45 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. May 29 from Ringoes for a two-hour round-trip over the entire active Black River & Western line between Ringoes and Three Bridges in a rare opportunity to ride the rails usually reserved for freight traffic only. These are some of the tracks being discussed in plans to bring commuter passenger rail service back between Flemington and Bound Brook. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for children 3 to 12. Children under 3 ride free.
Reservations and tickets are required for both trips. Light refreshments will be available on the train, but there are no restrooms.
As part of the Black River Railroad Historic Trust’s nonprofit mission to keep railroad history alive in New Jersey, the trust is restoring Central New Jersey Coach #1009 and Central New Jersey Baggage Car #420.
The plan is to put the coach back in service for passengers, and to make the baggage car a showpiece in an interactive museum telling the story of railroading in the Northeast. The trust’s work is funded by donations and purchases at the Ringoes Station gift shop.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Hunterdon holiday train excursions
WHEN: Memorial Day Weekend
WHERE: Ringoes Station, 105 John Ringo Road, East Amwell
INFO: Email info@brrht.org or visit Black River
Railroad Historic Trust web site: http://www.brrht.org/
Regular summer schedule excursion train rides between Flemington and Ringoes begin on Monday, May 30th. See the web site above for more information.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Spending some time along NJT's RVL
(Train sightings on 5-9,10,11-11.)
With NJ experiencing some "San Diego" type weather last week, I decided to take advantage of this and see what NJT's RVL had to offer in the way of photo opportunities. Needless to say, I would not be disappointed. The first location was the Whitehouse Station. What was nice about this location is that it gives a person not one but two different settings. The first location would be to photograph the train approaching the Main Street grade crossing. A second one would be to stand further back and work the curved lamp posts into one's scene.
Heading back to Raritan's BOYD Tower, evening sunlight also allows one to photograph a westbound train from the north side of the tracks. It is a nice change of pace from what is normally a south side of the tracks shot only.
Lebanon's station alos provided a nice location despite some obtrusive shadows that marred the scene of NJT's 5733 arrival at 6:03.
My final stop would be in High Bridge to photograph NJT's 5729. Waiting for the train's arrival, I swear I could hear the distant sound of CNJ's freights that once passed by this station. Where is a time machine to go back in time to be a witness to some of those CNJ lashups? Hope you enjoyed this little excursion along NJT's RVL.
With NJ experiencing some "San Diego" type weather last week, I decided to take advantage of this and see what NJT's RVL had to offer in the way of photo opportunities. Needless to say, I would not be disappointed. The first location was the Whitehouse Station. What was nice about this location is that it gives a person not one but two different settings. The first location would be to photograph the train approaching the Main Street grade crossing. A second one would be to stand further back and work the curved lamp posts into one's scene.
Heading back to Raritan's BOYD Tower, evening sunlight also allows one to photograph a westbound train from the north side of the tracks. It is a nice change of pace from what is normally a south side of the tracks shot only.
Lebanon's station alos provided a nice location despite some obtrusive shadows that marred the scene of NJT's 5733 arrival at 6:03.
My final stop would be in High Bridge to photograph NJT's 5729. Waiting for the train's arrival, I swear I could hear the distant sound of CNJ's freights that once passed by this station. Where is a time machine to go back in time to be a witness to some of those CNJ lashups? Hope you enjoyed this little excursion along NJT's RVL.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
NS CMO Seale to address Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Conference
Received the following via email.
May 13, 2011
Norfolk Southern CMO Seale to address Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - Donald W. Seale, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Conference at 8:40 a.m. EDT on Friday, May 20, 2011, in Boston.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at https://www.veracast.com/webcasts/baml/transportation2011/id54448200.cfm. After the webcast, the presentation will be posted at www.nscorp.com.
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 )
May 13, 2011
Norfolk Southern CMO Seale to address Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - Donald W. Seale, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Conference at 8:40 a.m. EDT on Friday, May 20, 2011, in Boston.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at https://www.veracast.com/webcasts/baml/transportation2011/id54448200.cfm. After the webcast, the presentation will be posted at www.nscorp.com.
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 )
Friday, May 13, 2011
Support Cancer Research & Ride The Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Received the following via email from The Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg, NJ.
This weekend a portion of every ticket sale will be donated to cancer research!
Ride the train this weekend and a portion of each fare will go towards cancer research. Have a great time on the regular train ride, the Ol' Susquehanna Mine or the Warren County Winery Train.
Rails For Relay May 14 & 15
Support the fight against cancer and enjoy a day on the railroad!
11:00, 12:30, 2:00 & 3:30
Lehigh Junction, Market Street, just off South Main Street
Tickets ages 3-12 $7 - adults $14
Tickets also available at the ticket booth day of ride.
A portion of the ticket price will go to the American Cancer Society.
For more information and to purchase advanced tickets online, please visit their web site: http://nyswths.org/
NS CEO tells stockholders economic recovery will continue
Received the following via email.
May 12, 2011
Economic recovery will continue, Norfolk Southern CEO tells stockholders
NORFOLK, VA. - "The economic recovery is well under way, and barring some unanticipated event, it will continue well on into 2012," said Wick Moorman, chief executive officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, during the company's 29th annual stockholders meeting, held today in Williamsburg.
"We at Norfolk Southern feel good about the results we are producing and are confident in our ability to produce superior service for customers and superior returns for shareholders," Moorman said. He noted that the company reported its second-highest revenues ever in 2010, a momentum that carried over into 2011. Norfolk Southern reported record revenues, income from railway operations, and earnings per share in first-quarter 2011.
Moorman said the company's investments in corridor initiatives - highlighted by the 2010 opening of the Heartland Corridor and the 2011 groundbreakings for new terminals in Alabama and Tennessee - support current and future volume growth. "These initiatives give us increased rail capacity and also provide safety and environmental benefits for the public," he said. "They are also important indicators of our commitment to sustainable business practices that create green jobs."
Moorman said the company's targeted recruitment of train-and-engine service employees to handle growing freight volumes is paying off with improved customer service. He also credited employees for the company's continued industry leadership in employee safety. The Harriman Gold Medal will be presented to Norfolk Southern for a 22nd consecutive year during ceremonies next week in Washington, D.C. "It is recognition yet again of the determination of our people to ensuring that we conduct our business safely - not only for all of us at Norfolk Southern, but for our families, our customers, and for the communities we serve," Moorman said.
In official business, stockholders re-elected four directors whose terms will expire in 2012: Gerald L. Baliles, director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia; Erskine B. Bowles, senior advisor to Carousel Capital and co-chairman of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform; Karen N. Horn, a partner with Brock Capital Group; and J. Paul Reason, retired admiral and former commander in chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Stockholders also ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditors and approved advisory resolutions on the compensation of executive officers and annual advisory votes on executive compensation.
Wick Moorman's remarks to stockholders and a new video, Forward, are posted in the Investors section of the NS website.
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 )
May 12, 2011
Economic recovery will continue, Norfolk Southern CEO tells stockholders
NORFOLK, VA. - "The economic recovery is well under way, and barring some unanticipated event, it will continue well on into 2012," said Wick Moorman, chief executive officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, during the company's 29th annual stockholders meeting, held today in Williamsburg.
"We at Norfolk Southern feel good about the results we are producing and are confident in our ability to produce superior service for customers and superior returns for shareholders," Moorman said. He noted that the company reported its second-highest revenues ever in 2010, a momentum that carried over into 2011. Norfolk Southern reported record revenues, income from railway operations, and earnings per share in first-quarter 2011.
Moorman said the company's investments in corridor initiatives - highlighted by the 2010 opening of the Heartland Corridor and the 2011 groundbreakings for new terminals in Alabama and Tennessee - support current and future volume growth. "These initiatives give us increased rail capacity and also provide safety and environmental benefits for the public," he said. "They are also important indicators of our commitment to sustainable business practices that create green jobs."
Moorman said the company's targeted recruitment of train-and-engine service employees to handle growing freight volumes is paying off with improved customer service. He also credited employees for the company's continued industry leadership in employee safety. The Harriman Gold Medal will be presented to Norfolk Southern for a 22nd consecutive year during ceremonies next week in Washington, D.C. "It is recognition yet again of the determination of our people to ensuring that we conduct our business safely - not only for all of us at Norfolk Southern, but for our families, our customers, and for the communities we serve," Moorman said.
In official business, stockholders re-elected four directors whose terms will expire in 2012: Gerald L. Baliles, director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia; Erskine B. Bowles, senior advisor to Carousel Capital and co-chairman of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform; Karen N. Horn, a partner with Brock Capital Group; and J. Paul Reason, retired admiral and former commander in chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Stockholders also ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditors and approved advisory resolutions on the compensation of executive officers and annual advisory votes on executive compensation.
Wick Moorman's remarks to stockholders and a new video, Forward, are posted in the Investors section of the NS website.
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 )
Thursday, May 12, 2011
NS recognizes 49 customers for chemical safety in 2010
Received the following via email.
May 11, 2011
Norfolk Southern recognizes 49 customers for chemical safety in 2010
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) announced today that 49 customers have earned the company's Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award for 2010 for their safe handling of hazardous chemical products.
The award, presented annually for 15 years, goes to a company or facility that ships more than 1,000 carloads of regulated hazardous material over the railroad's 22-state network without incident for the year. In 2010, 42 corporations and seven plants earned that distinction.
Altogether, these customers safely shipped more than 145,900 carloads of chemical products and goods that are essential to the U.S. economy and consumers, but potentially dangerous if mishandled during shipment. These products include industrial chemicals, petroleum products, biofuels, and sulfur.
"We congratulate these valued customers for their industry-leading performance in chemical safety," said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. "With their absolute focus on best safety practices, they demonstrate on a daily basis the value of freight rail as the safest, most reliable, and environmentally friendly way to move chemical products that are vital to American households and the global economy. Our hats are off to these companies and facilities for their commitment to safety and for partnering with us to help make Norfolk Southern the safest Class 1 railroad in North America."
Customers receiving the award for 2010 are:
Airgas Carbonic Inc.
Akzo Nobel Chemicals Inc.
ArcelorMittal USA
Bayer MaterialScience LLC
BP
BioUrja Trading, LLC
Cargill
Chemtrade Logistics Inc.
Didion Milling
E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company
Eastman Chemical Company
Eco-Energy, Inc.
Equistar Chemicals, LP
ERCO Worldwide
Finnchem USA Inc.
Flint Hills Resources LP
Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.
Hawkeye Gold
Husky Marketing & Supply Co. plant at Lima, Ohio
INEOS USA LLC
International Commodities Export Corporation
INVISTA S.Ã .r.l.
Kemira Water Solutions
Koppers Inc.
Lansing Ethanol Services
Linde LLC
Lyondell Chemical Company
Marathon Petroleum Company LP plant at Detroit, Mich.
Marquis Energy
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America, Inc.
Nucor Corp.
NuStar Marketing LLC
PCS Phosphate plant at White Springs, Fla.
PCS Phosphate plant at Aurora, N.C.
Platinum Ethanol
POET Ethanol Products
PPG Industries, Inc.
The Procter & Gamble Co.
Rhodia Inc.
Silver Eagle Refining Inc.
Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC
Sunbelt Chlor Alkali Partnership
Suncor Energy Inc.
Sunoco, Inc. (R&M) plant at Haverhill, Ohio
Sunoco, Inc. (R&M) plant at Toledo, Ohio
Tennessee Valley Authority
Transmontaigne Product Services Inc.
Valero Marketing & Supply
WRB Refining LLC plant at Roxana, Ill.
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 )
May 11, 2011
Norfolk Southern recognizes 49 customers for chemical safety in 2010
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) announced today that 49 customers have earned the company's Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award for 2010 for their safe handling of hazardous chemical products.
The award, presented annually for 15 years, goes to a company or facility that ships more than 1,000 carloads of regulated hazardous material over the railroad's 22-state network without incident for the year. In 2010, 42 corporations and seven plants earned that distinction.
Altogether, these customers safely shipped more than 145,900 carloads of chemical products and goods that are essential to the U.S. economy and consumers, but potentially dangerous if mishandled during shipment. These products include industrial chemicals, petroleum products, biofuels, and sulfur.
"We congratulate these valued customers for their industry-leading performance in chemical safety," said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. "With their absolute focus on best safety practices, they demonstrate on a daily basis the value of freight rail as the safest, most reliable, and environmentally friendly way to move chemical products that are vital to American households and the global economy. Our hats are off to these companies and facilities for their commitment to safety and for partnering with us to help make Norfolk Southern the safest Class 1 railroad in North America."
Customers receiving the award for 2010 are:
Airgas Carbonic Inc.
Akzo Nobel Chemicals Inc.
ArcelorMittal USA
Bayer MaterialScience LLC
BP
BioUrja Trading, LLC
Cargill
Chemtrade Logistics Inc.
Didion Milling
E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company
Eastman Chemical Company
Eco-Energy, Inc.
Equistar Chemicals, LP
ERCO Worldwide
Finnchem USA Inc.
Flint Hills Resources LP
Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.
Hawkeye Gold
Husky Marketing & Supply Co. plant at Lima, Ohio
INEOS USA LLC
International Commodities Export Corporation
INVISTA S.Ã .r.l.
Kemira Water Solutions
Koppers Inc.
Lansing Ethanol Services
Linde LLC
Lyondell Chemical Company
Marathon Petroleum Company LP plant at Detroit, Mich.
Marquis Energy
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America, Inc.
Nucor Corp.
NuStar Marketing LLC
PCS Phosphate plant at White Springs, Fla.
PCS Phosphate plant at Aurora, N.C.
Platinum Ethanol
POET Ethanol Products
PPG Industries, Inc.
The Procter & Gamble Co.
Rhodia Inc.
Silver Eagle Refining Inc.
Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC
Sunbelt Chlor Alkali Partnership
Suncor Energy Inc.
Sunoco, Inc. (R&M) plant at Haverhill, Ohio
Sunoco, Inc. (R&M) plant at Toledo, Ohio
Tennessee Valley Authority
Transmontaigne Product Services Inc.
Valero Marketing & Supply
WRB Refining LLC plant at Roxana, Ill.
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 expands its storm recovery support to include Virginia
Received the following via email.
May 11, 2011
Norfolk Southern expands its storm recovery support to include Virginia
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern said it is increasing its support of relief efforts in states hard hit by recent severe storms.
Norfolk Southern last month announced support for Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee in the form of $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.
Today Norfolk Southern said it will make the same contributions for Virginia. "The damaging storms did not spare our headquarters state, and we want our employees, neighbors, and business partners to know that we stand with them in recovery and rebuilding," NS CEO Wick Moorman said.
Norfolk Southern employs 8,300 railroaders in Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee and operates over 4,450 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) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 ( fsbrown@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
May 11, 2011
Norfolk Southern expands its storm recovery support to include Virginia
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern said it is increasing its support of relief efforts in states hard hit by recent severe storms.
Norfolk Southern last month announced support for Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee in the form of $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.
Today Norfolk Southern said it will make the same contributions for Virginia. "The damaging storms did not spare our headquarters state, and we want our employees, neighbors, and business partners to know that we stand with them in recovery and rebuilding," NS CEO Wick Moorman said.
Norfolk Southern employs 8,300 railroaders in Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee and operates over 4,450 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) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 ( fsbrown@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Saturday morining sightings at Bloomsbury (LEHL; MP 68.8)
(Train sightings on 5-7-11.)
... could not afford to waste Saturday's morning sunlight and decided to head back to an old haunt of mine, Bloomsbury. Traffic was sparse with only three trains seen during the time I was trackside. First up was NS 202 heading east with NS 9629, NS 9149 and NS 8775 @ 8:45. 202 would pass by a waiting NS 11J holding the siding at MP 67.
Once 202 was clear, the "all day 11J" would go west past my location @ 8:57 with its consist of 60 autoracks. Almost an hour would pass before NS 21M would pass by the Agway Co-Op. In charge of this intermodal train was NS 9720, NS 8348 and NS 9347.
... could not afford to waste Saturday's morning sunlight and decided to head back to an old haunt of mine, Bloomsbury. Traffic was sparse with only three trains seen during the time I was trackside. First up was NS 202 heading east with NS 9629, NS 9149 and NS 8775 @ 8:45. 202 would pass by a waiting NS 11J holding the siding at MP 67.
Once 202 was clear, the "all day 11J" would go west past my location @ 8:57 with its consist of 60 autoracks. Almost an hour would pass before NS 21M would pass by the Agway Co-Op. In charge of this intermodal train was NS 9720, NS 8348 and NS 9347.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Amtrak Heritage units - all 5 together
Received the following photos via email from John Kilbride. Pictures are of the five Amtrak locomotives in the five heritage paint schemes in order from Phase I on the left to the current scheme on the right. You can find other photos of Amtrak Heritage units elsewhere on this blog. These photographs were taken by Gary Pancavage.
(Note: to view any of these photos full size, merely click on the picture. Then, use your browsers BACK button to return here.)
NS CFO Squires to address Wells Fargo Securities Industrial and Construction Conference
Received the following via email.
May 4, 2011
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address Wells Fargo Securities Industrial and Construction Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Wells Fargo Securities 2011 Industrial and Construction Conference in New York City at 10:20 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 10.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://cc.talkpoint.com/well001/051011a_cy/?entity=42_F5EFKHV. After the webcast, the presentation will be posted at www.nscorp.com.
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)
May 4, 2011
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address Wells Fargo Securities Industrial and Construction Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Wells Fargo Securities 2011 Industrial and Construction Conference in New York City at 10:20 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 10.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://cc.talkpoint.com/well001/051011a_cy/?entity=42_F5EFKHV. After the webcast, the presentation will be posted at www.nscorp.com.
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)
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
NMRA Update on tornado destruction in Chattanooga
Received the following via email originally sent Fri, 29 Apr 2011.
As you have undoubtedly heard, there has been a rash of devastating tornadoes all across the southern part of the country. Unfortunately, Chattanooga was not immune. A tornado ripped through the city on Wednesday (4-27-11), taking some of our Headquarters shingles with it. Much of the city is without electricity, and there are trees, fences, and power lines down all over. Many roads and highways are closed.
Fortunately all of our staff members are unharmed. However Chief Administrative Officer Jenny Hendricks had her house picked up, rooms ripped open, and the roof blown off.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of our staff, especially Jenny.
Please note that NMRA business will be interrupted for several days until things get back to a semblance of normality. If your call or problem can wait, please do so.
Thanks.
-Gerry Leone
NMRA Communications Director
As you have undoubtedly heard, there has been a rash of devastating tornadoes all across the southern part of the country. Unfortunately, Chattanooga was not immune. A tornado ripped through the city on Wednesday (4-27-11), taking some of our Headquarters shingles with it. Much of the city is without electricity, and there are trees, fences, and power lines down all over. Many roads and highways are closed.
Fortunately all of our staff members are unharmed. However Chief Administrative Officer Jenny Hendricks had her house picked up, rooms ripped open, and the roof blown off.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of our staff, especially Jenny.
Please note that NMRA business will be interrupted for several days until things get back to a semblance of normality. If your call or problem can wait, please do so.
Thanks.
-Gerry Leone
NMRA Communications Director
Deadline to submit application to attend Norfolk Southern's 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference is May 6
Received the following via email.
May 3, 2011
Deadline to submit application to attend Norfolk Southern's 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference is May 6
NORFOLK, VA. -- Norfolk Southern Corporation will hold its 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference on Wednesday, 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. Those interested in attending the conference must submit a registration application by Friday, May 6. NS will contact qualified applicants to confirm their registration for the conference.
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 feature 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. The convention center is adjacent to the Courtyard by Marriott Altoona.
Norfolk Southern will host a dinner at the convention center the night before the conference and 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. Simultaneous webcast details for interested investors will be provided at a later date.
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, 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 )
May 3, 2011
Deadline to submit application to attend Norfolk Southern's 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference is May 6
NORFOLK, VA. -- Norfolk Southern Corporation will hold its 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference on Wednesday, 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. Those interested in attending the conference must submit a registration application by Friday, May 6. NS will contact qualified applicants to confirm their registration for the conference.
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 feature 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. The convention center is adjacent to the Courtyard by Marriott Altoona.
Norfolk Southern will host a dinner at the convention center the night before the conference and 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. Simultaneous webcast details for interested investors will be provided at a later date.
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, 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 )
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Status report on the Route 206 bridge construction...
(Train sightings on 4-30-11.)
Another phase in the construction of a new Route 206 (MP 50) overpass in Belle Mead (NJ) spanning CSX's Trenton Line was completed. This phase was hoisting and placing steel girders that will be the foundation for Route 206. It was an operation that started on Friday morning and completed on Saturday morning. The first image shows the former Reading Belle Mead station and the old Route 206 bridge. Built in 1918 this bridge is estimated to carry 19,400 vehicles daily. The second image shows CSX's Q300 passing beneath the new span. Motive power on this day was CSX 8553 and CSX 8745.
Another phase in the construction of a new Route 206 (MP 50) overpass in Belle Mead (NJ) spanning CSX's Trenton Line was completed. This phase was hoisting and placing steel girders that will be the foundation for Route 206. It was an operation that started on Friday morning and completed on Saturday morning. The first image shows the former Reading Belle Mead station and the old Route 206 bridge. Built in 1918 this bridge is estimated to carry 19,400 vehicles daily. The second image shows CSX's Q300 passing beneath the new span. Motive power on this day was CSX 8553 and CSX 8745.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Bowser 50th Anniversary Celebration
Received the following 2 announcements from Bowser.
Please note that we carry Bowser products.
Bowser is proud to announce its 50th Year Anniversary!
On May 1, 1961 Bowser was purchased by Lewis and Shirlee English and moved from Redlands, CA. to their basement in Muncy, PA. Over the years the company grew and they acquired parts of the Penn Line brand as well as Cal Scale, Cary Locomotives Works, Selley Finishing Touches & Pennsylvania Scale Models. The company also acquired tooling for various Pittman motors & select Varney items. Finally, as recently as 2004 Stewart Hobbies was added.
In 1965 having out grown their basement location the business was moved to Montoursville, PA. where it continues to thrive today under the careful hands of its current president Lee English, son of Lewis and Shirlee English.
Bowser continues the great American tradition of multigenerational small business ownership and operation.
Bowser continues to make a varied array of products to include HO Rolling Stock in both Kits and Ready to Roll, HO Diesel Locomotives in both Basic ( Stewart Brand) and now in a Super Detailed version ( Bowser) known as the Executive Series. We also continue to produce detail castings for locomotives under both the Cal Scale & Cary Brands as well as details and scenic castings under the Selley brand.
Some of our more recent additions include the introduction of an all new PCC Trolley in several variations to include the famous San Francisco 'F' Line Trolleys and versions of the 'Post War' PCC Trolley.
We have many more new projects in the works for the future and are looking forward to the next fifty years of serving the model railroading hobby.
LONGEST MODEL TRAIN
On the afternoon of April 23rd, 2011 the Model Railroaders of the Wilmington Railroad Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina, set a new record for the longest model train.
After numerous tries they were successful in having their 925.55 foot long HO scale model train move the required distance, 15 scale kilometers, under its own power. Official witness statements, the official surveyors report, and photographic and video evidence must be submitted to Guinness World Records(tm) before they will certify this as an official world record.
The 32 modelers from the Museum started on this quest in June of 2010 when they submitted their request to Guinness World Records(tm). They were issued a claim number and given the "Guinness Guidelines" in July and the planning began.
This group put out a call to all local model railroaders for HO train cars to help make up the necessary length of the train. Seventeen modelers responded with cars to be added to the 400 custom boxcars that were built just for this event. In all over 1900 cars were available to make up the train. As most of the cars were scale 50 foot cars or longer only 1563 cars were required in addition to the 31 Bowser C-628 diesel engines to make up the 925 foot long train.
Starting two days prior to the event the modeler team assembled a double oval of track 1002 feet long in the exhibit hall of the new Wilmington Convention Center.
Once completed and wired the testing began. It took over seven hours to place the engines and cars on the track. Then another fourteen hours of testing for problems to get the train ready for the official 1 PM kick-off on April 23rd. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo rang an old Atlantic Coast Line engine bell to start the first official run. A number of runs followed as the train continued to have problems, primarily with the cars separating. Each time the official surveyors from McKim & Creed would re-measure the start point. Finally at approximately 3:50 PM the train exceeded the required distance and continued on for a total travel of 750.09 feet.
The preliminary measurements and numbers are as follows:
· Total length of the train = 925.55 feet (282.1 meters or 15.27 scale miles long)
· Total distance traveled under its own power = 750.09 feet (228.63 meters or 19.91 scale kilometers)
· Length of track oval = 1001.8 feet
· Number of engines = 31 Bowser Alco C-628 diesels
· Number of train cars = 1563 various
· People in attendance = 1059
Here are some links to news stories talking about this record:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110423/ARTICLES/110429855/1005/sports?Title=Wilmington-model-railroaders-set-Guinness-World-Record&tc=ar http://www.jonesanthony.com
/ (click on purple box)
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2011/04/23/first-3-wilmington-train-breaks-guinness-world-record
http://www.wect.com/story/14502855/wilmington-now-home-to-worlds-longest-model-train
Please note that we carry Bowser products.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bowser Manufacturing Company Inc.
50th Anniversary Celebration!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bowser is proud to announce its 50th Year Anniversary!
On May 1, 1961 Bowser was purchased by Lewis and Shirlee English and moved from Redlands, CA. to their basement in Muncy, PA. Over the years the company grew and they acquired parts of the Penn Line brand as well as Cal Scale, Cary Locomotives Works, Selley Finishing Touches & Pennsylvania Scale Models. The company also acquired tooling for various Pittman motors & select Varney items. Finally, as recently as 2004 Stewart Hobbies was added.
In 1965 having out grown their basement location the business was moved to Montoursville, PA. where it continues to thrive today under the careful hands of its current president Lee English, son of Lewis and Shirlee English.
Bowser continues the great American tradition of multigenerational small business ownership and operation.
Bowser continues to make a varied array of products to include HO Rolling Stock in both Kits and Ready to Roll, HO Diesel Locomotives in both Basic ( Stewart Brand) and now in a Super Detailed version ( Bowser) known as the Executive Series. We also continue to produce detail castings for locomotives under both the Cal Scale & Cary Brands as well as details and scenic castings under the Selley brand.
Some of our more recent additions include the introduction of an all new PCC Trolley in several variations to include the famous San Francisco 'F' Line Trolleys and versions of the 'Post War' PCC Trolley.
We have many more new projects in the works for the future and are looking forward to the next fifty years of serving the model railroading hobby.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bowser Locomotives Help Establish
New World Record for Model Railroading.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LONGEST MODEL TRAIN
On the afternoon of April 23rd, 2011 the Model Railroaders of the Wilmington Railroad Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina, set a new record for the longest model train.
After numerous tries they were successful in having their 925.55 foot long HO scale model train move the required distance, 15 scale kilometers, under its own power. Official witness statements, the official surveyors report, and photographic and video evidence must be submitted to Guinness World Records(tm) before they will certify this as an official world record.
The 32 modelers from the Museum started on this quest in June of 2010 when they submitted their request to Guinness World Records(tm). They were issued a claim number and given the "Guinness Guidelines" in July and the planning began.
This group put out a call to all local model railroaders for HO train cars to help make up the necessary length of the train. Seventeen modelers responded with cars to be added to the 400 custom boxcars that were built just for this event. In all over 1900 cars were available to make up the train. As most of the cars were scale 50 foot cars or longer only 1563 cars were required in addition to the 31 Bowser C-628 diesel engines to make up the 925 foot long train.
Starting two days prior to the event the modeler team assembled a double oval of track 1002 feet long in the exhibit hall of the new Wilmington Convention Center.
Once completed and wired the testing began. It took over seven hours to place the engines and cars on the track. Then another fourteen hours of testing for problems to get the train ready for the official 1 PM kick-off on April 23rd. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo rang an old Atlantic Coast Line engine bell to start the first official run. A number of runs followed as the train continued to have problems, primarily with the cars separating. Each time the official surveyors from McKim & Creed would re-measure the start point. Finally at approximately 3:50 PM the train exceeded the required distance and continued on for a total travel of 750.09 feet.
The preliminary measurements and numbers are as follows:
· Total length of the train = 925.55 feet (282.1 meters or 15.27 scale miles long)
· Total distance traveled under its own power = 750.09 feet (228.63 meters or 19.91 scale kilometers)
· Length of track oval = 1001.8 feet
· Number of engines = 31 Bowser Alco C-628 diesels
· Number of train cars = 1563 various
· People in attendance = 1059
Here are some links to news stories talking about this record:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110423/ARTICLES/110429855/1005/sports?Title=Wilmington-model-railroaders-set-Guinness-World-Record&tc=ar http://www.jonesanthony.com
/ (click on purple box)
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2011/04/23/first-3-wilmington-train-breaks-guinness-world-record
http://www.wect.com/story/14502855/wilmington-now-home-to-worlds-longest-model-train
Construction begins on $105 million Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility
Received the following via email.
April 29, 2011
Construction begins on $105 million Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility
ROSSVILLE, TENN. - Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam joined state and local dignitaries and business and community leaders today at the groundbreaking for the new Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility in Rossville, Tenn. The $105 million facility is part of the multi-state $2.5 billion Crescent Corridor initiative to establish an efficient, high-capacity intermodal freight rail route between the South and the Northeast on Norfolk Southern's rail network.
The new facility will be built on 380 acres in Fayette County and is expected to open in late 2012. Today's groundbreaking is the second of four new Crescent Corridor intermodal terminals to be constructed or improved over the next two years.
"The Memphis intermodal facility will be an anchor of Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor rail route connecting the Northeast and Southeast with high-speed, reliable, truck-competitive intermodal services," said Wick Moorman, Norfolk Southern's chief executive officer. "We thank Secretary LaHood and USDOT for their support of public-private partnerships to create jobs and economic development opportunities. We also commend Gov. Haslam, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for their leadership in support of meaningful rail initiatives in Tennessee that will help solve our national transportation infrastructure crisis. We greatly appreciate the continued support of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Mississippi DOT, and the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority for their awareness of the benefits that the project will have for the surrounding region."
"I'm excited about the jobs this project will bring to Fayette County and Tennessee," said Gov. Haslam at the groundbreaking ceremony today. "My administration continues to focus on making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs, and this project is indicative of why one of our target industry clusters for job growth is transportation, logistics, and distribution."
The Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility is expected to create or enhance 6,200 jobs in the Memphis region over the next 10 years, and its capacity will grow to handle 327,000 containers and trailers annually. The terminal will utilize the latest in gate and terminal automation technology, which shortens the waiting time for trucks entering the terminal, thereby reducing exhaust emissions and improving truck driver productivity. Additionally, state-of-the-art, low-emission cranes will operate within the terminal. NS also will construct the main administration building to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification standards.
The Crescent Corridor is a program of independent projects and improvements geared toward creating a high-capacity, 2,500 mile intermodal route from New Jersey to Louisiana that touches 26 percent of the nation's population and 30 percent of the nation's manufacturing output. It provides the shortest intermodal double-stack route between the South and the Northeast. When fully operational, it will handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting more than 73,000 green jobs by 2030 and producing these estimated annual public benefits:
· 1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
· $146 million in accident avoidance savings
· 1.9 million tons in CO2 reduction
· $575 million in congestion savings
· $92 million in highway maintenance savings
· 169 million gallons in fuel savings
The Crescent Corridor program of projects is estimated to cost $2.5 billion for full development. In addition to the Fayette County facility, Crescent Corridor projects currently planned for development include new independent intermodal facilities at Birmingham, Ala., Charlotte, N.C., and Greencastle, Pa.; the expansion of the Harrisburg, Pa., intermodal terminal; and the addition of freight rail capacity in Virginia and Mississippi. In addition to facility investments, the program includes significant investments in rail route improvements consisting of additional passing tracks, double track projects, improved signaling systems, and other track speed enhancements.
When the Crescent Corridor is fully operational, annual benefits to Tennessee are expected to include more than 637,000 long-haul trucks diverted to rail, more than 30 million gallons of fuel saved, carbon dioxide reduction of 336,000 tons, more than $103 million in traffic congestion savings, and an estimated $26 million in accident costs avoided.
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) Susan Terpay, 757-823-5204 ( susan.terpay@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
April 29, 2011
Construction begins on $105 million Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility
ROSSVILLE, TENN. - Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam joined state and local dignitaries and business and community leaders today at the groundbreaking for the new Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility in Rossville, Tenn. The $105 million facility is part of the multi-state $2.5 billion Crescent Corridor initiative to establish an efficient, high-capacity intermodal freight rail route between the South and the Northeast on Norfolk Southern's rail network.
The new facility will be built on 380 acres in Fayette County and is expected to open in late 2012. Today's groundbreaking is the second of four new Crescent Corridor intermodal terminals to be constructed or improved over the next two years.
"The Memphis intermodal facility will be an anchor of Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor rail route connecting the Northeast and Southeast with high-speed, reliable, truck-competitive intermodal services," said Wick Moorman, Norfolk Southern's chief executive officer. "We thank Secretary LaHood and USDOT for their support of public-private partnerships to create jobs and economic development opportunities. We also commend Gov. Haslam, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for their leadership in support of meaningful rail initiatives in Tennessee that will help solve our national transportation infrastructure crisis. We greatly appreciate the continued support of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Mississippi DOT, and the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority for their awareness of the benefits that the project will have for the surrounding region."
"I'm excited about the jobs this project will bring to Fayette County and Tennessee," said Gov. Haslam at the groundbreaking ceremony today. "My administration continues to focus on making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs, and this project is indicative of why one of our target industry clusters for job growth is transportation, logistics, and distribution."
The Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility is expected to create or enhance 6,200 jobs in the Memphis region over the next 10 years, and its capacity will grow to handle 327,000 containers and trailers annually. The terminal will utilize the latest in gate and terminal automation technology, which shortens the waiting time for trucks entering the terminal, thereby reducing exhaust emissions and improving truck driver productivity. Additionally, state-of-the-art, low-emission cranes will operate within the terminal. NS also will construct the main administration building to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification standards.
The Crescent Corridor is a program of independent projects and improvements geared toward creating a high-capacity, 2,500 mile intermodal route from New Jersey to Louisiana that touches 26 percent of the nation's population and 30 percent of the nation's manufacturing output. It provides the shortest intermodal double-stack route between the South and the Northeast. When fully operational, it will handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting more than 73,000 green jobs by 2030 and producing these estimated annual public benefits:
· 1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
· $146 million in accident avoidance savings
· 1.9 million tons in CO2 reduction
· $575 million in congestion savings
· $92 million in highway maintenance savings
· 169 million gallons in fuel savings
The Crescent Corridor program of projects is estimated to cost $2.5 billion for full development. In addition to the Fayette County facility, Crescent Corridor projects currently planned for development include new independent intermodal facilities at Birmingham, Ala., Charlotte, N.C., and Greencastle, Pa.; the expansion of the Harrisburg, Pa., intermodal terminal; and the addition of freight rail capacity in Virginia and Mississippi. In addition to facility investments, the program includes significant investments in rail route improvements consisting of additional passing tracks, double track projects, improved signaling systems, and other track speed enhancements.
When the Crescent Corridor is fully operational, annual benefits to Tennessee are expected to include more than 637,000 long-haul trucks diverted to rail, more than 30 million gallons of fuel saved, carbon dioxide reduction of 336,000 tons, more than $103 million in traffic congestion savings, and an estimated $26 million in accident costs avoided.
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.
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Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Susan Terpay, 757-823-5204 ( susan.terpay@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
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