Polar Express Tickets On Sale At Midnight

Received the following via email from the Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipsburg, NJ.

Polar Express 2014 TICKETS GO ON SALE AT 12:01 AM AUGUST 1ST

Buy Tickets! Polar Express Tickets On Sale TONIGHT at midnight! The Polar Express is one the most popular trips of the year. With Santa Claus, beautiful decorations and smiling children, how can you go wrong?   Each year it sells out earlier and earlier.  Some  people wait too long to get their tickets and many miss out on the trip. Please pick your dates and buy your tickets  early. We would hate for such a faithful customer to miss out on this great event. I look forward to seeing you on the train!   Sincerely, Chris Cotty The Delaware River Railroad Excursions   The Dinosaur Train Tickets are now on sale! Don't miss this fun filled trip  BUY DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS NOW

2 Days Left-Polar Express Tickets -Get Them Before The General Public!

Received the following via email from The Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipsburg, NJ.

BUY YOUR POLAR EXPRESS TICKETS EARLY! ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT FOR THIS OFFER! IF YOU PURCHASE DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY  ABLE TO BUY  POLAR EXPRESS TICKETS ONE DAY EARLY CLICK HERE TO BUY DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS Buy Polar Express Tickets One Day Early BEFORE The General Public.  Last year our Polar Express trip in Phillipsburg, NJ sold out in just 12 hours. To reward our loyal customers that frequent our trips, we are making it easy for you to buy your  Polar Express tickets before the general public. If you purchase Dinosaur Train tickets  DINOSAUR TICKETS     you will be allowed to purchase Polar Express tickets before the General Public on July 31st at midnight. They go on sale to the general public August 1st at midnight and sell out by noon that day.  When you go to order tickets on the 31st of July, the site will ask you for your last name and your order number ( six digit number starting with 0). Once you enter these, the system will verify your Dinosaur Train order, and allow you to buy Polar Express tickets one day early, before the general public.  Many of you would be buying Dinosaur Train tickets anyhow, and this is our way of saying THANK YOU! Dinosaur  Train August 16,17,23,24 Roar...take a ride back to the Jurassic Period on the Dinosaur Train™! Patterned after the hit PBS Television cartoon series, families take an adventurous ride to the Nature Trackers Activity Area where they explore, play and learn about life science, natural history and dinosaurs. Guests will meet their favorite T-rex, Buddy, find real fossils and dig for dinosaur bones! There is also music, giant dinosaurs and merchandise! BUY DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS NOW Buy Tickets

Photos wanted by TTX Company

TTX Company would like photos of its equipment in action for its 2015 calendar and other marketing materials.  Full information at the following web site:

http://www.ttx.com/Files/photographywantedwebsitedoc.pdf

CNJ RDC-1 #551 for sale

Central Railroad of New Jersey RDC-1 #551 is listed for sale at the Ozark Mountain Railcar web site:

http://www.ozarkmountainrailcar.com/detail.asp?id=489&n=Central-Railroad-of-New-Jersey-RDC-1-551-REDUCED

Some of the details from the listing:
"Built by the Budd Company in 1954 for the Central Railroad of New Jersey, eventually sold to New Jersey Transit who then retired the car and sold it into private ownership. Interesting car in that most of the mechanical equipment including the two engines are still on the car."

NS reports record second-quarter 2014 results

Received the following via email.

July 23, 2014

Norfolk Southern reports record second-quarter 2014 results

NORFOLK, VA. - For the second quarter of 2014 Norfolk Southern reported record net income of $562 million, 21 percent higher compared with $465 million in second-quarter 2013. Diluted earnings per share increased 23 percent to a record $1.79, compared with $1.46 per diluted share in the same period last year. The railway operating ratio, or operating expenses as a percentage of revenue, improved 5 percent to 66.5 percent.

"Norfolk Southern delivered excellent financial performance during the second quarter, reporting the highest railway operating revenues in its history," said CEO Wick Moorman. "We see continued strength across most of our business segments and are optimistic that overall economic conditions will drive growth. Our focus remains unchanged. We are committed to running the safest railroad, providing superior service, increasing efficiency, and driving superior returns to our shareholders."

Second-quarter railway operating revenues increased to a record $3.0 billion, 9 percent higher compared with the same period of 2013, driven by an 8 percent increase in volume.

General merchandise revenues increased 8 percent to a record $1.7 billion compared with the second quarter of 2013. Shipments of metals and construction, chemicals, and agricultural products fueled a 7 percent increase in traffic volume.

Second-Quarter Revenue by Commodity Group

Coal revenues increased 7 percent to $672 million in the second quarter compared with the same period of 2013, with volume up 3 percent, the result of increased demand for utility coal from stockpile replenishment in response to a severe winter and higher natural gas prices, which offset lower export volume.

Intermodal revenues increased 11 percent to a record $650 million compared with the second-quarter 2013. Volume increased 11 percent, the result of continued domestic growth coupled with new international business.

Railway operating expenses were $2.0 billion, 3 percent higher compared with second-quarter 2013, principally due to costs associated with higher business volumes.

Income from railway operations for the second quarter was a record $1.0 billion, 22 percent higher compared with the same period of 2013.

The railway operating ratio, or operating expenses as a percentage of revenue, was a record 66.5 percent, a 5 percent improvement compared with the same period of 2013.

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) Katie Cook, 757-629-2861 (InvestorRelations@nscorp.com)

NS raises quarterly dividend

Received the following via email.

July 22, 2014

Norfolk Southern raises quarterly dividend

NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation announced that its Board of Directors today voted to increase the regular quarterly dividend on the company's common stock by 6 percent, or 3 cents per share, from 54 to 57 cents per share.

The increased dividend is payable on Sept. 10, to stockholders of record on Aug. 1. Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 128 consecutive quarters.

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) Katie Cook, 757-629-2861 (InvestorRelations@nscorp.com)

Railroad Symposium - November 15, 2014 - Railroads of the Lehigh Valley

Received the flyer below via email.  Here is some of the text from the email:  
"Topics will include, but not limited to, CNJ, LNE, Ironton, Northampton & Bath, LV, DL&W, L&HR, Reading, and NYSW. We are also working on getting an employee roundtable together featuring former employees of the Bangor & Portland (DL&W, EL) and L&NE (RR & Rwy)."

The Railroad Historians of the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Chapter, NRHS proudly announce the first annual Railroad Symposium

Saturday November 15th, 2014

Northampton Community Center, 1601 Laubach Ave, Northampton, PA 18067.

Cutoff date for mail registration will be November 5th, 2014, Payments will be available at the door, but banquet space will not be guaranteed.

Agenda: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM : Registration

                     8:00 AM to 4:00 PM : Display Tables and Vendor Area open

                     8:30 AM RHLV-LVC Business Meeting

Presenters : Mike Bednar, James Rowland, Richard Samsel and others to be announced.

Cost per person: $45.00 includes Registration, Continental Breakfast, Refreshments, and Noon banquet.

ALL ARE WELCOME … RHLV / NRHS membership NOT required for attendance.  Plenty of FREE parking on site.

Vendors: Table Space Available at $20.00 per table. Call 610-428-7629 to reserve a table.

***Vendors MUST also pay $45.00 registration fee***

Display and Vendor area is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NAME:_________________________________________Phone:___________________ ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________

Registration(s) _________ @ $45.00 per person = $ _________________________

Vendor Table(s) __________@ $20.00 per table = $ _________________________

Grand Total ___________attendees $ _________________________

Please include this form with payment (Checks made out to Lehigh Valley Chapter) and mail to:

Lehigh Valley Chapter, NRHS C/O Kermit Geary, Jr. 1266 Riverview Drive Walnutport, PA 18088

ENVELOPE MUST BE POSTMARKED BY NOVEMBER 5TH, 2014

CONTACT KGJR1554@EARTHLINK.NET or 610-428-7629 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Steam Weekend at Black River & Western Railroad!

Have you ever seen a real steam engine in action?  Have you ever ridden in a train pulled by a steam engine? How about your kids or grand kids?  How about riding in a caboose?

If not, this is a great weekend  to do so on the Black River & Western Railroad (July 19 & 20).  Trains operate between Flemington and Ringoes, NJ, and will be pulled by No. 60 pictured below.  This is a 90 minute round-trip excursion, and you may board at either station. More information at the following web site:  http://www.blackriverrailroad.com/summerExcursions.html

Please note that the steam engine does not run every weekend.

Here is the "official" flyer for this weekend.

This weekend is a STEAM weekend at BR&W! This Saturday and Sunday (July 19-20) come ride our Summer Excursions behind steam locomotive #60! Ride in one of our antique coaches OR enjoy a ride in the Little Red Caboose at no extra charge (space permitting)! At Ringoes Station, cool off with an ice cream treat from our new ice cream freezer! We have other events coming up, including Readin' Railroad Story Time this August. Visit our website www.blackriverrailroad.com for more info! Readin' Railroad Story Time - 2014 Saturday June 7, 2014 to Saturday August 16, 2014 Enjoy a round-trip excursion between Flemington and Ringoes, and the Conductor will narrate a popular children's book. Kids can follow along with their own copy of the book! Reservations required. "A" tickets are Adult tickets (age 12+). "C" tickets are Child tickets (under age 12). Make sure you consider how many books you want when choosing which tickets to purchase. Only tickets that indicate "1 book" in their description include a book! Caboose Hops - 2014 Saturday May 24, 2014 to Saturday August 23, 2014 Ride a caboose all the way from Ringoes to Three Bridges and back! Reservations required.

Norfolk Southern's corporate sustainability efforts benefit customers, shareholders, consumers, and communities

Received the following via email.

July 16, 2014

Norfolk Southern's corporate sustainability efforts benefit customers, shareholders, consumers, and communities

NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation details the railroad's ongoing efforts to contribute to a cleaner environment, a healthier economy, and stronger communities in its latest "Connections" sustainability report.

The company released the report today at www.nscorp.com and www.nssustainability.com.

"From our earliest beginnings, our commitment always has been to deliver customers' freight safely, efficiently, and economically, and in doing so to provide fair returns to our shareholders and a desirable workplace for employees," said CEO Wick Moorman. "Today we understand that everything we do must respect the planet. We understand that environmental sustainability is smart business."

The company's seventh annual sustainability report discloses Norfolk Southern's environmental, economic, and social impacts to help stakeholders assess the railroad's performance in corporate responsibility. Key environmental performance areas covered include locomotive fuel efficiency and emissions, energy use, land and land conservation, waste management, and water conservation.

"Norfolk Southern strives for excellence in environmental stewardship, and our uncompromising commitment to sustainability is supported and leveraged by employees across our network," said Blair Wimbush, vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer. "We are working hard to integrate sustainability into all aspects of operations, building on successes achieved over the past seven years."

Among 2013 NS achievements highlighted in the report:

Environmental Performance

     ·         Reached nearly 79 percent of a five-year goal launched in 2010 to reduce the company's greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent per revenue ton-mile of freight.

     ·      Saved an estimated 10 million gallons of locomotive diesel fuel and avoided around 110,500 metric tons of GHG emissions through LEADER train-handling technology.

   ·         Completed 65 percent of a five-year, $5.6 million partnership begun in 2011 with GreenTrees® to reforest 10,000 acres in the Mississippi Delta, part of NS' Trees and Trains carbon mitigation initiative.

    ·         Collaborated with The Nature Conservancy in support of the largest ever longleaf pine reforestation effort in Virginia.

Economic Performance

     ·         Helped locate 67 new industries and expand 25 existing businesses, representing customer investment of $2.3 billion, 3,100 new customer jobs, and more than 136,000 new carloads of rail business.

     ·         Partnered with the South Carolina Ports Authority to make intermodal service available to a new inland port in Greer, S.C., resulting in rail business that will remove at least 20,000 trucks annually from I-26.

    ·         Opened regional intermodal facilities at Charlotte, N.C., and Greencastle, Pa., expanding freight rail capacity on the company's Crescent Corridor network and mitigating truck-traffic congestion on interstate highways from New Orleans, La., to northern New Jersey.

Social Performance

      ·         Reduced serious workplace injuries by more than 5 percent.

      ·         Hired more than 1,000 employees.

    ·         Distributed charitable donations of $12.8 million through combined Norfolk Southern Foundation and corporate giving, including grants to food banks, homeless shelters, free medical clinics, and environmental, cultural arts, and educational organizations.

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) Jonathan Glass, 757-629-2789 (jonathan.glass@nscorp.com)

(Investors) Katie Cook, 757-629-2861 (InvestorRelations@nscorp.com) 

CSX Corporation Announces Record Second-Quarter Results, Reaffirms Guidance and Increases Capital Investments

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Announces Record Second-Quarter Results, Reaffirms Guidance and Increases Capital Investments

Highlights:

- Leveraged strong growth environment to produce all-time quarterly records for revenue, operating income, and earnings per share

- Full-year modest earnings growth still expected for 2014, with double-digit earnings growth and margin expansion expected to resume in 2015

- Increasing 2014 investment by approximately $100 million to $2.4 billion to support sustainable growth

      

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - July 15, 2014 - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) today announced second-quarter net earnings of $529 million, or $0.53 per share, up from $521 million, or $0.51 per share in the same quarter of 2013.

For the quarter, revenue increased 7 percent to an all-time record $3.2 billion on volume growth of 8 percent, with strength across CSX's major markets. The higher revenues helped deliver record operating income of nearly $1 billion and an operating ratio of 69.3 percent.

"To propel service and capture growth opportunities, CSX is adding front-line personnel and making targeted investments in infrastructure and freight cars to efficiently grow our business and create competitive advantages for our customers," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "With the broad-based economic momentum we are seeing, the core earning strength of this company is improving and driving value for shareholders."

In addition to the positive economic environment, secular growth trends in the intermodal and oil and gas markets are contributing to CSX's expectation for modest full-year earnings growth in 2014.  As it capitalizes on these growth opportunities and continues to invest in its service product, the company remains confident in its ability to sustain double-digit earnings growth and margin expansion for its shareholders beginning in 2015.  The company also expects to sustain a mid-60s operating ratio longer-term.

These expectations are the foundation for the increase in this year's capital investment of approximately $100 million.  The increase further enhances key infrastructure and adds freight cars to help drive long-term growth.

CSX executives will conduct a quarterly earnings conference call with the investment community on July 16, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. Investors, media and the public may listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-EARN-CSX (888-327-6279) 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.

This earnings announcement, as well as additional 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, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company.  It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products.  For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development.  Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides.  It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike.  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).

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, margins, 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.

Contacts:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

Another NS heritage leader at the LEHL's MP 40!

(Train sightings on 7-12-14.)

Saturday morning I awoke to the news that NS's NKP 8100 heritage unit was leading 20R, a Chicago, IL to E-Rail, NJ intermodal. With the way the sun was shining, I could not have hoped for any better lighting conditions since there was not a single cloud in the blue skies. Now it was just a matter of waiting for it to pass by my new favorite haunt and that would be Lehigh Line's MP 40 in Hillsborough (NJ). I say "...my favorite haunt..." since early to late morning usually favors eastbound trains and there are no shadows that gradually creep into one's composed scene as the morning progresses! Around 7:49 a headlight appears off in the distance. As the leader comes into view, those yellow stripes indicate that the leader is indeed NKP 8100 leading 20R. Right behind the NKP 8100 is NS 9201 as it approaches MP 40. 

Trip Report: The People of the Spencer Streamliner festival

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

This material was received about 3 weeks ago and misplaced.  These are pictures of people at the Streamliners at Spencer event held at the North Carolina Transportation Museum from May 29th through June 1st.  

Some notable people and general scenes around the Festival at Spencer, NC

Some of the helpers and friends we had around our ARHS (Anthracite Railroads 

Historical Society) display tables.  

CSX Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - July 9, 2014 - Earlier today, the board of directors of CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) approved a $0.16 per share quarterly dividend on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable on September 15, 2014, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 29, 2014.

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. 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

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

877-835-5279

CSX Completes $25 Million Safety and Maintenance Jamboree

Received the following via email. 

CSX Completes $25 Million Safety and Maintenance Jamboree

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - July 9, 2014 - Over the Fourth of July holiday last week, more than 525 CSX employees were hard at work on the railroad, safely replacing about 68,000 railroad ties and 200,000 feet of rail, and completing nearly 120 miles of surfacing work.

These accomplishments were part of the 2014 CSX "Maintenance Jamboree," an annual blitz that accomplishes about a year's worth of rail, crosstie, signal and bridge work into one week to reduce impact on customers and communities. In addition to CSX's regularly scheduled maintenance and infrastructure work, during the Jamboree CSX crews undertook additional engineering projects that promote train safety, reliability and service, and benefit customers across CSX's network. They also support community safety by helping to maintain smooth crossings where roads and highways meet the tracks at grade level.

"The annual Maintenance Jamboree is one more example of CSX's commitment to investing in both the safety and reliability of our network to better serve our customers and the communities in which we operate," said Oscar Munoz, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "This program depends on the dedication and hard work of our engineering teams, who work tirelessly through the holiday period to ensure our network can move customers' freight efficiently and continue to connect American businesses to the global economy."

The $25 million worth of work, which ran from June 30 to July 7, focused on CSX tracks and bridges across Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. Track work was concentrated on key routes between Shelby, Ky. and Greenwood, S.C. and from Bostic to Monroe, N.C. In addition to the track and tie work, CSX crews also converted several open deck bridges to more modern concrete ballast decks.

CSX has celebrated a Maintenance Jamboree since 1999, when a machine operator coined the term "Jamboree" to describe the mass gathering of maintenance-of-way crews and equipment in one area.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. 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:

Melanie Cost

(904) 359-1702

Norfolk Southern heritage unit 8114 now makes seven...

(Train sightings on 7-7-14.)

Being off from work on July 7th,I decided to take advantage of Monday morning's sunny skies by heading trackside. Before going out, I checked the Internet to see if anything special would be coming east over NS's Lehigh Line. Sure enough there was! Leading NS's 20W, a Chicago, IL to Croxton, NJ intermodal, was Norfolk Southern heritage unit 8114. To my best knowledge this would be the first appearance here in NJ for this particular unit. My final location would take me to the LEHL's MP 40, a favorite haunt of mine, in Hillsborough, NJ. With this one now successfully photographed, there are only thirteen more heritage units I need to photograph before all twenty have been captured digitally by me. Can I do that? 

Morris Museum Exhibit - Model Trains & Railroads

The Morris Museum in Morristown, NJ has an exhibit titled Model Trains & Railroads.  Here is a copy of their web page about that exhibit. 

Model Trains & Railroads 

Train enthusiasts of all ages can experience the romance of the rails in the Morris Museum’s Model Railroad Gallery. A talking tree greets visitors and introduces the state-of-the-art model train exhibition, which features three separate tracks. The trains move through a world of imagination as they travel through a town with shops, cars, and people busy with activity, including a fire truck and crew extinguishing a fire. Bright ‘neon’ (L.E.D.) billboards and shop signs lend a contemporary touch to the landscape. 

Hands-on activities allow children to explore the sights and sounds of train travel and safety, or to imagine themselves as the engineer, lifting an arm and tugging on a whistle. Young visitors will enjoy playing with wooden tracks and train cars, or looking at the train story books in the gallery.

In addition, visitors can browse a gallery wall showcasing the diverse ways in which trains became part of the American landscape and imagination. Interpretative panels throughout the exhibition invite visitors to learn more about train history, working on the railroad and more.

© 2014 Morris Museum

To learn more about The Morris Museum including location, hours, and links to their entire web site, please visit this web page: 

http://www.morrismuseum.org/model-trains-railroads/ 

NS - Flood Alerts Impacting Central U.S. and Great Lakes Area

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern Service Alert

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Flood Alerts Impacting Central U.S. and Great Lakes Area

Flooding along the Mississippi River is expected to impact operations over the Norfolk Southern bridge at Hannibal, Missouri sometime Friday, July 4.  This will affect traffic normally moving between Kansas City/Moberly, Missouri and Decatur, Illinois via Hannibal.  Norfolk Southern will use alternate routes around areas of flooding, but customers with shipments normally moving over this route might see increased transit time of 24-48 hours.  Current estimates of flooding would impact operations for 7-10 days.  Further updates may be issued as conditions impacting operations change.

Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact the National Customer Service Center.

Customer Service Operations at 800-635-5768.

Customer Service Automotive Operations at 888-649-9273.

Customers with questions regarding local service should contact their Operations and Service Support Representative.

Operations and Service Support at 800-898-4296.

Trip Report Streamliner Festival - Part 1 of 2

Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr.  Text and photos are his.  
This is Part 1 of 2.  Part 2 is posted below. 

After a late Tuesday afternoon arrival at Spencer, the whole festival became 
a whirl-wind of activity, getting photos as circumstances allowed, meeting 
all the great people at NCMT who were running the show, and preparing our 
locomotives for display.  As the days morphed together (was at the site from 
0730 until usually 11-12 midnight), It became clear to all involved that 
this was really the event of a lifetime.  Manning the display tables, I got 
to see many of the patrons who came to the event.  People from Malaysia, 
Australia, China, India, England, Japan, and other places across the globe 
came to this event.  The camaraderie between the various museum groups and 
the class-1 railroads that had their equipment there was fantastic, the 
information exchanged and the friendships made and renewed, made this truly 
a unique experience.  The dedicated staff with the Anthracite Railroads 
Historical Society distributed over 800 posters to visitors of our 
locomotives during the cab tours, as well as countless post cards and other 
information.    My thanks goes out to all the members who helped make this 
such a great event.