Received the following news article via email. It is from the web site of the Tribune Chronicle of Warren, Ohio, dated May 14, 2008.
http://www.tribune-chronicle.com/page/content.detail/id/505295.html
There is also a follow-up news item from the web site of WYTV of Youngstown, Ohio, dated May 15, 2008.
http://www.wytv.com/news/local/18949829.html
Police Cruiser crushed by train in Newton Ohio
By BILL RODGERS Tribune Chronicle
NEWTON TOWNSHIP — Michael Boyd saw the cruiser parked on the train tracks near Miller Graber Road but forgot about it until he heard the train whistle.
‘‘I’m thinking to myself, ‘Train whistle, cop car, train whistle, cop car.’ And then I heard it,’’ he said, banging his palm on his porch deck to mimic the sound of the train crashing into the Newton Township police cruiser Monday night.
Boyd dressed quickly while his wife, who was painting the living room, panicked. She said she saw someone near the cruiser before the crash. Boyd ran to the cruiser, and was joined by another officer. He half-expected to find someone inside.
The cop car was unoccupied. Patrolman Tom Colosimo had jumped out of the cruiser to chase a suspect in a string of copper thefts.
On Tuesday, Newton Falls Police were reviewing dispatch tapes to learn whether the train for CSX railroad had enough warning to stop. Colosimo radioed Newton Falls dispatch to call CSX and have all traffic along the railroad stopped because he was involved in a foot chase along the tracks.
According to reports from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the a dispatcher in Newton Falls was on the phone with the CSX company 15 minutes later when the train hit the cruiser, which was partially parked on the tracks with its overhead lights on.
The cruiser now sits in Layfield Towing lot in Newton Falls, crushed in the middle, with wires dangling from the windows.
According to a news release from the township, Colosimo stopped his car on the tracks to chase three people who were walking along the rails at about 10:45 p.m.
Large amounts of copper wiring were stolen from along the train tracks recently, which prompted Colosimo to chase after the three people he saw along the tracks. He called for backup and was joined by officers from Newton Falls, Braceville Township, Trumbull County sheriff’s deputies, Lordstown Village Police and a police dog from Newton Falls, according to the township.
The train hit the cruiser at 11 p.m., according to the Highway Patrol. CSX track inspector and city Mayor Pat Layshock said the crash was a low impact considering that trains usually travel about 50 mph through there.
A train can brake for up to two miles before stopping. The train knocked the cruiser off the tracks and continued on for about 14 car lengths, Layshock said.
‘‘It was a mistake in judgment where he decided to stop the cruiser,’’ Layshock said. ‘‘But he should be commended for his effort in trying to stop the vandalism (along the tracks).’’
Boyd, who lives next to the tracks, said the train seemed to be going slower than usual.
There is space the cruiser could have pulled off to the side, he said.
‘‘There’s no way in h—- a guy should ever, ever park on the tracks,’’ Boyd said.
No arrests were made Monday, according to police.
Township police spokesman Jim Luonuansuu said officers recovered a piece of ‘‘evidence,’’ which would be sent to state investigators for prints. But Luonuansuu would not specify what the evidence was.
Township Trustee Peter Augusta said the totaled cruiser was a used Crown Victoria cruiser the small police department bought from the Highway Patrol. Augusta said another cruiser could cost about $5,000 to $7,000.
‘‘I’m just glad no one got hurt. We can buy another cruiser,’’ Augusta said.
The Tribune Chronicle requested copies of the dispatch recordings. Incident reports from the Highway Patrol and the Newton Township Police are pending.
Train Cruiser Accident Follow-Up
by Peggy Sinkovich
Police Chief Robert Carlson spent most of the day Wednesday reviewing thirteen minutes of audio tape, trying to determine if his dispatcher acted appropriately Monday night. Moments before a CSX train smashed into a Newton Township cruiser at the Miller and Graber crossing.
Officer Tom Colosimo was on patrol when he saw people near the tracks around 10:45pm. He stopped to question them and then contacted the dispatch.
It's not clear if the CSX was notified. But at 11:02pm the officer once again called dispatch. This time he said his cruiser was parked on the train tracks. The dispatcher told the officer CSX was not notified. A minute later the train hit the cruiser.
Carlson says he is concerned the train company was not notified sooner but says he is not sure if a phone call ten minutes earlier would have helped.
The Ohio State Highway patrol is investigating the crash. Newton Township officials say the officer is not facing any administrative action.
The chief says his investigation should be complete in about two days.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
RJ Corman seeks to reopen 20-mile rail line in PA.
Received the following news item via email. It is May 14 news from RAILWAY TRACK & STRUCTURES Magazine.
RJ Corman seeks to reopen 20-mile rail line in PA.
Company will seek to reopen 20-mile rail line in Pennsylvania.
A Kentucky-based railroad company wants to reactivate 20 miles of rail line that could serve the landfill and industrial park another company wants to build in Rush Township, Pa., local newspapers report. Noel Rush, vice president for strategic planning and development at R.J. Corman Railroad, of Nicholasville, Ken., said the company plans to file the request with the federal Surface Transportation Board in the next few weeks. The proposed rail line would cover about 20 miles from Wallaceton in Clearfield County through Rush Township to the Gorton area in Snow Shoe Township.
Rush said Resource Recovery, the Lancaster County-based company that wants to build a municipal waste landfill and industrial park in the northern corner of Rush Township, is the prospective shipper that could use the rail line.
Resource Recovery has faced strong community opposition to its proposal, which includes building an Interstate 80 interchange to provide direct access to the site. Although the state Department of Environmental Protection’s review of the project is on hold, the company recently bought the 5,800-acre site for the landfill and industrial park. According to papers filed with Centre County, Resource Recovery bought the land for $3.4 million on April 25. Company President Ed Abel could not be reached for comment.
Rush said if the rail line project is a success, R.J. Corman expects to have one inbound and one outbound train a day, with 10 to 20 cars initially. He said the trains could be used to haul commodities such as “cubed” or compacted garbage to the landfill and sand and gravel from the industrial park. Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. has said it wants to build a sandstone quarry in the park.
About half of the proposed rail line is part of the Snow Shoe Rails to Trails’ recreational route. Larry Mayes, the group’s secretary, said if the rail line is rebuilt the group will lose two historic structures: the Peale Tunnel and the Viaduct Bridge. The tunnel was built in 1883 and recently underwent a major restoration with a state grant.
RJ Corman seeks to reopen 20-mile rail line in PA.
Company will seek to reopen 20-mile rail line in Pennsylvania.
A Kentucky-based railroad company wants to reactivate 20 miles of rail line that could serve the landfill and industrial park another company wants to build in Rush Township, Pa., local newspapers report. Noel Rush, vice president for strategic planning and development at R.J. Corman Railroad, of Nicholasville, Ken., said the company plans to file the request with the federal Surface Transportation Board in the next few weeks. The proposed rail line would cover about 20 miles from Wallaceton in Clearfield County through Rush Township to the Gorton area in Snow Shoe Township.
Rush said Resource Recovery, the Lancaster County-based company that wants to build a municipal waste landfill and industrial park in the northern corner of Rush Township, is the prospective shipper that could use the rail line.
Resource Recovery has faced strong community opposition to its proposal, which includes building an Interstate 80 interchange to provide direct access to the site. Although the state Department of Environmental Protection’s review of the project is on hold, the company recently bought the 5,800-acre site for the landfill and industrial park. According to papers filed with Centre County, Resource Recovery bought the land for $3.4 million on April 25. Company President Ed Abel could not be reached for comment.
Rush said if the rail line project is a success, R.J. Corman expects to have one inbound and one outbound train a day, with 10 to 20 cars initially. He said the trains could be used to haul commodities such as “cubed” or compacted garbage to the landfill and sand and gravel from the industrial park. Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. has said it wants to build a sandstone quarry in the park.
About half of the proposed rail line is part of the Snow Shoe Rails to Trails’ recreational route. Larry Mayes, the group’s secretary, said if the rail line is rebuilt the group will lose two historic structures: the Peale Tunnel and the Viaduct Bridge. The tunnel was built in 1883 and recently underwent a major restoration with a state grant.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Crash at Crush
Received the following via email about a posting on TrainOrders.com about a historical marker plaque in "Crush," Texas. The site is about 70 miles south of Fort Worth, 20 miles north of Waco just off Interstate 35. Here is the text on the plaque:
THE CRASH AT CRUSH
A head on collision between two locomotives was staged on Sept 15, 1896 as a publicity stunt for the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad. Over 30,000 spectators gathered at the crash site, named "crush" for MKT passenger agent William G. Crush who conceived the idea. At about 4PM the trains were sent speeding towards each other. Contrary to mechanics' predictions, the steam boilers exploded on impact propelling pieces of metal into the crowed. Two persons were killed and many others injured, including Jarvis Deane of Waco who was photographing the event.
THE CRASH AT CRUSH
A head on collision between two locomotives was staged on Sept 15, 1896 as a publicity stunt for the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad. Over 30,000 spectators gathered at the crash site, named "crush" for MKT passenger agent William G. Crush who conceived the idea. At about 4PM the trains were sent speeding towards each other. Contrary to mechanics' predictions, the steam boilers exploded on impact propelling pieces of metal into the crowed. Two persons were killed and many others injured, including Jarvis Deane of Waco who was photographing the event.
Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 19, 2008
There is an interesting report available on the web that is "A Weekly Report of North American Rail Freight Traffic by Major Railroad and Commodity." It is currently showing data for week 19 of 2008. Take a look.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
Bayonne Rail Yard
Received the following via email from 5/3/08 postings to CRRNJ@yahoogroups.com by Rich, who works in the Bayonne, NJ rail yard. I have arranged them in chronological order.
On Wednesday, we had 197 cars physically in the yard on our 17 yard tracks. We had 80 cars inbound from O.I, plus an additional 80 or so w/b's that O.I. could not handle.
(Note: O.I. is Oak Island yard)
Question:
Just out of curiosity, how many diesels does the yard employ and what types are they? I've often wanted to ask this question but have not known whom to ask. I've also been fascinated by the collection of Canadian freight cars standing in the yard; CN, CV, NO etc.
Response:
Most of the Canadien box cars in the yard are newsprint cars for the Daily News Plant near Liberty State Park. Sometimes we also get Canadien cars loaded with Bricks for a distributor on the Pier 18 lead. This has led to some funny incidents if you're not watching your car numbers. One job does both customers...
As for locomotives...We get anything and everything...Usually we have two GP-38-s's and/or GP-40-2's plus any kind of a third engine from exRDG SW-1001's to GP-15's to new GE Widecabs. (Just before I bumped back last month they had one over there for a few days.) Right now we have two exCR GP-38-s's (NS 5291-NS 5292, both still in Blue) an exCR SW-1001 (CSX 1123) and a CSX SD-50 (8522 exSBD/L&N...it has a headlight in the low nose).
On Wednesday, we had 197 cars physically in the yard on our 17 yard tracks. We had 80 cars inbound from O.I, plus an additional 80 or so w/b's that O.I. could not handle.
(Note: O.I. is Oak Island yard)
Question:
Just out of curiosity, how many diesels does the yard employ and what types are they? I've often wanted to ask this question but have not known whom to ask. I've also been fascinated by the collection of Canadian freight cars standing in the yard; CN, CV, NO etc.
Response:
Most of the Canadien box cars in the yard are newsprint cars for the Daily News Plant near Liberty State Park. Sometimes we also get Canadien cars loaded with Bricks for a distributor on the Pier 18 lead. This has led to some funny incidents if you're not watching your car numbers. One job does both customers...
As for locomotives...We get anything and everything...Usually we have two GP-38-s's and/or GP-40-2's plus any kind of a third engine from exRDG SW-1001's to GP-15's to new GE Widecabs. (Just before I bumped back last month they had one over there for a few days.) Right now we have two exCR GP-38-s's (NS 5291-NS 5292, both still in Blue) an exCR SW-1001 (CSX 1123) and a CSX SD-50 (8522 exSBD/L&N...it has a headlight in the low nose).
YELLOW RIBBON EXPRESS
We received the following copy of an email from Nathan S. Clark about the Yellow Ribbon Express (YRE) train that is in the planning stages. The email explains the purpose of this project.
Subject: YELLOW RIBBON EXPRESS: $250,000 Cntribution and BHL Contract
Good afternoon, Julia and Scott.
Recall our discussions of the development of the YELLOW RIBBON EXPRESS steam-powered train tour of 150 cities in the 48 contiguous states to show our nation's grateful appreciation for our troops. Behind the scenes, the wheels have been turning in connection with getting the YRE's wheels turning. I thought The Gratitude Campaign and AmericaSupportsYou.mil would both like to know about this recent major contribution from a private individual:
"We are most grateful to be able to announce that we have received a $250,000 contribution from a West Point graduate who after his army career went on to become a very successful Wall Street investor. He believes that it is vitally important that the nation show its appreciation to the brave men and women serving on the front lines, and he further believes that the Yellow Ribbon Express will effectively deliver that message. This generous contribution will now permit us to begin in earnest the critical next step, which is the writing of the full business plan and sponsor acquisition plan.
"We are pleased to announce, effective May 1, 2008, the hiring of the nationally acclaimed firm of Barry Howard Limited www.barryhowardlimited.com of Santa Monica, CA to construct the full business plan and sponsor acquisition plan. Barry Howard was the master-planner for the highly acclaimed American Freedom Train and we are confident that he will produce an equally exciting and compelling exhibit for the ten display cars on the Yellow Ribbon Express."
The YRE will be a VERY powerful symbol of gratitude to our nation's military personnel, extending back over two centuries. Throughout its 3 year, 150-city nationwide display tour... "The Yellow Ribbon Express will tell the 300-year story of the American democracy with an emphasis on thanking those who have answered the call to duty and served the nation at different critical times of need.
"It will set out with the purpose of, "...uniting us all in our gratitude to those who have served the nation in harm's way, in our military services. Hundreds of original artifacts from our nation's history will be on board its ten display cars, which will employ all available state-of-the-art display technologies to tell the story of our 230 year old fight to protect freedom. As was amply shown by the success of the 1976 "American Freedom Train", these priceless artifacts will ensure the train's "must-see" status throughout the nation."
If you are too young to recall,
"The American Freedom Train was a 26-car train led by one of three enormous steam engines restored just for the occasion. Over a 21-month period from April 1, 1975 to December 31, 1976 more than 7 million Americans visited the train during its tour of all 48 contiguous states. Tens of millions more stood trackside to see it go by. It was by far the greatest event on rails since the end of the steam era, and the uniquely magnificent vehicle that brought America's Bicentennial celebration to the people.
"Be sure to read the poem, "A Soldier's Wish" (by LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN, serving in Iraq) that is posted on the site's 'Timeline' page, which YRE founder Ross Rowland declares, "...so perfectly and powerfully speaks to the very essence of the Yellow Ribbon Express project". As I know you'll recognize, the last two stanzas, especially, 'sum it all up'... http://www.yellowribbonexpress.com/
Warmest Regards,
---Nate
Subject: YELLOW RIBBON EXPRESS: $250,000 Cntribution and BHL Contract
Good afternoon, Julia and Scott.
Recall our discussions of the development of the YELLOW RIBBON EXPRESS steam-powered train tour of 150 cities in the 48 contiguous states to show our nation's grateful appreciation for our troops. Behind the scenes, the wheels have been turning in connection with getting the YRE's wheels turning. I thought The Gratitude Campaign and AmericaSupportsYou.mil would both like to know about this recent major contribution from a private individual:
"We are most grateful to be able to announce that we have received a $250,000 contribution from a West Point graduate who after his army career went on to become a very successful Wall Street investor. He believes that it is vitally important that the nation show its appreciation to the brave men and women serving on the front lines, and he further believes that the Yellow Ribbon Express will effectively deliver that message. This generous contribution will now permit us to begin in earnest the critical next step, which is the writing of the full business plan and sponsor acquisition plan.
"We are pleased to announce, effective May 1, 2008, the hiring of the nationally acclaimed firm of Barry Howard Limited www.barryhowardlimited.com of Santa Monica, CA to construct the full business plan and sponsor acquisition plan. Barry Howard was the master-planner for the highly acclaimed American Freedom Train and we are confident that he will produce an equally exciting and compelling exhibit for the ten display cars on the Yellow Ribbon Express."
The YRE will be a VERY powerful symbol of gratitude to our nation's military personnel, extending back over two centuries. Throughout its 3 year, 150-city nationwide display tour... "The Yellow Ribbon Express will tell the 300-year story of the American democracy with an emphasis on thanking those who have answered the call to duty and served the nation at different critical times of need.
"It will set out with the purpose of, "...uniting us all in our gratitude to those who have served the nation in harm's way, in our military services. Hundreds of original artifacts from our nation's history will be on board its ten display cars, which will employ all available state-of-the-art display technologies to tell the story of our 230 year old fight to protect freedom. As was amply shown by the success of the 1976 "American Freedom Train", these priceless artifacts will ensure the train's "must-see" status throughout the nation."
If you are too young to recall,
"The American Freedom Train was a 26-car train led by one of three enormous steam engines restored just for the occasion. Over a 21-month period from April 1, 1975 to December 31, 1976 more than 7 million Americans visited the train during its tour of all 48 contiguous states. Tens of millions more stood trackside to see it go by. It was by far the greatest event on rails since the end of the steam era, and the uniquely magnificent vehicle that brought America's Bicentennial celebration to the people.
"Be sure to read the poem, "A Soldier's Wish" (by LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN, serving in Iraq) that is posted on the site's 'Timeline' page, which YRE founder Ross Rowland declares, "...so perfectly and powerfully speaks to the very essence of the Yellow Ribbon Express project". As I know you'll recognize, the last two stanzas, especially, 'sum it all up'... http://www.yellowribbonexpress.com/
Warmest Regards,
---Nate
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Follow-up to "Man killed by train in Manville, NJ"
Yesterday we posted an article about a rairoad fatality in Manville, NJ. (see below) This is a follow-up article that was posted on the web site mycentraljersey.com on 5-9-08.
May 9, 2008
Victim of Manville train accident Thursday was high school student
By MARTIN C. BRICKETTO
STAFF WRITER
The person struck and killed by a freight train Thursday afternoon has been identified as 19-year-old Kevin Seit, a student at Manville High School, police said.
Seit was in his senior year at the school, according to borough Police Chief Mark Peltack, who said the circumstances surrounding Seit's death remain under investigation.
The loss of the student comes a little more than a week before the high school's prom and less than two months before graduation.
In a letter dated Friday and posted on the school district's Web site, Principal Mary E. McLoughlin said, "On Thursday afternoon, the Manville community experienced the sudden death of one of its students.''
"We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and have our Crisis Management procedures in place to help your children with their reactions to this tragedy,''
McLoughlin said in the letter.
At about 2:50 p.m. Thursday, a westbound Norfolk Southern freight train struck an individual who was trespassing on the railroad track, according to Rudy Husband, a spokesman for Norfolk Southern.
Husband was unable to provide additional information on Friday regarding why the individual might have been in the area, referring questions to local police.
In her letter, McLoughlin noted other community resources available to parents such as the Richard Hall Community Health Center in Bridgewater and the Somerset County Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. Names and phone numbers were also offered from district personnel.
May 9, 2008
Victim of Manville train accident Thursday was high school student
By MARTIN C. BRICKETTO
STAFF WRITER
The person struck and killed by a freight train Thursday afternoon has been identified as 19-year-old Kevin Seit, a student at Manville High School, police said.
Seit was in his senior year at the school, according to borough Police Chief Mark Peltack, who said the circumstances surrounding Seit's death remain under investigation.
The loss of the student comes a little more than a week before the high school's prom and less than two months before graduation.
In a letter dated Friday and posted on the school district's Web site, Principal Mary E. McLoughlin said, "On Thursday afternoon, the Manville community experienced the sudden death of one of its students.''
"We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and have our Crisis Management procedures in place to help your children with their reactions to this tragedy,''
McLoughlin said in the letter.
At about 2:50 p.m. Thursday, a westbound Norfolk Southern freight train struck an individual who was trespassing on the railroad track, according to Rudy Husband, a spokesman for Norfolk Southern.
Husband was unable to provide additional information on Friday regarding why the individual might have been in the area, referring questions to local police.
In her letter, McLoughlin noted other community resources available to parents such as the Richard Hall Community Health Center in Bridgewater and the Somerset County Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. Names and phone numbers were also offered from district personnel.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 18, 2008
There is an interesting report available on the web that is "A Weekly Report of North American Rail Freight Traffic by Major Railroad and Commodity." It is currently showing data for week 16 of 2008. Take a look.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
Man killed by train in Manville, NJ
The following news article was posted on the web site mycentraljersey.com on 5-8-08.
From the comments posted on that web site, it seems the victim was a teenager taking a shortcut while listening to his MP3 player, and he probably did not hear the train. Train tracks are dangerous places, even for railroad employees. Everyone one railroad property needs to be fully alert for moving trains. Of course, he should not have been on the tracks in the first place.
May 8, 2008
Man struck and killed by train in Manville
By MARTIN C. BRICKETTO
STAFF WRITER
A train struck and killed a man Thursday afternoon, Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest said.
At about 2:50 p.m., a westbound Norfolk Southern freight train carrying a mixed load struck an individual who was trespassing on the railroad track, according to Rudy Husband, a spokesman for Norfolk Southern.
Reports indicate that the incident was either an accident or suicide and not criminal, in which case the matter would be turned over to transit authorities, Forrest said.
The railroad location where the incident took place is in Port Reading Junction, Husband said.
Further information about the man was not immediately available.
From the comments posted on that web site, it seems the victim was a teenager taking a shortcut while listening to his MP3 player, and he probably did not hear the train. Train tracks are dangerous places, even for railroad employees. Everyone one railroad property needs to be fully alert for moving trains. Of course, he should not have been on the tracks in the first place.
May 8, 2008
Man struck and killed by train in Manville
By MARTIN C. BRICKETTO
STAFF WRITER
A train struck and killed a man Thursday afternoon, Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest said.
At about 2:50 p.m., a westbound Norfolk Southern freight train carrying a mixed load struck an individual who was trespassing on the railroad track, according to Rudy Husband, a spokesman for Norfolk Southern.
Reports indicate that the incident was either an accident or suicide and not criminal, in which case the matter would be turned over to transit authorities, Forrest said.
The railroad location where the incident took place is in Port Reading Junction, Husband said.
Further information about the man was not immediately available.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Kid saves mom, truck driver from train
Following news item was posted to the WABC (New York) web site on 5-2-08.
EAST ROCKAWAY -- An 11-year-old boy saved his mom and a truck driver from an approaching LIRR train in East Rockaway Friday.
Authorities say that shortly after 8 p.m., Nassau County police were called to the area of the LIRR tracks and Ocean Avenue.
They say it appeared that two vehicles, sitting in traffic, were caught between a set of downed railroad gates activated by an approaching train.
Ryan Murphy, driving with his mother, got out of the car and somehow raised the gate enough for his mother to drive out. A second vehicle, a truck, was also trapped inside. The driver was able to race out just in time, but the train still clipped the truck.
"It came down on our windshield, so I just picked it up," he said. "And then my mom came through and then the other guy behind us, who was in the big truck. His truck got hit. Luckily, we didn't."
Damage to the truck and the train were minimal, thanks, authorities say, only to the actions of the youngster.
"At the time, I was freaking," mom Jackie Murphy said. "And then my little boy got out of the car and lifted it up. He was like, 'Hurry, mom, hurry!' And then I went through. At least the truck got through a little bit. But he got hit in the back. [Ryan] has always been my hero."
LIRR officials were on scene investigating the accident and trying to figure out how the vehicles became trapped inside the gates.
EAST ROCKAWAY -- An 11-year-old boy saved his mom and a truck driver from an approaching LIRR train in East Rockaway Friday.
Authorities say that shortly after 8 p.m., Nassau County police were called to the area of the LIRR tracks and Ocean Avenue.
They say it appeared that two vehicles, sitting in traffic, were caught between a set of downed railroad gates activated by an approaching train.
Ryan Murphy, driving with his mother, got out of the car and somehow raised the gate enough for his mother to drive out. A second vehicle, a truck, was also trapped inside. The driver was able to race out just in time, but the train still clipped the truck.
"It came down on our windshield, so I just picked it up," he said. "And then my mom came through and then the other guy behind us, who was in the big truck. His truck got hit. Luckily, we didn't."
Damage to the truck and the train were minimal, thanks, authorities say, only to the actions of the youngster.
"At the time, I was freaking," mom Jackie Murphy said. "And then my little boy got out of the car and lifted it up. He was like, 'Hurry, mom, hurry!' And then I went through. At least the truck got through a little bit. But he got hit in the back. [Ryan] has always been my hero."
LIRR officials were on scene investigating the accident and trying to figure out how the vehicles became trapped inside the gates.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Lionel Exits Bankruptcy, May 2008
Following article is by The Associated Press, and was published by numerous magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations.
Lionel steams out of bankruptcy, eyes new markets
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2008
Lionel LLC has emerged from bankruptcy protection, ending more than three years of restructuring and a bitter fight with a rival model train company.
The 108-year-old toy maker formally came out of bankruptcy Thursday, leaving the company poised to move out of the hobby shop and into the broader pop-culture marketplace.
Chief Executive Gerald Calabrese, a former Marvel Comics executive who shepherded Lionel through bankruptcy, said in an interview that he sees the new Lionel as an entertainment company and not just a toy maker.
"The way people buy and sell things has changed dramatically since 1900," said Calabrese. "We're not the distribution and sales mechanism anymore, we're the intellectual property. And that's the major change in the outlook of this company."
Breaking into the broader toy market is key to Lionel's growth said Calabrese. During the company's stint under bankruptcy protection, sales for Lionel starter sets -- kid-friendly systems that range in price from $129 to $300 -- more than doubled. The company sold some 200,000 sets last year with much of that growth coming from sales at department stores and big-box retailers.
"We had virtually no sales at outlets like Target and Macy's and FAO Schwarz when the bankruptcy started," said Calabrese.
Developing new products that appeal to kids and getting them on the shelves at big retail outlets is only part of what Calabrese, who worked on Marvel's television programming in the 1990s, calls the pop-cultural segment of the toy market. He says that in today's marketplace, movies and television are the key drivers to sales.
Lionel found itself in bankruptcy in November 2004, just months after Calabrese was named CEO, when federal jury awarded rival train maker MTH Electric Trains $38.6 million in a trade-secrets dispute with Lionel. Faced with a judgment it couldn't pay Lionel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
An appeals court later overturned the verdict and ordered a new trial. Lionel and MTH settled their long-running fight late last year paving the way for Lionel's exit from Chapter 11.
P.S.
We are an authorized Lionel dealer; and we have Lionel products available year-round, not just at Christmas time.
Lionel steams out of bankruptcy, eyes new markets
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2008
Lionel LLC has emerged from bankruptcy protection, ending more than three years of restructuring and a bitter fight with a rival model train company.
The 108-year-old toy maker formally came out of bankruptcy Thursday, leaving the company poised to move out of the hobby shop and into the broader pop-culture marketplace.
Chief Executive Gerald Calabrese, a former Marvel Comics executive who shepherded Lionel through bankruptcy, said in an interview that he sees the new Lionel as an entertainment company and not just a toy maker.
"The way people buy and sell things has changed dramatically since 1900," said Calabrese. "We're not the distribution and sales mechanism anymore, we're the intellectual property. And that's the major change in the outlook of this company."
Breaking into the broader toy market is key to Lionel's growth said Calabrese. During the company's stint under bankruptcy protection, sales for Lionel starter sets -- kid-friendly systems that range in price from $129 to $300 -- more than doubled. The company sold some 200,000 sets last year with much of that growth coming from sales at department stores and big-box retailers.
"We had virtually no sales at outlets like Target and Macy's and FAO Schwarz when the bankruptcy started," said Calabrese.
Developing new products that appeal to kids and getting them on the shelves at big retail outlets is only part of what Calabrese, who worked on Marvel's television programming in the 1990s, calls the pop-cultural segment of the toy market. He says that in today's marketplace, movies and television are the key drivers to sales.
Lionel found itself in bankruptcy in November 2004, just months after Calabrese was named CEO, when federal jury awarded rival train maker MTH Electric Trains $38.6 million in a trade-secrets dispute with Lionel. Faced with a judgment it couldn't pay Lionel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
An appeals court later overturned the verdict and ordered a new trial. Lionel and MTH settled their long-running fight late last year paving the way for Lionel's exit from Chapter 11.
P.S.
We are an authorized Lionel dealer; and we have Lionel products available year-round, not just at Christmas time.
Graffiti 'legend' arrested
Following article is from the web site, delawareonline.com
Graffiti 'legend' arrested, police say
Teen blamed for $500,000 in damage
By TERRI SANGINITI • The News Journal • April 29, 2008
Traveling into Delaware, visitors often see the bright block letters "EASY" on overpasses, fences and rail cars.
"You can't come through Delaware on I-95 if you're a graffiti writer," New Castle County police Detective LaVincent Harris said. "You immediately take notice, this is their turf. They're legends in Delaware."
The "EASY" tag, as well as "Mr. Ease" and "FAST HANDS CREW," is the work of 19-year-old Derrick Noel, the No. 2 graffiti tagger in New Castle County, Harris said. Police calculate that Noel's tagging has amounted to more than $500,000 in damage. Police would not comment on who the top tagger is.
Authorities describe Noel as "a talented kid" had he not been using his talents for vandalism.
His canvas for the past four years -- since his prior graffiti arrest at age 16 -- has primarily been CSX railroad cars.
Noel, of the 2500 block of Newport Gap Pike, was arrested Monday on 128 criminal counts of graffiti, criminal trespassing, possession of graffiti implements and other offenses. Thirty-two of the offenses are felonies, county police Cpl. Trinidad Navarro said.
Noel is being held in the Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $128,000 secured bail.
His arrest grew out of a traffic stop earlier this month, police said.
County police Cpl. Mike Hopkins was on routine patrol about 6:30 p.m. in the rear parking area of the Eastburn Center on Kirkwood Highway when he spotted a parked car blocking the fire lane.
When he approached, two men quickly got into the car, one trying to hide a baseball bat.
"They were not playing baseball," New Castle County police Superintendent Col. Rick Gregory said.
The pair told the officer they had argued with someone and were using the bat as a potential weapon.
Hopkins told them to put the bat in the car's trunk.
"When they opened the trunk, that's when he saw the multiple spray paint cans," Navarro said.
Inside were 172 cans of spray paint, sketch books and a photo album containing 216 4-by-6-inch photos of railroad cars and a few bridges, tagged with "EASY" or some variation, court records show.
Noel, one of the car's occupants, was charged with possession of graffiti implements, triggering a larger investigation.
Over the next three weeks, county detectives reviewed the albums and shared the information with CSX and state and Elsmere police.
On April 10, county police went to Noel's home near Prices Corner. They seized a computer, a camera, sketchbooks, photographs, more than 150 aerosol spray paint cans and baggies full of specialty spray caps, paintings with the tags "EASE," "EASY" and "EASYONE," 35 mm negatives, a skateboard decorated with graffiti, shopping lists and other evidence linking Noel to the vandalism, court records show.
Of the 216 photographs seized, 32 were determined to be on CSX property dating to November 2005.
CSX Regional Police Commander Larry Weigand said destruction by graffiti costs the company between $5 million and $7 million a year.
The cost of repainting one 53-foot boxcar in CSX colors is about $3,083. Total damage done to the 32 boxcars is calculated at $101,735.04, police said in court records.
Taggers use rail cars as their canvas because "they're proud of their work and it's a way to show their work across the country," Weigand said.
"Far and away, most of what we see is a tagger, not a gang symbol," Gregory said. "But the rail companies suffer a great loss, so do businesses and so do homeowners."
Noel was arrested Oct. 28, 2004, by Delaware River and Bay Authority police on three counts each of criminal trespassing and graffiti and one count of resisting arrest for allegedly spray-painting a bridge on I-295, according to court records.
At his Jan. 3, 2005, trial, he pleaded guilty to one count of graffiti. He was placed under community supervision for five months and was ordered to pay restitution of $800, court records show.
Noel registered as a graphic design student at the Delaware College of Art and Design in the fall of 2006, but is not enrolled there now, said spokeswoman Michele Besso.
Harris said Noel and his Fast Hands Crew design their tags in a sketchbook before tagging in the middle of the night.
Taggers often take a picture of their work and put it on the Internet to get credit for it, Harris said.
Noel's arrest will send a message to other taggers in the area, Harris said. "There's a penalty to pay other than someone giving you a high-five," he said.
Graffiti 'legend' arrested, police say
Teen blamed for $500,000 in damage
By TERRI SANGINITI • The News Journal • April 29, 2008
Traveling into Delaware, visitors often see the bright block letters "EASY" on overpasses, fences and rail cars.
"You can't come through Delaware on I-95 if you're a graffiti writer," New Castle County police Detective LaVincent Harris said. "You immediately take notice, this is their turf. They're legends in Delaware."
The "EASY" tag, as well as "Mr. Ease" and "FAST HANDS CREW," is the work of 19-year-old Derrick Noel, the No. 2 graffiti tagger in New Castle County, Harris said. Police calculate that Noel's tagging has amounted to more than $500,000 in damage. Police would not comment on who the top tagger is.
Authorities describe Noel as "a talented kid" had he not been using his talents for vandalism.
His canvas for the past four years -- since his prior graffiti arrest at age 16 -- has primarily been CSX railroad cars.
Noel, of the 2500 block of Newport Gap Pike, was arrested Monday on 128 criminal counts of graffiti, criminal trespassing, possession of graffiti implements and other offenses. Thirty-two of the offenses are felonies, county police Cpl. Trinidad Navarro said.
Noel is being held in the Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $128,000 secured bail.
His arrest grew out of a traffic stop earlier this month, police said.
County police Cpl. Mike Hopkins was on routine patrol about 6:30 p.m. in the rear parking area of the Eastburn Center on Kirkwood Highway when he spotted a parked car blocking the fire lane.
When he approached, two men quickly got into the car, one trying to hide a baseball bat.
"They were not playing baseball," New Castle County police Superintendent Col. Rick Gregory said.
The pair told the officer they had argued with someone and were using the bat as a potential weapon.
Hopkins told them to put the bat in the car's trunk.
"When they opened the trunk, that's when he saw the multiple spray paint cans," Navarro said.
Inside were 172 cans of spray paint, sketch books and a photo album containing 216 4-by-6-inch photos of railroad cars and a few bridges, tagged with "EASY" or some variation, court records show.
Noel, one of the car's occupants, was charged with possession of graffiti implements, triggering a larger investigation.
Over the next three weeks, county detectives reviewed the albums and shared the information with CSX and state and Elsmere police.
On April 10, county police went to Noel's home near Prices Corner. They seized a computer, a camera, sketchbooks, photographs, more than 150 aerosol spray paint cans and baggies full of specialty spray caps, paintings with the tags "EASE," "EASY" and "EASYONE," 35 mm negatives, a skateboard decorated with graffiti, shopping lists and other evidence linking Noel to the vandalism, court records show.
Of the 216 photographs seized, 32 were determined to be on CSX property dating to November 2005.
CSX Regional Police Commander Larry Weigand said destruction by graffiti costs the company between $5 million and $7 million a year.
The cost of repainting one 53-foot boxcar in CSX colors is about $3,083. Total damage done to the 32 boxcars is calculated at $101,735.04, police said in court records.
Taggers use rail cars as their canvas because "they're proud of their work and it's a way to show their work across the country," Weigand said.
"Far and away, most of what we see is a tagger, not a gang symbol," Gregory said. "But the rail companies suffer a great loss, so do businesses and so do homeowners."
Noel was arrested Oct. 28, 2004, by Delaware River and Bay Authority police on three counts each of criminal trespassing and graffiti and one count of resisting arrest for allegedly spray-painting a bridge on I-295, according to court records.
At his Jan. 3, 2005, trial, he pleaded guilty to one count of graffiti. He was placed under community supervision for five months and was ordered to pay restitution of $800, court records show.
Noel registered as a graphic design student at the Delaware College of Art and Design in the fall of 2006, but is not enrolled there now, said spokeswoman Michele Besso.
Harris said Noel and his Fast Hands Crew design their tags in a sketchbook before tagging in the middle of the night.
Taggers often take a picture of their work and put it on the Internet to get credit for it, Harris said.
Noel's arrest will send a message to other taggers in the area, Harris said. "There's a penalty to pay other than someone giving you a high-five," he said.
National Train Day, 2008
NATIONAL TRAIN DAY IS ON MAY 10TH. GET YOUR CHOO-CHOO ON.
The following paragraph is from the Amtrak web site about National Train Day. Visit the web site for much more information.
http://www.nationaltrainday.com/home
The first-ever National Train Day is on its way, and there’s never been a better time to celebrate. With passenger ridership growing every year, more and more people recognize that trains are the best way to relax and enjoy the ride. To read, talk, work or snooze the time away. Which makes traveling by train the nicer way to get there. So get ready to join the festivities, which include live musical performances, exhibits, trip planning, VIP appearances and trip giveaways.
A great way to celebrate, would be to stop in our store and buy some train related items such as a complete model train set. :-)
The following paragraph is from the Amtrak web site about National Train Day. Visit the web site for much more information.
http://www.nationaltrainday.com/home
The first-ever National Train Day is on its way, and there’s never been a better time to celebrate. With passenger ridership growing every year, more and more people recognize that trains are the best way to relax and enjoy the ride. To read, talk, work or snooze the time away. Which makes traveling by train the nicer way to get there. So get ready to join the festivities, which include live musical performances, exhibits, trip planning, VIP appearances and trip giveaways.
A great way to celebrate, would be to stop in our store and buy some train related items such as a complete model train set. :-)
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Needed for the circus train: Patience and an umbrella...
(Train sightings on 4-28-08.)
As it passed through Manville (NJ) at 11:47. It was scheduled for an early morning departure in Philadelphia but was detained for reasons unknown. Seen through the intermittent showers and downpours, here was what passed by my vantage point prior to the Blue Unit’s passage.
CSX 707 @ 7:10 had CSX 7504 as the leader along with an unknown second unit.
NS 212 (time not recorded) had NS 9673, NS 9163 and NS 7553 as power.
NS 11J @ 7:45 would have zero loads and 37 empties that weighed in at 1,970 tons and was 3,650 feet long. NS 2662 and NS 8423 provided the power.
NS 21M @ 8:05 had the trio of NS 8314, NS 7595 and NS 2749.
NS 214 (time not recorded) had NS 9784, NS 9663 and NS 9560 as power.
NS 19G (ditto on the time) had the quartet of NS 9559, NS 9447, NS 9795 and NS8771 for power.
NS (symbol unknown) @ 9:50 was a short intermodal (COFCs) that had NS 7679 and PRR 8401 as power.
CSX (symbol unknown) @ 10:12 would have CSX 5288 and CSX 5333 bringing a long train of empty well cars east.
NS 18G @ 10:56 had NS 9275 and NS 9137 for power on this general merchandise train.
CSX P916 @ 11:47 Finally the train I was waiting for finally showed up! The leader was CSX 5312 and an unrecorded second CSX unit. P916 would have 61 cars, weigh in at 4,490 tons and measure 5,409 feet for this 443 mile trip to Providence, RI. During its trip up the Trenton Line, a signal maintainer noticed that one of the tractor’s doors (3rd photo) had come open. The CSX crew would ask for permission to stop and have someone close this door near Bound Brook.
Despite the inclement weather, it was still a good day to be trackside to see the RB&BB Blue Unit circus train along with all these others.
As it passed through Manville (NJ) at 11:47. It was scheduled for an early morning departure in Philadelphia but was detained for reasons unknown. Seen through the intermittent showers and downpours, here was what passed by my vantage point prior to the Blue Unit’s passage.
CSX 707 @ 7:10 had CSX 7504 as the leader along with an unknown second unit.
NS 212 (time not recorded) had NS 9673, NS 9163 and NS 7553 as power.
NS 11J @ 7:45 would have zero loads and 37 empties that weighed in at 1,970 tons and was 3,650 feet long. NS 2662 and NS 8423 provided the power.
NS 21M @ 8:05 had the trio of NS 8314, NS 7595 and NS 2749.
NS 214 (time not recorded) had NS 9784, NS 9663 and NS 9560 as power.
NS 19G (ditto on the time) had the quartet of NS 9559, NS 9447, NS 9795 and NS8771 for power.
NS (symbol unknown) @ 9:50 was a short intermodal (COFCs) that had NS 7679 and PRR 8401 as power.
CSX (symbol unknown) @ 10:12 would have CSX 5288 and CSX 5333 bringing a long train of empty well cars east.
NS 18G @ 10:56 had NS 9275 and NS 9137 for power on this general merchandise train.
CSX P916 @ 11:47 Finally the train I was waiting for finally showed up! The leader was CSX 5312 and an unrecorded second CSX unit. P916 would have 61 cars, weigh in at 4,490 tons and measure 5,409 feet for this 443 mile trip to Providence, RI. During its trip up the Trenton Line, a signal maintainer noticed that one of the tractor’s doors (3rd photo) had come open. The CSX crew would ask for permission to stop and have someone close this door near Bound Brook.
Despite the inclement weather, it was still a good day to be trackside to see the RB&BB Blue Unit circus train along with all these others.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Re:New Bayonne West 8th Street Station construction to start
Some wiseguy posted the following comment on CRRNJ@yahoogroups.com to the article we posted below.
"$58.4 million for one mile of track! That works out to $971.72 per inch! "
First, he either made a math error or a typo. Using his logic, the cost should be $921.72 per inch.
But his logic is flawed. The $58.4 million figure is for the whole project. The one mile of track is only a part of that amount, and the article doesn't break down all the various parts.
"$58.4 million for one mile of track! That works out to $971.72 per inch! "
First, he either made a math error or a typo. Using his logic, the cost should be $921.72 per inch.
But his logic is flawed. The $58.4 million figure is for the whole project. The one mile of track is only a part of that amount, and the article doesn't break down all the various parts.
New Bayonne West 8th Street Station construction to start
The following was posted to CRRNJ@yahoogroups.com on 4/30/08.
Not quite replication, but "reminiscent." --Ken
The Hudson Reporter – Light Rail Expansion To Start In May
A 30-month project to expand the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line from 22nd Street to a newly constructed rail station on Eighth Street is slated to begin in May.
The system will be expanded about one mile south, and a portion of it will be elevated above street level. The new station will be the southernmost point of the system that currently runs through Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, and North Bergen.
The new station is expected to accommodate walk-on passengers, although plans call for 10 parking spaces for short-term parking and a bus dropoff. Two local businesses will be relocated for the station, including the Burger King and a local tire shop.
The Board of Directors for the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail awarded the $58.4 million contract for the final design and the new station at Eighth Street to George Harms Construction Inc. of Howell, N.J.
This includes the design and construction of foundations, viaduct structure, track work, intersection improvements, a new station building, landscaping, lighting, and customer amenities.
About half of the right of way for the extension is on the New Jersey Transit property, adjacent to Conrail's Bayonne yard. The remaining half of the rail line will be constructed on a viaduct above the southside of Avenue E.
The work will involve the construction of a 10-foot high retaining wall along several yards near 14th Street. This will require the relocation of several utilities, including a high-pressure natural gas distribution line.
Officials said residents near Avenue E, Eighth Street and Avenue C near East 12th Street can expect some traffic rerouting, with a least one day of total closure along East 12th Street.
Updates
Joseph Ryan, spokesperson for the city, said the City of Bayonne will post periodic updates on its Web site, and will additionally alert the public with signs and other appropriate notices in the affected areas in advance.
Work is scheduled to start next Wednesday. J. Fletcher Creamer & Son of Linden has been hired to install 1,350-feet of 12-inch diameter steel pipe for $1.8 million, PSE&G spokeswoman Karen Johnson said. NJ Transit will pay for the work.
Work will take place mostly from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PSE&G officials said that except for one day, roads will not be completely closed, and that they would work with residents about getting access to driveways. As a result of community meetings, the station will be located at Avenue C and Eighth Street, with architecture reminiscent of the old Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) station that once stood near the site.
"This project will provide ready access to employment, education and recreational opportunities for thousands of new customers," said NJ Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles. "By extending the light rail one mile south, we will connect more Bayonne neighborhoods with other communities, as well as to trans-Hudson trains and ferries."
"This is good news for the residents of Bayonne, as it expands our commuting options and paves the way for new opportunities," said Bayonne Mayor Terrence Malloy. "The extension also will help to boost economic development in our city. We look forward to the day of taking the inaugural ride."
From the elevated 22nd Street Station, the light rail tracks will be extended south, hugging the existing Conrail right-of-way along Avenue E. A viaduct will carry light rail vehicles over local streets to an elevated platform at the new Eighth Street Station, which will feature an elevator and stairs between street and platform levels. Construction should be finished in 2010.
The first segment of the light rail opened on April 15, 2000 between Bayonne and Jersey City. It has since been expanded to include Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City and North Bergen.
Not quite replication, but "reminiscent." --Ken
The Hudson Reporter – Light Rail Expansion To Start In May
A 30-month project to expand the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line from 22nd Street to a newly constructed rail station on Eighth Street is slated to begin in May.
The system will be expanded about one mile south, and a portion of it will be elevated above street level. The new station will be the southernmost point of the system that currently runs through Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, and North Bergen.
The new station is expected to accommodate walk-on passengers, although plans call for 10 parking spaces for short-term parking and a bus dropoff. Two local businesses will be relocated for the station, including the Burger King and a local tire shop.
The Board of Directors for the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail awarded the $58.4 million contract for the final design and the new station at Eighth Street to George Harms Construction Inc. of Howell, N.J.
This includes the design and construction of foundations, viaduct structure, track work, intersection improvements, a new station building, landscaping, lighting, and customer amenities.
About half of the right of way for the extension is on the New Jersey Transit property, adjacent to Conrail's Bayonne yard. The remaining half of the rail line will be constructed on a viaduct above the southside of Avenue E.
The work will involve the construction of a 10-foot high retaining wall along several yards near 14th Street. This will require the relocation of several utilities, including a high-pressure natural gas distribution line.
Officials said residents near Avenue E, Eighth Street and Avenue C near East 12th Street can expect some traffic rerouting, with a least one day of total closure along East 12th Street.
Updates
Joseph Ryan, spokesperson for the city, said the City of Bayonne will post periodic updates on its Web site, and will additionally alert the public with signs and other appropriate notices in the affected areas in advance.
Work is scheduled to start next Wednesday. J. Fletcher Creamer & Son of Linden has been hired to install 1,350-feet of 12-inch diameter steel pipe for $1.8 million, PSE&G spokeswoman Karen Johnson said. NJ Transit will pay for the work.
Work will take place mostly from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PSE&G officials said that except for one day, roads will not be completely closed, and that they would work with residents about getting access to driveways. As a result of community meetings, the station will be located at Avenue C and Eighth Street, with architecture reminiscent of the old Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) station that once stood near the site.
"This project will provide ready access to employment, education and recreational opportunities for thousands of new customers," said NJ Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles. "By extending the light rail one mile south, we will connect more Bayonne neighborhoods with other communities, as well as to trans-Hudson trains and ferries."
"This is good news for the residents of Bayonne, as it expands our commuting options and paves the way for new opportunities," said Bayonne Mayor Terrence Malloy. "The extension also will help to boost economic development in our city. We look forward to the day of taking the inaugural ride."
From the elevated 22nd Street Station, the light rail tracks will be extended south, hugging the existing Conrail right-of-way along Avenue E. A viaduct will carry light rail vehicles over local streets to an elevated platform at the new Eighth Street Station, which will feature an elevator and stairs between street and platform levels. Construction should be finished in 2010.
The first segment of the light rail opened on April 15, 2000 between Bayonne and Jersey City. It has since been expanded to include Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City and North Bergen.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
NS Derby Train Shot: Windshield has bullet hole
The NS Kentucky Derby Office Car Special (OCS) train was apparently shot at in Springfield, OH. Below is an email string we received about this incident. I have rearranged comments into chronological order.
Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:20:36
The OCS had some problems at Springfield. But is still headed west. As I find out more info I will post.
Sat, April 26, 2008 ???? PM
Engineers window got busted out near MP 184 west end of Springfield, Local PD were called like they are going to catch them and are long gone. Nothing surprises me in this town..............
Saturday, April 26, 2008 11:44
The crew reports a 22 rifle was the likely object of the nickle size hole in the window.
Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:51:57
Get a load of this report that happened overnight to the OCS. It's going to be a looooong summer.
Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:29 PM
Apparently nobody hurt, but there will need to be new windshield glazing on the engineer's side.
Don't know how the engine crew 'determined' that a nickel-sized hole was the result of a .22. I can't even imagine a .22 bullet having enough gas to get through that sloped, FRA Part 223 glazing, let alone leave a hole that size.
If it didn't ricochet off or disintegrate, though, I would think there'd still be some lead in the lead unit's cab to gather up and weigh to see how big the slug had been. Maybe they'll do a more thorough search, once they drop anchor near Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Meanwhile, with only an hour or so to go with an intact engineer's windshield, here's the train nosing by a stationary freight at Buckeye Yard in Columbus: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=233110
Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:20:36
The OCS had some problems at Springfield. But is still headed west. As I find out more info I will post.
Sat, April 26, 2008 ???? PM
Engineers window got busted out near MP 184 west end of Springfield, Local PD were called like they are going to catch them and are long gone. Nothing surprises me in this town..............
Saturday, April 26, 2008 11:44
The crew reports a 22 rifle was the likely object of the nickle size hole in the window.
Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:51:57
Get a load of this report that happened overnight to the OCS. It's going to be a looooong summer.
Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:29 PM
Apparently nobody hurt, but there will need to be new windshield glazing on the engineer's side.
Don't know how the engine crew 'determined' that a nickel-sized hole was the result of a .22. I can't even imagine a .22 bullet having enough gas to get through that sloped, FRA Part 223 glazing, let alone leave a hole that size.
If it didn't ricochet off or disintegrate, though, I would think there'd still be some lead in the lead unit's cab to gather up and weigh to see how big the slug had been. Maybe they'll do a more thorough search, once they drop anchor near Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Meanwhile, with only an hour or so to go with an intact engineer's windshield, here's the train nosing by a stationary freight at Buckeye Yard in Columbus: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=233110
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 16, 2008
There is an interesting report available on the web that is "A Weekly Report of North American Rail Freight Traffic by Major Railroad and Commodity." It is currently showing data for week 16 of 2008. Take a look.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Railroad Tank Cars Implosion
Received the following links via email with the comment: "This is really neat, unless you own the tank cars".
First is a web site with some still pictures and discussion.
http://www.delta.edu/slime/cancrush.html
Second is a short YouTube video, but I don't know where, when, or why. It was obviously a staged event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_hci9vrvfw
First is a web site with some still pictures and discussion.
http://www.delta.edu/slime/cancrush.html
Second is a short YouTube video, but I don't know where, when, or why. It was obviously a staged event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_hci9vrvfw
Circus Train Sightings
Following information is from a chain of emails we received about the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus train -Red Unit (RBB&B Red Unit). I have put the info in chronological order.
Monday, April 21, 2008 8:15 PM
Subject: Circus Train in Columbus!
Ringling Bros. Barnum & Baily Circus train
About 6 minutes ago it went through downtown (across Marconi Blvd.crossing) northbound with 2 units of NS in the lead. I snagged a few pix and a little video with my low-res cell camera with no memory card ugh!) If the pictures are any good I'll post them later tonight.
Monday, April 21, 2008 8:25 PM
RBBX Red Series Train enroute to State College, PA from Charleston, WV..Power is two NS SD60's when it departed Nitro this AM.. Train is extremely long with over 30 passenger cars along with 4 animal cars and over 20 additional equipment cars.
Tuesday April 22, 2008?
Subject: State College, PA: Circus Train (RBB&B Red Unit)
FYI
The 58-car 137th Edition Show RINGLING BROS. and BARNUM & BAILEY Circus "RED UIT" train is now on the 2nd half of its 2-year tour rotation. Mile-long silver train had a pair of big EMDs for power coming up the West Virginia Secondary from Nitro to Columbus. Don't know if they stayed on beyond (Mansfield, Pittsburgh/Conway etc.) Train may already have 'turned the corner' at Tyrone.
Bellobration at the Bryce on campus, Thursday-Sunday this week.
Bryce Jordan Center
State College, PA
Apr 24 - Apr 27
http://ringling.com/schedule/schedule.aspx?id=96893
(Blue Unit train's show is at Philadelphia's Wachovia Spectrum through April27. Next Blue Unit train 'city jump' is to Providence on Monday, 4-28.)
http://ringling.com/explore/backstage/town_w_zip.aspx
Monday, April 21, 2008 8:15 PM
Subject: Circus Train in Columbus!
Ringling Bros. Barnum & Baily Circus train
About 6 minutes ago it went through downtown (across Marconi Blvd.crossing) northbound with 2 units of NS in the lead. I snagged a few pix and a little video with my low-res cell camera with no memory card ugh!) If the pictures are any good I'll post them later tonight.
Monday, April 21, 2008 8:25 PM
RBBX Red Series Train enroute to State College, PA from Charleston, WV..Power is two NS SD60's when it departed Nitro this AM.. Train is extremely long with over 30 passenger cars along with 4 animal cars and over 20 additional equipment cars.
Tuesday April 22, 2008?
Subject: State College, PA: Circus Train (RBB&B Red Unit)
FYI
The 58-car 137th Edition Show RINGLING BROS. and BARNUM & BAILEY Circus "RED UIT" train is now on the 2nd half of its 2-year tour rotation. Mile-long silver train had a pair of big EMDs for power coming up the West Virginia Secondary from Nitro to Columbus. Don't know if they stayed on beyond (Mansfield, Pittsburgh/Conway etc.) Train may already have 'turned the corner' at Tyrone.
Bellobration at the Bryce on campus, Thursday-Sunday this week.
Bryce Jordan Center
State College, PA
Apr 24 - Apr 27
http://ringling.com/schedule/schedule.aspx?id=96893
(Blue Unit train's show is at Philadelphia's Wachovia Spectrum through April27. Next Blue Unit train 'city jump' is to Providence on Monday, 4-28.)
http://ringling.com/explore/backstage/town_w_zip.aspx
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Saving the best for last...
Can be the only way to describe going trackside on this warm sunny Saturday morning in Manville along the Lehigh Line on this Saturday morning. Three Class 1 railroads (CSX, NS and CP) were seen during my two hour time frame. In time sequence, the trains seen passing by my location were as follows:
7:17 CSX Q417- had CSX 5113 (AC44CW) and CSX 8153 (SD40-2) as the motive power on this mixed freight.
8:13 NS 212- would have NS 2766 (SD70M-2) and NS 7693 (ES40DC) as power. On board was a Vermont Railway trailer that had a scenic design honoring “Vermont Railway 35 Years of Service”. That was something I hadn’t seen previously. Had to wonder if there are there anymore trailers having this design or just this one?
8:29 NS 21M- 6,800 feet of TOFCs headed west with NS 9482, NS 9844 and NS 9658.
9:15 CP 38T- had to be the best looking train of the day for me! Four SD40-2s, CP 5934, CP 5905, CP 5966 and CP 5929, would bring its consist of gray hoppers east to Oak Island.
7:17 CSX Q417- had CSX 5113 (AC44CW) and CSX 8153 (SD40-2) as the motive power on this mixed freight.
8:13 NS 212- would have NS 2766 (SD70M-2) and NS 7693 (ES40DC) as power. On board was a Vermont Railway trailer that had a scenic design honoring “Vermont Railway 35 Years of Service”. That was something I hadn’t seen previously. Had to wonder if there are there anymore trailers having this design or just this one?
8:29 NS 21M- 6,800 feet of TOFCs headed west with NS 9482, NS 9844 and NS 9658.
9:15 CP 38T- had to be the best looking train of the day for me! Four SD40-2s, CP 5934, CP 5905, CP 5966 and CP 5929, would bring its consist of gray hoppers east to Oak Island.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
M of W Procedures
Received the following set of pictures and comments via email. Amazing!
Comment 1:
Now this guy knows how to operate a backhoe.
Comment 2:
One has to wonder if that is an OSHA-approved method! Note how, by the final frame, he has scooched the thing over onto the next car. Imagine if a knuckle gave way - then he'd be the coupler!
Comment 3:
They have been using this method to 'walk along the tops' of hoppers and gondolas for M/W work for decades. They can (and do) walk the length of an entire cut of cars in this manner. I have to believe OSHA is very familiar with it. The equipment operators who do this make it look easy and routine: for them, I guess it is!
Comment 1:
Now this guy knows how to operate a backhoe.
Comment 2:
One has to wonder if that is an OSHA-approved method! Note how, by the final frame, he has scooched the thing over onto the next car. Imagine if a knuckle gave way - then he'd be the coupler!
Comment 3:
They have been using this method to 'walk along the tops' of hoppers and gondolas for M/W work for decades. They can (and do) walk the length of an entire cut of cars in this manner. I have to believe OSHA is very familiar with it. The equipment operators who do this make it look easy and routine: for them, I guess it is!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Eastern Railroads "Mighty Merger" Plan of the Early 30's
The link below will take you to a Time magazine article from Monday, Aug. 01, 1932, that discusses the "Mighty Merger" plan for eastern railroads that was proposed by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) at that time. Had this merger taken place there would have been 4 railroad "systems" in the eastern U.S., excluding New England and the Southeast: Pennsylvania, New York Central, B&O, and C&O. The ICC wasn't telling the railroads to do this; rather, they suggested that they would approve such a merger. If you are interested in railroad history, I highly recommend this article.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,744057,00.html
Now here are some comments we received via email from Nate Clark, a B&LE fan (Bessemer & Lake Erie RR). Nate brought this article to our attention in his email. I have done some slight editing of Nate's email.
Had this plan gone through, the B&LE would have long ago become part of the Chessie camp, along with NKP+ERIE+PM+W&LE.
(from the article)
"Chesapeake & Ohio, with the Van Sweringens' Nickel Plate (Buffalo-Chicago-St. Louis), Erie (Jersey City-Chicago-Cincinnati) and PereMarquette (Buffalo-Detroit-Chicago) gets 24½% of the total trackage. Instead of Lackawanna, as proposed originally by the I. C. C., it is given LehighValley (New York-Buffalo) which puts its system into Manhattan's Pennsylvania Station. It also gets a branch of the Lackawanna to Oswego. Other C. & O. roads: Bessemer & Lake Erie, Wheeling & Lake Erie."
(from the article)
"Before operating staffs can be merged and economies effected, each of the Big Four has much to do. C. & O. must arrange to buy Lehigh Valley from Pennsylvania and the closely held Bessemer & Lake Erie from U. S. Steel Corp."
When this stillborn merger proposal was made back in the early Thirties the B&LE had only ten Texas-type locomotives (2-10-4) on the property. They would eventually have 47. Had the Bessemer's merger with this "other 'C' railroad", which had already passed a first phase of ICC approvals, gone through, the remaining Texas-types would maybe never have been delivered, as the C&O may have instead assigned their higher-drivered T-1s version of the 2-10-4 (69"drivers vs. the 64" CB&Q M-1 style on B&LE). The B&LE also would never have been trod by orange and black diesels, starting a decade-and-a-half or so after when the merger might have been, nor would headquarters have remained in Greenville, PA...although the Chessie's Cleveland Terminal Tower HQ would actually have been about a 5-miles-closer move than Monroeville was under GLT, a half-century later!
The C&O's coal and ore docks at Toledo may have been favored over P&C's Conneaut facility, though the water distance vs. rail miles to Pittsburgh may have still allowed the P&C facility to survive in a C&O universe. There was no mention in the article of the Union Railroad, so it is likely that it was not to have become part of C&O, too. Besides, the URR would not have reached any other part of the expanded C&O empire to the south, so it is not as if the B&LE/URR would have become part of a through route. Still, one can only speculate on how the entire U.S. rail map -- let alone the B&LE's-- might look in 2008, had this proposal of 75+ years ago come to fruition.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,744057,00.html
Now here are some comments we received via email from Nate Clark, a B&LE fan (Bessemer & Lake Erie RR). Nate brought this article to our attention in his email. I have done some slight editing of Nate's email.
Had this plan gone through, the B&LE would have long ago become part of the Chessie camp, along with NKP+ERIE+PM+W&LE.
(from the article)
"Chesapeake & Ohio, with the Van Sweringens' Nickel Plate (Buffalo-Chicago-St. Louis), Erie (Jersey City-Chicago-Cincinnati) and PereMarquette (Buffalo-Detroit-Chicago) gets 24½% of the total trackage. Instead of Lackawanna, as proposed originally by the I. C. C., it is given LehighValley (New York-Buffalo) which puts its system into Manhattan's Pennsylvania Station. It also gets a branch of the Lackawanna to Oswego. Other C. & O. roads: Bessemer & Lake Erie, Wheeling & Lake Erie."
(from the article)
"Before operating staffs can be merged and economies effected, each of the Big Four has much to do. C. & O. must arrange to buy Lehigh Valley from Pennsylvania and the closely held Bessemer & Lake Erie from U. S. Steel Corp."
When this stillborn merger proposal was made back in the early Thirties the B&LE had only ten Texas-type locomotives (2-10-4) on the property. They would eventually have 47. Had the Bessemer's merger with this "other 'C' railroad", which had already passed a first phase of ICC approvals, gone through, the remaining Texas-types would maybe never have been delivered, as the C&O may have instead assigned their higher-drivered T-1s version of the 2-10-4 (69"drivers vs. the 64" CB&Q M-1 style on B&LE). The B&LE also would never have been trod by orange and black diesels, starting a decade-and-a-half or so after when the merger might have been, nor would headquarters have remained in Greenville, PA...although the Chessie's Cleveland Terminal Tower HQ would actually have been about a 5-miles-closer move than Monroeville was under GLT, a half-century later!
The C&O's coal and ore docks at Toledo may have been favored over P&C's Conneaut facility, though the water distance vs. rail miles to Pittsburgh may have still allowed the P&C facility to survive in a C&O universe. There was no mention in the article of the Union Railroad, so it is likely that it was not to have become part of C&O, too. Besides, the URR would not have reached any other part of the expanded C&O empire to the south, so it is not as if the B&LE/URR would have become part of a through route. Still, one can only speculate on how the entire U.S. rail map -- let alone the B&LE's-- might look in 2008, had this proposal of 75+ years ago come to fruition.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Final Score: Tumbleweeds 1, BNSF Coal Train 0
Received the following text and pictures via email. Unbeliveable!
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:15:16 -0800
On Monday morning, if someone would have told me that tumbleweeds could Stop a coal train, I would have said " your full of it, no way". That was until yesterday Morning, 12 miles west of Hardin, we were pulling up Rowley hill, going 15 Mph & the wind was blowing about 50 mph & we ran into thousand's of Tumbleweeds come to a dead stop in about 5 car length' s, they blew under Our Drivers & we lost all our traction & were dead in the water. We had 3 Engines & got 2 more engines off another train & Still couldn't move. We were stuck there for 5 hrs & 35 min. & finally Had to Back down the hill & let another crew take over because we ran out of TimeTo work, crazy huh?......Stacy
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:15:16 -0800
On Monday morning, if someone would have told me that tumbleweeds could Stop a coal train, I would have said " your full of it, no way". That was until yesterday Morning, 12 miles west of Hardin, we were pulling up Rowley hill, going 15 Mph & the wind was blowing about 50 mph & we ran into thousand's of Tumbleweeds come to a dead stop in about 5 car length' s, they blew under Our Drivers & we lost all our traction & were dead in the water. We had 3 Engines & got 2 more engines off another train & Still couldn't move. We were stuck there for 5 hrs & 35 min. & finally Had to Back down the hill & let another crew take over because we ran out of TimeTo work, crazy huh?......Stacy
Friday, April 11, 2008
Reading Railroad Heritage Museum Grand Opening
The Grand Opening of the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum will be held this Saturday April 12, 2008 from 10 am to 5 pm.
The new museum is located at 500 S. Third Street in Hamburg, Pa. just off PA Route 61 one mile south of Exit 29 of I78.
To mark the opening a community event called a BEE Line Festival will be held. The mission of the BEE Line Festival is to provide a community event that will generate awareness of the Museum’s large collection of Reading equipment, artifacts and ephemera..
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum is part of the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society (RCT&HS). Through dedication and hard work over the last 32 years, RCT&HS has amassed the largest railroad collection in the United States dedicated to a single railroad.
In addition to food, music and family fun the museum will offer several special programs. Former Reading employees will engage in round table discussions on life on the Reading. A former operator will demonstrate the functions of the control panel from the Reading’s Lebanon Valley Junction Tower. Operating HO and G Gauge layouts and a station agent’s office circa 1934 can be viewed. Caboose and locomotive cab tours will be offered. A variety of Reading diesel horns will be sounded and a storyteller will relate railroad ghost stories.
Admission is $10 adults, $5 children, maximum $25 for a family.
Here is a link to the museum's web site.
http://www.readingrailroad.org/museum/index.html
The new museum is located at 500 S. Third Street in Hamburg, Pa. just off PA Route 61 one mile south of Exit 29 of I78.
To mark the opening a community event called a BEE Line Festival will be held. The mission of the BEE Line Festival is to provide a community event that will generate awareness of the Museum’s large collection of Reading equipment, artifacts and ephemera..
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum is part of the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society (RCT&HS). Through dedication and hard work over the last 32 years, RCT&HS has amassed the largest railroad collection in the United States dedicated to a single railroad.
In addition to food, music and family fun the museum will offer several special programs. Former Reading employees will engage in round table discussions on life on the Reading. A former operator will demonstrate the functions of the control panel from the Reading’s Lebanon Valley Junction Tower. Operating HO and G Gauge layouts and a station agent’s office circa 1934 can be viewed. Caboose and locomotive cab tours will be offered. A variety of Reading diesel horns will be sounded and a storyteller will relate railroad ghost stories.
Admission is $10 adults, $5 children, maximum $25 for a family.
Here is a link to the museum's web site.
http://www.readingrailroad.org/museum/index.html
Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 14, 2008
There is an interesting report available on the web that is "A Weekly Report of North American Rail Freight Traffic by Major Railroad and Commodity." It is currently showing data for week 14 of 2008. Take a look.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Slot Cars at the Big Little Railroad Shop
Besides all the wonderful model railroading products we sell, we also sell Ninco slot car sets. These are definitely not the slot cars of the 70's. Come in, check them out, and ask for a demonstration. Pictured below are some of the sets we have available.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 13, 2008
There is an interesting report available on the web that is "A Weekly Report of North American Rail Freight Traffic by Major Railroad and Commodity." It is currently showing data for week 13of 2008. Take a look.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
Here is something familiar!!!
Received the following email from Kermit Geary, Jr.
The file name for the photo is Louisiana Eastern 4.
"Anyone know where they have last seen this locomotive?
Photo by Kermit Geary, SR"
The file name for the photo is Louisiana Eastern 4.
"Anyone know where they have last seen this locomotive?
Photo by Kermit Geary, SR"
Note: If you left click on the picture, you can see it enlarged.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
After NJ's rain had ceased...
(Train sightings on 3/9/08)
Sunday morning would find a couple of inches rain had thoroughly saturated NJ causing the Raritan River to overflow its banks. The dark brown grass in the foreground on the first two scenes is actually flood debris floating on the water. As for the trains that passed by my vantage point near Manville (NJ) on this very windy morning:
8:30 NS 20R-NS 9922 (C40-9W) and NS 2755 (SD70M-2).
8:30 Unknown local freight with NS 5382 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8257) and CSX 6115 (GP40-2, ex-B&O 4216) headed east with a cut of coil cars and one flat car loaded with steel beams.
8:45 NS 214-I am guessing that is what this intermodal might have been since it had a number of EMP containers. Motive power was three C40-9Ws, NS 9582, NS 9764 and NS 9111.
9:30 CSX 706-with the familiar green municipal waste containers had CSX 4817 (SD70MAC) and CSX 378 (AC44W) as motive power.
9:37 CSX MA2-had NS 5288 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8088) heading up a graffiti covered ACF center flow and five tank cars heading east.
9:45 NS 18G-had NS 9476 (C40-9W) as its leader along with two other unidentified NS units for this train of mixed freight.
Sunday morning would find a couple of inches rain had thoroughly saturated NJ causing the Raritan River to overflow its banks. The dark brown grass in the foreground on the first two scenes is actually flood debris floating on the water. As for the trains that passed by my vantage point near Manville (NJ) on this very windy morning:
8:30 NS 20R-NS 9922 (C40-9W) and NS 2755 (SD70M-2).
8:30 Unknown local freight with NS 5382 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8257) and CSX 6115 (GP40-2, ex-B&O 4216) headed east with a cut of coil cars and one flat car loaded with steel beams.
8:45 NS 214-I am guessing that is what this intermodal might have been since it had a number of EMP containers. Motive power was three C40-9Ws, NS 9582, NS 9764 and NS 9111.
9:30 CSX 706-with the familiar green municipal waste containers had CSX 4817 (SD70MAC) and CSX 378 (AC44W) as motive power.
9:37 CSX MA2-had NS 5288 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8088) heading up a graffiti covered ACF center flow and five tank cars heading east.
9:45 NS 18G-had NS 9476 (C40-9W) as its leader along with two other unidentified NS units for this train of mixed freight.
What's the delay here...
(Train sightings on 3/2/08)
at NS's Lehigh Line Three Bridge's (NJ) grade crossing on this Sunday afternoon? The holdup could be attributed to a procession of 20 to 25 MOW track equipment heading east. Both bicyclists and motorists could only watch until this parade finally passed. I would speculate that this equipment was the start of a tie replacement program that has been mentioned on other websites along the Lehigh Line. An interesting observation was that most of this equipment seemed fairly clean and lacked "NS" markings that I could see. Perhaps NS might have subcontracted this project out since one of these pieces of equipment had the name "Harsco" on the side.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
The day after yesterday...
(Train sightings on 2/24/08)
Found it really enjoyable to get trackside on Sunday after two days of dealing with NJ’s dreary weather. Under sunny skies and warmer temperatures, there were some interesting railroad sights to be seen on this day.
There was BR&W’s 752 (GP9, ex-CLP 752, ex-BN 1879, ex-NP 256) crossing over the Raritan River with two cars in tow heading back towards Flemington, NJ.
Heading back over to Three Bridges, NS H76, with PRR 3444 (SD40-2, ex-CR 6977) and NS 5084 (GP38-2) was just arriving around 1 PM to pick up seven cars.
As it eased on back to couple up to these cars, I noticed a newly erected sign proclaiming the historical heritage of this line. I thought it was nice that some communities recognize the role railroads played in contributing to a town’s history and development.
(Hint: in Windows, if you left click on the picture, you can see it enlarged; and the sign is easily readable.)
Found it really enjoyable to get trackside on Sunday after two days of dealing with NJ’s dreary weather. Under sunny skies and warmer temperatures, there were some interesting railroad sights to be seen on this day.
There was BR&W’s 752 (GP9, ex-CLP 752, ex-BN 1879, ex-NP 256) crossing over the Raritan River with two cars in tow heading back towards Flemington, NJ.
Heading back over to Three Bridges, NS H76, with PRR 3444 (SD40-2, ex-CR 6977) and NS 5084 (GP38-2) was just arriving around 1 PM to pick up seven cars.
As it eased on back to couple up to these cars, I noticed a newly erected sign proclaiming the historical heritage of this line. I thought it was nice that some communities recognize the role railroads played in contributing to a town’s history and development.
(Hint: in Windows, if you left click on the picture, you can see it enlarged; and the sign is easily readable.)
Saturday's sightings along the Lehigh Line...
(Train sightings on 2/16/08)
started out in Manville and ended on Three Bridges's Higginsville Road Bridge waiting for the arrival of NS P052. The sightings, by time sequence, were as follows:
7:45-NS 21M: would have as its power NS 2763 (SD70M-2) on the point followed by NS 6646 (SD60) and NS 2722 (SD70M-2).
8:45-CSX MA80: had NS 5305 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8120) as sole power for taking ten coil cars east along CR's SA Lehigh Line.
9:31-NS 20K: this intermodal's power consisted of NS 2758 (SD70M-2) and NS 9908 (C40-9W).
10:05-NS 214: would head down the Port Reading Secondary. Motive power consisted of NS 9352 (C40-8W), NS ???? and NS 8747 (C40-8).
10:23-NS 213: would head east with a trio of C40-9Ws, NS 8995, NS 9805 and NS 9151.
10:47-CSX Q300-finished working Manville yard and headed east on CR's SA Lehigh Line. Motive power was CSX 8471 (SD40-2, ex-SP 8961),CSX 5416 (ES44DC) and CSX 2798 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8238).
11:02-CSX Q410: Two AC44CWs, CSX 588 and CSX 468, would continue its trip north to Selkirk, NY.
11:33-NS 18G: would bring its manifest of mixed freight east past Roycefield Road in Hillsborough. On the point was NS 9232 (C40-9W), NS 8322 (C40-8W) and PRR 52??.
11:45-NS 64J: falling into the "heard on the scanner but not seen nor caught its scent" was NS 64J as it called out MP 40 on the Lehigh Line.
1:59-NS P052: Motive power on this high and wide load would be two SD40-2s, NS 3424 (ex-CR 6520) and NS 3436 (ex-CR 6979).
started out in Manville and ended on Three Bridges's Higginsville Road Bridge waiting for the arrival of NS P052. The sightings, by time sequence, were as follows:
7:45-NS 21M: would have as its power NS 2763 (SD70M-2) on the point followed by NS 6646 (SD60) and NS 2722 (SD70M-2).
8:45-CSX MA80: had NS 5305 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8120) as sole power for taking ten coil cars east along CR's SA Lehigh Line.
9:31-NS 20K: this intermodal's power consisted of NS 2758 (SD70M-2) and NS 9908 (C40-9W).
10:05-NS 214: would head down the Port Reading Secondary. Motive power consisted of NS 9352 (C40-8W), NS ???? and NS 8747 (C40-8).
10:23-NS 213: would head east with a trio of C40-9Ws, NS 8995, NS 9805 and NS 9151.
10:47-CSX Q300-finished working Manville yard and headed east on CR's SA Lehigh Line. Motive power was CSX 8471 (SD40-2, ex-SP 8961),CSX 5416 (ES44DC) and CSX 2798 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8238).
11:02-CSX Q410: Two AC44CWs, CSX 588 and CSX 468, would continue its trip north to Selkirk, NY.
11:33-NS 18G: would bring its manifest of mixed freight east past Roycefield Road in Hillsborough. On the point was NS 9232 (C40-9W), NS 8322 (C40-8W) and PRR 52??.
11:45-NS 64J: falling into the "heard on the scanner but not seen nor caught its scent" was NS 64J as it called out MP 40 on the Lehigh Line.
1:59-NS P052: Motive power on this high and wide load would be two SD40-2s, NS 3424 (ex-CR 6520) and NS 3436 (ex-CR 6979).
Prior to the Giants beating the Patriots...
(Train sightings on 2/3/08)
Decided Sunday would be a good time to take advantage of the morning sun’s rays. Come kickoff at 6:18, I will be transformed into a couch potato watching the Giants beat the Patriots in a squeaker. As for what trains passed by my vantage point in Manville, here was the rundown:
8:05-NS 18G (Oak Island to Pittsburgh, PA): had NS 2604 (SD70M), NS 9804 (C40-9W) and PRR 3026 (GP40-2, ex-CR 3326) as its motive power bringing sixty-four cars of mixed freight east.
8:11-NS 21M (North Bergen, NJ to Chicago, IL): After waiting for 18G to clear Port Rdg Jct, 21M’s trio of power was two SD70M-2s, NS 2747 and NS 2778, along with NS 9592 (C40-9W).
8:20-CSX Q438 (Hamlet, NC to Selkirk, NY): would have fifty-three cars of mixed freight. Motive power was CSX 8784 (SD60M, ex-CR 5567) and CSX 8069 (SD40-2).
8:35-CSX MA1: PRR 3057 (GP40-2, ex-CR 3382) and CSX 2798 (GP-38-2, ex-CR 8238) would then head east with eighteen coil cars. One of these coil cars still wore its “Norfolk & Western” lettering. A roster shot of one of the coil cars has been included for the modelers.
9:55-NS 212 (Atlanta, GA to Croxton, NJ): Power consist was NS 9441 (C40-9W), NS 8688 (C39-8E) and NS 9860 (C40-9W).
10:30-CSX MA2: fourteen ACF Center Flow cars came east behind CSX 2793 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8226) and NS 5305 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8122). A shot of one of these center flow cars has also been included for modeling purposes.
Decided Sunday would be a good time to take advantage of the morning sun’s rays. Come kickoff at 6:18, I will be transformed into a couch potato watching the Giants beat the Patriots in a squeaker. As for what trains passed by my vantage point in Manville, here was the rundown:
8:05-NS 18G (Oak Island to Pittsburgh, PA): had NS 2604 (SD70M), NS 9804 (C40-9W) and PRR 3026 (GP40-2, ex-CR 3326) as its motive power bringing sixty-four cars of mixed freight east.
8:11-NS 21M (North Bergen, NJ to Chicago, IL): After waiting for 18G to clear Port Rdg Jct, 21M’s trio of power was two SD70M-2s, NS 2747 and NS 2778, along with NS 9592 (C40-9W).
8:20-CSX Q438 (Hamlet, NC to Selkirk, NY): would have fifty-three cars of mixed freight. Motive power was CSX 8784 (SD60M, ex-CR 5567) and CSX 8069 (SD40-2).
8:35-CSX MA1: PRR 3057 (GP40-2, ex-CR 3382) and CSX 2798 (GP-38-2, ex-CR 8238) would then head east with eighteen coil cars. One of these coil cars still wore its “Norfolk & Western” lettering. A roster shot of one of the coil cars has been included for the modelers.
9:45-CSX Q300 (Philadelphia, PA to Oak Island): CSX 7332 (C40-8W) and CSX 5492 (ES44DC) would finish working Manville yard and head east with thirty-eight cars.
9:55-NS 212 (Atlanta, GA to Croxton, NJ): Power consist was NS 9441 (C40-9W), NS 8688 (C39-8E) and NS 9860 (C40-9W).
10:30-CSX MA2: fourteen ACF Center Flow cars came east behind CSX 2793 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8226) and NS 5305 (GP38-2, ex-CR 8122). A shot of one of these center flow cars has also been included for modeling purposes.
Falling into the “heard but not seen” category was NS 24V. Around 9 AM, it would be instructed to take the Royce Runner for a recrew.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Court Approves Lionel's Bankruptcy Plan and Settlement with MTH
Following are 2 postings from the O Guage Railroading (OGR) Forum made by Erol Gurcan, aka locolawyer. Erol is really a lawyer and an O guage modeler who has been closely following the court proceedings on Lionel's backruptcy and the MTH vs. Lionel lawsuits.
Also see our post below of an AP news story on the same topic.
Posted to the OGR Forum on 3/27/08 by locolawyer
Court Approves Lionel's Bankruptcy Plan and Settlement with MTH
FRIENDS
March 27, 2008-In what should be one of their last court appearances, lawyers for MTH, Lionel and Sanda Kan (Lionel’s principal manfacturer of trains) appeared in a New York Bankruptcy Court this morning.
At the end of the hearing this morning, Judge Burton Lifland approved Lionel’s confirmation plan for reorganization. The court also approved Lionel’s settlement with MTH.
Under the confirmation plan, Lionel’s unsecured creditors will be paid 100% of their claims in cash and with post petition interest. This is usually unheard of when a corporation exits bankruptcy. Creditors are usually paid pennies on the dollar.
Lionel’s attorney Adam Harris informed Judge Lifland that they had acquired 59 million dollars in new equity from Guggenheim funding, and obtained another 10 Million in funding from Train Acquisition LLC, in order to pay off all debts in preparation for exiting from bankruptcy. Train Acquisition LLC manages the Lionel account for the estate of Martin Davis, which owns 75% of the company. (Twenty percent is owned by rock and roll singer Neil Young, with Richard Kughn owning the other 5%).
The only party that filed papers objecting to Lionel’s bankruptcy plan was its principal supplier, Sanda Kan Industrial Ltd. However, their objections were withdrawn after a written agreement was worked out by the attorneys prior to appearing in court today.
The practical effect of Lionel’s plan being confirmed today is that they should be emerging from bankruptcy as early as next week, and most likely within a couple weeks. Lionel’s attorney, Adam Harris expected Lionel to be out of bankruptcy “within two weeks” once the final small details are resolved. Lionel CEO Jerry Calabrese told me today he believed Lionel would be out of bankruptcy “sometime within one month.” Once this occurs, Lionel will be issuing a press release. They have been in bankruptcy since November 15, 2004.
Judge Lifland noted today that “Lionel has thrived while they have been in bankruptcy.”
The court also approved Lionel’s settlement with MTH concerning BOTH the trade secrets lawsuit and patent infringement claim involving synchronized smoke. Part of the bankruptcy confirmation plan includes a one time cash payment to MTH in settlement of both claims. This will take place shortly after Lionel emerges from bankruptcy. The settlement, once paid, will end eight years of litigation in the trade secrets case. Judge Lifland stated he believed the settlement was “fair and just.”
In sum, the long and difficult legal battles between the two model train rivals should soon be history.
Erol Gurcan
Posted to the OGR Forum on 3/28/08 by locolawyer
Guys,
I made a mistake in my article that started this thread. I stated that Train Acquisition MANAGES the Lionel account for estate of Martin Davis. It is Wellspring that manages the Lionel account. Train Acquistion LLC, aka the estate of Martin Davis OWNS 75% of Lionel.
Thanks to Keystone for pointing out my mistake. Bascially, the 10 Million financing obtained from Train Acquisition is like an entity giving themselves a loan.
Fortunately, the mistake did not materially affect what I reported concerning the confirmation of the bankruptcy plan and judicial approval of the settlement with MTH.
Some have also asked how yesterday's proceedings affect MTH's case with Korea Brass and the injunction. The simple answer is yesterday's proceedings had no effect on the MTH Korea Brass situation because that matter is pending in a different court. I will follow up in the near future to give all an update on the MTH Korea Brass proceedings. It's been a couple of months since I reported on that case.
Erol
Also see our post below of an AP news story on the same topic.
Posted to the OGR Forum on 3/27/08 by locolawyer
Court Approves Lionel's Bankruptcy Plan and Settlement with MTH
FRIENDS
March 27, 2008-In what should be one of their last court appearances, lawyers for MTH, Lionel and Sanda Kan (Lionel’s principal manfacturer of trains) appeared in a New York Bankruptcy Court this morning.
At the end of the hearing this morning, Judge Burton Lifland approved Lionel’s confirmation plan for reorganization. The court also approved Lionel’s settlement with MTH.
Under the confirmation plan, Lionel’s unsecured creditors will be paid 100% of their claims in cash and with post petition interest. This is usually unheard of when a corporation exits bankruptcy. Creditors are usually paid pennies on the dollar.
Lionel’s attorney Adam Harris informed Judge Lifland that they had acquired 59 million dollars in new equity from Guggenheim funding, and obtained another 10 Million in funding from Train Acquisition LLC, in order to pay off all debts in preparation for exiting from bankruptcy. Train Acquisition LLC manages the Lionel account for the estate of Martin Davis, which owns 75% of the company. (Twenty percent is owned by rock and roll singer Neil Young, with Richard Kughn owning the other 5%).
The only party that filed papers objecting to Lionel’s bankruptcy plan was its principal supplier, Sanda Kan Industrial Ltd. However, their objections were withdrawn after a written agreement was worked out by the attorneys prior to appearing in court today.
The practical effect of Lionel’s plan being confirmed today is that they should be emerging from bankruptcy as early as next week, and most likely within a couple weeks. Lionel’s attorney, Adam Harris expected Lionel to be out of bankruptcy “within two weeks” once the final small details are resolved. Lionel CEO Jerry Calabrese told me today he believed Lionel would be out of bankruptcy “sometime within one month.” Once this occurs, Lionel will be issuing a press release. They have been in bankruptcy since November 15, 2004.
Judge Lifland noted today that “Lionel has thrived while they have been in bankruptcy.”
The court also approved Lionel’s settlement with MTH concerning BOTH the trade secrets lawsuit and patent infringement claim involving synchronized smoke. Part of the bankruptcy confirmation plan includes a one time cash payment to MTH in settlement of both claims. This will take place shortly after Lionel emerges from bankruptcy. The settlement, once paid, will end eight years of litigation in the trade secrets case. Judge Lifland stated he believed the settlement was “fair and just.”
In sum, the long and difficult legal battles between the two model train rivals should soon be history.
Erol Gurcan
Posted to the OGR Forum on 3/28/08 by locolawyer
Guys,
I made a mistake in my article that started this thread. I stated that Train Acquisition MANAGES the Lionel account for estate of Martin Davis. It is Wellspring that manages the Lionel account. Train Acquistion LLC, aka the estate of Martin Davis OWNS 75% of Lionel.
Thanks to Keystone for pointing out my mistake. Bascially, the 10 Million financing obtained from Train Acquisition is like an entity giving themselves a loan.
Fortunately, the mistake did not materially affect what I reported concerning the confirmation of the bankruptcy plan and judicial approval of the settlement with MTH.
Some have also asked how yesterday's proceedings affect MTH's case with Korea Brass and the injunction. The simple answer is yesterday's proceedings had no effect on the MTH Korea Brass situation because that matter is pending in a different court. I will follow up in the near future to give all an update on the MTH Korea Brass proceedings. It's been a couple of months since I reported on that case.
Erol
Lionel Set to Exit Bankruptcy
Following is an Associated press news article from 3/28/08.
Also see our post above on the same topic from the O Guage Railroad (OGR) Forum.
Lionel Set to Exit Bankruptcy
Associated Press 03.28.08, 2:45 PM ET
WASHINGTON - A bankruptcy judge has approved Lionel LLC's Chapter 11 reorganization plan, clearing the way for the iconic model-train maker to exit bankruptcy.
Judge Burton R. Lifland of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York on Thursday confirmed Lionel's plan, which calls for private-equity firm Guggenheim Corporate Funding and the estate of the late Martin Davis, former chairman of Paramount Communications Inc., to pump $59 million of new cash into the reorganized company, Lionel Chief Executive Gerald Calabrese said.
"We're very happy; this has been a long hard pull," said Calabrese. "We expect to be out of bankruptcy by next week."
New York-based Guggenheim will contribute $37.1 million to the new Lionel, and the Davis estate - which is controlled by Davis' widow - will contribute $21.9 million.
Calabrese, a former Marvel Comics Group president, was named Lionel CEO in September 2004, just months before a jury awarded rival MTH Electric Trains $38.6 million in a trade-secrets dispute with Lionel, which forced the 107-year-old company into bankruptcy. An appeals court later overturned the verdict and ordered a new trial. Lionel and MTH settled their long-running fight late last year.
Although terms of the settlement were to remain confidential under a court order, recent filings revealed Lionel agreed to pay MTH $12 million in cash to settle the lawsuit and a separate spat involving patented smoke-puffing technology. Calabrese and MTH lawyer Alec Ostrow declined to comment on the settlement.
Lionel's Chapter 11 plan calls for the company to pay all its creditors in full with interest. Lionel will also obtain up to $40 million in loans to fund its exit from Chapter 11, pay off its creditors and fund its working capital needs in the future.
Guggenheim, which will now own 48.6 percent of the new Lionel, and the Davis estate, which will have 28.6 percent stake, are also loaning Lionel an additional $10 million in second-lien debt.
Calabrese will roll forward some $6 million he's owed by Lionel into deferred compensation and a 7.8 percent stake in the reorganized company. An additional 15 percent in the new Lionel will be doled out to company management, including Calabrese, under an option plan.
Rock star Neil Young, a former minority owner, is not - at present - part of the new ownership group.
The Davis estate owned 75 percent of the old Lionel and Young owned 20 percent. Those stakes have been wiped out under Lionel's reorganization plan.
Calabrese said he intends to meet with Young Friday in Northern California to define Young's ongoing role in the company.
"This is Neil's passion," Calabrese said. "We certainly want him involved, but, I want to be clear, it's up to him."
Also see our post above on the same topic from the O Guage Railroad (OGR) Forum.
Lionel Set to Exit Bankruptcy
Associated Press 03.28.08, 2:45 PM ET
WASHINGTON - A bankruptcy judge has approved Lionel LLC's Chapter 11 reorganization plan, clearing the way for the iconic model-train maker to exit bankruptcy.
Judge Burton R. Lifland of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York on Thursday confirmed Lionel's plan, which calls for private-equity firm Guggenheim Corporate Funding and the estate of the late Martin Davis, former chairman of Paramount Communications Inc., to pump $59 million of new cash into the reorganized company, Lionel Chief Executive Gerald Calabrese said.
"We're very happy; this has been a long hard pull," said Calabrese. "We expect to be out of bankruptcy by next week."
New York-based Guggenheim will contribute $37.1 million to the new Lionel, and the Davis estate - which is controlled by Davis' widow - will contribute $21.9 million.
Calabrese, a former Marvel Comics Group president, was named Lionel CEO in September 2004, just months before a jury awarded rival MTH Electric Trains $38.6 million in a trade-secrets dispute with Lionel, which forced the 107-year-old company into bankruptcy. An appeals court later overturned the verdict and ordered a new trial. Lionel and MTH settled their long-running fight late last year.
Although terms of the settlement were to remain confidential under a court order, recent filings revealed Lionel agreed to pay MTH $12 million in cash to settle the lawsuit and a separate spat involving patented smoke-puffing technology. Calabrese and MTH lawyer Alec Ostrow declined to comment on the settlement.
Lionel's Chapter 11 plan calls for the company to pay all its creditors in full with interest. Lionel will also obtain up to $40 million in loans to fund its exit from Chapter 11, pay off its creditors and fund its working capital needs in the future.
Guggenheim, which will now own 48.6 percent of the new Lionel, and the Davis estate, which will have 28.6 percent stake, are also loaning Lionel an additional $10 million in second-lien debt.
Calabrese will roll forward some $6 million he's owed by Lionel into deferred compensation and a 7.8 percent stake in the reorganized company. An additional 15 percent in the new Lionel will be doled out to company management, including Calabrese, under an option plan.
Rock star Neil Young, a former minority owner, is not - at present - part of the new ownership group.
The Davis estate owned 75 percent of the old Lionel and Young owned 20 percent. Those stakes have been wiped out under Lionel's reorganization plan.
Calabrese said he intends to meet with Young Friday in Northern California to define Young's ongoing role in the company.
"This is Neil's passion," Calabrese said. "We certainly want him involved, but, I want to be clear, it's up to him."
Railroad Quiet Zones coming to Hillsborough, New Jersey
The following is a newspaper article from the Courier-News for Friday, 3/28/08.
Hillsboro slated for rail upgrades
By PAMELA SROKA·HOLZMANN
STAFF WRITER
HILLSBOROUGH - The Township committee has approved contracts to build safety medians at four rail crossings and install an electronic backup safety improvement at three of them.
The approved contracts will provide for the construction of 100-footmedians on either side of three of the rail crossings at Beekman Lane, Auten and Roycefield roads – including road stripping and warning signage - for $191,188. The railroad safety improvements will be installed at each of the crossings by Norfolk Southern, at a total of $141,000, said Township Clerk and Business Administrator Kevin Davis.
Davis said the majority of the funding for the quiet zone project comes from a $250,000 developer's contribution from Beazer Homes, the developer of the Pleasantview Estates project.
The township will use $250,000 from Beazer Homes and $100,000in budgeted funds for the project, which could take up to a year to complete. The plans recently were approved by the state Department of Transportation.
Mayor Anthony Ferrera told the public Tuesday thousands of township homeowners are affected by noise generated from the four horn blasts at each of the crossings – all within the nine-mile length of the Norfolk Southern line running through Hillsborough. The blasts often sound in the very early morning hours, the mayor said.
The township also intends to construct a wayside horn - where a horn is placed at the intersection of a crossing and would be directed at cars – at the Valley Road railroad crossing. Negotiations with Norfolk Southern on the wayside horn are ongoing, Ferrera said. Residents living near township railroad tracks had approached municipal officials with concerns last year, saying they couldn't sleep at night or talk on the telephone as a result of the noise. Others had said the sound disrupted their pets and infants.
However, Maurice Rached of Maser Consulting, the township's engineer on the project, said federal regulations require four horn blasts at each grade crossing.
"That is an unusually large number of horn blasts in a very small area," Rached said. "It does have an impact on homeowners."
During a test in September 2006 at the Valley Road crossing, the horn blasts were measured at about 92 decibels from a distance of 100 feet. When a train traveled through the Valley Road crossing, Robert Albritton, national sales manager of the company that makes the device, measured its horn blast at 106 decibels from the same distance – equal to a DC-8 aircraft at a little more than 6,000 feet before landing.
The solution is to install the added safety features at the rail crossings, so that trains traversing Hillsborough will not have to sound their horns at each crossing with the enhanced safety features.
"The construction of the medians and the safety improvements provided by the railroad will ultimately allow for the ending of the train horns at the three crossings, establishing quiet zones that will enhance the quality of life for these home owners," Ferrera said.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann can be
reached at (908) 707-3155or
psroka@gannett.com
Hillsboro slated for rail upgrades
By PAMELA SROKA·HOLZMANN
STAFF WRITER
HILLSBOROUGH - The Township committee has approved contracts to build safety medians at four rail crossings and install an electronic backup safety improvement at three of them.
The approved contracts will provide for the construction of 100-footmedians on either side of three of the rail crossings at Beekman Lane, Auten and Roycefield roads – including road stripping and warning signage - for $191,188. The railroad safety improvements will be installed at each of the crossings by Norfolk Southern, at a total of $141,000, said Township Clerk and Business Administrator Kevin Davis.
Davis said the majority of the funding for the quiet zone project comes from a $250,000 developer's contribution from Beazer Homes, the developer of the Pleasantview Estates project.
The township will use $250,000 from Beazer Homes and $100,000in budgeted funds for the project, which could take up to a year to complete. The plans recently were approved by the state Department of Transportation.
Mayor Anthony Ferrera told the public Tuesday thousands of township homeowners are affected by noise generated from the four horn blasts at each of the crossings – all within the nine-mile length of the Norfolk Southern line running through Hillsborough. The blasts often sound in the very early morning hours, the mayor said.
The township also intends to construct a wayside horn - where a horn is placed at the intersection of a crossing and would be directed at cars – at the Valley Road railroad crossing. Negotiations with Norfolk Southern on the wayside horn are ongoing, Ferrera said. Residents living near township railroad tracks had approached municipal officials with concerns last year, saying they couldn't sleep at night or talk on the telephone as a result of the noise. Others had said the sound disrupted their pets and infants.
However, Maurice Rached of Maser Consulting, the township's engineer on the project, said federal regulations require four horn blasts at each grade crossing.
"That is an unusually large number of horn blasts in a very small area," Rached said. "It does have an impact on homeowners."
During a test in September 2006 at the Valley Road crossing, the horn blasts were measured at about 92 decibels from a distance of 100 feet. When a train traveled through the Valley Road crossing, Robert Albritton, national sales manager of the company that makes the device, measured its horn blast at 106 decibels from the same distance – equal to a DC-8 aircraft at a little more than 6,000 feet before landing.
The solution is to install the added safety features at the rail crossings, so that trains traversing Hillsborough will not have to sound their horns at each crossing with the enhanced safety features.
"The construction of the medians and the safety improvements provided by the railroad will ultimately allow for the ending of the train horns at the three crossings, establishing quiet zones that will enhance the quality of life for these home owners," Ferrera said.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann can be
reached at (908) 707-3155or
psroka@gannett.com
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