NS to hold second-quarter 2015 earnings conference call July 27

Received the following via email. 

Norfolk Southern to hold second-quarter 2015 earnings conference call July 27

NORFOLK, Va., July 1, 2015 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) will announce its second-quarter financial results during a conference call and live Internet webcast at 8:45 a.m. EDT on Monday, July 27, 2015. Quarterly earnings results will be released at 8 a.m. EDT on July 27, and a press release will be posted at www.nscorp.com under the Investors section.

What:	Norfolk Southern Second-Quarter 2015 Earnings Conference Call
When:	Monday, July 27, 2015, at 8:45 a.m. EDT
How to participate:	Teleconference: 877-869-3847 (please dial in several minutes prior to call start) Live webcast: Go to www.nscorp.com under the Investors section. Presentation materials will be posted at www.nscorp.com in the Investors section.
Audio Replay:	Following the live broadcast, an audio replay of the conference call will be available until August 3, 2015, by dialing 877-660-6853 and access number 13605133. The replay also will be available as an MP3 downloadable podcast in the Investors section of the company's website.

For electronic notification of earnings events, subscribe to NSInvest, Norfolk Southern's e-mail distribution list for news releases on earnings and issues pertaining to the financial performance of Norfolk Southern Corporation.

2015 Quarterly Earnings Schedule

Third-quarter 2015	Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015	8:45 a.m. EDT
Fourth-quarter 2015	Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016	8:45 a.m. EST

About Norfolk Southern

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.

Media Inquiries:

Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

### 

CSX Named Best Place to Work in IT for Third Consecutive Year

Received the following via email. 

CSX Named Best Place to Work in IT for Third Consecutive Year

Jacksonville, Florida -- June 24, 2015 - As a result of CSX's ongoing commitment to excellence and quality in the Information Technology (IT) workplace, the company was named a "Best Place to Work in IT" by IDG's Computerworld for the third consecutive year. The company ranked 31 among large organizations receiving high marks for employee training and engagement.

"At CSX, we know that our people are the key to our continued success, and we work hard to create an environment where they can thrive," said Kathleen Brandt, president of CSX Technology. "Our dedicated team of IT professionals supports the company's business goals by creating innovative technology solutions that promote safety, foster excellent customer service and continue to drive efficiency for employees and our operations."

The Best Places to Work in IT list is an annual ranking of the top 100 work environments for technology professionals. The list is compiled based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, career development, training and retention. In addition, Computerworld conducts extensive surveys of IT workers, and their responses factor heavily into the rankings.

"The 100 organizations on Computerworld's 2015 Best Places to Work in IT list realize that attracting and retaining a highly-skilled technology workforce leads to competitive advantage," said Scot Finnie, editor in chief of Computerworld. "In a tight market for tech talent, these outstanding employers attract the best and brightest IT pros with generous salaries and top-drawer benefits, then deepen their teams' engagement with challenging, business-critical projects built around cutting-edge technologies. As a result, these winning organizations are best positioned to take advantage of the digital transformation sweeping through every industry."

The "Best Places to Work in IT" feature appears in the June 22 issue of Computerworld and online at www.computerworld.com.

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 nearly 190 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 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:

Kristin Seay

(404) 350-5029

  

A Father's Day treat

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

After taking a close friend home and having a nice brunch with his extended 
family after church services, came back through Slateford, PA to find the 
D-L PT 98/97 switching.  Went to East Stroudsburg and shot them blasting 
through as they assaulted the hill to Pocono Summit with the three six-axles 
and about 35 loads.  Made for a nice sight  and a nice video, which a link 
to it on You-tube is attached.  Nice way to spend Father's Day 2015.
Thanks to the D-L crew and to John Mathews and his Family for helping me 
make it through this Father's Day...4 short years after my own father passed 
away.

https://youtu.be/ShQoadr15Vg 

LOUISVILLE & INDIANA RAILROAD AND CSX CLOSE ON JOINT INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE PROJECT BETWEEN INDIANAPOLIS AND LOUISVILLE

Received the following via email.  

LOUISVILLE & INDIANA RAILROAD AND CSX CLOSE ON JOINT INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE PROJECT BETWEEN INDIANAPOLIS AND LOUISVILLE

$100 million infrastructure investment to improve regional freight flows and global connectivity

CHICAGO, Ill. and JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - June 19, 2015 - Louisville & Indiana Railroad (L&I), a subsidiary of Anacostia Rail Holdings, and CSX today announced the completion of an agreement that grants CSX a permanent easement to operate over the L&I's 106-mile rail corridor between Indianapolis and Louisville.

In addition to CSX's $10 million easement purchase, the two companies finalized an operating agreement that provides for an additional $90 million in infrastructure upgrades over the next several years to improve the track structure and right of way along this key freight route. The joint project, which closed on June 17, 2015, was approved by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board in April.

"CSX's investment of approximately $100 million will provide enhanced rail access for the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville, increase capacity and efficiency along this corridor and improve connectivity to CSX's broader network," said Oscar Munoz, president and chief operating officer, CSX Corporation. "These critical infrastructure improvements include the installation of new rail, upgrades to the rail bed structure and bridge improvements to enhance safety and service for customers in the Midwest and provide more efficient rail service throughout the region."

Over the next several months, 20 miles of new rail will be installed along the southern portion of the line. In recognition of the potential impact on local communities during and after construction, representatives from both railroads in May began a series of joint meetings with community leaders to provide project status updates and to address concerns related to public safety, anticipated increases in freight volume and construction plans.

"Since 2011, both L&I and CSX have coordinated with state and local officials to discuss the upgrade of the line to support manufacturers, farmers, marine ports and other contributors to the area's economic growth," said John Goldman, president, Louisville & Indiana Railroad. "As we undertake the first phase of construction, we will continue to collaborate with local officials to plan and execute construction activities to minimize disruptions to communities along the corridor."

About L&I

The Louisville & Indiana Railroad is based in Jeffersonville, Indiana and has approximately 40 employees. L&I acquired its 106-mile line from Consolidated Rail Corporation and began operations in 1994. The railroad operates a former main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

About Anacostia Rail Holdings

Anacostia Rail Holdings (www.anacostia.com) is a short line railroad holding company. Its railroads operate in seven states and, in addition to L&I, include the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad, Gulf Coast Switching Company, New York & Atlantic Railway, Northern Lines Railway, LLC and Pacific Harbor Line, Inc.

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 nearly 190 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 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).

Contacts:

Anacostia Rail Holdings

Peter Gilbertson, Chairman and CEO

312-324-7350

CSX

Kristin Seay, CSX Corporate Communications

404-350-5029

Not one but two heritage units on the same day!

(Train sightings on 6-17-15.) 

Not a bad day to be trackside along the Lehigh Line on Wednesday in that 'ol familiar location, milepost 40 near the Valley Road grade crossing. First up was the Wabash NS heritage unit leading an empty oil train (NS 67Z) west after holding Main 2 for NS 24Z to take the former Royce Running Track. Later that same day, the Erie heritage unit leads another oil train (NS 66Z) is seen bound for the refinery. First time I can recall seeing two heritage units on the Lehigh Line on the same day to photograph!

CSX Recognized for Exceptional Service for Automotive Customers

Received the following via email.  

CSX Recognized for Exceptional Service for Automotive Customers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - June 18, 2015 - CSX and its wholly-owned subsidiary Total Service Distribution, Inc. (TDSI) have been recognized by the Association of American Railroads with its industry awards for the highest-quality automotive ramp service performance in the United States.

The AAR awards, given each year to one origin and one destination facility in the industry, recognized CSX's Strawberry Yard in Louisville, Kentucky as the top origin for finished vehicle staging and loading and CSX's facility at Palm Center, Florida as the top destination for light vehicle unloading in 2014. The recognition is the result of quality review audits that examine the policy, procedures and conditions at the facilities, emphasizing safe operations and the handling of vehicles to prevent damage.

"The recognition of these facilities is indicative of the level of quality we deliver throughout our network of world-class vehicle distribution centers," said Clarence Gooden, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, CSX. "Our core strategy for our automotive customers focuses on delivering safe, high-quality service every day, and we appreciate the recognition of the hard work of our automotive network employees."

CSX was also the only railroad named to the Hyundai GLOVIS President's Club for elite service, the third consecutive year CSX has been recognized. The award from GLOVIS, a third-party logistics service provider, recognizes companies that performed at the highest level when measured against key metrics including transit performance, damage-free shipment handling and deliveries and customer service, which includes railcar availability, ease of doing business, claims processing, special requests, general satisfaction and responsiveness to customer needs.

CSX continues to serve a growing automotive market, with both North American Light Vehicle production and sales expected to increase year-over-year in 2015. CSX has invested in locomotives and multi-level auto racks to continue delivering high levels of service for its customers.

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 nearly 190 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 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:

Kaitlyn Barrett

(904) 359-1037

CSX Announces Dates For Earnings Release and Second-Quarter Earnings Call

Received the following via email. 

CSX Corporation Announces Dates For Earnings Release and Second-Quarter Earnings Call

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (June 17, 2015) - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) will release second-quarter financial and operating results on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, after the market close.

The company will host an earnings conference call from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 via teleconference and a live audio webcast.

Those interested in participating via teleconference may dial 1-888-327-6279 (1-888-EARN-CSX) and ask 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.

Presentation materials and access to the audio webcast will be available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com. Following the earnings call, a webcast replay and an MP3 audio file will be archived on the company's website.

About CSX Disclosures and the Company

This announcement, as well as additional financial information, is available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com.  CSX also uses social media channels to communicate information about the company. Although social media channels are not intended to be the primary method of disclosure for material information, it is possible that certain information CSX posts on social media could be deemed to be material.  Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review the information we post on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX) and on Slideshare (http://www.slideshare.net/HowTomorrowMoves).  The social media channels used by CSX may be updated from time to time.

More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX).

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 nearly 190 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 farming towns alike.

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

NKP 765 heads through Lehigh Gap!

(Train sightings on 8-22-15 and 10-13-85.)

NKP 765 is heading north at MP 107 on Saturday morning as seen from the bridge abutment of what was once the L&NE bridge that spanned the river at this location. Thirty years earlier I was on that same bridge abutment photographing another excursion, The Jim Thorpe Express, on October 13, 1985. Motive power for that excursion Morristown & Erie ALCOs 16 and 17 (?) and NJT 4167 on what was a foggy morning along the Lehigh River.

Received the following via email. 

ELHS 2015 Annual Symposium Riverside Inn Cambridge Springs, PA September 18-20, 2015 Scheduled Presenters/Presentations Pete Gifford, Systems Manager at Allegheny College, Meadville, PA, and co-author of European Capital, British Iron, and an American Dream (the story of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad).  Pete will be discussing the history of the A&GW in northwest Pennsylvania. Dale Docter, President of the Cambridge Springs Historical Society.  Dale will be discussing the relationship of the hotels of Cambridge Springs and tourism, with the Erie Railroad connection in the early years of the last century. Sandy Porter, local historian and active board member of several local historical societies in the area.  Sandy will be discussing the history of the Keystone Ordnance Works, located in southern Crawford County and served by the Erie Railroad.   William Burt, Transportation Consultant and Historian, will be discussing the beginnings of the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad. Dennis Mead,  Vice President of the French Creek Valley Railroad Historical Society.  He will discuss the history of Stony Point, PA and its relationship to the railroad. Steve Timko, rail book author, will discuss the Oil City Branch of the Erie/EL Railroad. Friday, Sept. 18 Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. Slide show - 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Ballroom Vendor tables will be available in the Breezeway Cash bar available in the Breezeway Saturday Sept. 19 Buffet breakfast for those registered at the Inn overnight in Dining Room at 7:00 a.m (non-guests need to purchase at $8.95) Opening remarks - Ballroom - 9:45 a.m. Seminars begin: Each session lasts 45 minutes, plus a 15 minute question/answer session - First session begins at 10:00 a.m. Second session begins - 11:00 a.m. Lunch - 12:00 p.m. Seminars resume at 1:00 p.m., and will end at 5:00 PM. There will be a beverage break at 2:00 p.m. Dinner will be served in the Ballroom at 6:00 p.m., followed by the guest speaker Sunday Sept. 20 Guests are invited to visit the following railroad historical sites  French Creek Valley Railroad Historical Society's display at Pomona Park in Meadville, PA Greenville Railroad Park and Museum, Greenville, PA Lake Shore Railway Museum in North in North East, PA Cambridge Springs trolley station  Online registration is available on the ELHS website.   The Symposium base is The Inn at Cambridge Springs, 1 Fountain Avenue, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 Reservations can be made via phone at 814-398-4645 OR 855-277-5153. www.theriversideinn.com Other hotels are found in nearby Erie and Meadville.

...and the Erie makes sixteen!

(Train sightings on 6-13-15.)

With sixteen of NS's twenty heritage units personally photographed that leaves me with four more to go. Those four remaining heritage units are the Reading, Illinois Terminal, Wabash and the Interstate. Seen here is the Erie, with NS 1156 following, leading a 66Z through Stanton Station (NJ) over NS's Lehigh Line near MP 53 on June 13th. As for those remaining four units yet to be photographed hopefully NS will send them east in the near future.

CSX Named to Top 100 Green Companies in the U.S. by Newsweek Green Rankings

Received the following via email. 

CSX Named to Top 100 Green Companies in the U.S. by Newsweek Green Rankings

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - June 9, 2015 - CSX was again named to Newsweek's Green Rankings for environmental efficiency and sustainable business practices. CSX has been included on the ranking since it was created in 2009, and in 2015, the company ranked 96th among U.S. companies.

"Rail is the most environmentally efficient way to move freight on land, and CSX is continually pursuing new technologies and initiatives to further increase our sustainability," said Michael Ward, CSX chairman and chief executive officer. "We appreciate this recognition of our efforts to offer our customers a safe, reliable transportation solution that simultaneously reduces their environmental footprint."

Recent sustainability initiatives at CSX include incorporating environmentally friendly development features in new facilities and undergoing an LED lighting retrofitting program in existing buildings and terminals. The company also continues to invest in technological advances in fuel efficiency, such as the Trip Optimizer locomotive fuel efficiency software created with GE and Evolution Series locomotives. As a result, CSX moved one ton of freight an average of 483 miles on one gallon of fuel in 2014, the company's most fuel-efficient year ever.

CSX's sustainability strategy is focused on three main areas: reducing the environmental footprint of operations, engaging openly on sustainability issues, and supporting sustainable development. The company discloses performance data through the Carbon Disclosure Project and Dow Jones Sustainability Index.  CSX also releases an annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which measures progress on environmental performance and sets goals for the future.

Newsweek's Green Rankings are based on eight indicators: energy productivity, carbon productivity, water productivity, waste productivity, sustainability pay link, sustainability board committee, audited environmental metrics and a green revenue score. The data is compiled by Corporate Knights Capital and HIP Investor, and the results are overseen by an advisory panel. This year's ranking is based on 2013 performance year data, given the lag time in environmental data availability.

The complete list of the Newsweek Green Rankings is available on its website at http://www.newsweek.com/green-2015. For more information on CSX's sustainability strategy and recent environmental highlights, please visit www.csxcsr.com. 

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 nearly 190 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 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:

Kaitlyn Barrett

(904) 359-1037

Too nice a day not to be trackside!

(Train sightings on 6-10-15.)

After what has been too long a hiatus from going trackside for me, Wednesday's weather forecast called for pleasant temperatures and sunny skies. In a sense, a reprieve from the heat and humidity that would be coming in and staying with us for a few days. Decided to head out to Bloomsbury and see what would be passing by the Lehigh Line's MP 68.8. It wasn't long before the first eastbound train could be heard sounding its horn for the Still Valley Road grade crossing. A short while later its headlight appeared off in the distance. As it came closer it was easy to see this was NS 22V with its colorful consist of COFCs that would be passing by my location at 8:28. Motive power for 22V would be NS 9150 and NS 9409. About twenty minutes later, NS 20E would pass by my vantage point with NS 7588 and NS 2522 bringing more COFCs east. Nothing outstanding when it came to the motive power I saw but passing up such fine weather was too hard to resist. 

NS names its largest freight train classification yard in honor of Wick Moorman

Received the following via email. 

Norfolk Southern names its largest freight train classification yard in honor of Wick Moorman

NORFOLK, Va., June 8, 2015 -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is naming its largest freight train classification yard after Charles W. “Wick” Moorman for his leadership in support of freight railroads and their investors, customers, and employees.

“Moorman Yard” is now the official name of Norfolk Southern’s Bellevue, Ohio, yard. Moorman retired June 1, 2015, as chief executive officer and has assumed duties as executive chairman of the corporation’s board of directors.

In making the announcement, NS President and CEO Jim Squires said, “Wick’s incredible talent has been to bring the entire Thoroughbred team forward in the same direction -- always forward, always with enthusiasm and the right intent, always with the sense that we can do great things. Shareholders, employees, business partners – all are better for it.

“This is timely and well-deserved recognition for a railroader who thinks big, who thinks long-term, and who does the right things in the right ways,” Squires said.

Moorman Yard is the largest rail yard on the NS system after the recent completion of $160 million in improvements that doubled its size. It is one of NS’ 11 primary classification yards, where freight cars are collected and sorted for their final destinations.

Moorman Yard is midway between Chicago and New York. Five NS main lines converge there, making it a perfect location for distributing some 3,200 carloads of freight moving daily. On a broader scale, Moorman Yard’s centralized position on NS’ Northern Region promotes fluid movement of long-distance freight across the entire rail network.

Bellevue has been a railroading community since the late 19^th century, when NS’ Nickel Plate Road predecessor began operations there. The current Bellevue Yard was opened in 1966 by NS’ Norfolk and Western Railway predecessor. Today, 100 to 110 trains pass through daily, while 20 to 30 originate in the area and a like number terminate there. Most of the trains carry automobiles and parts, agricultural products, and consumer products.

Moorman joined NS predecessor Southern Railway in 1970 as a co-op student. He was named chairman, president and CEO in 2006. Moorman is recognized as a champion of public-private partnerships to create rail infrastructure that benefits America long-term, as an advocate of balanced regulation to best serve the interests of railroads and their customers, and as a leader in reducing the railroad’s environmental footprint.

About Norfolk Southern

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.

Media Inquiries:

Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

IC #1037 leading mixed freight

Received the following from our correspondent in NW Pennsylvania.

Ken Heyl saw this IC SD70 leading a mixed freight on CSX's former B&O main line in north-central Ohio on Tuesday, 6-2-15.   

By mid-morning the sun came out and the day turned out to be very nice as this eastbound train showed up at GN Interlocking.   IC #1037 was on the point along with a CN and two CSX engines as the long mixed freight worked past my location.   AHHH, I always like a “Kodachorme Sky” for RR photos, don’t you ?

Tri-State Chapter - Monthly Meeting - Thurs, June 11, 2015 - 7PM - George Inness "The Lackawanna Railroad" - Adrienne Baxter Bell, Ph.D.

Received the following via email.

TRI-STATE RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Presents Adrienne Baxter Bell
George Inness: The Lackawanna Valley

Thursday, June 11, 2015, 7:00 PM
at the Bickford Theater of the Morris Museum6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

The June 11^th meeting will feature Adrienne Baxter Bell, Ph.D. of Marymount Manhattan College. Professor Bell, a graduate of Columbia University has written extensively on George Inness, his life and work. Her scholarship centers on American art and cultural history from the pre-colonial period to the present.

George Inness established his reputation during the development of the ‘Hudson River School’, (America's first true artistic movement). Known especially for the philosophical, social and spiritual influences in his work, including how industrialization impacted the agrarian lifestyle.

John Jay Phelps, (President of the DL&W Railroad), in 1855, commissioned Inness in 1855 to image the site of the railroad's first roundhouse, in Scranton, PA. The product of this effort was “The Lackawanna Valley” now on display at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.).

Although the painting fell into obscurity during the artist's lifetime, it has since become a notable American image and served to fuel discussions regarding social impacts in the nineteenth century. Please join us to learn more about George Inness and his painting.

Admission is free, open to the public. All are welcome. The meeting will begin at 7:15 p.m. The programs usually begin about 8:00 p.m. Light refreshments are often available. We will have a selection of books, videos and memorabilia for sale before the meeting. Visit us at facebook.com/tristaterail.org or the web: TRISTATERAIL.ORG  

CSX CFO Updates Volume Expectations and Reaffirms Second Quarter and Full-Year Earnings Guidance

Received the following via email.

CSX CFO Updates Volume Expectations and Reaffirms Second Quarter and Full-Year Earnings Guidance

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - June 3, 2015 - CSX (NYSE: CSX) Chief Financial Officer Fredrik Eliasson today reviewed the company's quarter-to-date volume and service performance and reaffirmed second quarter and full-year 2015 earnings expectations at the Deutsche Bank Global Industrials & Basic Material Conference in Chicago.

Eliasson also reviewed the company's decade of strong financial performance, during which CSX expanded margins more than 1,600 basis points and delivered average annual growth in earnings per share of 20 percent.  This performance was achieved while managing through a significant decline in the company's coal business, historically its most profitable market.

"While overall volume is tracking slightly below the levels in the second quarter of last year, service is improving steadily and we remain on track to deliver second quarter earnings per share that are flat to slightly up," Eliasson said.  "Delivering excellent service continues to underpin CSX's ability to create strong shareholder value by pricing above inflation, driving ever more efficient operations, and growing merchandise and intermodal businesses faster than the economy."

Key service measures continue to improve in the second quarter, as resources come on line in critical areas of the network. On-time originations and arrivals, dwell time and velocity have all improved during the quarter, and more meaningful improvements are expected in the second half of the year.

The company's intermodal traffic, its main growth market, as well as its construction sector are producing volume growth quarter-to-date.  At the same time, CSX sees increasing headwinds in its coal markets.  Full-year domestic coal volume is expected to be down at least five percent reflecting low natural gas prices, and export coal volumes are expected to decline to 30 million tons for the year as the stronger U.S. dollar and overseas commodity prices reduce global demand for U.S. coal.

For 2015, CSX continues to expect earnings per share growth in the mid-to-high single digit range and meaningful margin expansion as it progresses toward a mid-60s operating ratio longer-term.

About CSX Disclosures and the Company

This announcement, as well as additional financial information, is available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com.  CSX also uses social media channels to communicate information about the company. Although social media channels are not intended to be the primary method of disclosure for material information, it is possible that certain information CSX posts on social media could be deemed to be material.  Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review the information we post on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX) and on Slideshare (http://www.slideshare.net/HowTomorrowMoves).  The social media channels used by CSX may be updated from time to time.

More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX).

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 nearly 190 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 farming towns alike.

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

NS brings "Train Your Brain" public safety campaign to Georgia

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern brings “Train Your Brain” public safety campaign to Georgia

Cross railroad tracks carefully; get home safely

NORFOLK, Va., June 1, 2015 – Norfolk Southern is bringing its Train Your Brain public safety campaign to central and south Georgia to remind people to be safe and alert around railroad tracks and trains.

Billboards, with photos and captions such as “She needs story time” and “Your fan club is waiting,” will remind motorists that their families and loved ones depend on them to return home safely.

“The images are intended to grab drivers’ attention and encourage them to cross tracks safely,” said Cayela Wimberly, Norfolk Southern’s director of grade crossing safety. “Our goal is to save lives by educating people that trying to beat a train across railroad tracks or walking or playing on tracks is potentially deadly and always illegal.”

The billboards are going up this week in communities along the Interstate 75 corridor from Macon to Valdosta. Georgia was selected for this year’s annual campaign because of the high number of deaths and injuries resulting from vehicle-train and trespassing incidents. In 2014 the state ranked fifth-highest in the U.S. in highway-rail grade crossing collisions and 10^th highest in trespassing incidents.

The campaign’s mascot, “Brainy,” a giant wide-eyed pink walking brain, will  make appearances at fairs, festivals, and sporting events to remind people to be smart and alert at highway-rail grade crossings and to avoid trespassing on railroad property. 

In addition to the billboards, Train Your Brain safety messages will appear on gas pumps and ice chests at convenience stores, in movie theaters, on game tickets at 38 high schools, and on homework folders at 63 public elementary schools. To encourage safe driving habits, rail safety kits will be distributed to 3,600 students enrolled in driver’s education programs at 18 public high schools.

Now in its ninth year, Norfolk Southern’s “Train Your Brain” public safety campaign has run in Alabama, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee, reminding more than 7 million people to make safe decisions around tracks and trains. For more information, visit www.brainysworld.com or www.facebook.com/BrainysWorld.

Norfolk Southern also is a longtime supporter of the national railroad safety awareness organization, Operation Lifesaver, which works in partnership with railroads, law enforcement, and transportation agencies to encourage the public to make safe decisions around tracks and trains.

About Norfolk Southern

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.

Media Inquiries:

Susan Terpay, Norfolk Southern, 757-823-5204, susan.terpay@nscorpcom

Liz Hamilton, archer>malmo for Norfolk Southern, 901-260-4168 lhamilton@archermalmo.com

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

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Knight Train just 3 weeks away!

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

KNIGHT TRAIN A Renaissance Fair & Steam Train Ride Back In Time August 22 & 23 BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW Great Acts  In the Station Area Throughout the day there will be great entertainment in the station area. The Lords of Adventure Jack Bold and Roger Awesome are the Lords of Adventure. These two identical twin brothers perform their token "two-man comedy sword fighting show. Shelli Buttons Aerial acrobatics and feats of human awe and gymnastics. Aerial Acrobatics, Fitness, Art, and Love! The Shelli Buttons YouTube channel will feature videos of my aerial and acrobatic performances, workout and fitness tips, philosophy, advice and more! Come learn and grow with me, and above all, have fun and spread love!   Pieces of 8 Pieces of 8 is a fantastic Acappella singing experience. No instruments needed, just the power of our voices. We sing about adventure, romance, and general silliness! Our debut performance was at the first annual NJ Renaissance Faire in Sept, 2010, and we can't wait for more!! Arethusa Father & Son strolling musicians performing on a good many instruments for music of the Renaissance, Victorian, World Music, Celtic, Jazz Improv and more! Adamo Ignis 'Adamo Ignis' is latin for 'to fall in love with flame'. Exactly what you'll be doing when you see the literally hot stunts in this group's show! The passion of dance, the danger of fire, and of course many other stunts and tricks will leave you in love with more than just the flame. Ride The Train To The Ruins Of  Kilns Castle Each train car will have it's very own Knight and Squire to escort you to the tournament of Champions at the Ruins of Kilns Castle. Sit back and enjoy a 45 minute show about the days of old! GREAT VENDORS Hammernought Armory JERSEY DEVIL BBQ Fortunes by Lydia My Pieces of Eight Green Cow Studio Beauty and Beasts Naturama Starlight Caravan Villa Milagro Vineyard ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Ol'Susquehanna Mine  At the mine pan for real gem stones you can take home! Knight Train Corn Maze At the mine site journey into a 10 acre corn maze and play the game where getting lost is half the battle! Brought to you by the folks at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire & The Delaware River Railroad Excursions. Prepare yourself for a full day of family fun and adventure on the Knight Train. Immerse yourself in the fully interactive world of the Knight Train. Enjoy the Renaissance Faire on the station grounds complete with acts and entertainment as well as food and merchandise vendors. Enjoy the different acts, vendors and entertainment throughout the day, before and after your train ride back in time. the real magic happens when you journey back in time to the King Arthur's Tournament of Champions at the ruins of Kilns Castle. Each train car will have it's very own Knight and Squire to escort you to the tournament. BEWARE, the tournament may awaken the evil sprit rumored to inhabit the ruins of the castle and disrupt the tournament! Will this be the year? Come cheer on your champions at the ruins and if the evil spirit makes her move, lets hope that Merlin the great wizard shows up in time to save the day! Delaware River Railroad Excursions | Phillipsburg, New Jersey | 877-train-ride  877trainride.com Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

TRAINS & GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Received the following via email. 
We do not know who took the photos nor wrote the original email. 

Back in 1939, the town of Essex, MT was picking up steam. It had always been in close proximity to the gorgeous Glacier National Park — in fact, it was nestled between its two main entrances. But when the Great Northern Railway placed a stop in Essex, it was like putting coals in the boiler of a train, and a plan to make a third entrance to the park got rolling. 

In anticipation of all the future tourists and rail workers that Essex was sure to attract, the Izaak Walton Inn opened. The grand, $40,000 hotel was “modern in every detail,” with 29 rooms, 10 bathrooms, a lobby, dining room, and kitchen with a two-ton cook stove. 

Yet, when the United States entered World War II following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, plans for the new park entrance hit the back burner, and it never materialized. The small town of Essex was then left with its “Inn Between” two park entrances…and not much else. 

But, much like The Little Engine That Could, the big hotel in a tiny town persevered. Its warm staff and cozy rooms attracted ski and nature enthusiasts seeking a quiet refuge, and the hotel eventually earned a reputation as one of the state’s best recreational secrets. 

Fast-forward to 2015, and the hotel is thriving thanks to a very creative nod to its locomotive roots… 

This caboose that zoomed through Essex in 1941 belonged to a Great Northern X215. It has been converted into something really special for this hotel.

It’s a beautiful and modern dwelling that can house up to six. Once you step inside, you almost forget that you’re standing in the belly of a caboose.

A family can keep cozy in this renovated caboose that has a fully equipped kitchen, two sets of bunk beds, and a queen-sized bed with a gas fireplace in the master bedroom. 

This 60,000-pound rail car was hoisted by crane before it was trucked to Essex. 

“We get a lot of rail fans here who just go crazy over the trains,” Elise Wright, assistant general manager at the Izaak Walton Inn, told the Daily Inter Lake. 

The GN X215 Caboose isn’t the only reason why train buffs are attracted to this inn. There are other beautifully restored cars on the premises as well, like the Great Northern 441 Locomotive. 

This "car" represents the diesels that once rolled past the Izaak Walton Inn every day. 

Each car boasts lovely, rustic details as well. The birch walls in this car accent the 400-year-old reclaimed oak floor. 

This larger "car" can hold up to two couples or a small family. The modern kitchen is the perfect place to cook up some fresh, river-caught trout. 

This "car", obviously the conductor's locomotive, still retains some of its original parts. “Kids love the train cars, too," Wright noted. 

The hotel also boasts other converted cars, like the JJ, Green, and Orange cabooses. 

Nowadays, though a track still runs by Essex, Amtrak only stops when there are passengers waiting. 

Although it never became the third entrance to Glacier National Park, the stop has become important over time, especially for BNSF Railway Co. freight trains that need helper engines to push their heavy loads over Marias Pass. 

Please SHARE this amazing restoration of American history with everyone you know as a reminder that even when things don’t initially pan out, with a little creativity, something you love can still succeed.