Thursday, February 28, 2013

CSX Chief Financial Officer to Address JP Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Defense Conference

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Chief Financial Officer to Address JP Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Defense Conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (February 27, 2013) - Fredrik Eliasson, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) executive vice president and chief financial officer, will address the JP Morgan Aviation, Transportation and Defense Conference in New York City, N.Y. on Wednesday, March 6, at 8:00 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.

CSX, 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, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812

Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279

NS CEO Wick Moorman to address J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Defense Conference

Received the following via email.

Feb. 25, 2013

Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman to address J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Defense Conference

NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern Corporation CEO Wick Moorman will participate in the 2013 J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Defense Conference.

J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Defense Conference
Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 11:10 a.m. EST
J.P. Morgan Conference Center
383 Madison Ave., New York City
Webcast URL: http://jpmorgan.metameetings.com/webcasts/aviation13/directlink?ticker=NSC

Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast. 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 Company 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, automotive, 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 27, 2013

A LEHL Meet in Manville...

(Train sightings on 2-24-13.)

After coupling up to GOFCs (Garbage on Flat Cars) from the BRI Facility in Bridgewater, NS's H76 is heading west on Sunday afternoon over the Royce Runner in Manville (NJ). It meets a rather short intermodal NS 202 almost right on the Main Street overpass. Motive power on H76 was NS 6901, NS 8405 and NS 2524. NS's 202 power consist was three C40-9Ws; NS 9895, NS 9528 and NS 9745.


   


Jason Reiner to head NS industrial development; Newell Baker retires

Received the following via email.

Feb. 20, 2013

Jason Reiner to head Norfolk Southern industrial development; Newell Baker retires

NORFOLK, VA. – Jason T. Reiner has been named assistant vice president industrial development for Norfolk Southern, effective March 1, to succeed Newell M. Baker, who is retiring.

Reiner began as a co-op student in the industrial development engineering department at Norfolk Southern (then Southern Railway) while attending Virginia Tech in 1978. Upon graduation with a civil engineering degree, he joined the company’s engineering department in 1982. He joined the industrial development department in 1990 as a development engineer and became director industrial development in 2008. He will be headquartered in Atlanta and will report to Robert E. Martínez, vice president business development.

Baker, a civil engineering graduate of North Carolina State University, joined Norfolk Southern’s engineering department in 1973 and served in several positions of increasing responsibility, becoming assistant vice president industrial development in 2008.

“Newell has done an extraordinary job during his tenure as AVP, perhaps most prominently in achieving record back-to-back project growth for each of the five years during which he has held that job,” said Martínez. “I’ve no doubt, based on his experience and expertise, that Jason Reiner will attain a comparable level of accomplishment and keep NS industrial development as the benchmark in the rail industry.”

Norfolk Southern works with state and local economic development authorities on projects involving site location and development of infrastructure to connect customers to its rail system and provides free and confidential plant location services, including industrial park planning, site layout, track design, and logistics assistance. During the past 10 years, Norfolk Southern's Industrial Development Department has participated in the location or expansion of 1,021 facilities, representing an investment of $28.7 billion by NS customers and generating more than 48,000 jobs in Norfolk Southern’s territory.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company 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, automotive, and industrial products.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

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

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Boeing Fuselage Railcar Fleet Expanding to 99 on BNSF, as Production Increases

Received the following via email.

Among the many extremely large, expensive and ultra-delicate industrial shipments routinely moved safely and in a timely manner by rail, all over the continent, these loads have especially steep price tags. There are potentially enormous consequential cost implications for any delivery failure that would delay a critical-path timeline and, thus, jetliner production. Yet, The Boeing Company routinely ships thousands of railcar loads of commercial and military airframe components from its suppliers across the continent, each year, including hundreds of annual 737 fuselage loads. Boeing has been successfully and continuously shipping aircraft parts by rail since 1917, the year after the company was founded.

Despite their robust size, it has been said that, "they're really like eggshells; even look cross-eyed at them, and they'd become just so much scrap." This is how all 737 fuselages are moved from their plant in Wichita, Kansas to the final assembly plant in Renton, Washington: aboard specialized flat cars (as they also were for every 727 and 757 airliner, when those models were in production)

Read more at the following link to an article from the Puget Sound Business Journal.

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2013/02/11/bnsf-railway-adding-cars-to-meet.html

Following photo is from the above article.  



Many of Boeing's parts riding the rails have precision-machined tolerances of less than 1/10,000 of an inch. In addition to fuselages, suppliers also ship airplane tail fins, rudders, wings, stabilizers, cargo doors, plus keel/floor beams in Boeing's dedicated fleet of over 300 company-owned railcars, plus many more railroad-assigned cars. A single 747 can require more than two-dozen railcar shipments. Boeing rail carriers handle aircraft parts from California, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Kansas and Quebec for the 737-747-767-777 and new 787 programs, destined to both of their Seattle-area plants in Renton and Everett, WA. They also ship rail to other plants where Boeing assembles jet fighters and military transports.

Here are links to more pictures.  

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/bnsf800023.jpg

http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=11189

http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=37909


Here's a link to a very insightful piece describing and showing the manufacture and packaging, before rail shipment, of several major components for Boeing’s 747-8 from supplier Vought Aircraft in Grand Prairie (Marshall Street), TX and Hawthorne, CA.

"Marshall Street also assembles the 747-8 vertical stabilizer/upper rudder, the horizontal stabilizer/ elevators, and the floor beams. This totals 10 separate railcar shipments for each ship set. The floor beams are the only delivery routinely transported by truck. All other shipments are made via rail."

http://avstop.com/news_march_2010/boeings_747_8_and_vought_aircraft_marshall_street_facility.htm


With a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner running between $145 -200 million, and a 747-400 carrying a price tag of roughly a quarter-billion dollars, the consistent reliability and safety of the rail mode is paramount to this shipper. One can imagine the immense pressure to deliver quality service that this firm has placed upon their rail carriers over the past nine+ decades.

Boeing is not the only aircraft manufacturer to be a regular rail shipper of large, fragile and extreme-high-value cargo with even higher associated consequential costs.

Purpose-built railcars used to carry 250 plane sets of huge Lockheed L-1011 Tristar jetliner left and right wings, plus center wing box sections. Manufactured in Nashville, TN by American Viscose Corporation's Aerostructures Division, the wings were shipped to the final assembly plant out in Palmdale, CA.

http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=10867


One of the eight specially-built 89-foot Union Pacific 'wing gondolas' that were used for two decades of McDonnell-Douglas DC-10 (and sister KC-10) production. A total of 446 plane sets of the massive wing sections and associated parts were fabricated near Toronto, ON and shipped out west to California for final assembly of those planes at M-D's Long Beach facility.

http://southern.railfan.net/flat/cars/loads/wing/omi/omi30056.jpg


NS Board adds Martin H. Nesbitt and John R. Thompson

Received the following via email.

Feb. 15, 2013

Martin H. Nesbitt and John R. Thompson elected to Norfolk Southern board

NORFOLK, VA. – Martin H. Nesbitt and John R. Thompson have been elected directors of Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC), effective Feb. 18, 2013, Chairman and CEO Wick Moorman announced today.

Nesbitt, 50, of Chicago, is co-founder of The Vistria Group, a private equity firm. Nesbitt served as president and chief executive officer of PRG Parking Management LLC, an airport parking management company, and managing director of Green Courte Partners LLC, a real estate investment firm, until 2012.

Nesbitt is a director of Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. and trustee of Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art. He is a former member of The University of Chicago Laboratory School Board, former chairman of the board of the Chicago Housing Authority, and a former board member of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee. Nesbitt served as national treasurer of President Obama's 2012 and 2008 presidential campaigns.

Thompson, 61, of Minnetrista, Minn., has been a government relations consultant for Best Buy Company Inc., a multinational consumer electronics corporation, since October 2012, having served as senior vice president and general manager of BestBuy.com from 2002 through 2012. He joined the company in 2001 as its senior vice president for supply chain and business systems.

Thompson served as chief information officer and senior vice president for customer service, information systems, distribution logistics, and e-business at Liz Claiborne Inc. and as chief information officer and executive vice president of Goody's Family Clothing Inc. He is a director of Belk Inc. and a board member of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Cristo Rey Jesuit High Schools Network, and the advisory board of BRAG (Black Retail Action Group). He formerly served on the board of Wendy's International Inc. and Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation, and as a trustee of the Walker Art Center.

Nesbitt has been appointed to the audit and finance committees, and Thompson has been appointed to the audit and governance and nominating committees of the Norfolk Southern board.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company 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, automotive, 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, February 22, 2013

CSX Plans Track Work in Ashland, Virginia, Area; Delays to Amtrak Service Expected

Received the following via email.

CSX Plans Track Work in Ashland, Virginia, Area; Delays to Amtrak Service Expected

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - February 20, 2013 - CSX Transportation (CSXT) today announced that it will be performing track maintenance on its line through Ashland, Virginia, starting February 24 as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring its rail network provides the safest, most efficient rail service possible.

The work in Ashland will be done during the day, limiting continuing operation of Amtrak and freight trains to an adjacent track.  As a result, all trains, including Amtrak's service between Washington, DC, and Virginia stations and points south are likely to experience delays.

Beginning February 24, CSX crews will replace both rails on one of its tracks in Ashland.  The work will cover about 1.8 miles of track, and involve the replacement of 18,718 feet of rail.  This work will be performed between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for two weeks, ending March 7.

Subsequent work to replace about 38,000 crossties on the line between Greendale and Ashland will begin March 17 and end on March 28. This work will also be performed between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.

CSX is working with Amtrak and the Commonwealth of Virginia so they can provide up-to-date information on the status of trains affected by the delays.

CSX apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the track work, which is necessary for the safety and efficiency of ongoing passenger and freight rail service.

About CSX
CSX, 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, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Robert Sullivan
1 (877) TELL-CSX

Thursday, February 21, 2013

WTC tower 1 spire blocks 2-6-13

Now for something completely different.  Received the following pictures via email from Bruce Cahoon.
Note: click on a picture to see it full size; then use use your browsers BACK button to return here. 

Hello
My buddy sent me these awesome pic's of the top of the WTC
Bruce








CSX Renews Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Received the following via email.

CSX Renews Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - February 15, 2013 - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) today announced the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs) equivalent to up to 21 million pounds of CO2, part of the LEED certification process for CSX's headquarters building. The RECs will offset emissions from the company's Jacksonville headquarters for two years by supporting carbon reduction projects.

"Combined with implementing operational adjustments, investing in new technologies and building key partnerships, the purchase of these RECs and LEED certification contribute to CSX's focus on lowering emissions and improving environmental sustainability across our company," said Carl Gerhardstein, assistant vice president, health, environment and sustainability. "We're reducing our environmental footprint by setting ambitious goals, supporting carbon reduction projects and implementing sustainable energy solutions at new and existing facilities."

CSX purchased 16,133,690 kWh worth of RECs and 1,361.96 MtC2Oe (metric tonne carbon dioxide equivalent) in carbon offsets, equivalent to planting nearly 245,000 trees or removing more than 1,800 passenger cars from the road for one year. The RECs were purchased through Renewable Choice Energy, and will be used to encourage further development of the renewable energy market and renewable energy projects. RECs are the industry standard for accounting for renewable energy product; one REC is equivalent to 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean energy.

The LEED certification process at the company's headquarters is emblematic of efforts across CSX's 21,000-mile network. For example, in Worcester, Massachusetts, two new CSX buildings feature solar panels to heat water and power the building. These facilities also utilize hybrid electric cranes, which run primarily on rechargeable batteries. This practice saves energy, improves local air quality and also reduces noise.

At the Jacksonville Intermodal Terminal, CSX installed energy-efficient LED fixtures on high mast light poles, the administration building and the gate canopy. Together, these lights reduce energy consumption by 25 percent. CSX also joined community-owned utility company JEA's InVest Smart Business Energy Updates program, designed to help business make cost-efficient transitions to more environmentally-friendly energy options. CSX's changes resulted in utility credits of nearly $20,000 through the program.

Investment in technology, core to CSX's operational philosophy, supports environmental stewardship as well. Solar panels in CSX's Queensgate yard in Cincinnati, Ohio are monitored via an interactive dashboard that catalogs the company's energy usage against historical baselines to gauge operational efficiency.

These recent additions continue CSX's commitment to continuous improvement in environmentally-friendly operations. In 2010, CSX met its voluntary goal to lower emissions intensity by 8 percent - nearly one year ahead of schedule. In 2012, the company announced another ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 6 to 8 percent by 2020. The company also continues to incorporate high efficiency, low emission locomotives throughout its network. Shipping freight by rail is three to five times more fuel-efficient than alternative means, as one train can transport one ton of freight approximately 450 miles on one gallon of fuel.

For detailed information on CSX's environmental and energy initiatives, visit CSX's corporate social responsibility site at www.csxcsr.com.

About CSX
CSX, 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, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Lauren Rueger
1 (877) TELL-CSX

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Rail service resumes after 15 years in Warren’s North End to handle Warren Steel Holdings traffic

Received the following via email from a railfan correspondent located in Greenville, PA.  Warren, OH is located just nortwest of Youngstown, OH.

Genesee & Wyoming Inc.'s Ohio Central Railroad began operating, again, on Monday over dormant line.

Quote from newspaper article:

"The Trumbull County Planning Commission secured $838,000 in state grants and money from the Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corp. that enabled the commission to make improvements to the rail line..."

Link to full article:

http://www.vindy.com/news/2013/feb/10/train-traffic-to-resume-monday/?newswatch


The End for RG Steel, Warren, OH: Plant / Machinery Auction

Received the following via email from a railfan correspondent located in Greenville, PA.  First is his comment, then an email that he received concerning the demise of a steel plant in Warren, OH, which is located just northwest of Youngstown, OH.

Former Warren, Ohio Republic Steel Company plant's demise. This was the last Blast Furnace to operate in the Mahoning River Valley (Struthers/Youngstown/Warren) which, for many years, produced more steel and iron tonnage than any other region in the world, outside of the Pittsburgh District.

just received in the mail, a 16 page auction flyer for RG Steel in Warren, OH. Includes 3meg+ lbs. of rolls (for rolling mills), roll chocks, 1meg+ lbs. of plate inventory, bridge cranes, machine shop, vehicles (trucks, slab haulers, giant forklifts, etc.), 17 Pollack hot metal/slag cars, 1000+ electric motors, annealing lines, coil lines, galvanizing lines, lifting magnets, 75+ coils of crane cable, hook blocks, shop tools, etc.

The only excluded items are those pertaining to the hot strip mill. Don't know if that has been sold, or if there is a chance it may be re-started at some point.

With this auction, and the previous statements on the condition of the blast & steel making furnaces, it looks like most of the facility is done-for.

Anybody wanna buy a RR??? (former Erie thru Cortland..............) Lotsa new ties!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Jersey Central Historical Society annual train show March 3, 2013

Received the following via email.

*** This year's train show is at Mother Seaton's High School. Sunday, March 3, 2013. 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The location hasn't changed. I think it may be the best location for these type events in central New Jersey. The use of the Gym and cafeteria has always given adequate space for the show, and parking is always available in the large lot adjacent to the school. Access from any direction is easy, it's location off of the Garden State parkway exit 135 put it south of interstate 78. There are always good signs to lead you from the exit to the show. It is right at the exit. I always find a few HO trains to add to what I have. The photos and books always attract me and I spend some time there each year. Always looking for another photo for a project I am doing. And the food is good to. Also I am not a member of the society. I attend because I like it.

C U there.

frank ***  

Elizabethtown (PA) AMTRAK Station

(Train sightings on 2-10-13.)

Whenever my wife and I are visiting the Hershey area, one place that I make it a point to stop at is AMTRAK's Elizabethtown station. My first recollection of seeing this station was back on August 23rd, 1985 when the Pennsylvania RR Museum ran their double-headed steam engine trip. Back then the station was nothing more than some concrete platforms and a waiting area to keep one dry with a roof and not much more than that. In the ensuing years, it has been interesting for me to watch the transformation of the station to what it is today. Down the embankment one can still see an old depot whose heritage is unknown to me. I can assume it was once a PRR depot. From what I was told, this structure will eventually be demolished to make way for a long term parking lot for the station. Saving it is out of the question since it isn't capable of being relocated.


Photo 1: Is AMTRAK's "Pennsylvanian arriving close to schedule on February 9th. AMTAK 24 was the leader for this trip.




Photo 2: Ahhh... if only those walls of the old depot could talk, what stories they might have to tell!



Photo 3: Sunday morning at 9:47 finds the passengers on board and AMTRAK's Keystone Service train 664 getting ready to depart Elizabethtown.



CSX CEO to Address Barclays Industrial Select Conference

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Chief Executive Officer to Address Barclays Industrial Select Conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (February 14, 2013) - Michael Ward, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) chairman, president and chief executive officer, will address the Barclays Industrial Select Conference in Miami, Florida on Thursday, February 21, at 1:20 p.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.

CSX, 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, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812

Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279

Saturday, February 16, 2013

21st Century Steam excursion trips planned for 2013

Received the following via email.

Feb. 4, 2013

21st Century Steam excursion trips planned for 2013

NORFOLK, VA. – The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) and the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS), in partnership with Norfolk Southern Corporation, will host 21st Century Steam excursion trips in Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania in the Spring of 2013.

Schedules, prices, and ticketing information are available at www.tvrail.com for TVRM-hosted trips and fortwaynerailroad.org for FWRHS-sponsored trips. Norfolk Southern employees will be able to request tickets for the employee appreciation trips soon through the ERC.

· March 9: Bristol, Va., to Radford, Va. Host: TVRM. Steam locomotive SOU 630.
· March 10: Bristol, Va., to Bulls Gap, Tenn. Host: TVRM. Steam locomotive SOU 630.
· March 16: Roanoke, Va., to Radford, Va. (morning), and Roanoke to Lynchburg, Va. (afternoon). Host: TVRM. Steam locomotive SOU 630. Combination public and NS employee appreciation trips.
· April 13: Spencer, N.C., to Barber, N.C. Host: TVRM. Steam locomotive SOU 630. Combination public and NS employee appreciation trip.
· April 20 and 21: Asheville, N.C., to Old Fort, N.C. Host: TVRM. Steam locomotive SOU 630. April 20 is combination public and NS employee appreciation trip.
· May 12: Rocky River, Ohio, to Bellevue, Ohio. Host: FWRHS. Steam locomotive NKP 765.
· May 25, 26 and 27: Lewistown, Pa., to Horseshoe Curve, Pa. Host: FWRHS. Steam locomotive NKP 765.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was founded in 1961 in Chattanooga to create an interpretive operating museum of historic equipment and artifacts in an authentic setting. Today it operates an extensive schedule of historic and scenic trains in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, supported by its East Chattanooga shop facility. TVRM is the largest operating historical excursion railroad in the Southeast. In 2012, more than 100,000 people visited the museum or rode on TRVM-sponsored 21st Century Steam excursions.

The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society was formed in 1972 with the goal of saving Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive 765 from rusting away in a city park. The organization was successful in restoring the locomotive to operation. The engine first ran again on Sept. 1, 1979. Since then, NKP 765 has operated on over a dozen different railroads from New York City to Rock Island, Illinois, hauling more than 250,000 passengers on excursion trains covering over 50,000 miles of operation. In 1986 FWRHS bought the locomotive from the City of Fort Wayne.

21st Century Steam is a partnership between Norfolk Southern and TVRM to operate steam-powered excursions throughout the territory Norfolk Southern serves. More information is available on the 21st Century Steam website at www.21stcenturysteam.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, automotive, and industrial products.

###

Media Contacts:

Norfolk Southern: Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 (robin.chapman@nscorp.com)

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Steve Freer, 423-331-4501 (sfreer@tvrail.com); Robert Pettway, 423-503-5225 (pettman2001@yahoo.com)

Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society: Kelly Lynch, 260-466-2766, (lynch@fwrhs.org)

Those iconic Hershey plant smokestacks ...

(Train sightings on 2-10-13.)

... have always been a favorite photo prop that I like working into the scene when I am track side in Hershey (PA). With the town's name on those two smokestacks, there is no mistaking where this photo was taken at. NS 5662 (GP38-2; ex-PC 7726 & ex-CR 7726) is seen heading west with six cars in tow and ex-CR caboose 21257 on February 10th. The train's symbol was H2A and is sometimes referred to as "the Hershey Shifter".


 


CSX Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - February 13, 2013 - Earlier today, the board of directors of CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) approved a $0.14 per share quarterly dividend on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2013.

CSX, 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, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812

Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279

American Red Cross Taps CSX to Return Sandy Response Trucks

Received the following via email.

American Red Cross Taps CSX to Return Sandy Response Trucks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - February 13, 2013 - When the American Red Cross needed to return the Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) used in Superstorm Sandy to home chapters across the country, the agency turned to CSX and other railroads for help.

"As it always does, the Red Cross provided a critical humanitarian service when Superstorm Sandy damaged thousands of homes and businesses throughout the East Coast and left millions of people without power," said Jack Vierling, CSX assistant vice president-car management. "We thank them for their terrific response and saw this as an opportunity to express our gratitude."

To prepare for the free movement on CSX of 119 ERVs, from which thousands of meals were handed out to victims of Sandy, the Red Cross staged the ERVs at a central point in New Jersey. From there, they were loaded into rail cars designed specially to transport them on CSX to their home states in the Southeast or Midwest, or to other railroads to take back to locations in the West.

"The American Red Cross is grateful for the unique and much-needed donation CSX provided," said Anna Trefethen, vice president, Southeast and Caribbean Division, American Red Cross. "The ERV is more than a truck - it's an iconic image that represents hope and comfort wherever it goes. Once these vehicles are returned to their homes, they continue to serve people in need."

This joint CSX-Red Cross effort is the latest in a five-year disaster relief partnership that builds on CSX's support of the Red Cross for more than 25 years. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, CSX matched employee donations to the Red Cross dollar-for-dollar.

The company also provided more than $1 million of support through Dignity U Wear, a program to supply new clothing to needy children and families, and worked with customers to reroute rail shipments of building materials to areas most in need. CSX also is moving substantial amounts of construction and demolition debris from the storm-impacted area to approved disposal sites.

About CSX
CSX, 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, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Gary Sease
1 (877) TELL-CSX
1-877-835-5279

"Grand by Design"

As you probably already know, Grand Central Terminal is celebrating its 100th year; and the New York Transit Museum has mounted an exhibit: "Grand by Design: A Centennial Celebration of GCT" in Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall.  It is an impressive exhibit covering the station's history and will be open through March 15. Here are some pictures of that exhibit taken by Richmond Bates.







Train gate sign for the NYC Empire State Express


Red carpet for the NYC 20th Century Ltd. departures

Thursday, February 14, 2013

GSD Winter Meet NEW DATE

Received the following via email.

GSD Winter Meet NEW DATE

NMRA Garden State Division

Winter Meet

Saturday, February 16, 2013

at 9:00 am

Location is the same

Marine Corps League

46 Ontario Avenue, Staten Island, NY

Activity Fee: $6.00

Please see the rest of this announcement in our post below dated Thursday, February 07, 2013.  

Saturday, February 09, 2013

CSX Corporation Chief Financial Officer to Address BB&T Capital Markets Transportation Conference

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Chief Financial Officer to Address BB&T Capital Markets Transportation Conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (February 7, 2013) - Fredrik Eliasson, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) executive vice president and chief financial officer, will address the 28th Annual BB&T Capital Markets Transportation Conference in Coral Gables, Florida on Thursday, February 14, at 9:05 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.

CSX, 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, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812

Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279

Friday, February 08, 2013

G.S.D. Meet CANCELLED & POSTPONED

Received the following via email.

G.S.D. Meet CANCLED & POSTPONED


According to all the reports we have seen or heard coming from the news channels we are in for a horrendous snow storm, blizzard conditions, over the next 24 hours. The major part of this storm will be overnight Friday though early Saturday morning. The predicted accumulations will be in the 12” range and more in our area.

Since we have put so much effort into making this meet a success we don't want to see a poor turnout because of the weather. Therefore, In an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of the membership, we are cancelling and POSTPONING the meet for tomorrow.

The meet committee is already working on scheduling a new date. The new date, when known, will be posted on the web site at http://nergsd.com/ and e-mail notification will be made to the membership.

Hopefully the weather will not stop us then, although there is no guarantee of that at this time of year.


The Garden State Division Staff

(Also see the original announcement posted below.)  

What once was, is no more

(Train sightings on 2-3-13.)

Standing on the concrete platform of what was once the LVRR's station in Manville (NJ), it is 1:30 on February 4th as NS H76 is seen heading down the LEHL's Royce Running Track coupled up to "GOFCs"- Garbage on Flat Cars. Passing over Manville's Main Street underpass, this area was once a beehive of railroad activity. Partially obscured by the NS 8009 and NS 9413 can be seen the remnants of a ROW that once was a stretch of four tracks that serviced such area companies as Johns-Manville and American Cyanamid, known locally as Calco.


 

Night time @ NJT's Somerville Station

Received the following via email.

Built in 1890 at a construction cost of $15,000, this building was sold to private owners in 1980 and converted to be used as offices. When the station was being constructed, it was built using light grey Jersey sandstone obtained from a Stockholm (NJ) quarry. According to the Somerset Messenger Gazette, a local newspaper back then, they described some of the festivities that took place to mark the station’s grand opening. Somerville’s 1st National Guard unit fired a thirteen shot volley to open the ceremony. The CNJRR gathered all the available locomotives and tied their whistles. 300 torpedoes were placed on the tracks and trains were shuttled back and forth to detonate them. Having lived in the Somerville area for over sixty years, to me the former CNJ train station will always be the station, not the newly renovated platforms constructed by NJT. 


Photo 1-is a 1911 postcard view of the station looking north (across the tracks). This view is no longer to be seen as the embankment backs up to the building’s south side.


 

Note:  at some point in time, the CNJ built an embankment to raise the tracks and eliminate grade crossings.  More recently, New Jersey Transit (NJT) built high level platfoms on that embankment. 

Photo 2- is an elevated view looking down on the station with NJT’s platforms seen in the background. Photo was taken on February 2, 2013.



Photo 3- a view from ground level shows how well maintained the station is. Photo was also taken on February 2, 2013.



Thursday, February 07, 2013

GSD Winter Meet This Saturday

Received the following via email.

GSD Winter Meet This Saturday

NMRA Garden State Division

Winter Meet

Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 9:00 am

Location

Marine Corps League

46 Ontario Avenue, Staten Island, NY

Activity Fee: $6.00

===================================================================

Meet Activities

Clinics

Stained Glass by Chuck Diljak

As a teenager, Chuck built an AHM church kit that had paper inserts or the stained glass. He liked the idea of stained glass to introduce some color to his layout, but the results were less than satisfactory. Years later, Chuck brought a new church kit that he wanted to spice up with stained glass. But, he was uncertain how to accomplish it after his previous failure. While doing some research on modeling stained glass, he fell back on the memory of something else he had done in the past. Chuck’s clinic will talk about the different methods he found and how he successfully model stained glass in his new kit.

Operations Primer by Joe Calderone

Joe will present a lighthearted and informative look at an interesting aspect of the hobby. Joe will share what you need and how to get going with operations. Find out how to get more from your layout no matter how small or how big a pike you may have. Practical examples and ideas will be presented.


“Bring ‘n Brag” Session

Door Prizes

Achievement Program Judging

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After the meet there will be FOUR layouts to visit.

Some new layouts along with several layouts from last year will be open for the winter meet.

Tour maps will be provided at the meet.


Frank Russo’s “HO” Scale Rio Grande Railroad

West meets East on this modern “HO” Scale railroad featuring well done scenery.


Joe D’Agostino’s “HO” Scale Pennsylvania Railroad

This expansive Pennsylvania RR theme railroad features great scenery with great classic Pennsy Steam Power.


Rich Martin’s, “HO” Scale Lehigh Valley RR

Under construction but two track main line is operational. The layout takes up most of the basement with light valance and unique construction.


Bob Schmidt’s , “HO” Scale New York Central Div.

One track main, under construction but main line operates. Tucked into a small space shared with the laundry room and the boiler with a duck under.
Excellent example of "making it fit".


Addresses and maps to layouts will be available at meet.

==========================================

For additional details and directions about the Meet, Clinics and the Tour Layouts use the following link to the GSD Winter Newsletter and then go to page 7

http://nergsd.com/Data/WP125.pdf



==============================================================

We will have a White Elephant table.

Bring your unwanted items to sell.

===============================================================

The NMRA Garden State Division is at

www.nergsd.com



Do you have a layout you would like to show?
e-mail us we would like to visit.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Easter Bunny Train Rides in Wayne NJ are back for 2013!

Received the following via email.

Easter Bunny Train Ride

Tickets go fast, sell out in early March. So don't delay and order now!

$9 for children under 12  $13 for adults. Major credit cards accepted.

More info http://easterbunnytrain.com/


Saturday March 23 - 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.
Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center
RT 23 South W Belt Parkway
Wayne, NJ 07470

During the 60 minute ride the Easter Bunny will visit each child and give them a special gift. Other cartoon characters will be on board too, making it even more of a great day!

These trips will run out through scenic Morris County and back. Along the way the trains will pass by the Boonton Restoration yard, where much of the railroad equipment destined for the NJ Transportation Heritage Center is being worked on/in storage. These trips are being run to fund the continued restoration preservation of the historic NYS&W Hawthorne NJ train station.

Mike O'Toole - Webmaster
Volunteer Railroaders Association
80 Royal Avenue
Hawthorne, NJ 07506-1810
(973) 238-0555

PS: We know this event may not be on topic for this group. Many of us have families have need for railroad activities that are fun for the rest of the family, not just the rail buff!

Volunteer Railroaders Association Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corp.

Monday, February 04, 2013

Taking out the trash!

(Train sightings on 1-27-13.)

While railfanning the Lehigh and Trenton Lines on Sunday (1/27), I happened to catch an NS and CSX train that both had one thing in common. They were both taking out the trash. The NS train was H76 that was heading over to the BRI facility in Bridgewater to couple up to some loaded municipal waste containers. The NS power was NS 2718, NS 9791 and NS 9181. Part of the trio is seen here passing over Manville's Main Street underpass on the LEHL's Royce Runner in Manville. Those cars would then be taken west to a landfill somewhere in the midwest.



Heading down to Belle Mead was where I happened to catch CSX's Q703. This Selkirk (NY) to Petersburg (VA) loaded trash train had CSX 5303 and CSX 7394 for power. According to the Association of American Railroads statistics for Class I railroads, in 2011 the total tonnage of all types of freight carried was 1,885,437,000. Of that total tonnage waste and other scrap accounted for 42,778,000 tons. One has to wonder if business will be picking up even more?


 

Saturday, February 02, 2013

Quintin Kendall Named CSX Vice President, State Government and Community Affairs

Received the following via email.

Quintin Kendall Named CSX Vice President, State Government and Community Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - January 31, 2013 - CSX Corporation today announced the appointment of Quintin Kendall as vice president, State Government and Community Affairs. He succeeds Michael O'Malley, who was recently named head of the company's Purchasing and Materials group.

Currently, Kendall serves as regional vice president for state government affairs for the Mid-Atlantic region, generating substantial support for major infrastructure investment projects, including the National Gateway, a major public-private partnership creating a double-stack intermodal freight rail corridor linking Mid-Atlantic ports and Midwest distribution centers. In addition, Kendall successfully coordinated company-wide efforts to broaden recognition of the benefits of freight rail and led CSX efforts to support growth at the Port of Virginia.

"Quintin has built credibility among policymakers as a trusted partner and effective advocate for balanced solutions," said Ellen Fitzsimmons, CSX executive vice president of law and public affairs. "He brings extensive community relations, policy, political and management experience to his new role."

Prior to joining CSX, Kendall served as chief of staff to the Honorable Mary Peters, secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). While at USDOT from 2002 to 2009 he focused on reforming federal highway and transit policy and enhancing transportation safety. As deputy assistant secretary of budget and programs at USDOT, he coordinated department-wide efforts to improve financial and personnel management, procurement and e-government initiatives.

Kendall serves on the board of directors of the Norfolk and Portsmouth Beltline and the Virginia Maritime Association and coordinates transportation policy for the Virginia Business Council. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia.

About CSX
CSX, 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, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces.  CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Robert Sullivan
1 (877) TELL-CSX

Norfolk Southern CMO to address conferences

Received the following via email.

Jan. 31, 2013

Norfolk Southern chief marketing officer to address Stifel Nicolaus Transportation & Logistics and BB&T Capital Markets Transportation conferences

NORFOLK, VA. – Donald W. Seale, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Norfolk Southern Corporation, will participate in two upcoming conferences:

Stifel Nicolaus Transportation & Logistics Conference 2013
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, 2 p.m. EST
Miami, Fla.
Webcast URL: http://www.media-server.com/m/p/t8g3sajj

BB&T Capital Markets Transportation Conference
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, 7:45 a.m. EST
Miami, Fla.
Webcast URL: http://wsw.com/webcast/bbt24/nsc/

Both presentations will be posted at www.nscorp.com.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company 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, automotive, 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)