NJT's Raritan Yard; 1902

(Train sightings circa 1902.)

In an undated photograph, CNJ's 632 (a 4-6-0) shuffles a tank car around in what is now NJ Transit's Raritan facility. Built by Baldwin, this was one of the five Camelbacks that was found on CNJ's locomotive roster back then.

CSX Among Top 10 Most Military-Friendly Employers for Seventh Consecutive Year

Received the following via email. 

CSX Among Top 10 Most Military-Friendly Employers for Seventh Consecutive Year

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - November 25, 2014 - CSX was recognized as the sixth-most military-friendly employer on G.I. Jobs' 2015 Top 100 Military Friendly Employers ranking today, and the second-most military-friendly employer in the transportation industry. This is the seventh consecutive year that CSX has been among the top 10 employers on the list.

"U.S. military veterans with strong backgrounds in team environments, safety practices and leadership skills excel in helping CSX serve its customers," said Michael J. Ward, CSX chairman, president and chief executive officer. "CSX is proud to support and employ the men and women who have defended and protected our nation."

This recognition celebrates CSX's ongoing commitment to support the U.S. military and its veterans. More than one in five CSX employees have served in the armed forces and 27 percent of the company's new employees in 2014 have military experience.

Since 2006, G.I. Jobs has issued an annual ranking of businesses based on veteran recruiting practices. The publication examines more than 5,000 American businesses with more than $500 million in annual revenues. Out of these eligible members, only two percent make the annual ranking. G.I. Jobs ranks each company by weighted factors, including long-term commitments to hire veterans, specialized military recruiting programs and supportive policies for reserve member employment while off duty.

To view the full list of G.I. Jobs' 2015 Top 100 Military Friendly Employers, please visit http://militaryfriendly.com/.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 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 small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

Rob Doolittle

rob_doolittle@csx.com

202-626-4939

Sunday color on CSX's Trenton Line...

(Train sightings on 11/23/14.)

...had me wondering if I was really along CSX's Trenton Line at MP 56 in Manville (NJ) on Sunday morning around 11:30 with all the variety that can be seen in this image. CSX K-038 heads west down the TL with BNSF 929 (Built: 9/93) and CP 9581 (Built: 10/95) serving as the motive power. Both of those units are showing their years of service with well-worn paint. Off to the left can be seen six Metro North cars coupled up to a CSX eastbound mixed freight that was holding in the Manville yard. This location is what was once the site of the Manville's Reading station.

CSX CTO Highlights Operational Resilience and Winter Resource Planning

Received the following via email.

CSX CTO Highlights Operational Resilience and Winter Resource Planning

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - November 21, 2014 - CSX (NYSE: CSX) is positioning itself to continue delivering strong financial results by balancing stabilized service levels, improving efficiency and continued growth opportunities, Chief Transportation Officer Cindy Sanborn told an industry audience today at the annual RailTrends conference in New York City.

"CSX is committed to delivering Service Excellence for its customers, which reinforces our strategy of driving the company's ability to grow faster than the economy, pricing above inflation and producing ever more efficient operations," Sanborn said. "CSX is working to put the right people and resources in the right places, combined with process improvements and increased communication with our peers, to serve the broad-based growth we continue to see across nearly all markets that we serve."

As customer demand continues to rise, CSX network performance remains stable, with key indicators including on-time originations and arrivals holding steady in the fourth quarter as compared to the previous two quarters.

"We are working around the clock to further improve operations at a steady pace into 2015 even as we handle the traditional fall peak and record grain harvest," Sanborn said.

To facilitate that improvement, CSX is adding additional locomotives, hiring new train crew employees, accelerating capacity projects and adjusting operating processes. Fluidity in Chicago remains a top priority for CSX and its peer railroads. CSX is using infrastructure improvements to help ease congestion while also improving coordination with other railroads in Chicago. These resources and process adjustments will support fluidity and growth, preserving the flexibility to drive long-term asset utilization improvements.

At the same time, CSX is making additional process changes to help reduce potential winter weather impacts. Increasing preparation in conjunction with customers, deployment of additional weather preparation and response equipment, and formal contingency plans for routing, capacity and inventory management are all complete or underway.

On the strength of this multi-faceted plan to improve fluidity, serve growth opportunities and drive long-term asset utilization, the company continues to expect fourth quarter earnings per share growth at a similar level as it achieved in the third quarter. CSX remains confident in its ability to deliver double digit earnings growth and margin expansion in 2015 as it progresses toward a mid-60s operating ratio over the longer term.

More information about CSX's network performance plan is available at http://www.csx.com/index.cfm/customers/service-overview/. Investors can visit http://investors.csx.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=92932&p=irol-irhome for more information about CSX's financial performance.

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 more than 185 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 small farming towns alike.  More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

NS and the D & H propose rail line transaction to support rail service and the economy in the Northeast

Received the following via email. 

Nov. 17, 2014

Norfolk Southern and the Delaware & Hudson propose rail line transaction to support rail service and the economy in the Northeast

NORFOLK, VA., and CALGARY, ALBERTA - Norfolk Southern Corp. (NS) and the Delaware & Hudson Railway Co. (D&H), a subsidiary of Canadian Pacific Railway  (CP) today announced a proposed transaction under which NS would acquire 282.55 miles of D&H rail line between Sunbury, Pa., and Schenectady, N.Y. The $217 million sale, subject to approval by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, would benefit customers, competition, and jobs in the northeastern United States.

"Acquiring this portion of the D&H provides for more efficient rail transportation system by consolidating freight operations with a single carrier," said NS CEO Wick Moorman. "Aligning the D&H track with Norfolk Southern's 22-state network allows us to connect businesses in central Pennsylvania, upstate New York and New England with domestic and international markets while enhancing the region's competitive rail and surface transportation market."

The lines to be acquired connect with NS' network at Sunbury, Pa., and Binghamton, N.Y., and would give NS single-line routes from Chicago and the southeastern United States to Albany, N.Y., and NS' recently built Mechanicville, N.Y., intermodal terminal. NS also would gain an enhanced connection to its joint venture subsidiary Pan Am Southern, which services New England markets. Additionally, NS would acquire D&H's car shop in Binghamton along with other facilities along the corridor.

(see map below)  

"As we have stated in recent months, we've been in the process of negotiating the final details for the potential sale of the southern portion of our D&H line," said CP CEO E. Hunter Harrison. "We are pleased to find a prospective buyer in Norfolk Southern."

As part of the transaction, NS would retain and modify overhead trackage rights on the line between Schenectady, Crescent, and Mechanicville, N.Y., as well as Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The D&H would retain local access to serve customers in Schenectady and would maintain its access to shippers in Buffalo.

NS intends to retain its current employees and offer employment to about 150 D&H employees currently working in this area. Any adversely affected employees will be entitled to standard labor protections.

"This acquisition would preserve good-paying railroad jobs and set the stage for economic growth," said John Friedmann, NS vice president of strategic planning. "Absent this transaction and its efficiencies, we are concerned that rail service along much of New York's Southern Tier would be threatened with losing a crucial link to New England."

NS has submitted an application for the transaction to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. The rail companies are proposing a schedule that would lead to approval during the second quarter of 2015.

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.

Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating, but not limited, to NS' proposed acquisition of a portion of D&H's rail line, CP's and NS' operations, priorities and plans, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, planned capital expenditures, programs and strategies. These forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited to, statements concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions and statements about possible future events, conditions, and results of operations or performance. Forward-looking statements may contain statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan" or similar words suggesting future outcomes.

Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance. Among other risks, there can be no guarantee that the acquisition will be completed within the anticipated time frame or at all or that the expected benefits of the acquisition will be realized. By their nature, CP's and NS' forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the following factors: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the agreement between CP and NS; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against CP or NS and others following announcement of this agreement; the inability to complete the acquisition due to the failure to satisfy the conditions to the acquisition; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations; the ability to recognize the benefits of the acquisition; legislative, regulatory and economic developments, including regulation of rates; changes in business strategies; general North American and global economic, credit and business conditions; risks in agricultural production such as weather conditions and insect populations; the availability and price of energy commodities; the effects of competition and pricing pressures; industry capacity; shifts in market demand; inflation; changes in taxes and tax rates; potential increases in maintenance and operating costs; labor disputes and potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the acquisition; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; transportation of dangerous goods; timing of completion of capital and maintenance projects; currency and interest rate fluctuations; effects of changes in market conditions; various events that could disrupt operations, including severe weather, droughts, floods, avalanches and earthquakes as well as security threats and governmental responses thereto, and technological changes. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

These and/or other factors are detailed from time to time in reports filed by CP with securities regulators in Canada and the United States and in reports filed by NS with the SEC.   Reference should be made to "Management's Discussion and Analysis" in CP's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F. Reference should also be made to NS' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.   Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections and it is possible that predictions,  forecasts, projections, and other forms of forward-looking statements will not be achieved by CP or NS or will be delayed or materially altered.   Except as required by law, CP and NS undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Dave Pidgeon, 717-541-2247 (david.pidgeon@nscorp.com)

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

CP Contacts:

(Media) Martin Cej, 403-512-5730 (martin_cej@cpr.ca)

(Investors) Nadeem Velani, 403-319-6170 (Nadeem_velani@cpr.ca

For the CP version of this announcement, please see the following web site: 

http://www.cpr.ca/en/investors/norfolk-southern-and-the-dh-propose-rail-line-transaction 

CSX CFO to Address Credit Suisse Global Industrials Conference

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Chief Financial Officer to Address Credit Suisse Global Industrials Conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - November 19, 2014 - Fredrik Eliasson, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) executive vice president and chief financial officer, will address the Credit Suisse Global Industrials Conference in New York City, Wednesday, December 3, at 8:45 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. 

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 more than 185 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 small farming towns alike.  More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

3 ARE cars in NJ

Received the following via email dated Wed, 19 Nov 2014 13:47. 

three American Railway Explorer cars just passed Budd Lake on the NS local to Dover.  Possible move to the m&e?

From their web site: 
The American Railway Explorer is a collection of three Los Angeles based luxury charter railcars, the finest private railcars in America. The railcars travel linked to regularly scheduled Amtrak trains.

http://www.americanrailwayexplorer.com/

NS Service Alert - Extreme Lake Effect Snow in Buffalo Area

Received the following via email. 

Service Alert - Extreme Lake Effect Snow in Buffalo Area

Norfolk Southern operations have been impacted by extreme lake effect snow in the Buffalo, NY area.  Record setting snowfall, road conditions, and road closures have curtailed Norfolk Southern operations in and around the Buffalo area.  Customers with rail traffic destined to or originating in the Buffalo area will see a disruption of service over the next few days.  Shipments normally moving through western New York will be detoured over other routes, likely resulting in additional transit time with 24-48 hour delays.

Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact the National Customer Service Center.

Customer Service Operations at 800-635-5768.
Customer Service Automotive Operations at 888-649-9273. 

Customers with questions regarding local service should contact their Operations and Service Support Representative.

Operations and Service Support at 800-898-4296.

NS Engineering Maintenance - Week of November 24th

Received the following via email. 

Service Alert - Engineering Maintenance - Week of November 24^th. 

Norfolk Southern plans to conduct two Engineering projects before, and possibly through, the Thanksgiving holidays.  Beginning Monday, Nov 24^th, Engineering will begin a project just outside of Elkhart, IN.  Simultaneously, another Engineering project will be between Columbus and Portsmouth, OH.  Customers with railcars moving through these areas should expect to see 12 to 24 hours in additional transit time.

Our Operations and Service Support Center will contact local customers to confirm needed service over the holiday weekend. Customers may also contact their Operations and Service Support or National Customer Service Center regarding questions on specific shipments or local service requirements. The latest ETA and routing information is always available through Pacesetter and accessNS. 

Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact the National Customer Service Center.

Customer Service Operations at 800-635-5768.
Customer Service Automotive Operations at 888-649-9273. 

Customers with questions regarding local service should contact their Operations and Service Support Representative.

Operations and Service Support at 800-898-4296.

NS 2014 Thanksgiving Holiday Operations

Received the following via email.

2014 Thanksgiving Holiday Operations

Norfolk Southern plans to operate scheduled train service and other rail operations over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Some unit train operations and local service may be reduced depending on customer operations.

Our Operations and Service Support Center will contact local customers to confirm needed service over the holiday weekend. Customers may also contact their Operations and Service Support or National Customer Service Center regarding questions on specific shipments or local service requirements. The latest ETA and routing information is always available through Pacesetter and accessNS. 

Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact the National Customer Service Center.

Customer Service Operations at 800-635-5768.
Customer Service Automotive Operations at 888-649-9273. 

Customers with questions regarding local service should contact their Operations and Service Support Representative.

Operations and Service Support at 800-898-4296.

A lovely group of ALCO power

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

Question: Where in the world can you get a C-420, and RS-3, and a pair of C / M636's working together on the same train?

Answer: On the Delaware Lackawanna, John!!!

CSX CFO Reiterates Expectations and Strategy for Long-Term Value Creation

Received the following via email. 

CSX CFO Reiterates Expectations and Strategy for Long-Term Value Creation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - November 12, 2014 - CSX (NYSE: CSX) has taken a number of actions to overcome the transition in the energy markets in recent years, emerging a stronger company that is better positioned to capitalize on momentum across nearly all the markets it serves, Chief Financial Officer Fredrik Eliasson told investors and analysts at the Baird Global Industrials Conference today in Chicago.

"CSX's future is built on the continued execution of our core strategy, which means enhancing our ability to grow faster than the economy, price above inflation, make strategic investments and produce ever more efficient operations to continue delivering superior shareholder value," Eliasson said. "The foundation of that strategy is service excellence, and we are putting the resources in place now to deliver strong service to continue creating sustainable value for our customers and shareholders."

CSX's record third quarter financial results highlight the value created by executing that core strategy, while continuing to build on the company's track record of success through the energy transition. By focusing on inflation-plus pricing and efficient operations, CSX is better positioned to capitalize on continued economic momentum and develop new customers on its network. The company expects fourth quarter earnings per share growth to be similar to the level achieved in the third quarter. CSX remains confident in its ability to deliver double digit earnings growth and margin expansion in 2015 as it progresses toward a mid-60s operating ratio over the longer term.

Investors can visit http://investors.csx.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=92932&p=irol-irhome for more information about CSX's financial performance.

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 more than 185 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 small farming towns alike.  More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX

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

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

Not an ideal way to spend New Year's Eve!

(Train sightings on 12-31-86.) 

New Year's Eve in 1986 finds this Middletown & Hummelstown RR crew positioning a tank car at the Manley-Regan Chemical Company in Middletown (PA) on a blustery day that made the temperature seem colder than it was. M&H 1 is ex-Army 65 tonner 7272 and was built by GE in August 1941 in Schenectady (NY).

By the dawn's early light...

Received the following from Kermit Geary, Jr.  Text and photo are his.

On the anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, one has to pause and reflect on the goodness that still abounds in this great country.

Morristown & Erie's 1984 Excursion to Jim Thorpe (PA)

(Train sightings on 10-14-84.)

Thirty years ago on October 14, 1984 Morristown & Erie's 16 (C430), 17 (C430)and 18 (C424) lead its fourteen car consist through Weiders Crossing (PA) on its way to Jim Thorpe. It had departed from Hoboken (NJ) around 9 AM and was scheduled to return at 9 PM. The excursion would lay over in Jim Thorpe for approximately three hours so that passengers could take in the festivities of annual fall festival that was taking place in town. As for the fare, it was $44.00 per person in coach.

CSX Concludes Racketeering and Fraud Litigation Against Asbestos Lawyers

Received the following via email. 

CSX Concludes Racketeering and Fraud Litigation Against Asbestos Lawyers

Jury's RICO and Fraud Verdict Stands $7.3 million to be Paid by Defendants and Donated to CSX Foundation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Nov. 6, 2014) - CSX Transportation today announced that it has resolved the final stages of its racketeering and fraud lawsuit against asbestos attorneys Robert N. Peirce Jr. and Louis A. Raimond, and radiologist Dr. Ray Harron. As part of the settlement, the West Virginia jury's verdict stands and CSX will be paid $7.3 million to satisfy the trial court judgment entered against the lawyers and doctor on September 25, 2013, and in resolution of disputed motions for attorney fees and costs.

CSX brought civil RICO and fraud claims against the defendants on July 5, 2007, alleging that they conspired to manufacture and litigate fraudulent asbestos claims against the company. In December 2012, a jury agreed and awarded CSX approximately $429,000 in damages - an amount later tripled to $1.3 million by the trial court judge as required by the federal racketeering statute. Those damages and legal fees totaled $7.3 million.

Prior to this settlement, the judgment had been on appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, Va. That appeal is to be dismissed, leaving the jury's findings and resulting judgment undisturbed.

"We sincerely thank the jury and the judges. They acknowledged that fraud in injury claims degrades the U.S. system and makes it harder for truly injured persons to be treated fairly," said Ellen M. Fitzsimmons, executive vice president, law and public affairs, CSX. "These funds will be donated to the CSX Foundation, where they will be dedicated to philanthropic efforts serving CSX's communities."

The CSX Foundation supports Beyond our Rails (beyondourrails.org), a shared effort between CSX and its employees to advance safety, wellness, environmental and community-based initiatives that seek to improve the well-being of the people and places CSX serves.

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 more than 185 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 small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at ww.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

Melanie Cost

904-359-1702

2014 Symposium is ON!! Come one ..come all

Received the following from Kermit Geary, Jr.
Also see posting on Thursday, October 30, 2014.

Two groups…. ….one mission!

Railroad Historians of the Lehigh Valley 

&

Lehigh Valley Chapter, NRHS

The Railroad Historians of the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Chapter, NRHS proudly announce the first annual Railroad Symposium on Saturday November 15th, 2014

at the Northampton Community Center, 1601 Laubach Ave, Northampton, PA 18067.

Cutoff date for mail registration will be November 5th, 2014, Payments will be available at the door, but banquet space will not be guaranteed.

Agenda: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM : Registration

8:00 AM to 4:00 PM : Display Tables and Vendor Area open

8:30 AM RHLV-LVC Business Meeting

Presenters : Mike Bednar, James Rowland, Richard Samsel and others to be announced.

Cost per person: $45.00 includes Registration, Continental Breakfast, Refreshments, and Noon banquet.  

ALL ARE WELCOME … RHLV / NRHS membership NOT required for attendance. Plenty of FREE parking on site.

Vendors: Table Space Available at $20.00 per table. Call 610-428-7629 to reserve a table.

***Vendors MUST also pay $45.00 registration fee***

Display and Vendor area is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

NAME: ________________________________________ Phone: __________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________

Registration(s) _________ @ $45.00 per person = $ _________________________

Vendor Table(s) __________@ $20.00 per table = $ _________________________

Grand Total ___________attendees $ _________________________

Please include this form with payment (Checks made out to Lehigh Valley Chapter) and mail to:

Lehigh Valley Chapter, NRHS C/O Kermit Geary, Jr. 1266 Riverview Drive Walnutport, PA 18088

ENVELOPE MUST BE POSTMARKED BY NOVEMBER 5TH, 2014

CONTACT KGJR1554@EARTHLINK.NET or 610-428-7629 FOR MORE INFORMATION 

CSX Names Kellen Riley South Carolina Industrial Development Manager

Received the following via email. 

CSX Names Kellen Riley South Carolina Industrial Development Manager

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - November 3, 2014 - CSX (NYSE: CSX) today announced the appointment of Kellen Riley as its South Carolina Industrial Development Manager. In this role, Riley will be responsible for managing existing customer partnerships, helping to locate rail-served industries along the CSX network in South Carolina and identifying new development sites throughout the state.

"We're thrilled to have Kellen on board to help drive industry development and customer investment in the state of South Carolina," said Clark Robertson, Assistant Vice President, Regional Development at CSX. "Kellen's enthusiasm and familiarity with South Carolina's business environment will broaden our footprint in the state while contributing to ongoing economic development activities."

Riley is part of the CSX Regional Development Team, which works to assist firms interested in locating rail-served sites on CSX's broad network as well as converting potential customers to rail service by demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of moving freight by rail. The team helps customers expand and target new markets, providing new opportunities for businesses and creating economic value for communities throughout CSX's network.

In the past five years, CSX and its customers invested more than $14 billion in rail-served facilities, establishing more than 14,000 jobs at industrial plants, distribution centers and other facilities. In 2013 alone, the Regional Development team helped develop 121 new and expanded facilities, generating more than $3 billion in capital investment from customers while creating 1,600 new jobs in their local communities.

Riley first joined CSX in 2010, as part of the New Business Development team, overseeing the expansion of CSX's petroleum, plastics, phosphates and fertilizers business. He received his Bachelor's degree and MBA from the University of South Carolina.

"I'm excited to join Regional Development and look forward to partnering with others to help locate new business to the state," said Kellen Riley. "South Carolina has clearly demonstrated significant success attracting new industry, and I look forward to helping CSX to build on that momentum."

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 more than 185 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 small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

Kristin Seay

(904) 359-3442

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

You may have heard that our North Pole Express trains are all sold out. That means tickets on our Candy Cane Limited will be going fast - especially since we're announcing a three day sale of $2 off per ticket! That's right! Now through the end of the day on Sunday, November 9, buy at least four tickets for the Candy Cane Limited and receive $2 off each ticket! No coupon code required - discount is automatically applied. The Candy Cane Limited departs Flemington Station at 12:00 PM on each of these days: November 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 The round-trip ride is about 90 minutes. On board the train kids will meet Santa and receive a tasty Candy Cane treat! Santa will pose for photos with children upon request. For complete details on all of our trains and events Visit Our Website

ORDER TICKETS NOW!

Candy Cane Limited - 2014 Saturday November 22, 2014 to Sunday December 21, 2014 Don't have the time for the North Pole Express? Try out the Candy Cane Limited, NEW for 2014! Board this train at Flemington Station for a ride to Ringoes and return. On board the train, Santa and his helper will greet all the kids, posing for photos upon request. All passengers receive a candy cane! 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.

From my NJT RVL archive...

(Train sightings in May, 1980 and July, 1982.) 

...comes these two images from the 1980s. The image of ex-CNJ 4107 (ex-CNJ 3680) is west of Raritan near MP 37. NJT's Raritan facility can be seen off in the distance and to the right in that image. I would speculate that this scene was taken sometime in May, 1980 and this train was most likely the noon day run to Phillipsburg (NJ).

The second image of NJT 4105 (ex-CNJ 3676) was taken near NJT's Raritan facility in July, 1982. Barely visble in the distance is the signal bridge near the present day Raritan station. Other details related to this scene are unknown.

Federal Highway Administration Approves Construction Alternative for CSX’s Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project

Received the following via email.

Federal Highway Administration Approves Construction Alternative for CSX’s 

Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project

Final action on Federal environmental review allows CSX to complete design work 

and seek construction permits

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Nov. 4, 2014)– The Federal Highway Administration has 

approved a preferred construction alternative for CSX’s Virginia Avenue Tunnel 

project, enabling CSX to complete the tunnel’s design and initiate the 

construction permitting process. The decision marks the completion of an 

extensive environmental review of the project conducted jointly with the 

District of Columbia Department of Transportation, which incorporates three 

years of input from residents, businesses and government agencies in the 

southeast Washington, D.C., neighborhood around the tunnel. 

The Federal government approved a proposal to modernize the 110-year old tunnel 

which will improve the flow of freight traffic through the District of Columbia 

and eliminate a rail-traffic bottleneck that also impacts commuter and 

passenger trains in the region. The new structure will accommodate trains that 

can carry enough freight to remove the equivalent of 280 trucks per train from 

the nation’s highways. 

“The Virginia Avenue Tunnel is a critical piece of our national and regional 

transportation infrastructure,” said Louis E. Renjel, Jr., vice president of 

strategic infrastructure initiatives for CSX. “Reconstructing the aging 

tunnel will eliminate a long-standing rail bottleneck that impacts freight and 

commuter rail, and it will increase the network’s capacity ahead of anticipated 

growth in freight-rail traffic. Through CSX’s commitment to the community, 

neighbors will enjoy improved streetscapes, additional green spaces, a new bike 

trail and other improvements as part of the project.

“While this decision is the end of the Federal environmental review process, it 

is just the beginning of a new phase of CSX’s relationship with the community,” 

Renjel said. “Input from residents shaped many features of this project and we 

are appreciative of their involvement.  We are committed to doing this project 

the right way; safely, respecting our neighbors and working closely with 

residents and businesses to minimize impacts and to ensure that they are 

informed about construction plans.”

CSX plans to use a new website, social media, events, briefings and other tools 

to maintain the flow of information to area residents and businesses. The 

company has an established community office in the neighborhood that is staffed 

during regular hours to allow visitors to learn more about the project and ask 

specific questions of company representatives. 

CSX and its design/build contractor, Clark/Parsons, will now finalize the 

tunnel design and begin applying for construction permits in compliance with 

D.C.’s established construction-permitting process.  Following the initial 

permitting process, utility relocations and other preliminary efforts will 

begin. Major construction is expected to begin in the next several months, 

following receipt of the required permits. 

The CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel team has voluntarily committed to hire workers 

and select contractors consistent with the spirit of the District of Columbia’s 

First Source and Certified Business Enterprise programs.

In response to feedback from nearby residents, the alternative selected 

through this process has the shortest construction timespan (30 to 42 months) 

of any of the construction alternatives considered and ensures that trains 

will always operate in enclosed tunnels in front of nearby residences. The plan 

includes significant measures to reduce the construction impacts on nearby 

residences and businesses, including dust, noise and vibration monitoring and 

control plans; limited construction hours; and maintenance-of-traffic plans 

that ensure continued pedestrian access and vehicle mobility for all essential 

services throughout the process. 

The Virginia Avenue Tunnel is part of CSX’s National Gateway, an initiative to 

improve the flow of rail traffic throughout the nation by increasing the use of 

double-stacked intermodal trains and creating more efficient rail routes that 

link Mid-Atlantic ports with Midwestern markets for domestic and imported 

products. It is one of several infrastructure investments CSX is making to meet 

the growing demand to move more freight by rail across its network. The 

Virginia Avenue Tunnel, one of the largest components of the National Gateway 

program, is receiving no Federal funds.

The record of decision is available for review and downloading at 

www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It 

provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to 

customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, 

construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 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 small farming towns alike. More 

information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at 

www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and foll

ow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact: 

Rob Doolittle

Rob_Doolittle@csx.com

202-626-4939

Aerial Photos of Amtrak's Beech Grove Shops

Received the following via email.
Click on a photo to see it enlarged.  Then use your browser's BACK button to return here. 

Amtrak's huge repair and rebuild shops at Beech Grove, Indiana (on former New York Central RR east of Indianapolis) from 1,000 feet via Phil Brooks' lens on Wednesday, 10/29/14.  


Sorry about the lack of focus on the first one, it was pretty bumpy yesterday at 1000 feet! Wonder what those two trains are at the left, possibly the Wisconsin TALGOs?

NS EVP Planning and CIO Deborah Butler to address Goldman Sachs Industrials Conference

Received the following via email.

Oct. 31, 2014

Norfolk Southern EVP Planning and CIO Deborah Butler to address Goldman Sachs Industrials Conference

NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation Executive Vice President Planning and Chief Information Officer Deborah Butler will participate in the 2014 Goldman Sachs Industrials Conference.

What:                         Goldman Sachs Industrials Conference

When:                        Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, 10:40 a.m. EST

Where:                       InterContinental, 510 Atlantic Ave., Boston

Webcast URL:         http://cc.talkpoint.com/gold006/111214a_ae/?entity=13_53B71YF

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

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.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

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

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