A very successful test run of the latest piece of self propelled equipment on the ALLN. A 1931 Brill Motor car, re-engined with a Hamilton 6 cyl diesel in 1941. The car ran like a champ and will soon be a regular runner in our excursion service! Kermit Geary JR
Saturday, April 30, 2016
ALLN 4666 first run part1
Friday, April 29, 2016
Norfolk Southern rolls out new safety train and website to educate first responders
Norfolk Southern rolls out new safety train and website to educate first responders
ALTOONA, Pa., April 22, 2016 – In keeping with a strong tradition of safety, Norfolk Southern today rolled out a new educational train and website to help first responders across its network respond to potential rail-related incidents.
The train and website are part of Norfolk Southern’s Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program. OAR was launched in 2015 to cultivate and strengthen relationships with local first responders by providing classroom, web-based, and field training on hazardous materials transportation, as well as information about rail operations.
The NS hazmat safety train is comprised of:
· A 2,000-horsepower, 273-ton locomotive painted in honor of emergency responders with insignia recognizing police, fire, and emergency services
· Two boxcars converted into classrooms, each capable of holding 30 people
· Four styles of tank cars, including DOT-105, DOT-111, DOT-112, and DOT-117, to illustrate a variety of car valves and fittings
· Two 89-foot flatcars designed to transport intermodal containers
"The NS hazmat safety train is like a rolling classroom, delivering hands-on training directly to emergency responders in communities along our rail lines,” said John Irwin, Norfolk Southern assistant vice president safety and environmental. “We are committed to moving these materials as safely and efficiently as possible, and building partnerships with emergency first responders across our network is a vital part of operating a safe rail network.”
Norfolk Southern also launched its new JoinNSOAR.com website today to provide the public with information about transporting hazardous materials and the economic benefits of moving hazardous materials by rail.
Following today’s kickoff, the NS hazmat safety train will travel to 14 states across the railroad’s network. Upcoming training sessions, which are by invitation, will include Harrisburg, Pa.; Baltimore; Chicago; Alexandria, Va.; and Columbia, S.C. The train’s schedule and contact information can be found at JoinNSOAR.com.
Attending today’s kickoff were U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster; Richard Flinn Jr., director of Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency; John O’Neill, founder, president and CEO of the Firefighters Education and Training Foundation; Roger Wynkoop, vice president of Trinity Rail Group; and Frank Reiner, president of the Chlorine Institute and a member of TRANSCAER’s governing task group.
During the ceremony, Norfolk Southern announced that it won its 16th National TRANSCAER Achievement Award. The TRANSCAER awardrecognizes exceptional achievement in support of voluntary efforts by companies to help communities prepare for and safely respond to incidents involving transport of hazardous materials.
Last year, Norfolk Southern provided training for 4,792 emergency responders, government officials, members of the media, and others in 18 states. The training included classroom seminars, hands-on sessions with rolling stock, table-top simulations, full-scale drills, and exercises at training centers operated by NS and the Association of American Railroads. Norfolk Southern also was instrumental in developing the AskRail™mobile app, which provides real time rail information to first responders.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Norfolk Southern reports strong first-quarter 2016 results
Norfolk Southern reports strong first-quarter 2016 results
Achieves record quarterly operating ratio and double-digit improvements in operating income, net income, and earnings per share
FIRST-QUARTER 2016 RESULTS
· Railway operating revenues totaled $2.4 billion, down 6 percent year-over-year.
· Railway operating expenses were $1.7 billion, down 13 percent year-over-year on the 2 percent reduction in traffic volumes.
· Income from railway operations was $723 million, up 19 percent year-over-year.
· Net income was $387 million, up 25 percent year-over-year.
· Diluted earnings per share were $1.29, up 29 percent year-over-year.
· Railway operating ratio was 70.1 percent, an improvement of 8 percent over the prior year and a Norfolk Southern first-quarter record.
NORFOLK, Va., April 21, 2016 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today reported financial results for first-quarter 2016. Net income for the quarter was $387 million, 25 percent higher compared with $310 million during the same period of 2015. Diluted earnings per share were $1.29, up 29 percent compared with $1.00 diluted earnings per share in the first quarter last year.
“Our strong first-quarter results demonstrate the significant progress we are making in line with our strategic plan,” said Chairman, President, and CEO James A. Squires. “Since I became CEO in June, our team has been committed to streamlining operations, reducing expenses and maintaining superior customer service levels. Our focus on strengthening Norfolk Southern is yielding results, and the company is now on track to achieve productivity savings of about $200 million and an operating ratio below 70 in 2016. We are confident the continued execution of our strategic plan will deliver superior shareholder value by best positioning Norfolk Southern to succeed while ensuring the company is prepared to capture revenue and volume growth opportunities in 2016 and beyond.”
As previously announced, Norfolk Southern is implementing a strategic plan to reduce costs, drive profitability, and enhance value for all Norfolk Southern shareholders. Through this plan, the company expects to achieve annual productivity savings of more than $650 million by 2020 and an operating ratio below 65 percent by 2020.
FIRST-QUARTER SUMMARY
· Railway operating revenues were $2.4 billion, 6 percent lower compared with the first quarter of 2015. Volume declined 2 percent, the result of lower coal volumes. Average revenue per unit decreased 3 percent as the effects of higher rates were more than offset by a $114 million, or 70 percent, decline in fuel surcharge revenues.
· Merchandise revenues were $1.5 billion, 2 percent higher than the same period last year. Led by an 18 percent increase in automotive traffic, volume grew in all business groups except chemicals, which was impacted by fewer crude oil shipments due to low oil prices. Thefive merchandise commodity groups reported the following year-over-year revenue results:
§ Chemicals: $419 million, down 3 percent
§ Agriculture: $386 million, up 3 percent
§ Metals/Construction: $300 million, down 3 percent
§ Automotive: $254 million, up 16 percent
§ Paper/Forest: $190 million, up 3 percent
· Intermodal revenues were $522 million, down 12 percent compared with first quarter 2015. Volume was even for the quarter as growth in international volumes was offset by lower domestic volumes due to the restructuring of the company’s Triple Crown Services subsidiary.
· Coal revenues were $349 million, 23 percent lower compared with first quarter of 2015. Mild winter temperatures, low natural gas prices, and a weak global export market combined to decrease volume by 23 percent year-over-year.
· Railway operating expenses decreased $264 million, or 13 percent, to $1.7 billion compared with same period of 2015, due to lower fuel costs and targeted expense reduction initiatives.
· Income from railway operations was $723 million, 19 percent higher compared with the same period in 2015.
· The operating ratio, or operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 70.1 percent, a first-quarter record, and an 8 percent improvement compared with first-quarter 2015.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
End of Amtrak System Timetable
AMTRAK NATIONAL TIMETABLE... FAREWELL!: For several years we have simultaneously produced the Amtrak System Timetable in printed form and as an electronic downloadable document housed on Amtrak.com. The decision has been made to discontinue production of the printed Amtrak System Timetable effective immediately. The final printed timetable is the January 2016 Winter/Spring version recently printed. The reasons for this decision are:
- Usage and demand for the printed document have steadily declined over the past five years.
- Surveys have revealed that few customers want or use the printed System Timetable and expressed a preference to access information on line.
- Schedules, policies and programs are ever changing and it’s impossible to keep the printed document accurate and up-to-date.
- Reducing print is financially responsible
- Reducing print is environmentally responsible
- All Amtrak timetables, including the System Timetable are housed within and may be accessed on Amtrak.com
- At this time many of the smaller individual route and corridor wallet cards and panels will continue to be printed.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
The Delaware River Railroad Excursions 2016 Season
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Monday, April 25, 2016
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
NORFOLK, Va., April 19, 2016 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced the regular quarterly dividend of 59 cents per share on its common stock, payable on June 10 to stockholders of record on May 6.
Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 135 consecutive quarters.
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.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Friday, April 22, 2016
Arts and Crafts Festival On Main Street
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Thursday, April 21, 2016
BR&W's Doodlebug vandalized...
"The PA doodlebug 4666 made it safely to the Allentown & Auburn
Railroad at Topton PA Sunday. Less than six hours later, the doodlebug
was vandalized and tagged as well as two other pieces of vintage
equipment.
I saw photos of it but unable to copy to this email.
Cleaning the spray paint off the equipment has begun.
Sad..."
Good-bye to BR&W's "Doodlebug"
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
New York City Transit in...Los Angeles
MTA 'West-End Extension' to Redondo Junction...
"A Forty-Two-Year-Old Mystery Solved!"
"Ever since stumbling upon a pair of New York Metropolitan Transit Authority R32 subway cars in Los Angeles back in February 1974, I'd wondered why they were so far west. I had always assumed that they had been purchased by a movie studio, but thanks to the Internet, I believe I now know the story. It turns out that MTA cars 3700 and 3701 had flywheels installed in them by the Garrett Corporation in Torrance, California - not far from this spot near downtown L.A. These flywheels were an energy-saving experiment. During dynamic braking the energy generated is dissipated as heat through the same grid resistors used in acceleration. In theory, the power generated by the dynamic braking would be used to spin the flywheel. That energy, in turn, would be used the next time the train accelerates. How'd it work out? Apparently not as well as hoped, as these were the only two cars so equipped. Note the two Penn Central G-22 gondolas on either end of these cars, each equipped with a transit coupler on one end. Here is a link to an article about these flywheels: http://www.thejoekorner.com/cars/flywheels.shtm."
Even a nice shine on the two accompanying ancient PC gondola cars. ---NSC
"A Forty-Two-Year-Old Mystery Solved!"
"Ever since stumbling upon a pair of New York Metropolitan Transit Authority R32 subway cars in Los Angeles back in February 1974, I'd wondered why they were so far west. I had always assumed that they had been purchased by a movie studio, but thanks to the Internet, I believe I now know the story. It turns out that MTA cars 3700 and 3701 had flywheels installed in them by the Garrett Corporation in Torrance, California - not far from this spot near downtown L.A. These flywheels were an energy-saving experiment. During dynamic braking the energy generated is dissipated as heat through the same grid resistors used in acceleration. In theory, the power generated by the dynamic braking would be used to spin the flywheel. That energy, in turn, would be used the next time the train accelerates. How'd it work out? Apparently not as well as hoped, as these were the only two cars so equipped. Note the two Penn Central G-22 gondolas on either end of these cars, each equipped with a transit coupler on one end. Here is a link to an article about these flywheels: http://www.thejoekorner.com/cars/flywheels.shtm."
Even a nice shine on the two accompanying ancient PC gondola cars. ---NSC
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Saturday's (4/15) Delaware-Lackawanna's PT98
Last summer when NKP 765 was making the Scranton to Delaware Water Gap excursion, I found a photo location just outside of East Stroudsburg, PA that I really liked. This spot was near the Forge Road grade crossing and had two ingredients that would contribute to what I felt would be a nicely composed image. There was an embankment to give me elevation and a nice curve with a backdrop of trees. While waiting for the 765 to make its appearance, I wondered what the Delaware-Lackawanna freight train would look like coming through that same location. On Saturday I got my answer to that question. Seen here is DL 2452, DL 3642 and DL 3000 bringing its consist of mixed freight to Slateford Jct around 1 PM.
Monday, April 18, 2016
[CRRNJ] Tri-State Meeting April 21, 2016 - flier
TRI-STATE RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Presents
Rich Taylor
Pennsylvania - Reading Seashore Lines in the 1960's
Thursday, April 21, 2016, 7:00 PM
at the Bickford Theater of the Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
The April 21st meeting will feature a presentation by long time Tri-State
member and photographer, Rich Taylor.
To help us appreciate what visitors will be seeing at the URHS Spring Open
House on the Cape May Seashore Lines at Tuckahoe on April 23rd, long-time
member Rich Taylor will give is a vintage look at the PRSL. He'll show us
the era between the 1960s and 1976 when the PRSL entered Conrail. His trips
to Atlantic City and family vacations in Wildwood, when rail passenger
service was still offered to the Jersey Cape, gave Rich opportunities to
photograph the trains in many locations. The PRSL was a most interesting
railroad, formed in 1933 when the PRR's West Jersey & Seashore and the
Reading's Atlantic City lines were combined to reduce duplicate services.
And it's no coincidence that these names resemble those on a Monopoly game
board.
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
Presents
Rich Taylor
Pennsylvania - Reading Seashore Lines in the 1960's
Thursday, April 21, 2016, 7:00 PM
at the Bickford Theater of the Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
The April 21st meeting will feature a presentation by long time Tri-State
member and photographer, Rich Taylor.
To help us appreciate what visitors will be seeing at the URHS Spring Open
House on the Cape May Seashore Lines at Tuckahoe on April 23rd, long-time
member Rich Taylor will give is a vintage look at the PRSL. He'll show us
the era between the 1960s and 1976 when the PRSL entered Conrail. His trips
to Atlantic City and family vacations in Wildwood, when rail passenger
service was still offered to the Jersey Cape, gave Rich opportunities to
photograph the trains in many locations. The PRSL was a most interesting
railroad, formed in 1933 when the PRR's West Jersey & Seashore and the
Reading's Atlantic City lines were combined to reduce duplicate services.
And it's no coincidence that these names resemble those on a Monopoly game
board.
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
Sunday, April 17, 2016
CSX Corporation Announces First Quarter Earnings
April 12, 2016 |
CSX Corporation Announces First Quarter Earnings Highlights:
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – April 12, 2016 – CSX Corporation (Nasdaq: CSX) today announced first quarter 2016 net earnings of $356 million, or $0.37 per share, down from $442 million, or $0.45 per share, in the same period of last year. “As we managed through the impact of the continued coal decline and other market forces during the first quarter, CSX took aggressive actions to improve efficiency, reduce costs and streamline resources across the network to further reshape the company,” said Michael J. Ward, chairman and chief executive officer. Revenue for the quarter declined 14 percent, reflecting lower fuel recovery, a 5 percent volume decline and a $95 million year-over-year decline in other revenue related to payments received in 2015 from customers that did not meet their minimum volume commitments. These impacts more than offset pricing gains across nearly all markets from an improving service product and volume growth in automotive, intermodal, minerals and waste and equipment. Expenses decreased 12 percent, driven by efficiency gains of $133 million and lower volume-related costs of $64 million as CSX reduced its cost structure in the face of the challenging market environment. In addition, the reduction in the price of fuel decreased fuel expense by $78 million for the quarter. Including the impact of these cost savings and the decline in other revenue, operating income decreased $139 million to $704 million. At the same time, the operating ratio increased 90 basis points year-over-year to 73.1 percent. “While CSX delivered strong efficiency gains in the first quarter, we continue to expect full-year earnings per share to decline in 2016 as a result of ongoing coal headwinds combined with other market fundamentals,” said Ward. “At the same time, CSX remains focused on meeting and exceeding customer expectations while driving further efficiency savings to maximize shareholder value and achieve a mid-60s operating ratio longer term.” CSX executives will conduct a quarterly earnings conference call with the investment community on April 13, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 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 athttp://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 through the company’s website at http://investors.csx.com and on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. About CSX and its Disclosures 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. This announcement, as well as additional financial information, is available on the company's website athttp://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). 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 atwww.sec.gov and the company's website at www.csx.com. |