Received Via E-Mail

In contrast to my dawn panned view on December 12 of one of the four LASCO Umformtechnik GmbH forge components on heavy-duty flat cars at Cresson, PA, here is a full daylight view of one taken the previous day at Norfolk Southern's Enola Yard near Harrisburg. The foursome was destined for Ellwood Crankshaft's $80 million project to convert the former Sharon Westinghouse plant's Z Building along Sharpsville Avenue to manufacturing the largest internal combustion engine crankshafts in the world. One wag observing the U-shaped frame components suggested that 'U might stand for ugly', but I think the residents of Mercer County would counter that the tremendous investment in the Shenango Valley that has brought these new industrial machines to town represents a thing of beauty.

An idea of what the two enormous forges (assembled from the four frame pieces) will look like in service, above and below the plant floor, can be seen in the illustrations under the headings of 'Performance', 'Innovation' and 'Safety' on pages 11-13 of this manufacturer's brochure:
    http://www.lasco.de/umformtechnik/media/archive2/technische_informationen/Hydraulische_Schmiedehaemmer_2012_E.pdf

Norfolk Southern Board of Directors Unanimously Rejects Publicly Disclosed, Revised Proposal from Canadian Pacific

 Received via e-mail

 Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) (“the Company”) today announced that its board of directors has unanimously rejected Canadian Pacific’s (TSX:CP) (NYSE:CP) Dec. 16, 2015, publicly disclosed, revised proposal to acquire the Company for $32.86 in cash, a fixed exchange ratio of 0.451 shares in a new company that would own Canadian Pacific and Norfolk Southern, and 0.451 of a Contingent Value Right.

The following is the text of the letter that was sent on Dec. 23, 2015, to Canadian Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer, E. Hunter Harrison, and its Chairman of the Board, Andrew F. Reardon.

December 23, 2015

Mr. E. Hunter Harrison                                                                                   Mr. Andrew F. Reardon

Chief Executive Officer                                                                                  Chairman of the Board

Canadian Pacific Railway                                                                               Canadian Pacific Railway

7550 Ogden Dale Road S.E.

Calgary, AB T2C 4X9

Canada

Dear Mr. Reardon and Mr. Harrison:

The board of directors of Norfolk Southern has carefully reviewed your latest revised proposal, which you publicly disclosed on December 16, but have not otherwise communicated to us. That review was conducted with the assistance of our independent financial, legal and regulatory advisors. In its review, the board noted that the only change from your prior proposal was to include a Contingent Value Right (“CVR”).

The board of Norfolk Southern has unanimously determined that your latest revised proposal is grossly inadequate, creates substantial regulatory risks and uncertainties that are highly unlikely to be overcome, and is not in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. This would be the case even if the CVR had a value at the high end of the range suggested in your publicly filed presentation. In fact, our financial advisors believe that the CVR would trade at a significant discount.

In addition, you have not addressed the significant regulatory issues that we have previously identified. We do not believe that your voting trust structure would be approved. As you know, our view reflects careful analysis by our regulatory experts and is fully supported by two former Surface Transportation Board (“STB”) Commissioners. You have a path to seek a declaratory order from the STB as to whether the voting trust structure that you proposed could work. The STB has clear, statutorily-established authority to issue declaratory orders to remove uncertainty, and there is precedent for it in the voting trust context. No involvement by Norfolk Southern is required for you to seek a declaratory order regarding the legality of putting Canadian Pacific into a voting trust under your proposed structure. Your decision not to seek an order shows a lack of confidence in your proposed structure.

You continue to publicly declare that we are not “engaging” or “meeting” with you. There is no basis to meet until you both make a compelling offer and address the regulatory issues, which you have the ability to do by seeking a declaratory order. We also note your repeated public statements that you are not willing to increase your offer regardless of whether we were to meet.

The Norfolk Southern board of directors is focused on protecting the interests of our shareholders. It would be inconsistent with the duties of the board to pursue a risky and uncertain offer that substantially undervalues the Company. Accordingly, the board of directors has unanimously rejected your latest revised proposal.

Sincerely,

/S/                                                                                                                          /S/

Jim Squires                                                                                                         Steven Leer

Chairman, President and                                                                              Lead Director

Chief Executive Officer

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Bank of America Merrill Lynch are acting as financial advisors to Norfolk Southern Corporation and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Hunton & Williams LLP and Morrison & Foerster LLP are acting as legal advisors.

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.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including but not limited to statements regarding the indication of interest made by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited.  In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words like “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “consider,” “project,” and similar references to the future. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date they were first issued and reflect the good-faith evaluation of the Company’s management of information currently available. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, including future actions that may be taken by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited in furtherance of its unsolicited proposal.  These and other important factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as well as the Company’s other public filings with the SEC, may cause our actual results, performance or achievement to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as, a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at or by which any such performance or results will be achieved.  As a result, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, the occurrence of certain events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by applicable securities law.

Norfolk Southern announces additional actions to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs

 received via e-mail

NORFOLK VA., Dec. 22, 2015 – Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) announced today it will consolidate operations of its coal docks located on Lake Erie in Northern Ohio. This change will streamline operations for customers while improving network efficiency and reducing operating costs for Norfolk Southern.

NS plans to idle its Ashtabula, Ohio, Coal Pier and shift operations to the railroad’s Sandusky, Ohio, Dock. Ashtabula will continue to operate until all coal inventories have been transloaded, which is expected to be completed by May 2016. The facility will remain idled until and if market conditions warrant reopening.

“Norfolk Southern is committed to providing shippers with an efficient transportation network, and we are actively addressing the industry-wide decline in coal volumes by streamlining operations and positioning our railroad for long-term success,” said David Lawson, NS vice president coal marketing.

The consolidation will help Norfolk Southern achieve efficiencies by reducing capital investment requirements and employee headcount.  A total of 21 positions will be affected as part of the transition. These employees can apply for other positions at the company. Earlier this month 13 employees at Ashtabula were furloughed due to coal market conditions. Six employees will continue to oversee security and environmental systems at Ashtabula.

Norfolk Southern has owned and operated the Ashtabula coal pier since 1999.  The facility primarily serves the thermal coal market, transloading coal from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia to Canada and U.S. destinations by ship. CSX also has rights to use the Ashtabula dock.

“Coal has been – and continues to be – a significant part of Norfolk Southern’s heritage of service and success,” said Mike Wheeler, NS senior vice president operations. “Our customers depend on us to provide a high-performing, 21^st Century transportation option that is safe, efficient, and reliable. Norfolk Southern is adapting to evolving market conditions by realizing efficiencies and optimizing our infrastructure to support long-term growth.”

Ohio is a strategic part of Norfolk Southern’s 22-state rail network. NS operates 2,200 miles of track and employs more than 3,700 people in the state, providing connections to domestic and international markets for Ohio-based manufacturers and businesses.  In 2014, NS doubled the size of its Bellevue, Ohio, yard in a $160 million expansion project, creating the largest rail classification yard in the eastern U.S.

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.

By Dawn's Early Light, QTTX #131033 whips west through Cresson, PA on 35A

Received via e-mail from Nathan Clark


A short while earlier, in predawn darkness, this block of loaded and spacer cars on the head-end of the train was arcing around the world-famous Horse Shoe Curve, as the 35A's two road locomotives and two rear-end helpers hauled and pushed the 117-car train over the Allegheny Mountains. Also just minutes before passing through Cresson, this train topped the grade inside the tunnel at Gallitzin, PA (passing from the Susquehanna River watershed into that of the Mighty Mississippi, in crossing the drainage divide)and began the descent down the West Slope grade toward Johnstown and Pittsburgh. On Sunday afternoon, the heavy machinery components were at destination.
---NSC

Visit to Bronx Botanical Gardens "G" scale trains - 1/11/16

Open to all who are interested...

Looking to visit on Monday, Jan 11.......any interest in joining in????
 
All rail trip, NJ or NYC start points.....escorted from Penn Station....Admission is $20 ($18 seniors) + rail transportation (ISS)........spread the word.........
 
REGRETS NOT NECESSARY......RSVP ONLY IF INTERESTED!!!!!!!
 
http://www.wliw.org/programs/treasures-of-new-york/holiday-train-show/ 

Pre-Holiday Sale

The Big Little Railroad Shop Announces a Pre-Holiday Sale

This is a great opportunity to start your Christmas shopping and save money.  

We are having a sale of selected items at up to 40% off list price.  

Sale begins 11/10/15 and runs through 11/25/15.  

Please stop in and see what's on sale and check-out our great selection of gift items. 

Train Show This Weekend! 11/14-15/15

Received the following via email.  

It that time of year again! The New York Society of Model Engineers will be hosting their annual holiday train exposition this weekend! 

341 Hoboken Road  Carlstadt, NJ 07072  201-939-9212 2015 Fall Exposition Saturday and Sunday  November  14 & 15 from 1 to 5pm Our organization is pleased to again open our doors to the general public for our Annual Fall Train Show! The building will be open and both of our layouts will be operating. We feature 5,000 plus square feet of operating trains in both O and HO scales.  Many types of trains will be running, from old time steam, to modern diesel engines.  Of course, how could we not include Thomas and his friends! While visiting, take a moment to look over our collection of  tail signs from historic trains that are long gone.  Lastly before you leave, don't forget to stop in the souvenir shop for your favorite railroad related goodies!  See our website for directions and more information www.modelengineers.org Admission Adults - $7 Children (5-11) - $1 Children under 5 - FREE! NEW MEMBERS WANTED  Interested in model railroads, trains, or railroad history? Then join our organization! Membership is now open and we would love to have fresh faces. No experience necessary, just a desire to help out!  New York Society of Model Engineers, Inc. | contact@modelengineers.org |  201-939-9212 | modelengineers.org

1 Dollar of Adult Admission Print this email or show a copy of this email at our admission booth to receive a dollar off one adult admission.  Expires 12/1/2015

A Sasquatch sighting along CSX's Trenton Line!

(Train sightings on 8-30-15.)  

On Sunday (August 30) I saw reports that CSX's 418, a Camden, NJ to Selkirk, NY mixed freight, was reported have as its power two leased units. That made it worth my time to head trackside and try to photograph them as they passed through Manville on their way north to Selkirk. Working the Manville yard was CSX C946-30. Its motive power was CSX 2707 (GP38-2; ex-SCL 6056), CSX 6244 (GP40-2; ex-B&O 4345), CSX 6158 (GP40-2; ex-WM 4259) and CSX 6151 (GP38-2; ex-B&O 4252). As this train slowly went down the Trenton Line, I could not believe my eyes what I was seeing! It was a creature that has been widely reported to exist mostly in the forested regions of the northwest United States but there is no definitive proof to collaborate its existence! As the KCS boxcar 129397 made its way slowly past my vantage point, this Sasquatch was looking down the tracks and never once glanced in my direction. Perhaps you are skeptical of what I saw but attached is an image of the Sasquatch I saw...

Click on the picture to see it enlarged.  Then use your browser's BACK button to return here. 

Unabashed request for members - Railroad Historians of the Lehigh Valley

Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. 

Pictures below are from Lehigh Lines, Fall 2015 (Vol. 60, Issue 3) a quarterly magazine of the Railroad Historians of the Lehigh Valley. 

The box at the bottom contains the following text:  

Copies of the magazine are available for $6.  A $25 yearly membership with the Railroad Historians of the Lehigh Valley provides four quarterly magazines (print or electronic), discounted rates on railroad publications, access to work on society-owned equipment, and our monthly meetings.  For additional details or a membership application, contact president Jim Rowland at Century430@hotmail.com.  We welcome new members interested in any facet of the railroad industry and history.   

CSX and the Conservation Fund Team Up with West Virginia Families and Farms to Facilitate Healthy Eating

Received the following via email.  

CSX and the Conservation Fund Team Up with West Virginia Families and Farms to Facilitate Healthy Eating

Healthy Food Coupons, Mobile Markets And Hands-On Nutritional Education Available

ARLINGTON, Va. (September 3, 2015) - CSX and The Conservation Fund have teamed up for a second year with the West Virginia's Department of Agriculture and local organizations to promote healthy eating habits and increased access to local produce for hundreds of children and families in McDowell, Roane and Mingo counties.

The program is providing coupons to help make locally-grown fresh foods more convenient for purchase, financial assistance for mobile and school-based farmers markets, and nutrition and healthy eating classes. New this year, classes will also be held on vendor recruitment, customer service and basic accounting to assist with the long-term viability of the farmers markets.

Throughout the summer and fall, children and their parents in McDowell and Roane County can shop for local produce using "Kids Koupons" and participate in food tastings and nutritional demonstrations at farmers market events at their local schools. Families with children who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars will receive double the amount of healthy food vouchers for every dollar spent at the markets on healthy food. Around 250 children from each county will receive the vouchers.

Through additional program funds, farmers markets will team up with the federal SNAP to provide cooking demonstrations and distribute recipes and information on cooking, storing and preparing fresh, seasonal food. This will provide opportunities for kids to sample and become familiar with how to prepare new foods, so that the families can learn healthy recipes and incorporate them into their normal eating habits. Mobile markets in Mingo County will also bring fresh fruits and vegetables to residents in eight communities through Farm Fresh 4U.

"This summer we have already reached over 100 families in Mingo County with our Farm Fresh 4U Voucher program," said Maria Arnot, Director of Community Agriculture with Mingo County Diabetes Coalition. "Also this year, we have started a double bucks incentive program that will encourage families to use their SNAP benefits at our mobile farmers markets. By matching what they spend up to $10, we hope to gain and retain customers."

The Conservation Fund works with West Virginians by protecting natural resources, which in turn support local economies and business owners and improve the lives of residents.

"The overall health and well-being of our children is directly affected by what they eat, and for many low income families in food deserts, healthy options are oftentimes simply out of reach," said Kris Hoellen, Senior Vice President of Sustainable Programs for The Conservation Fund. "By expanding access to fresh produce and giving children opportunities to shop, taste and learn how food goes from the farm to the table, we're creating markets for local farmers, and most importantly giving children and their families the opportunity for a long-term healthy lifestyle. We're proud to partner with CSX in this important and impactful program."

As one of the nation's premier transportation companies, with an important role in transporting agricultural and food-service products, CSX recognizes that there are communities across its network that lack the fresh foods that are essential for human health.

"Our partnership with The Conservation Fund has helped us create actionable, solution oriented programs - like the Kids Koupons - to address the critical issues facing the communities where we live and work," said Randy Cheetham, regional vice president for state government and community affairs, CSX. "West Virginia is an important piece of the CSX network, so we're especially proud to be able to have programs like this to give back to the state that has supported our success with its businesses and skilled employees."

This program is part of a broader effort between CSX and The Conservation Fund to improve Americans' access to fresh, healthy food. The partnership also created The Grant Program for Transporting Healthy Food, which aims to help improve delivery capabilities of fresh produce and perishable food to farmers markets and communities in need. Charitable entities in 22 states can apply for a grant through September 18. More information is available at http://www.conservationfund.org/partner-with-us/business/csx. A video on the program can also be viewed here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylHWcX70hWY&feature=youtu.be 

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://facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter  (http://twitter.com/CSX). 

About The Conservation Fund

At The Conservation Fund, we make conservation work for America. By creating solutions that make environmental and economic sense, we are re-defining conservation to demonstrate its essential role in our future prosperity. Top-ranked for efficiency and effectiveness, we have worked in all 50 states since 1985 to protect more than 7.5 million acres of land. www.conservationfund.org

Contacts:

Kaitlyn Barrett

CSX Corporate Communications

904-359-1037

kaitlyn_barrett@csx.com

Ann Simonelli

The Conservation Fund

703-908-5809

asimonelli@conservationfund.org

NS chief financial officer to address 2015 Citi Industrials Conference on Sept. 16

Received the following via email.  

Norfolk Southern chief financial officer to address 2015 Citi Industrials Conference on Sept. 16

NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 3, 2015 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer Marta R. Stewart will make a presentation during the 2015 Citi Industrials Conference.

What: 2015 Citi Industrials Conference

When: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, 2 p.m. EDT

Where: The Ritz Carlton, Boston Common, Boston, Mass.

Webcast URL: http://www.veracast.com/webcasts/citigroup/industrials2015/85109257313.cfm

The presentation will be posted at www.norfolksouthern.com in the Investors section.

About Norfolk Southern

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.

Media Inquiries:

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

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

NS streamlines executive reporting structure in two key areas

Received the following via email.  

Norfolk Southern streamlines executive reporting structure in two key areas

NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 2, 2015 – Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE: NSC) said it is realigning the reporting structure for two key departments.

Effective Oct. 1, 2015, NS’ Strategic Planning department will report to James A. Squires, president and CEO, and NS’ Information Technology department will report to Cindy C. Earhart, executive vice president administration.

The Strategic Planning and Information Technology departments previously reported to Deborah H. Butler, executive vice president planning and chief information officer, who announced her retirement effective Oct. 1, 2015.

“We seek opportunities to streamline our structure at every level throughout the NS organization,” Squires said. “These changes employ our resources to the best advantage while maintaining the full capabilities of our planning and IT teams.”

Earhart joined NS in 1985 and has served in positions of increasing responsibility in accounting, IT, and human resources. She was named executive vice president administration in 2013.

John H. Friedmann, vice president strategic planning since 2008, and Fredric M. Ehlers, vice president information technology since 2013, will report to Squires and Earhart, respectively, under the new structure.

Butler’s retirement comes after a 37-year career centered on transportation, customer service, planning, technology, and sustainability.

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 Chief Financial Officer to Address Cowen and Company's 8th Annual Global Transportation Conference

Received the following via email.  

CSX Corporation Chief Financial Officer to Address Cowen and Company's 8th Annual Global Transportation Conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (September 2, 2015) -  Fredrik Eliasson, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) executive vice president and chief financial officer, will address Cowen and Company's 8th Annual Global Transportation conference in Boston on Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Access to the webcast will be accessible through http://investors.csx.com.  A replay and accompanying audio will be available following the conclusion of this event.

This announcement, as well as additional financial information, is available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com.

About CSX and its Disclosures

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

Railroad trespassing survivor tells story of life-changing accident in Norfolk Southern video

Received the following via email.  

Railroad trespassing survivor tells story of life-changing accident

in Norfolk Southern video

Mark Kalina Jr. says the biggest lesson he learned: ‘I am not invincible.’

NORFOLK, VA., August 31, 2015 -- Mark Kalina Jr. survived being run over by a freight train, but he lost both legs in the accident. In a gripping new safety video produced by Norfolk Southern, Kalina warns of the tragic consequences of trespassing on railroad tracks.

"I'm kind of a shock-and-awe story because I can physically show people what can happen if they trespass on railroad tracks,” Kalina says. "I hope when people hear my story, they will learn from my mistake so they don't make the same one."

Norfolk Southern is encouraging colleges and universities with campuses situated near railroad tracks to share the video with students. “If we could make more people aware that it’s not only illegal, but very dangerous, to walk on railroad tracks, I think we could save a lot of lives,” Kalina says.

In the video, Kalina recalls the October 2012 night when he decided to take a shortcut home across the railroad tracks near The Ohio State University, where he was a civil engineering student. As he walked around a stopped train, he slipped on some gravel and snagged his shirt on a rail car -- just as the train started moving. Unable to free himself, Kalina climbed onto a ladder on the car but lost his balance and fell. His body was pulled underneath the train.

“I covered my head with my hands as the train rolled over me,” he says. “It felt like hours till the train passed, and when I turned over, I saw my left leg was cut off.”

Lying on the tracks, Kalina used his cell phone to call for help. The video uses the actual recording of his 911 call as he directs a helicopter to his location. It also features a re-enactment of the accident.

The train severed both of Kalina’s legs and most of one pinky finger. He spent 17 days in a hospital and then weeks in rehabilitation learning to walk on prosthetics.

Since then, the 25-year-old Twinsburg, Ohio, resident has dedicated himself to promoting railroad safety. He travels across the country as a spokesperson for the rail safety organization Operation Lifesaver, supporting its See Tracks? Think Train! trespasser prevention campaign. Last year, 495 people across the United States lost their lives while trespassing on train tracks, a 15 percent increase compared with 2013, according to Federal Railroad Administration statistics. An additional 415 people were injured.

Currently attending Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio, Kalina is also the founder of the nonprofit Mark Kalina Jr. Foundation, which supports others who have lost limbs due to traumatic accidents.

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.

View the video on Norfolk Southern’s YouTube channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDQOEt6nFV0

Media Inquiries:

Susan Terpay 757-823-5204 (susan.terpay@nscorp.com)

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

Water Train Inc. - Water Test Train for Agricultural or Groundwater Recharge Use

Received the following via email from our correspondent in NW Pennsylvania.  

I wondered how long before someone tried hauling fresh water to California and elsewhere. A 75-car unit tank train would be able to transport over 2 million gallons at a time.   ---N.     

 "Water Train Inc., an operating unit of Modoc Railroad, began solicitations of private entities and municipal governments to participate in the operation of a water test train. The test train will contain 190,000 gallons of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved, treated and cleaned water designed for agricultural or groundwater recharge use. Although the train will arrive too late in the year for most row and stone fruit crops, it will give potential water train users time to identify and develop unloading and distribution sites, company officials said in a press release."

Special Norfolk Southern locomotives help Atlantans breathe easier

Received the following via email.  

Special Norfolk Southern locomotives help Atlantans breathe easier

ATLANTA, Sept. 1, 2015 -- With Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on hand to celebrate the success of a public-private partnership for cleaner air, Norfolk Southern today unveiled the nation’s first of a new class of rail yard locomotives developed with federal funding assistance to reduce emissions in urban areas.

“Norfolk Southern has been a valued partner for economic growth in Georgia for many years,” said Gov. Deal. “I applaud the company’s environmental consciousness and its work to achieve public benefits through cooperative efforts with municipalities and government agencies like the one we celebrate here today.” 

Gov. Deal and Mark Manion, Norfolk Southern’s chief operating officer, dedicated five of the locomotives during a ceremony at Norfolk Southern’s Inman Yard, a major hub of interstate commerce and intermodal transportation just northwest of downtown Atlanta.

The engines are branded “Eco” locomotives for their operating efficiencies in reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The 3,000-horsepower engines meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s strict Tier-3 emissions standards for locomotives. Norfolk Southern’s Atlanta yard eventually will put to work 10 low-emissions Eco locomotives this year. Annually, the 10 units will account for 6.6 fewer tons of particulate matter and 155 fewer tons of nitrogen oxides pollutants generally associated with smog and acid rain. As more Eco units are delivered to Atlanta in 2016, the clean-air benefits will be even greater.

The Eco units were designed and built by Norfolk Southern at its Juniata, Pa., locomotive shops using components from locomotive builder Electro-Motive Diesel, a division of Progress Rail Services, a Caterpillar company. The project was funded in part by grants from the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ). The Eco units unveiled today feature a stylistic green paint scheme with a Georgia-shaped icon and the slogan “Working Together for a Cleaner State.”

Additional CMAQ grants will lead to future placement of Eco locomotives at Norfolk Southern’s rail yards at Macon and Rome, Ga., and at Chicago.

“In addition to lower emissions and fuel savings, benefits include operating efficiencies, as each Eco unit can replace two older, less-efficient locomotives,” Manion said. “Over the last five years, we have significantly lowered greenhouse gas emissions of our locomotive fleet, achieving an 8.5 percent reduction per revenue ton-mile. Rollout of the Eco units demonstrates Norfolk Southern’s continuing commitment to industry leadership in sustainability best practices and environmental partnerships. Our transportation operations at Atlanta are central to serving customers throughout our network and beyond. We consider it a corporate responsibility to mitigate the environmental impacts of our rail operations, and we thank the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Division, the city of Atlanta, and other cities and customers all along our lines that partner with us to achieve this goal.”

“Through a phased implementation of lower emissions standards for locomotives, the federal Environmental Protection Agency has worked with the rail industry to bring about cleaner air for communities,” said Beverly Banister, division director of EPA’s Region 4 based at Atlanta. “The Eco units supported by grants from CMAQ will help ensure that yard switcher locomotives adhere to cleaner, healthier air quality standards.”

In Georgia, Norfolk Southern employs 4,735 people and operates a network of 1,779 rail miles. The company annually transports 1.3 million shipments by rail in the Peach State alone, totaling 55 million tons of freight for some 1,200 customers. Together with industrial development activity that brings new business, jobs, and investment to Georgia, and service to the state’s ports, Norfolk Southern’s rail network connects Georgia communities to the marketplaces of the world.

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:

Rick Harris, 404-529-2310 (rick.harris@nscorp.com)

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

Fall Events at BR&W Railroad

Received the following via email from the Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington, NJ.

Fall Events at Black River & Western Railroad!

Autumn is almost here, and we have an exciting lineup of special events that are just around the bend! Old favorites like the Great Train Robbery are back, along with new events like Triple Header Day and more! Here's what's coming: September 26: The Great Train Robbery. Help the Sheriff protect the train from the dreaded Covered Bridge Gang! Reservations required. Features steam locomotive #60! September 27: Triple Header Day. Special trains pulled by THREE locomotives, including steam locomotive #60. Reservations required. October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25: Pumpkin Trains. Enjoy the fall colors from the train, then pick your own pumpkins and enjoy other activities at Pumpkin Junction. Additional fee for pumpkins and activities, no reservations required. October 24: Muirhead Foods Tasting Event. Sample sweet and savory treats from BR&W neighbor Muirhead Foods. Reservations required. For complete details on all of our trains and events Visit Our Website

Christmas train tickets are selling fast! Click Here to review the schedule and purchase your tickets today!

The Great Train Robbery - 2015 Saturday September 26, 2015 Keep a watchful eye on your fellow passengers during your round-trip ride between Flemington and Ringoes - you never know who may be a member of the dreaded Covered Bridge Gang! Geared towards younger children, our Great Train Robbery features comically inept members of the Covered Bridge Gang taking control of the train only to be apprehended by the Sheriff with the help of his young deputies!

Triple Header Day Sunday September 27, 2015 Join us for this first-of-its-kind event at BR&W, Triple Header Day! Trains will be pulled by a trio of locomotives including steam locomotive #60, diesel-electric #400, and diesel-electric #1202! The 11:00 AM train includes the round-trip to Ringoes and a commemorative ticket. The 1:00 PM train includes a commemorative ticket, poster, and photo run-bys. PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS on our website before purchasing tickets, as the two trains have different features and prices!

Muirhead Foods Tasting Saturday October 24, 2015 Muirhead Foods is teaming up with BR&W to serve finger foods made with their popular fruit butters, chutneys, and mustards. Muirhead Foods is a family-run company founded by Ed and Doris Simpson in 1974 as a fine dinging restaurant using seasonal ingredients in their dishes. Now, you can sample some of their most popular products in the comfort of BR&W's club car! Your ticket includes a round-trip ride from Flemington to Ringoes and return, finger foods / samples from Muirhead Foods, and bottled water, coffee, or hot tea. Each booth seats 4 - groups of less than 4 may be seated with other guests.

Candy Cane Limited - 2015 Saturday November 21, 2015 to Sunday December 20, 2015Board this train at Flemington Station for a ride to Ringoes and return. On board the train, Santa, Mrs Claus, and their helper will greet all the kids, posing for photos upon request. All passengers receive a candy cane, and kids receive a small gift from Santa! Perfect for younger children that would have trouble waiting in line at the North Pole, or may be overwhelmed by an extended visit with Santa. This train does NOT include at stop at Ringoes or the "North Pole". Coaches are heated.

North Pole Express - 2015 Saturday November 21, 2015 to Sunday December 20, 2015 The North Pole Express offers an exciting train ride to North Pole Station to visit Santa & Mrs Claus! Enjoy refreshments, singing along with the elves, a chance to tell Santa your Christmas wish, and much more. This is a special experience the entire family won't forget. For complete details on this event please visit our website at www.blackriverrailroad.com.

Victorian Christmas Special - 2015 Friday December 4, 2015 New for 2015, BR&W's Victorian Christmas Special features a more traditional faith-based Christmas celebration than our more secular Candy Cane Limited and North Pole Express. This unique event features live performances by Victorian Carolers from Act 1 Productions, a live nativity scene, a visit from Father Christmas, stories of the very first Christmas, and more! Your train departs from Flemington Station. Allow approximately two to two and a half hours for your entire trip. Coaches are heated.