Thursday, February 23, 2012

Sparse sightings!

(Train sightings on 2-18-12 & 2-20-12.)

...despite some sunny skies, the sightings along the Lehigh and Trenton Lines were almost non-existent. Prior to my arrival in Three Bridges, LEHL NS trains 11J headed west and then 18G and 22V would come east. NS 21M got the block signal at MP 48 that it would be taking the siding at Flemington Jct (MP 51) while NS 212, with NS 9928 as the leader and is seen here passing through Three Bridges around 10 AM on Saturday.



President's Day was just as quiet along the CSX's Trenton Line. CSX 770, with CSX 2692 and CSX 2804, is seen heading east at Belle Mead with its short consist of mixed freight.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

NS to debut heritage fleet

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern to debut heritage fleet

Published: February 16, 2012

NORFOLK, Va. - To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Norfolk & Western/Southern merger in 1982, Norfolk Southern plans to honor many of the railroads that make up the present day NS system. Norfolk Southern plans to create a fleet of heritage locomotives: 18 units honoring a wide variety of predecessor roads.

The locomotives will be 10 SD70ACes on order from EMD that are being constructed at its Muncie, Ind., plant, and eight ES44ACs from an upcoming order for 25 units from GE. While EMD will paint all 10 heritage units in-house, NS forces will paint the eight GEs. The railroad's Altoona, Pa., shop will paint five, while the Chattanooga, Tenn., shop will handle three heritage units.

The 18 predecessor railroads selected for heritage paint are:

. Central of Georgia
. Conrail
. Erie
. Erie Lackawanna
. Leigh Valley (red)
. New Haven (not definite yet)
. New York Central
. Nickel Plate Road
. Norfolk & Western (blue)
. Penn Central
. Pennsylvania (Tuscan Red)
. Pittsburg & West Virginia
. Reading
. Savanna & Atlanta
. Southern
. Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia
. Virginian
. Wabash

NS plans to recreate the paint schemes as accurately as possible. By contrast Union Pacific, a half-decade ago painted several units to honor the merged companies that make up today's UP, used the old railroads' logos and colors, but created new interpretations on the old liveries.

(From Trains Newswire)

NS pens deal with Dynamic Fuels and Mansfield Oil

Received the following via email.

February 14, 2012

Norfolk Southern pens deal with Dynamic Fuels and Mansfield Oil
Norfolk Southern becomes first fleet user in the U.S. to deploy clean renewable diesel

NORFOLK, VA. – Dynamic Fuels, LLC and Mansfield Oil Company have signed an agreement to supply renewable diesel to Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE / NSC), one of the nation’s largest transporters of coal and industrial products. Norfolk Southern has primarily been using a 100% pure Dynamic Fuels renewable diesel at its Meridian, Mississippi rail yard since early January.

Dynamic Fuels, a 50/50 venture owned by Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE / TSN) and Syntroleum Corporation (NASDAQ / SYNM), recently signed commercial off-take and strategic alliance agreements with Mansfield to market renewable diesel to fleet customers. Dynamic Fuels, operator of the first commercial advanced biofuels plant in the United States, produces next-generation renewable and synthetic fuels from animal fats and greases. The company’s Geismar, La., plant produces renewable diesel as “drop in” fuel that can replace 100% of petroleum diesel in a diesel engine without engine modification.

“Norfolk Southern is pleased to be the first fleet user of renewable diesel in the United States,” said Gerhard Thelen, Norfolk Southern vice president operations planning and support. “Our locomotive engines are completely compatible with the pure renewable diesel provided by Dynamic Fuels and Mansfield. Together, they have provided seamless integration of renewable diesel supply into our Meridian, Miss., yard. Norfolk Southern has been at the forefront of the railroad industry in evaluating synthetic and renewable diesel fuels for many years. This effort exemplifies Norfolk Southern’s commitment to reducing carbon and other emissions, while further integrating sustainability throughout the operations of the company.”

“The contract with Norfolk Southern is the first manifestation of Dynamic Fuels’ partnership with Mansfield,” said Ron Stinebaugh, senior vice president of Syntroleum Corporation. "We look forward to working with Norfolk Southern to lower their emissions and increase the renewable content of the fuel they burn. Renewable diesel is a sustainable, ultra clean burning, high cetane fuel that reduces carbon emissions and significantly reduces particulates and NOx when combusted in existing diesel engines. Supplying a prestigious company like Norfolk Southern validates our belief that customers are looking for renewable options that increase sustainability and lower emissions without sacrificing fuel quality.”

Doug Haugh, president of Mansfield Oil Company added, “Mansfield and Norfolk Southern have had a strong relationship on the refined products side and we’re excited to supply them with a next-generation fuel like renewable diesel. We believe Dynamic Fuels is a leader in renewable diesel production and our partnership affords us the opportunity to further diversify our portfolio of transportation fuels for our customers.”

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.

About Mansfield Oil Company
Ranked as one of the Top 50 privately held companies in America by Forbes magazine and a multiple category finalist in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Platts Global Energy Awards, Mansfield defines the next generation transportation fuels company. Founded in 1957, the company has achieved double-digit growth for three decades by focusing on optimizing and controlling fuel-related costs for its customers using innovation, technology and high touch service. For more information, visit http://www.mansfieldoil.com/.

About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 130 countries. The company has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. The Tyson Foods, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3224.

About Syntroleum
Syntroleum Corporation owns the Syntroleum® Process for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) conversion of synthesis gas derived from biomass, coal, natural gas and other carbon-based feedstocks into liquid hydrocarbons, the Synfining® Process for upgrading FT liquid hydrocarbons into middle distillate products such as synthetic diesel and jet fuels, and the Bio-Synfining(R) technology for converting animal fat and vegetable oil feedstocks into middle distillate products such as renewable diesel and jet fuel using inedible fats and greases as feedstock. The 50/50 venture -- known as Dynamic Fuels -- was formed to construct and operate multiple renewable synthetic fuels facilities, with production on the first site beginning in 2010. The Company plans to use its portfolio of technologies to develop and participate in synthetic and renewable fuel projects. For additional information, visit the Company's web site at http://www.syntroleum.com/.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 (robin.chapman@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

Mansfield Oil Company contacts:
(Media) Olivia Wall, 678-450-2077 (owall@mansfieldoil.com)

Tyson Foods, Inc. contacts:
(Media) Gary Mickelson, 479-290-6111 (gary.mickelson@tyson.com)

Syntroleum Corporation contacts:
(Media) Amanda Burns, 918-764-3490 (mburns@syntroleum.com)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

What a difference a year makes!

(Train sightings at Belle Mead, NJ on 4-30-11 and 2-11-12.)

Back in April 30, 2011, I headed down towards CSX's Trenton Line @ Belle Mead (NJ) and was fortunate enough to catch eastbound CSX Q190. It is seen passing beneath the old Route 206 highway bridge and by one of the two buildings that were once part of the ex-Reading's station here. One year later on February 11, CSX K533 is seen passing by the same location under gray skies. Motive power on this Saturday was CSX 312 and CSX 231. Gone is the Route 206 bridge as it has been replaced by the bridge in the background. As for that station's waiting area, that is in desperate need of some mason work if it is ever to be used again as part of NJ Transit's plans to utilize this line for passenger service.




Monday, February 13, 2012

CNJ Newark Bay drawbridge footings to be removed

Received the following via email.

Some more of the CNJ Newark Bay Drawbridge is finally being removed!

Old railroad bridge footings to be blasted

Feb 10, 2012

BAYONNE - The Army Corps of Engineers has advised the city of Bayonne that the New York/New Jersey Harbor Deepening Project will be drilling and blasting in Newark Bay for approximately one week, beginning on or about Monday, Feb. 13. The goal of that project is to create deeper lanes for shipping in local bodies of water. The project’s contractor, Northeast Dredging Company, will be drilling and blasting concrete footings of the old Newark Bay railroad bridge. That bridge used to carry passengers trains over Newark Bay between Bayonne and Elizabeth. The bridge was demolished three decades ago.

Anyone with concerns or complaints about the harbor deepening activity in Newark Bay should call the Army Corps of Engineers hotline at 201-339-6470.

The blasting will be performed only during daylight hours, and not on Sundays or federal holidays.

http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_stories_home/17490259/article-Old-railroad-bridge-footings-to-be-blasted-?instance=up_to_the_minute_lead_story_left_column

Friday, February 10, 2012

CSX Declares Quarterly Dividend

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (February 8, 2012) - Earlier today, the Board of Directors of CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) approved a $0.12 per share quarterly cash dividend on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 29, 2012.

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line and regional railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at http://www.csx.com/.

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812

Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279

Thursday, February 09, 2012

NS names Weaver VP Labor Relations; Mobley retires

Received the following via email.

February 7, 2012

Norfolk Southern names Weaver VP Labor Relations; Mobley retires

NORFOLK, VA. – Scott R. Weaver has been named vice president labor relations for Norfolk Southern Corporation, with headquarters in Norfolk, effective March 1. He will report to John P. Rathbone, executive vice president administration.

Weaver succeeds Harold R. Mobley, who retires after a 44-year career in the railroad industry.

Weaver joined Norfolk Southern in 1989 as a labor relations specialist and served in various positions of increasing responsibility in the labor relations department until being named assistant vice president labor relations in 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Davidson College.

Mobley, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Valparaiso University, began his railroad career with Penn Central as a yard brakeman in 1968. He joined Southern Railway Company (a Norfolk Southern predecessor) in 1971 as a management trainee. He served in a number of positions in the engineering, transportation, and labor relations departments and was named vice president labor relations in 2008.

“Norfolk Southern thanks Harold for his long and outstanding service and for guiding our labor relations department through some challenging times,” said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. “We wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

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)

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

The old Route 206 Bridge is now history...

(Train sightings on 2-3-12.)

On January 29th, I ventured down to Belle Mead (NJ) in order to check on the old Route 206's status to see if its demolition was starting. Ritacco Construction had started to prepare for the span over CSX's Trenton Line for its removal. Fast forward to the afternoon of February 3rd and that old span was now history! The speed with which the span was dismantled was amazing. Two images what it looked like on February 3rd. The northbound mixed freight is CSX Q410 and (southbound) CSX K532 leader is CSX 912. Can't wait to capture the next phase of this construction, namely the removal of the bridge abutments.


 

CSX CFO to address transportation conference

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Chief Financial Officer to Address Stifel Nicolaus Transportation & Logistics Conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (February 7, 2012) - Fredrik Eliasson, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) executive vice president and chief financial officer, will address the Stifel Nicolaus Transportation & Logistics Conference in Key Biscayne, Florida on Tuesday, February 14, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Access to the audio webcast will be available on CSX's website at http://investors.csx.com/. A replay and accompanying audio will be available following the conclusion of this event.

About CSX
CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line and regional railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at http://www.csx.com/.

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812

Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

NS CFO Squires to address transportation conference

Received the following via email.

Feb. 3, 2012

Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address Stifel Nicolaus Transportation Conference

NORFOLK, VA. – James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Stifel Nicolaus Transportation Conference at 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, in Key Biscayne, Fla.

Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://www.media-server.com/m/p/p5i762cp. After the webcast, the presentation will be posted at http://www.nscorp.com/.

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)

Monday, February 06, 2012

Wild Mary (WM) Revival in 2011

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

While taking a close friend home to the Charleston, WV area yesterday (12-22-11), We stopped by the George's Creek Rwy only to find them readying the locomotives for their first run on the railway! It was a wonderful way to close out an interesting year with some original WM locos running on WM Trackage!

Long Live THE Wild Mary!!!

Thanks to Gerald Altizer and his crew for allowing us access to this historic event.

WM 303 crosses MD 939 in Barton, MD


WM 25 - 303 passing display caboose B&O C-2060 in Barton, MD


WM 25 - 303 passing Town Hall in Barton, MD


WM 303 - 25 pass old Dodge truck in Barton, MD


WM 303....Home at last on the WM


WM 303 leads first train on the Georges Creek RWY in Barton, MD


WM 303 passing Post Office in Barton, MD

CSX Announces Record Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2011 Earnings Per Share

Received the following via email.

CSX Announces Record Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2011 Earnings Per Share

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - January 23, 2012 - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) today announced fourth quarter 2011 earnings of $0.43 per share, versus $0.38 per share in the same period last year. This represents a 13 percent year-over-year improvement in earnings per share and a fourth quarter record. The results were driven by revenues of nearly $3.0 billion, operating income of $841 million and an operating ratio of 71.5 percent.

"CSX once again delivered record earnings per share while investing in resources to support high customer service levels and growth in the near- and long-term," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Our performance in 2011 has set a strong foundation for growth, and CSX remains committed to achieving a 65 percent operating ratio by no later than 2015."

For the full year, CSX generated record performance in revenue, operating income, operating ratio and earnings per share. Revenues increased 10 percent to $11.7 billion, operating income rose 11 percent to $3.4 billion, the operating ratio improved to 70.9 percent, and earnings per share improved 24 percent to $1.67.

This earnings announcement, as well as a package of detailed financial information, is contained in the CSX Quarterly Financial Report available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com/ and on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CSX executives will conduct a quarterly earnings conference call with the investment community on January 24, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. Investors, media and the public may listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-327-6279 (888-EARN-CSX) and asking for the CSX earnings call. (Callers outside the U.S., dial 1-773-756-0199). Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the call. In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible and presentation materials will be posted on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com/. Following the earnings call, an internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company website.

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia. CSX's network connects to more than 240 short line and regional railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at http://www.csx.com/.

Forward-looking Statements

This information and other statements by the company may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act with respect to, among other items: projections and estimates of earnings, revenues, volumes, rates, cost-savings, expenses, taxes, liquidity, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases or other financial items, statements of management's plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, and management's expectations as to future performance and operations and the time by which objectives will be achieved, statements concerning proposed new services, and statements regarding future economic, industry or market conditions or performance. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "preliminary" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. If the company updates any forward-looking statement, no inference should be drawn that the company will make additional updates with respect to that statement or any other forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual performance or results could differ materially from that anticipated by any forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements include, among others; (i) the company's success in implementing its financial and operational initiatives; (ii) changes in domestic or international economic, political or business conditions, including those affecting the transportation industry (such as the impact of industry competition, conditions, performance and consolidation); (iii) legislative or regulatory changes; (iv) the inherent business risks associated with safety and security; (v) the outcome of claims and litigation involving or affecting the company; (vi) natural events such as severe weather conditions or pandemic health crises; and (vii) the inherent uncertainty associated with projecting economic and business conditions.

Other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified in the company's SEC reports, accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and the company's website at www.csx.com.

Contact:
David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812
Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279

Sunday, February 05, 2012

CSX Names New COO and CFO

Received the following via email.

CSX Names New Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - January 23, 2012 - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) today announced the appointments of Oscar Munoz as executive vice president and chief operating officer and Fredrik J. Eliasson as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective immediately.

Munoz replaces David A. Brown, who is no longer with the company. The company's decision to make this change is unrelated to CSX's financial condition, business performance or outlook, all of which are strong.

"Oscar Munoz is a proven leader who has been an integral part of creating the company's vision and success," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "He brings tremendous business skills, a disciplined approach and a passion for superior results."

Munoz has been executive vice president and chief financial officer of CSX since 2003, responsible for all financial, strategic planning, information technology, procurement and real estate activities. Prior to joining CSX he held senior leadership roles at PepsiCo, Coca-Cola and AT&T.

Munoz is a member of the board of directors of United Airlines, as well as several local and national educational and philanthropic institutions. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and a master's of business administration from Pepperdine University.

Succeeding Munoz as chief financial officer is Fredrik Eliasson, a 16-year veteran CSX executive. "Fredrik brings broad senior leadership experience and a track record of success in key financial and commercial roles," said Ward. "He has invaluable insight into creating value for shareholders and customers, as well as clear focus and skill in business execution."

Eliasson was vice president of sales and marketing for CSX's chemicals and fertilizer business and previously headed the emerging markets business. Before that, he was vice president of financial planning and analysis, overseeing all aspects of planning, forecasting and economic analysis activities.

Eliasson is on the board of directors of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. He earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia. CSX's network connects to more than 240 short line and regional railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at http://www.csx.com/.

Forward-looking Statements

This information and other statements by the company may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act with respect to, among other items: projections and estimates of earnings, revenues, volumes, rates, cost-savings, expenses, taxes, liquidity, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases or other financial items, statements of management's plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, and management's expectations as to future performance and operations and the time by which objectives will be achieved, statements concerning proposed new services, and statements regarding future economic, industry or market conditions or performance. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "preliminary" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. If the company updates any forward-looking statement, no inference should be drawn that the company will make additional updates with respect to that statement or any other forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual performance or results could differ materially from that anticipated by any forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements include, among others; (i) the company's success in implementing its financial and operational initiatives; (ii) changes in domestic or international economic, political or business conditions, including those affecting the transportation industry (such as the impact of industry competition, conditions, performance and consolidation); (iii) legislative or regulatory changes; (iv) the inherent business risks associated with safety and security; (v) the outcome of claims and litigation involving or affecting the company; (vi) natural events such as severe weather conditions or pandemic health crises; and (vii) the inherent uncertainty associated with projecting economic and business conditions.

Other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified in the company's SEC reports, accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and the company's website at www.csx.com.

Contact:
David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812
Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279