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Electronic Newsletter of the NMRA Garden State Division Greetings! The latest issue of the Whistle Post is available on-line.  And, we have provided a few highlights of the issue, below.  GSD/NJD Spring Joint Event in  Bridgewater, May 13 This year, it is the Garden State Division's turn to host the annual joint meet with the New Jersey Division. The meet will be held on May 13 at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater, NJ, starting at 9 AM. A pair of clinics are planned for the morning and a pair of layout tours are planned for the afternoon.  A map to the layouts and local eateries will be provided at the meet. The two clinics presented in the morning are on the subject of scenery. Chris Conway will present a clinic on using static grass and Bill Frankenfield will present a clinic on constructing lightweight and removable scenery. In the afternoon, Dick Genthner will open his 7th version of the Arpee & Western for the first time. Joe Garsick will also have his layout open, featuring many craftsman structures constructed by Bill Rose.  Come join us on May 13! Click on the Google logo for directions to the meet: Windows on a Roll Model railroaders are always looking for new ideas and techniques for their modeling. Jim Walsh explains how to use fiberglass drywall tape to produce industrial windows. Jim takes you through several methods of painting and creating the window glazing. Last Train on the Ramapo Valley The Ramapo Valley Railroad Club held its final operating session, earlier this year.  The club is in the process of dismantling the layout and is currently looking for a new location.  In a pair of articles, Rene Mack and Tom Wortmann provide their perspectives on the club, history, and their experiences. Gulliver's Gate is Hiring! Just after the Whistle Post was published, we received word that a new attraction in New York City, Gulliver's Gate, is looking to hire an "HO Train Specialist".  To learn more about this new attraction, click here. Located near Times Square and a full city block wide, Gulliver's Gate is a "technologically advanced, interactive and immersive world of miniatures."  To learn more about the HO Train Specialist position, click on the job description. These are only the highlights of the new, just published issue of the Whistle Post shown here. This issue contains more information about the upcoming GSD/NJD event in Bridgewater.  And, it also contains articles on the last GSD event in Union, the Achievement Program, and much more. To get the full issue

[NSInvest] Norfolk Southern EVP and CFO Marta Stewart to retire

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Norfolk Southern EVP and CFO Marta Stewart to retire

Company has initiated internal and external search for successor

NORFOLK, Va., April 26, 2017 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced that Marta R. Stewart, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corp., intends to retire effective Aug. 1, 2017.

NS has initiated a comprehensive search to identify the company’s next chief financial officer and will consider both internal and external candidates with the assistance of an executive search firm. 

“Marta has made significant contributions to NS over the course of her career, most recently as one of the architects of our strategic plan,” said James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern chairman, president and CEO. “Her intimate knowledge of the railroad business, engagement with stakeholders inside and outside the company, and relentless focus on driving shareholder value has positioned NS for continued success. On behalf of the board and management team, I thank Marta for her service and wish her the best in retirement. We look forward to Marta’s continued leadership as we conduct our CFO search and execute an orderly transition to her successor.”

“I am very proud of the company’s accomplishments during my tenure and the progress we have made in implementing our strategic plan,” said Stewart. “I will miss working with a great leadership team and talented employees, and am confident NS is on track to achieve its objectives as it becomes an even stronger, more profitable railroad.”      

Since joining NS in 1983 as an accountant, Stewart has been instrumental in developing the company’s accounting systems and controls. Prior to Stewart’s appointment as executive vice president and chief financial officer in 2013, she assumed roles of increasing responsibility in finance and served as vice president accounting and controller, and vice president finance and treasurer. Stewart has been a key strategic advisor to the NS CEO, agent for change throughout the company, and advocate for NS shareholders. 

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 19,500 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, 757-823-5204 (susan.terpay@nscorp.com)

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

[NSInvest] Norfolk Southern reports record first-quarter 2017 results

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Norfolk Southern reports record first-quarter 2017 results

Achieved first-quarter record operating ratio, income from operations, and earnings per share

NORFOLK, Va., April 26, 2017 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today reported first-quarter financial results.

First-quarter net income was $433 million, up 12 percent year-over-year, a result of a 7 percent rise in income from railway operations, as well as a lower effective income tax rate. Diluted earnings per share were $1.48, up 15 percent year-over-year and a first-quarter record.

“Norfolk Southern’s record results for the first quarter demonstrate the efficacy of our strategic plan, under which we are enhancing our service quality and network performance while driving significant efficiency improvements,” said James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern chairman, president and CEO. “Our focus on providing a superior service product has positioned us for growth and, coupled with our cost discipline, has contributed to a solid start to the year. Our strategy provides a strong foundation for growth at low incremental costs, a powerful formula for enhanced shareholder value.”

First-quarter summary

Railway operating revenues of $2.6 billion increased 6 percent compared with first-quarter 2016, as overall volumes were 5 percent higher, reflecting growth within our major commodity categories of coal, intermodal, and merchandise.

Railway operating expenses increased $105 million, or 6 percent, to $1.8 billion as targeted expense reductions and efficiencies were offset by inflation, particularly within fuel expenses, which were higher by $64 million.

Income from railway operations was a first-quarter record $773 million, up 7 percent year-over-year.

The railway operating ratio, or operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 70.0 percent, a first-quarter record.

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 19,500 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, 757-823-5204 (susan.terpay@nscorp.com)

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

Bessemer F7As 727 & 728: New Lives as RBMN #250 & 251!

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I received this HAPPY NEWS via Tim Darnell, last evening! 

Forlorn former B&LE F7As #727 & 728 of Western Allegheny Branch fame are now Reading, Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad #250 & 251, respectively, and are (again) on the roster of a caring, functioning railroad. Note the changes already evident in these two Ben Kranefeld photographs taken just yesterday at the unprotected Winslow, NJ site where this pair has languished and suffered abuse for so long: 

"Whistle Post" Highlights-Spring 2017

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Electronic Newsletter of the NMRA Garden State Division

Greetings! The latest issue of the Whistle Post is available on-line.  And, we have provided a few highlights of the issue, below.

GSD/NJD Spring Joint Event in  Bridgewater, May 13

This year, it is the Garden State Division's turn to host the annual joint meet with the New Jersey Division. The meet will be held on May 13 at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater, NJ, starting at 9 AM. A pair of clinics are planned for the morning and a pair of layout tours are planned for the afternoon.  A map to the layouts and local eateries will be provided at the meet. The two clinics presented in the morning are on the subject of scenery. Chris Conway will present a clinic on using static grass and Bill Frankenfield will present a clinic on constructing lightweight and removable scenery. In the afternoon, Dick Genthner will open his 7th version of the Arpee & Western for the first time. Joe Garsick will also have his layout open, featuring many craftsman structures constructed by Bill Rose.  Come join us on May 13! Click on the Google logo for directions to the meet:

Windows on a Roll

Model railroaders are always looking for new ideas and techniques for their modeling. Jim Walsh explains how to use fiberglass drywall tape to produce industrial windows. Jim takes you through several methods of painting and creating the window glazing.

Last Train on the Ramapo Valley

The Ramapo Valley Railroad Club held its final operating session, earlier this year.  The club is in the process of dismantling the layout and is currently looking for a new location.  In a pair of articles, Rene Mack and Tom Wortmann provide their perspectives on the club, history, and their experiences.

Gulliver's Gate is Hiring!

Just after the Whistle Post was published, we received word that a new attraction in New York City, Gulliver's Gate, is looking to hire an "HO Train Specialist".  To learn more about this new attraction, click here. Located near Times Square and a full city block wide, Gulliver's Gate is a "technologically advanced, interactive and immersive world of miniatures."  To learn more about the HO Train Specialist position, click on the job description.

These are only the highlights of the new, just published issue of the Whistle Post shown here. This issue contains more information about the upcoming GSD/NJD event in Bridgewater.  And, it also contains articles on the last GSD event in Union, the Achievement Program, and much more.

To get the full issue

LNE 611 day on 6-11-2017

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As the NS 38Q heads west into the sunset from Allentown, PA on 4-15-2017

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As the NS 38Q heads west into the sunset from Allentown, PA on 4-15-2017, I
would like to wish one and all a Happy Easter 2017


Kermit Geary, JR

Reminder: Eastern District Spring Meeting - April 23rd, 2017

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Easter Bunny Express Tickets Available! PRR #9206 operates on April 14-15! This Friday and Saturday, former PRR locomotive #9206 will make a rare public appearance at BR&W! This beautifully restored locomotive will pull all BR&W Easter Bunny Express trains on April 14-15! BR&W's annual Easter Bunny Express event features a relaxing round-trip train ride from Flemington to Ringoes and return. On board the train kids will briefly meet Peter Cottontail and receive a treat! The Bunny will pose for photos upon request. For complete details, times, and tickets click here to visit our website. Share Share LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EASTER BUNNY EXPRESS Caboose Trains are Back! For one day only, Sunday, May 14, steam locomotive #60 will power caboose trains between Ringoes and Flemington! Tickets are now available and going fast, since seating is limited. These trains depart from RINGOES Station. Tickets $12 per guest. Departures from Ringoes are at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Share Share LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CABOOSE TRAINS! We're Hiring! We're now accepting applications from enthusiastic individuals interested in joining the BR&W team as Ticket Agents! Our Ticket Agents work flexible weekend hours - this is a great position for students, railfans, or anyone interested in getting a start at BR&W - no prior railroad experience required! For more information, contact Nicole Talucci, Ticket Office Manager, at nicole@blackriverrailroad.com.