A little bit of this and that...

(Train sightings from the past.)

... Just wanted to drop a few images your way of various railroading scenes from my archives. So without anymore fanfare, lets delve into what this email contains. The first image shows the return trip of one of my favorite NJT trains on the RVL. It would pass through Raritan on its way to Phillipsburg around noon time. Once in Phillipsburg, it would then make the return trip in the early afternoon. The few times I did have the opportunity to ride this train, you could count the number of passengers on one hand! On this return trip, NJT 4112 is seen heading east past CP STONE. This location was just past the North Branch Viaduct. From the looks of that shed, someone must have been was using it for target practice. Built in October, 1968, 4112's history goes back to when it was ex-CNJ 3678, was rebuilt by CR from NJT 4102 and would eventually be rebuilt as a GP40PH-2. If memory serves me correctly, those two coaches still retain the CNJ paint scheme. This scene's date is un recorded.



The second image, whose date is unknown, shows CR 8115 (ex-PC 8115; built in February, 1973 as a GP38-2) leading a mixed freight eastbound pass the block signal at CP WEST PORTAL. That block signal no longer exists. It was west of this location when NS decided to lengthen the western siding at West Portal. Hope you enjoyed this little look back in time...

Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend

Received the following via email.

Oct. 23, 2012

Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend

NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern Corporation today announced the regular quarterly dividend of 50 cents per share on its common stock, payable on Dec. 10, to stockholders of record on Nov. 2.

Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 121 consecutive quarters.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Susan Terpay, 757-823-5204 (susan.terpay@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

CSX, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Officials Celebrate Midway Point of National Gateway Phase One Progress

Received the following via email.

CSX, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Officials Celebrate Midway Point of National Gateway Phase One Progress

Upgraded Freight Rail Corridor Scheduled for Spring 2013 Completion

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - October 23, 2012 - CSX Corporation Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Ward today joined federal, state and local officials from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to mark the midway point of progress on the first phase of projects for the National Gateway.

The National Gateway is an $850 million public-private partnership launched in 2008 to alleviate freight bottlenecks in the Midwest that cause delays for companies and consumers shipping or receiving freight from west coast ports by creating a double-stack cleared corridor for intermodal rail shipments between the Midwest and the mid-Atlantic ports. Once completed, the National Gateway will help provide CSX customers with better access to competitive, environmentally friendly double-stack intermodal freight rail service.

The celebration took place at Pittsburgh's SouthSide Works, where the $13 million J&L Tunnel project will soon become the latest Phase One project to increase the vertical clearance on CSX rail lines to accommodate trains carrying double-stack intermodal containers. Phase One, creating double-stack rail access between CSX's state-of-the-art intermodal terminal in Northwest Ohio, and its new modern intermodal terminal in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, is scheduled to be completed by spring 2013, and will enable more freight to move through the region on the same number of trains.

The J&L Tunnel clearance project, an upgrade to a tunnel built in the 1880s that runs directly through the SouthSide Works complex, will help alleviate pressure on regional highways and lower the cost of doing business in the Pittsburgh region by improving access to intermodal freight shipping options.

The J&L Tunnel upgrade and other National Gateway projects are funded through contributions by CSX and the federal government, as well as a $35 million Pennsylvania Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) Grant. The State of Ohio is also contributing $30 million to this first phase of clearance work.

"We are proud that we have been able to work with our partners in the federal and state government, communities and the private sector to invest in strategic transportation infrastructure that will alleviate highway congestion and enable our customers to better leverage rail, the most environmentally friendly way to ship goods over land," said Ward.

As one of the nation's largest transportation projects, National Gateway will create more than 50,000 jobs over a 30-year period, including more than 9,000 jobs for Pennsylvania. When completed in 2015, to coincide with the expansion of the Panama Canal, which is expected to increase traffic through East Coast ports, the National Gateway will provide more than $1.6 billion in public benefits to Pennsylvania in the route's first 30 years of operations by decreasing fuel consumption, lowering emissions, improving safety, reducing highway maintenance costs and saving shipping costs.

To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.

About CSX
CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. CSX's network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. 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:
Robert Sullivan
1 (877) TELL-CSX

CSX - Curtis Bay Resumes Normal Operations

Received the following via email.

10-22-12

Curtis Bay Resumes Normal Operations

CSX Transportation's Bayside Coal Pier, one of two piers at the company's Curtis Bay export terminal in Baltimore, has resumed normal operations and is again receiving Capesize vessels.

The Bayside pier was damaged August 25 when a vessel destined for another facility struck the CSX shiploader.

3 model railroad events next Saturday

Next Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, there will be at least 3 model railroad events here in New Jersey. 

1. C & A Train Show
2. NYSME Annual Scale Swap Meet
3. Fall Meet - NMRA Garden State Division

Please see the following 3 posts for more information about each event.

C & A Train Show

Found the following on the Internet.

Note: click on this picture to see full size, then use your browser's BACK button to return here.

More information on the Camden & Amboy Railroad Historic Group can be found on their web site:
http://www.trainweb.org/camdenandamboyrrhistoricalgroup/

NYSME Annual Scale Swap Meet

Received the following via email.

New York Society of Model Engineers’

Annual Scale Swap Meet

All Scales – Z, N, HO, On30, O - 2R & 3RS, and G

One week away

Saturday October 27, 2012
9:00AM - 2:00PM

Back at our original location

St. Joseph's School Auditorium,
120 Hoboken Road,
East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073

One half mile from MetLife Stadium
You know, that’s the place where the Giants and Jets play!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Oldest Model Railroad Club in America Presents
the finest in new and used Scale Models, tools, books, building materials

General Admission Donation: $5.00 (wives, children under 12 free)

See www.ModelEngineers.org for more information.

Special Attractions:
White Elephant Table, Snack Bar
First-Time Offerings of O Scale and HO Scale Collections
Tools, Kits, RTR, Books,

===============================================================================================

8 Foot Tables: $20.00

NOTE: You do not have to be a dealer.
Hobbyist, take a table or share with a friend and thin your collection.
Non-profit groups – One FREE table to promote your group.
New York Society of Model Engineers, 341 Hoboken Rd., Carlstadt, NJ 07072

Questions or Tables inquiries e-mail:
ModelEngineers@comcast.net

Fall Meet - NMRA Garden State Division

Received the following via email.

NMRA Garden State Division Fall Meet

Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 9:30 am

Location

St. Peter the Apostle Elementary School
165 Somerset St.
New Brunswick , NJ

Activity Fee: $6.00

===================================================================

Meet Activities

Clinics

FREEMO Modules by Mike Prokop

Mike Prokop will be sharing his HO scale FREEMO modules. Don’t have the room for a layout? Freemo may be a great way to get started. Mike will show us how build one along with the standards and the concept of Freemo.

Water Towers by Chuck Diljak

Chuck Diljak will share his ideas on building unique water towers which also served as advertisements. These water towers were a distinctive feature found in many New Jersey towns.

The North East Corridor by Jim Homoki

Jim Homoki apropos to the meet location will share a presentation on the history of the North East Corridor, towers and stations now and then.


“Bring ‘n Brag” Session

Door Prizes

Achievement Program Judging

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After the meet there will be four layouts to visit.

Joe Calderone’s HO scale D&H layout

Joe Calderone’ s 25’ x 19’ HO scale layout features a seldom modeled section the Delaware and Hudson in upstate New York in the early 70’s.


Jim Homoki’s HO scale Newark Terminal Railroad.

Jim Homoki’s will have his HO scale Newark Terminal Railroad open. Jim’s layout features great scenery with waterfront scenes. The locomotives and rolling stock are detailed and weathered to fit a 1969 to 1974 time period.


The Bound Brook Presbyterian Model Railroad Club

The Bound Brook Presbyterian Model Railroad Club HO Scale Railroad will also be open for your viewing. The club is situated in the basement of the office building for the cemetery, across the street from the church. The club has a Pennsylvania RR theme with great scenery.


The Lehigh Valley Harbor Terminal Railway

Ralph Heiss' The Lehigh Valley Harbor Terminal Railway is a roughly 22' x 11' HO scale switching layout, simulating the Lehigh Valley 's Hudson River waterfront yard in Jersey City , NJ circa 1951.While there is currently no scenery on the layout, signature scenes currently/will include 4 custom-built float bridges, 3 covered pier sheds and two 12 foot industrial branches, one CNJ, one LV that radiate from two yards on the layout. The layout is powered by NCE DCC with sound equipped locomotives and is "fiddle staged" during sessions.

  Addresses and maps will be available at meet.

==========================================

For additional details about the Meet, Clinics and the Tour Layouts
use the following link to the GSD Fall newsletter and then go to page 7

http://nergsd.com/Data/WP124.pdf

==============================================================

We will have a White Elephant table.
Bring your unwanted items to sell.

===============================================================

The NMRA Garden State Division is at

www.nergsd.com

BNSF Heritage Covered Hopper

Received the following via email.

The first of BNSF's Heritage Covered Hopper cars has been painted: http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p579/lasupport/IMAG0084.jpg

More to come, covering all nine predecessor roads (reportedly three of each of ATSF, BN, CB&Q, C&S, FW&D, GN, NP, SL-SF and SP&S), all to be painted gray.

Here is the photo referenced above.

NJ Transit train strikes, kills man in Somerville

Following is an article from the CourierNews for Oct 18, 2012.

NJ Transit train strikes, kills man in Somerville

Oct 18, 2012

Written by Pamela MacKenzie

SOMERVILLE — NJ Transit Police are investigating the death of Aly Abbas, 35, a local resident, who was was hit by a Newark-bound train that was carrying 150 passengers about 6:30 a.m. Thursday, John Durso Jr., a spokesman for NJ Transit, said.

Durso said the trespassing incident occurred near the Somerset Street crossing, just west of the train station. No one aboard the train was hurt.

The accident caused 20 minute delays as the passengers were transferred to another train. By 9:30 a.m, all trains on the Raritan Valley Line were operating on or close to schedule, he said.

Somerville Police Capt. George Fazio said the accident happened on property owned by the transit agency, and local police were not involved in the investigation.

Fourteen people have lost their lives in collisions with NJ Transit trains this year, according to Nancy Snyder, a spokeswoman for the agency. These events have prompted NJ Transit to conduct safety programs to make more people aware of the need to stay off train tracks.
The corporation conducts about 100 safety programs in public and private schools each year to make students aware of safety factors. The public should keep in mind these important safety reminders:

• When approaching a crossing, pedestrians and motorists are advised to always expect a train from any direction, at any time.

• Always look both ways before crossing tracks, and only use designated crossings.

• Never go under or around crossing gates that are in the lowered position.

• Never trespass on the tracks: It is not legal, and it is not safe.

• Motorists are reminded to make sure there is ample room for their vehicle to clear the tracks when crossing railroad tracks. Be mindful of traffic ahead that could prevent the vehicle from clearing the path of the train.

CSX Announces Third Quarter Results

Received the following via email.

CSX Announces Third Quarter Results

Year-Over-Year Highlights:
. Operating ratio was 70.5 percent
. Earnings per share increases to $0.44 per share
. Employee safety and customer service near all-time record levels

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - October 16, 2012 - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) today announced third quarter net earnings of $455 million, down 2 percent when compared to the $464 million reported in the same period last year. Despite this decline, the company's earnings per share in the quarter were up 2 percent year-over-year to $0.44 compared to $0.43 in the third quarter last year. The contrast between the changes in net earnings and EPS is reflective of shares repurchased since last year's third quarter.

"CSX continues to respond well to moderating economic conditions and challenges in our domestic coal business," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "The company is driving strong safety, customer service and productivity results while building its capabilities for the long term."

While the company saw strong increases in export coal, intermodal and automotive shipments, total revenue in the quarter declined 2 percent when compared to the same period last year. This decline was driven by overall lower volume levels, a change in the mix of the company's business and lower fuel recovery.

However, strong productivity gains, coupled with adjusting resources throughout the business, allowed the company to offset external headwinds and deliver operating income of $854 million, down 3 percent compared to last year. In addition, the operating ratio performed well, remaining stable at 70.5 percent for the quarter, versus 70.4 percent last year.

Looking forward, CSX still expects earnings growth and margin expansion for the full-year 2012. In addition, the company is still targeting a 65 percent operating ratio by 2015, although this has become more challenging in the current environment.

This earnings announcement, as well as a package of detailed financial information, is contained in the CSX Quarterly Financial Report available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com and on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CSX executives will conduct a quarterly earnings conference call with the investment community on October 17, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. Investors, media and the public may listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-327-6279 (888-EARN-CSX) and asking for the CSX earnings call. (Callers outside the U.S., dial 1-773-756-0199). Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the call. In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible and presentation materials will be posted on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com. Following the earnings call, an internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company website.

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Forward-looking Statements
This information and other statements by the company may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act with respect to, among other items: projections and estimates of earnings, revenues, margins, volumes, rates, cost-savings, expenses, taxes, liquidity, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases or other financial items, statements of management's plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, and management's expectations as to future performance and operations and the time by which objectives will be achieved, statements concerning proposed new services, and statements regarding future economic, industry or market conditions or performance. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "preliminary" and similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. If the company updates any forward-looking statement, no inference should be drawn that the company will make additional updates with respect to that statement or any other forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual performance or results could differ materially from that anticipated by any forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements include, among others; (i) the company's success in implementing its financial and operational initiatives; (ii) changes in domestic or international economic, political or business conditions, including those affecting the transportation industry (such as the impact of industry competition, conditions, performance and consolidation); (iii) legislative or regulatory changes; (iv) the inherent business risks associated with safety and security; (v) the outcome of claims and litigation involving or affecting the company; (vi) natural events such as severe weather conditions or pandemic health crises; and (vii) the inherent uncertainty associated with projecting economic and business conditions.

Other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified in the company's SEC reports, accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and the company's website at www.csx.com.

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812

Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279

Birmingham Regional Intermodal Facility brings cleaner, greener transportation options to Alabama

Received the following via email.

Oct. 17, 2012

Birmingham Regional Intermodal Facility brings cleaner, greener transportation options to Alabama
Norfolk Southern offers first intermodal service from Birmingham to Northeast and to Mexico

MCCALLA, ALA. – Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman and Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley joined federal, state, and local officials and business leaders today for the opening of the Birmingham Regional Intermodal Facility in McCalla.

The $97.5 million facility, located on a 316-acre site adjacent to the Jefferson Metropolitan Park, is a critical component of Norfolk Southern’s multi-state Crescent Corridor initiative to establish an efficient, high-capacity intermodal freight rail route between the Gulf Coast and the Northeast.

“There is no other intermodal rail public-private project today that compares with the magnitude of the Crescent Corridor in terms of job creation or environmental benefits,” Moorman said. “Because of its strategic location and the growing intermodal demands throughout the country, the Birmingham terminal will serve as a major gateway for truck-competitive freight moving between the South and Northeast and enable NS to launch new service from Birmingham to the Northeast and to Mexico.

“Today’s opening is the result of the efforts of many whose work together will continue as the Crescent Corridor develops, and we express our appreciation to Governor Bentley and his administration for their support of this project, which will be a catalyst for creating jobs and economic development opportunities,” Moorman continued. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Jefferson County Commissioners, the Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority, the Birmingham MPO, and the Birmingham Business Alliance.”

“This facility will create new jobs, not just within the facility itself but also in the surrounding area,” said Governor Bentley. “Intermodal facilities often help attract distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and other industries. Having Norfolk Southern here will benefit the surrounding region by providing a catalyst for more new jobs. I want to thank the leaders of Norfolk Southern, our state and local economic developers and all others who have worked together to make this project a reality.”

Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the announcement was especially timely because by the year 2020, it is expected that U.S. freight traffic will increase 100 percent and international trade will increase by 200 percent. “The location of this intermodal center in Alabama by one of our premiere economic development partners gives the state a strategic logistics advantage to capitalize on these increases and promotes the goals of our economic development plan,” he said.

Canfield said the announcement is also important because it helps companies better manage inbound raw materials and promotes goods produced in the state.

Fred McCallum, Birmingham Business Alliance Chair-Elect and president of AT&T Alabama, added, “Norfolk Southern’s intermodal facility will certainly support existing businesses in our region. But over the long run, we know the facility will also help bring new businesses to the region, making the growth potential for Alabama even greater.”

The Birmingham terminal is the second of four new Crescent Corridor terminals to open. The Memphis facility began operations in July, and the Birmingham regional facility’s sister terminal at Greencastle, Pa., is scheduled to open in January. Construction began earlier this year for a new terminal in Charlotte. In addition, significant expansions of two existing intermodal terminals in Harrisburg are underway.

NS constructed the main administrative building to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification standards. The facility also will use the latest in gate and terminal automation technology, which shortens the waiting time for trucks entering the terminal, and improves truck driver productivity and air quality. Additionally, state-of-the-art low emission cranes and hostler tractors will operate within the terminal.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Rudy Husband, 717-541-2250 (rudy.husband@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

Announcing STEAM Excursions On The BR&W Railroad

Received the following via email.

STEAM IS BACK!


The volunteers of the BR&W Railroad are pleased to announce our first public steam-powered excursions in 12 years!


Our "Welcome Back #60" excursions will depart Ringoes Station this November 10 and 11 and travel the entire line between Ringoes and Three Bridges. This is your first chance to ride behind #60 in over a decade!

Trains depart Ringoes Station at 10:45 AM and 2:00 PM on November 10 & 11. Reservations are required. Click the "Buy Tickets Now!" link near the bottom of this email to purchase your tickets today!

Check out the steam page on our website for more pictures, a short video clip, and additional details.

Don't forget, Corn Maze and Pumpkin trains operate every weekend this October!

Maze & Pumpkin Trains depart Flemington Station all weekend at 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM. (These trains are diesel powered).

Your train ticket purchase includes your train ride to Pumpkin Junction and return, as well as entrance to the maze!

For complete details
www.flemingtontrain.org


Tickets for the Eerie Limited and the North Pole Express are now available!

Eerie Limited - 2012

Oct 20 and Oct 27 Calling all history buffs and ghost chasers! Join us for an evening excursion from Flemington to Ringoes and return. On the way, learn the stories of tragedies, wrecks, and hauntings from the long history of the railroad lines operated by Black River & Western. Reservations required. Recommended for ages 15 and up.    


Welcome Back #60 Excursions

Nov 10 & 11 Welcome back, #60! This is your first time to ride a steam powered excursion on the BR&W Railroad in 12 years! Each of these excursions departs Ringoes Station for a round-trip ride to Three Bridges and return. Light refreshments will be available for purchase on the train (additional fee, cash only). All passengers MUST board the train in Ringoes.    



North Pole Express - 2012

an exciting train ride to North Pole Station to visit Santa & Mrs Claus! Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, 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.flemingtontrain.com.

Trains marked as "Online Sales Sold Out" are COMPLETELY sold out and do not have any additional tickets available.



Black River Railroad Historical Trust uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.

Black River Railroad Historical Trust - Post Office Box 232, Ringoes, NJ, 08551, (908) 782-6622
Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173

NS QUARTERLY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

Received the following via email.

NORFOLK SOUTHERN QUARTERLY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

We cordially invite you to join us on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. EDT to review our second-quarter 2012 results. We will issue earnings results shortly after market close on Oct. 23.

For those interested in participating, we will broadcast via teleconference that will be available by dialing 877-869-3847 several minutes prior to the start of the call. At the conclusion, you can listen to an audio replay, which will be available until Oct. 30, 2012. The replay number is 877-660-6853 and access code is 401337.

In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible, and presentation materials will be posted on the company's website at www.nscorp.com under the Investors section. Following the earnings call, an Internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company’s website. In addition, the replay will be available for download to a portable audio player or computer as a MP3 - or podcast - file. Both the replay and MP3 file can be found at www.nscorp.com in the Investors section.

For electronic notification of future earnings events, we invite you to 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. To subscribe, please follow directions on our website under the Investors section.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Hostutler
Director Investor Relations
Norfolk Southern Corporation

NS to increase maximum speeds for Amtrak trains between Norfolk and Petersburg

Received the following via email.

Oct. 4, 2012

Norfolk Southern to increase maximum speeds for Amtrak trains between Norfolk and Petersburg

NORFOLK, VA. – In preparation for the start of Amtrak passenger rail service between Norfolk and Richmond in December, Amtrak will begin operating trains to qualify train crews at 79 mph beginning in mid-October. These trains will not be carrying passengers. The speed increase will be effective on Norfolk Southern’s tracks between Portlock Yard in Chesapeake and downtown Suffolk, and between downtown Suffolk and Petersburg. Train speeds through downtown Suffolk will increase from 40 mph to 60 mph in the summer of 2013.

Freight trains will continue to operate at the current maximum speed of 60 mph.

Track and warning signal improvements have been made to allow for the increases in train speeds. Motorists are reminded to obey railroad crossing signals and warnings and to use caution when approaching all highway-rail grade crossings.

Virginia Operation Lifesaver presenters are available to make presentations to community groups, school children, bus and truck drivers and others who live or travel near train tracks to offer safety tips. Operation Lifesaver is a nationwide public education program to promote public awareness of the highway-rail crossing environment and to encourage compliance with the traffic laws relating to crossing signs and signals and trespassing.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 (robin.chapman@nscorp.com)

CSX Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

Received the following via email. 

CSX Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - October 3, 2012 - Earlier today, the board of directors of CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) approved a $0.14 per share quarterly dividend on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable on December 14, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 30, 2012.

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812

Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279

Amtrak train struck by tractor-trailer in central California

On Monday, 10-01-12, an Amtrak train traveling from Oakland to Bakersfield was struck and derailed by a tractor-trailer truck at a grade crossing near Hanford, CA.   There are several news articles on the web, few of which are listed here.  Click on the headline to see the article. 

At least 20 injured in California train crash

Amtrak: Crossing gate down in Calif. train crash

Big-rig trucker can't explain Amtrak crash


A couple of hours later, another tractor-trailer and train collision occured near Hanford, CA.  This accident involved a freight train and was apparently on a different set of tracks.  Following is a link to an article about this second crash.

Second truck collides with freight train

2012 Transit & Train Show in New Brunswick, NJ

Received an email announcing the 12th Annual Mass Transit and Trolley Modeler's Convention.

Presented by The New York City Model Transit Association & The Shore Line Trolley Museum

Saturday - October 20, 2012

9:30am to 5:00pm

The Rutgers Gymnasium

130 College Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Admission: $20

Taken at the door.
Spouse & Children - Free

For complete details please visit the following web site: 
http://www.nycmodeltransit.org/2012details.htm

BR&W Steam Update

Received the following via email.

BR&W Steam Update!

Yesterday, Thursday September 27, steam returned to Flemington & Three Bridges, NJ after a 12 year absence!

That's right! Yesterday our volunteers fired up #60 and pulled the first steam-powered revenue freight into Three Bridges since the year 2000! This was part test-run, part regularly-scheduled-freight service. #60 performed admirably, and put a smile on the faces of everyone lucky enough to be in ear-shot!

Check out the steam page on our website for more pictures, a short video clip, and additional details.
http://www.flemingtontrain.org/steam.html

At this time we do not have any announcements about when #60 will pull her first public excursions, but as soon as more information is available we will post the information on our website and will send it to this email distribution list.

Don't forget, Corn Maze and Pumpkin trains start this (past) weekend!

Trains depart Flemington Station all weekend at 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM.

Your train ticket purchase includes your train ride to Pumpkin Junction and return, as well as entrance to the maze!

(All trains are diesel powered)

For complete details:  www.flemingtontrain.org