Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 37, 2009

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 37 of 2009.

http://railfax.transmatch.com/

Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2008-2009 vs. 2007-2008. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.

Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.

Displayed 'Yellow Ribbon' Locomotive for Returning 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team Troops

Received the following via email dated 9/14/09 from Nate Clark in Greenville, PA. Sorry, no pictures were included.

Commemorating the service and sacrifice of the brave soldiers of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team returning to Pennsylvania after their deployment in Iraq, black-with-yellow-trim locomotive #430 of the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad presently rests on the Western Reserve Farm Cooperative sidetrack at Cambridge Springs (about 20 miles south of Erie). Wearing donated Yellow Ribbons and four-dozen hand-made, satin Yellow Bows, the locomotive is situated by the farm cooperative's mill site, west of the Grant Street grade crossing.

Upon disembarking from the buses at the Pennsylvania National Guard's Cambridge Springs Readiness Center, the returning soldiers will undoubtedly be anxious to just 'get home' and be with their loved ones. This tribute locomotive is positioned, however, such that if any soldiers might wish to also take a five-minute side-trip to view it, they and their families will be treated to a truly unique and special visual 'salute' to them. The weather for their homecoming should be spectacular. On Monday evening, well after the excitement of the return of the final buses of homeward-bound Stryker Brigade veterans has subsided, the decorations will be removed and temporarily stored, and the 3,000-horsepower freight locomotive will also be released, for a few days, back to Operations for use across the WNYP rail system.

The plan for next week, though, is to bring the locomotive, ribbons and bows back for an encore appearance at the same spot at Grant and Railroad streets for the community's big 'Welcome Home' parade celebration to honor these 500+ heroes and their families on Friday, 9-25. The locomotive will be parked within easy sight of where the planned parade route crosses the railroad. After the grand pageantry of the parade to let the soldiers know how proud we are of them, and how much they all were missed and always appreciated, the dozens of custom Yellow Bows (crafted by Mrs. Leanna Mayberry of Greenville, Mercer County) will again be removed, one last time, and donated to the classrooms of the many local elementary school students who have been loyal Pen Pals with our region's Stryker Brigade troops while serving overseas.

Saturday morning along the LEHL around Manville...

(Train sightings on 9-19-09.)

provided a glimpse of the variety of freight carried by railroads. 21M , 214 and 22V had COFCs and TOFCs. 18G had its usual consist of general merchandise and 053 had two oversized loads. All of this was seen during my two hours trackside.

NS 21M @ 8:47- Motive power consisted of NS 2681, NS 9900 and NS 9908.

NS 053 @ 9:15- would take the Royce Runner and hold for three eastbounds. Motive power for this special move was NS 9573. I couldn't begin to speculate on what its two loads were.




NS 22V @ 9:30- would have NS 9218 as the leader followed by PRR 8357.

NS 214 @ 9:56- had NS 7600 and NS 9916 taking the Port Reading Secondary east.

NS 18G @ 10:25- would have NS 9330 and NS 8899 for its power consist. 18G reported that a van had run the gate at Auten Road, damaging the crossing gate. As a result, Hillsborough PD would protect this crossing so that NS 053 could continue west until the crossing's damaged gate could be checked out by railroad personnel.

NS Whistle-Stop train delivers safety training

Received the following via email.

September 17, 2009

Norfolk Southern Whistle-Stop train delivers safety training to emergency responders in New York, Ohio, and West Virginia

NORFOLK, VA. - A special train will travel to New York, Ohio, and West Virginia Sept. 22-26 to provide emergency preparedness training to first responders as part of the 2009 Norfolk Southern TRANSCAER Whistle-Stop Tour. TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) is a nationwide program that assists communities in preparing for and responding to a possible hazardous material transportation incident.

"The TRANSCAER Whistle-Stop Tour underscores Norfolk Southern's commitment to the safety of the communities in which we operate," said David Julian, Norfolk Southern's vice president safety and environmental. "The training provides first responders with a unique opportunity to gain important hands-on knowledge about railroad equipment, the transport of chemical materials by rail, and the importance of planning for potential hazardous material transportation emergencies."

The tour kicks off in Buffalo, N.Y., and makes stops in Cleveland, Toledo, and Columbus, Ohio, winding up in Charleston, W.Va. At each location, state and local emergency planning committees, emergency responders, and government officials can participate in hands-on drills and training sessions conducted by chemical and rail transportation experts. Railroad tank cars used for training, specialized emergency response vehicles, and over-the-road tank trucks will be on display. More than 200 participants are expected at each stop.

This is the tenth TRANSCAER train Norfolk Southern has sponsored since 1994. More information, including local contacts, tour times, and program information, is available at www.transcaer.org. TRANSCAER members include volunteer representatives from the chemical manufacturing, transportation and distribution industries, and government. TRANSCAER sponsors include the Association of American Railroads, American Chemistry Council, The Chlorine Institute, CHEMTREC®, The Fertilizer Institute, National Association of Chemical Distributors, National Tank Truck Carriers Inc., U.S. Department of Energy (Environmental Management Office), and the Renewable Fuels Association.

The schedule for the 2009 TRANSCAER Whistle-Stop Tour will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as follows:

· Sept. 22 - Buffalo, N.Y. NS Bison Yard, 50 Bison Parkway.
· Sept. 23 - Cleveland, Ohio, NS East 55th Street Yard, 4790 Crayton Ave.
· Sept. 24 - Toledo, Ohio, NS Yard, 343 Emerald Ave.
· Sept. 25 - Columbus, Ohio, NS Bulk Terminal, 1875 Frebis Ave.
· Sept. 26 - Charleston, W.Va., Morris St. and Piedmont Rd.

The following companies and organizations are participating with Norfolk Southern in the tour: DuPont, BASF, Norfalco Corp., GATX, Schneider National, Operation Lifesaver of New York, Ohio and West Virginia, U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, Amtrak, Specialized Professional Services Inc., Sunpro, Midwest Environmental, Eagle/SWS Environmental, React Environmental Services Inc., and VPS of Vermont.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a leading North American transportation provider. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

Norfolk Southern contacts
Rudy Husband 610-567-3377 rudy.husband@nscorp.com
Robin Chapman 757-629-2713 robin.chapman@nscorp.com

Movie Railroad - Allegheny West Virginia Railroad

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

Stopped by Olean, NY and was able to photograph the locomotives of the Movie Railroad, Allegheny West Virginia RR. Found most of the locos in Olean, NY. Also found that there are four AC4400's, each with the same construction plate and two units each numbered the same. Also two SD-40's were there as well as a GP-9 from the SWP lettered for fictional Railroad Safety Campaign! Sit back and enjoy the movie...starring Denzel Washington and others set to release sometime in the future.

AWVR 777-1 at Olean, NY

AWVR 777-2 at Olean, NY

AWVR 767-1 at Olean, NY

AWVR 767-2 at Olean, NY

AWVR common builders decal...displayed on all 4 GE locos

AWVR Railroad Safety Campaign 2002 & train at Olean, NY

AWVR 7346 at Olean, NY

AWVR 7375 at Olean, NY

Norfolk Southern Announcements - 9/15/09

Received the following two announcements via email from Norfolk Southern.

September 15, 2009

Norfolk Southern thanks state partners in Crescent Corridor stimulus application

NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern commended its partners in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee for their leadership in supporting the Crescent Corridor program (see map) to increase rail freight transportation capacity and improve mobility and the environment.

"On behalf of Norfolk Southern, I thank our partners for their farsighted support of the Crescent Corridor," said CEO Wick Moorman. "The Crescent Corridor is a tremendous economic advantage for the states and the nation. It will stimulate jobs, tax revenue, and business growth, while delivering substantial public benefits for communities and customers. Governors Ed Rendell, Tim Kaine, Bob Riley, Haley Barbour, and Phil Bredesen are leading the way in showing how public-private partnerships can create safe, affordable, green solutions to America's transportation infrastructure challenges."

Lead state Pennsylvania on Sept. 14 submitted "The Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Application" to apply for federal stimulus money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Program.

The application seeks $300 million in support of new independent intermodal facilities at Memphis, Birmingham, and Franklin County, Pa.; and the expansion of intermodal terminals in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Track improvements in the five partner states will include 10 passing tracks, 557 individual speed improvements, and 393 miles of track improved with upgraded rail.

These projects will help the Crescent Corridor - an existing 2,500-mile rail network supporting the supply chain from Memphis and New Orleans to New Jersey - handle more rail freight traffic, faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting some 47,000 green jobs and producing these estimated annual benefits:

· $326 million in tax revenues to states and communities
· 1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
· $146 million in accident avoidance savings
· 1.9 million tons in CO2 reduction
· $575 million in congestion savings
· $92 million in highway maintenance savings
· 169 million gallons in fuel savings

In their TIGER application, the five partner states described the Crescent Corridor as, "one of the single largest additions of new freight transportation capacity in America since the Interstate Highway System. Building the last long haul intermodal freight distribution supply chain is one of the best transportation investments of our time."

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com


September 15, 2009

Norfolk Southern's sustainability report highlights carbon footprint, improved fuel economy

NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) has issued its second annual sustainability report, including the company's first-ever calculation of its carbon footprint and highlighting achievements in responsible economic, environmental, and social performance.

"We have made good progress," notes CEO Wick Moorman in a letter introducing the 62-page report, posted on the company's Web site at www.nscorp.com/footprints.

Norfolk Southern's carbon footprint is a measurement of greenhouse gases produced by the company's business operations. The largest single component, about 90 percent, is carbon dioxide emissions from diesel-burning locomotives. Other sources include emissions from production of electricity for rail facilities and fuel consumption by everything from company vehicles to boilers. Putting it all together, Norfolk Southern's carbon footprint for 2008 is calculated at 5.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. Put in perspective, it is less than one tenth of 1 percent of the 7.2 billion total emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents in the entire United States for 2007, the latest year for which data is available.

"This is an important indicator," notes Moorman in his letter, "that establishes a baseline for future improvement. Disclosure also demonstrates to our customers, communities, employees, and investors the seriousness of our intent to be good environmental stewards."

Since issuing the company's first sustainability report last year, Moorman said, "We have continued efforts on several fronts to increase our fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse emissions." For example, locomotive fuel economy has improved almost 3 percent over the past year and 10 percent over the last decade. The report notes that the greenhouse gas emission of one Norfolk Southern locomotive per revenue ton-mile is about one ounce, which is equivalent to the weight of a slice of bread.

"Our people make this company successful - from safety to sustainability," Moorman said. "This report describes some of the many ways they have embraced responsible business practices that will help ensure the ongoing strength of our company, the livability of their communities, and the quality of their lives.

"The progress we have made is a beginning," Moorman said. "As this report outlines, we and our partners in business and in the public sector are working on some far-reaching, long-term initiatives that will translate into big public benefits, including green jobs, further reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, and less highway congestion - thanks to the environmental and economic advantages of transportation by rail."

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Rick Harris 757-629-2718 rick.harris@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com

Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 36, 2009

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 36 of 2009.

http://railfax.transmatch.com/

Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2008-2009 vs. 2007-2008. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.

Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.

Old Penn Station Eagle Gets New Perch

Following article is from The New York Times for Friday, 9-11-09.

September 11, 2009

New Aerie for a Penn Station Eagle

By Jennifer 8. Lee

One of the eagles from the old Pennsylvania Station has been installed at the new Cooper Union building in the East Village.

Twenty-two stone eagles once perched on the old Pennsylvania Station building before it was demolished in the early 1960s, in what The New York Times called "a monumental act of vandalism." (The debate over the station got a shout-out on "Mad Men" a few weeks ago.) The eagles were each five feet tall, with wingspans that measured more than 70 inches, and weighed about 5,700 pounds.

The destruction of Penn Station unfolded before the city's landmarks law was enacted, so preservation-minded New Yorkers rushed to save what elements of the McKim, Mead & White building that they could: granite balusters, leather stools, Corinthian columns.

Among those involved in the salvage was a group of students from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, who successfully petitioned the Pennsylvania Railroad for one of the eagles, in part because the artist behind the station's stonework, Adolph Weinman, had graduated from Cooper Union in 1891.

For almost a decade, the eagle was kept at Cooper Union camp property in Ringwood, N.J. When the college sold the property in 1973, it moved the eagle to the courtyard of a building on Third Avenue in the East Village. But when Cooper Union began planning a new academic building at 41 Cooper Square, the building where the eagle stood was among those to be sold.

What, then, to do with the eagle?

"Clearly moving a 5,700-pound eagle is a problem in two ways: One, you have to move it. Two, you have to find a place for it," said Ronni Denes, a spokeswoman for Cooper Union. "Where are you going to put it?"

As part of that process, the eagle was appraised at $200,000. The appraiser also reported that 14 of the original 22 eagles still exist, three of them in the city. The other two flank the entrance to the present Penn Station at 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue. Other eagles are scattered in various locales: the Market Street Bridge in Philadelphia, Valley Forge Military Academy in Valley Forge, Pa.; Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden-Sydney, Va.; and the National Zoo in Washington.

When and if the train station is resurrected in the James A. Farley Post Office on Eighth Avenue, those eagles could perhaps resume their watch over its travelers.

There was no indoor space for the eagle at Cooper Union. So instead workers looked outside and found a much higher perch: on the green roof on the eighth floor. So in June, workers moved the eagle, protected with padding, to the base of the new building. Then a crane lifted the eagle and placed it on the roof, where it is visible from several classrooms.

The eagle's orientation? Toward Penn Station, of course.

Two Railroads Best Place to Launch a Career

BusinessWeek magazine published a list of the 50 "Best Places to Launch a Career" in their Sept. 14, 2009 issue. Two railroads made that list: Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific. Below is an announcement we received via email from NS.

September 11, 2009

Norfolk Southern is one of the best places to launch a career

NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern is one of the 50 "Best Places to Launch a Career," according to the Sept. 14, 2009, issue of BusinessWeek magazine.

BusinessWeek's fourth annual survey ranks the top employers for new college graduates. It is based on a survey of U.S. employers, college career services directors, and some 60,000 college undergraduates. Norfolk Southern ranked 26 on the list for 2009. "There are certain characteristics that all great employers share: great pay and benefits, top-notch training programs, and opportunities for rapid advancement," the magazine reports.

"With demand for freight transportation expected to grow 88 percent by 2035, the rail industry offers stability, with fantastic opportunities for a long-term career path," said Cindy Earhart, NS vice president human resources. "We offer competitive salaries and benefits and have a strong tradition of promoting from within the company."

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Susan Terpay 757-823-5204 susan.terpay@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com

A nice way to spend this Sunday morning!

(Train sightings on 9-13-09.)

... was to be trackside at the Lansdowne Road Grade Crossing (MP 58). In a relatively short timeframe on this sunny morning, my tally of confirmed trains sightings was four with one additional intermodal train seen but not identifed as I arrived around 8:30. Not a bad Sunday morning count, eh for this estimated forty-five minutes, eh? In time sequence, the trains were:

NS 18G @ 9:20- NS 9890 and NS 9604 had 127 cars of mixed freight. Could this train's length perhaps be an economic indicator that freight traffic is picking up?

NS 214 @ 9:40- provided an "UPlifting" sight with UP 4682 as its leader with NS 8795 and NS 9886.

NS IOG @ 9:49- had NS 9263 and NS 2720 for its motive power.

NS 212 @ 10:05- would have NS 9413, NS 2642 and a unidentified third NS diesel for its power.

Hope your Sunday morning was just as enjoyable...

More Quiet Zones on the Lehigh Valley Line in New Jersey

Following article is from the Courier-News (NJ).

The Courier News
September 10, 2009

South Plainfield officials push for quieter railroad crossings

By JEFF GRANT
STAFF WRITER

SOUTH PLAINFIELD - The borough's effort to make living near its railroad crossings quieter is on track.

The municipality learned earlier this week that the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, D.C., has approved its request to create so-called "quiet zones" around three crossings along the Conrail line that runs through town.

"We're ready to move to the next phase," said Mayor Charles Butrico, who championed the idea during his reorganization speech in January.

The sites, on New Brunswick Avenue, on the South Clinton Avenue extension between Sampton and New Market avenues, and on Front Street just below Oak Tree Avenue, are scheduled to receive vehicle-safety upgrades as part of the plan, according to Councilwoman Chrissy Buteas, who has been overseeing the proposal.

The upgrades, which most likely will include new curbing or additional gates, are required by the Federal Railroad Agency in order for the agency to lift its normal standing order that oncoming trains blow their horns four times as a warning to motorists. An increase in train traffic over the years, has made life for nearby residents a lot noisier, notes Buteas.

The New Brunswick crossing will receive arms that move up and down to separate vehicles from the railroad tracks, according to Buteas. The stanchions to hold the arms already are in place, she added.

At South Clinton Avenue, the councilwoman said the borough plans to add a 6-inch-high curb in the middle of the roadway as it approaches the tracks. "What that will do is when that one gate comes down, you'll have a curb in the center of the road, so somebody couldn't zigag in between the crossing," she said.

The design for the Front Street upgrade hasn't been decided, Buteas said.

A series of driveways near Front Street on one side of the tracks as it approaches the crossing will require further study of a couple of options, the councilwoman said.

"We can look at a curb and also a "wayside horn.' That horn (triggered by the train's approach and sounded automatically at the crossing) would only blow toward the vehicles as you're warning about the train coming," Buteas explained.

A time frame for the study of the Front Street site and a decision on the changes will be announced at a later time, according to Buteas.

"It depends on the engineering reports, which is most feasible and cost-effective," she said.

The actual installation timetable hasn't been decided either. Public hearings by the Borough Council would held first.

The idea of upgrading safety to create the quiet zones began in earnest earlier this year.

"It's a huge quality-of-life issue," Buteas said. "The federal government requires trains to blow their horns four times when they're approaching a crossing, so that means they blow their horns 12 times through town, and train traffic has increased significantly. So it seems like the trains are constant. It's waking people up and disturbing them. They can't open up their windows."

When he was growing up in town, now-Police Chief John Ferraro said his family lived near the tracks.

"There's a lot more (rail) traffic now then there has been in the past," said Ferraro, who hailed the upgrades required for the "quiet zones."

"It should make those crossings safer," the chief said.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency within the U.S. Transportation Department created to reduce crashes involving large trucks and buses, 300-400 people are killed every year across the United States and more than 1,100 are injured at grade crossings, such as the three in South Plainfield. However, most of those crashes occur at rural crossings. The sites in South Plainfield already have some safety features, including gates.

Transit agencies may study train service to Flemington, NJ

Following article is from The Star-Ledger (NJ).

Transit agencies may study train service to Flemington

by Veronica Slaght/For The Star-Ledger
Tuesday September 08, 2009

FLEMINGTON -- Extending rail service to Flemington is one step closer to reality.

"We have had positive feedback from the NJTPA (North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority)" in response to a request for funding to study the idea, said Hunterdon Freeholder Matt Holt.

The study would evaluate the viability and cost of extending train service to Flemington, Holt said.

The NJTPA's board of trustees has to formally vote before the funding is made official, according to David Behrend, spokesman for the planning authority. That could be anytime between the board's next meeting in November and the first quarter of 2010, he said.

In general, however, the organization has endorsed extending train service to Flemington, Behrend said today.

He said the concept, which calls for running trains from Flemington to Bound Brook, where they would connect to NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line, is supported by the regional transportation plan and considered a candidate for future funding.

Freeholder Holt said the feasibility study would be the first step in a long-term project.

"Even if we begin a study in 2010, we're looking at 10-plus years before we see the first piece of rail," he said. "It won't happen overnight."

Holt said this kind of study typically costs around $200,000. It would most likely be conducted by NJ Transit, he said, which would also likely operate any trains that run on those rails in the future.

"But who builds it and where the money comes from -- no one knows," Holt said.

The concept calls for utilizing existing track between Flemington and Bound Brook. About 18 miles are freight-only, used by Norfolk-Southern, so an additional track would need to be added to that stretch, he said. But no easements or land acquisition would be necessary because the track lines already exist. The only other work would likely be bridge improvements, he said.

Extending rail service to Flemington would ideally alleviate traffic on routes 202 and 206, Holt said.

Aside from the bus to New York City, the western part of the state is largely lacking public transportation.

"We in this area have our cars," said Holt. "We need to move beyond that."

The trains would stop at multiple places between Flemington and Bound Brook, which could help local economies in both Somerset and Hunterdon counties, said the freeholder.

NJ Transit is also studying adding more trains to the Raritan Valley Line, as well as possibly extending service to Hampton and possibly Phillipsburg.

It has been nearly 50 years since there was daily train service from Flemington to New York.

Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 35, 2009

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 35 of 2009.

http://railfax.transmatch.com/

Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2008-2009 vs. 2007-2008. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.

Note that the trend is definitely up.

Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.

Centennial of B&O Disaster at Chewton, PA

Received the following information via email. Chewton, PA is northwest of Pittsburgh. The first link is to a current newspaper article about the B&O train wreck of 100 years ago. The next 3 links are to New York Times articles written at that time. They are PDF files.

Last Friday's 100th anniversary of this mysterious, deliberate and deadly sabotage of a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad express train at Chewton was marked by today's Ellwood City Ledger in nearby Ellwood City, PA...site of the last station at which the doomed passenger train had stopped:
From Tuesday, September 8, 2009, Ellwood City Ledger.com:
Chewton Train Wreck Remembered
http://www.ellwoodcityledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20367538&BRD=2724&PAG=461&dept_id=563781&rfi=6

From Page 3, Sunday, September 5, 1909, THE NEW YORK TIMES:
GHOULS WRECK TRAIN THREE ARE KILLED; Baltimore & Ohio Flier Derailed at High Speed Near New Castle, Penn. ROBBERY IS THE MOTIVE Seventeen Persons Injured as Fast Train Leaves Track -- Two Suspects Arrested.
http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9D02E3DB123EE733A25756C0A96F9C946897D6CF

From Page 3, Monday, September 6, 1909, THE NEW YORK TIMES:
HOLD MAIMED MEN FOR WRECK OF FLIER; One of Two Prisoners at New Castle, Penn., Has Lost a Leg, the Other an Eye; SEEN NEAR THE DISASTER; Police Strive for Hours to Break Down Their Alibis--Striking Machinists Deny Causing Wreck
http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9B04EEDA1F31E733A25755C0A96F9C946897D6CF

From Page 9, Tuesday, September 7, 1909, THE NEW YORK TIMES, the paper's third (and final) installment:
WRECK SUSPECTS SET FREE; Little Evidence Against Men Arrested Following B. & O. Disaster
http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9403E6D91F31E733A25754C0A96F9C946897D6CF

Lackawanna Railfest set-up 9-4-2009

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

Friday afternoon set-up provided some of the better lighting and positioning of the visiting locomotives. Nothing quite like F-units basking in the late afternoon sun! The D-L provided some excitement moving around the EL Dining car societies' Dining Car. A Corporate photo of all three major GVT lines in a common paint scheme was a nice touch!

Dining car is at rear of this string of locomotives.

Last Shots of the R&N...a good railroad to stay away from these days

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

Greetings: Found out today (Friday 9-4-2009) that the Reading & Northern has taken a distinct and scary tactic from the NJ Transit/ Amtrak playbook against photographers. No more will photographers be allowed access to yards terminals or even anywhere on line!!! According to Sgt Johnson of the R&N police force...(Who threatened me with arrest after asking him if it would be ok to hike in to take a picture)..."We can't allow photographers access to our property. There have been too many cases of vandalism to the railroad.....AND I KNOW IT IS ALL THESE DAMN RAILFANS"!!! After obtaining permission from a LGSR (Lehigh Gorge Senic Railway) officer, he reluctantly allowed me to hike up to the engine house and photograph the unit. So another formerly friendly railroad goes into the murky depths of "HOMELAND SECURITY". So I guess I will not make any effort to support these people as long as they maintain such an anal philosophy.

From there I went to Steamtown to cover the set-up for Lackawanna RailFest 2009. The friendly attitude by Park Employees and their law enforcement was a welcome breath of understanding and openness as opposed to the R&N.

R&N 425 & LGSR 426 at Jim Thorpe, PA

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway 426 at Jim Thorpe, PA

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway lettering

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway logo

Norfolk Southern CMO Seale To Address Two Transportation Conferences

Received the following via email.

August 28, 2009

Norfolk Southern CMO Seale To Address Two Transportation Conferences

NORFOLK, VA. - Donald W. Seale, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address two transportation conferences in New York City in September:

Dahlman Rose Annual Global Transportation Conference, Sept. 9 at 10:45 a.m. EDT. Interested investors may listen to a simultaneous webcast at http://www.wsw.com/webcast/dahlman3/nsc/.

Credit Suisse Automotive and Transportation Conference, Sept. 10 at 7:45 a.m. EDT Interested investors may listen to a simultaneous webcast at
http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=159528&s=1&k=08E6E0B9DF676C967A103B4A56CC4CCD

After the webcasts, each presentation will be posted at www.nscorp.com.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com

Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 33, 2009

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 33 of 2009.

http://railfax.transmatch.com/

Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2008-2009 vs. 2007-2008. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.

Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.

CSXT's Logan Sub. The line that time forgot.

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

The CSXT's Logan Sub is a step back in time. Many old buildings still exist as well as old style C&O signals. One almost expects to even find an old speeder in those motor car sheds!

CSXT at Logan, WV

CSXT FD Cabin at Logan, WV

CSXT motor car sheds in Logan, WV

A wild wonderful West Virginia Weekend

Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his. In this series of photos he follows a northbound train on CSXT's Logan sub. He starts in Peach Creek, WV, which is just north of Logan in southwest WV. He then follows the train north along WV Route 10 to Barboursville, which is just east of Huntington.

Spent a great weekend in Charleston WV visiting with some good friends including one who had the misfortune of spending a week in the local hospital. Thankfully he is now well and he is out and resuming railfan activities!! Nick, you are still in our thoughts for a continued recovery.

Mike & Chase took Troy & me out following various coal lines in the mountains south of the St Albans, WV area. Came across a westbound leaving Peach Creek, WV and had a great chase up to Barboursville, WV on the Logan Sub.

a) CSXT 4555 & train at Henlawson, WV

b) CSXT 4555 & train at Pecks Mill, WV

c) CSXT 4555 & train at Harts, WV

d) CSXT 4555 & train in Ranger, WV

e) CSXT 4555 & train at Branchland, WV

f) CSXT 4555 & train at Barboursville, WV

Wild wonderful West Virginia

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

After the CSXT / A&O chase, went over to the West Virginia Central's operation at Belington, WV and found the Elkin train arriving with the BL-2 and a GP-9. Hope you enjoy!

WM 82 & B&O 6641 at Belington, WV

B&O 6641 & train west of Belington, WV

B&O 6641 & train west of Junior, WV

Back on the road again!!

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

Greetings All:

It has been awhile since I have sent anything out. Think the last was on the way to Owosso, MI and the big steam-fest there....That was not a good trip for the digital camera! After losing a days images due to a corrupt chip, the AF decided to fail on the lens...tried to use the focus manually to some degree of success, but most of the images were consigned to the electron junque pile.

The trip back was also good, with a nice chase of 3 big six-axle MLW's on the WNYP Driftwood Turn. THANK GOODNESS for KODACHROME!!!! going to have to wait till I can scan the images onto the computer!!!!

Bit the bullet and took the big plunge and bought myself a NIKON D-90. Spent some time getting used to it and finally feel confident in showing off some of the images taken with the new toy!

This segment is of a empty hopper train on the Appalachian & Ohio (ex B&O) line from Grafton to the Evergreen loadout at Cowen, WV with run-through CSXT power.

CSXT 842 passing CPL 348 east of Buckhannon, WV

CSXT 842 & train at CPL 348 east of Buckhannon, WV

CSXT 842 & train at Rangoon, WV

CSXT 842 & train east of Buckhannon, WV

Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 32, 2009

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 32 of 2009.

http://railfax.transmatch.com/

Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2008-2009 vs. 2007-2008. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.

Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.

Ohio and Pennsylvania RRing sights...

Received the following pictures via email.
Note: Click on a picture to see it enlarged. Then use your browser's Back button to return to the blog.

SCL Richmond

Museum in or near Cleveland, OH. Note the rail car on the right behind this sign.

Rail garrison car WECX 1002. (See sign above.)

Altoona

NS Provides Grant to Penn State Altoona for Railroad Engineering Degree Program

Received the following via email.

August 13, 2009

Norfolk Southern Provides $100,000 Grant to Penn State Altoona for Railroad Engineering Degree Program

ALTOONA, PA. - The Norfolk Southern Foundation has given $100,000 to Penn State Altoona to assist in the development of a four-year Rail and Transit Engineering (RTE) degree program. This innovative Bachelor of Science program will include existing Penn State civil engineering courses, coupled with new customized courses in rail business, mechanical systems, track, operations, communications, and regulation. The program is designed to produce graduates who will quickly acclimate to the rail industry and its suppliers.

"On behalf of the entire Penn State Altoona community, I express heartfelt appreciation to Norfolk Southern for the vital role it is playing in the creation of this exciting academic initiative," said Dr. Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry, chancellor of Penn State Altoona. "We are proud to be a national leader in this discipline. The railway industry has an established history of philanthropic support at Penn State Altoona. As an institution committed to public service, our college draws inspiration from Norfolk Southern's community spirit, and we are grateful for the railroad's support of our vision and their partnering with us to enhance academic and career opportunities for our students."

Cindy Earhart, Norfolk Southern's vice president human resources, said: "While the rail industry is operating in challenging economic times, the fact remains that our workforce is maturing. In order for Norfolk Southern to remain successful, we need to develop a talent pool that understands the railroad work environment. Penn State Altoona's Rail and Transit Engineering program will provide the industry with skilled and motivated graduates who want to become the next generation of railroaders."

"I want to congratulate Norfolk Southern and Penn State University for coming together to create this fantastic baccalaureate program in railroad engineering," said Congressman Bill Shuster, Ranking Republican on the Subcommittee on Railroads in the House of Representatives. "Pennsylvania played an important role in building America's railroads, and our state continues its proud heritage to this day. The transportation of goods and services over rail is critical to our economic growth and educational programs like this at Penn State will help improve its role across the country. I want to recognize Norfolk Southern for its commitment to improving the communities it works with and I congratulate Penn State and its students on this exciting new educational opportunity."

"As a proponent of the Rail and Transit Engineering degree program for the past ten years, this truly is a dream come true," said State Rep. Rick Geist. "It took bringing the right people to the table to create this win-win development for Penn State Altoona, Norfolk Southern and all of Blair County and we certainly have the right people. A Rail and Transit Engineering degree program is evidence of railroading's bright future and will usher in a new and exciting era."

Penn State Altoona is an ideal site for the new program, given its geographic location to Norfolk Southern's primary locomotive maintenance facility and the railroad's main artery between the Chicago and New York markets. Founded as a rail center in 1849 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, Altoona is world-famous for its long history as a leading site for steam and diesel locomotive repair and maintenance, and its landmark of rail engineering, the Horseshoe Curve.

Another component of the Penn State RTE program is the Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to revealing, interpreting, commemorating and celebrating the significant contributions of railroaders and their families to American life and industry. The museum has close relationship with Norfolk Southern and has offered the Penn State program space in a new roundhouse planned for the museum property.

Pending approval by Penn State University's faculty senate and administration, it is anticipated that classes in the RTE program will begin at Penn State Altoona in the fall of 2010. Norfolk Southern will provide the program with technical support and assistance.

Bechtel-Wherry described the program as "a groundbreaking academic initiative that will provide students with a unique multidisciplinary experience."

"It is entirely fitting that Penn State Altoona - located only minutes from the hub of Norfolk Southern's local operations - will offer this particular program," she said. "The potential impact of this program on the railroad industry is substantial. Through our Rail and Transit Engineering baccalaureate degree program, we have the opportunity to play a vital role in training engineers for placement within the expanding railroad industry. The potential benefits of this program for our students, our college, and the railroad industry are limitless."

Norfolk Southern and Penn State have also engaged in joint research to improve the energy efficiency of locomotives and reduce railroad emissions. Funded by NS and the U.S. Department of Energy, this effort will encourage students to get involved in developing new and innovative technologies for the railroad.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides superior connections to western rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is North America's largest rail carrier of metals and automotive products.

Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Rudy Husband 610-567-3377 rudy.husband@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com

Penn State Altoona contact
Marissa Carney Media Relations Coordinator, Office of University Relations 814-949-5105

Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 31, 2009

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 31 of 2009.

http://railfax.transmatch.com/

Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2008-2009 vs. 2007-2008. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.

Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.

NS to construct a new intermodal terminal in Greencastle, Pa.

Received the following via email.

August 12, 2009

Norfolk Southern Selects Greencastle Site for New Franklin County Regional Intermodal Facility, Supporting Crescent Corridor Initiative

NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern announced today that it will construct a new intermodal terminal in Greencastle, Pa., to serve the Mid-Atlantic region, as part of the railroad's multi-state Crescent Corridor initiative to establish a high-speed intermodal freight rail route between the Gulf Coast and the Northeast. The $95 million facility, at which freight moving in containers and trailers will be transferred between train and truck, will occupy a 200-acre site adjacent to the planned Antrim Commons Business Park and is expected to open in late 2011.

"Because of its strategic location to key markets in the Mid-Atlantic region, the new Franklin County terminal is vital to the success of our Crescent Corridor," said Wick Moorman, Norfolk Southern's chief executive officer. "We commend Gov. Ed Rendell for his efforts to provide state funding for our intermodal terminal initiatives in Greencastle and Philadelphia. We also want to thank Sens. Robert Casey and Arlen Specter, and Rep. Bill Shuster for their support of a public-private partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Transportation so that Pennsylvania will benefit from the economic development opportunities and job growth potential of integrated logistics hubs. We also want to express our gratitude to the rest of the Pennsylvania and Maryland members of Congress who are supporting the Crescent Corridor, including Roscoe Bartlett, Bob Brady, Charlie Dent, Jim Gerlach, Tim Holden, Patrick Murphy, and Todd Platts. Finally, we must recognize the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Franklin County Area Development Corporation for their tremendous support in moving this project forward."

"Rail freight is an important component of any transportation infrastructure discussion," Governor Edward G. Rendell said. "This facility will create good jobs, generate revenue, and help reduce highway congestion. Pennsylvania has invested heavily in rail freight because it is a smart, environmentally friendly, cost-effective infrastructure investment. I will continue to advocate for rail freight investments at the state and national level."

Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor initiative is a multistate network of infrastructure improvements and other facilities intended to enhance Norfolk Southern's 2,500-mile rail network that supports the supply chain from the Gulf Coast and Memphis to Harrisburg, Philadelphia and the New York metropolitan area and enable it to handle more freight traffic faster and more reliably. The railroad is in the process of implementing Corridor projects, including straightening curves, adding passing tracks, improving signal systems, and building new terminals.

Altogether, nearly $2.5 billion in Crescent Corridor projects have been identified, and based on the public benefits that stand to be derived in the form of highway congestion relief, NS plans to implement the Crescent Corridor initiative through a series of public-private partnerships. When the Crescent Corridor initiative is fully implemented, it is anticipated that more than one million truckloads of freight will be absorbed from the highways to the rails annually, saving the U.S. more than 170 million gallons of fuel per year.

When the Crescent Corridor is fully operational, annual benefits to Pennsylvania are expected to include nearly 700,000 long-haul trucks diverted to rail, almost 10 million gallons of fuel saved, carbon dioxide reduction of 110,000 tons, more than $9 million in traffic congestion savings, and avoidance of an estimated $8.5 million in accident costs. Over the next ten years 26,000 jobs in Pennsylvania are expected to be created or enhanced by the Crescent Corridor. Norfolk Southern also has improvements planned for existing intermodal terminals in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, along with $27 million in track and signal upgrades.

The proposed investment in the Franklin County Regional Intermodal Facility will create the capacity to handle more than 85,000 containers and trailers annually. The terminal will utilize the latest in gate and terminal automation technology, which shortens the waiting time for trucks entering the terminal, thereby reducing exhaust emissions and improving truck driver productivity. Four intermodal trains daily will serve the terminal.

Site selection was given careful and exhaustive consideration to minimize impacts on surrounding communities, roadway facilities, and the environment. A site near an existing logistics park with quick access to an interstate highway was chosen so that national and local markets would have the opportunity to benefit from the Crescent Corridor's state-of-the-art economic development and environmental potential.

Rail Intermodal traffic uses one-third of the fuel required by long-haul trucks and greatly reduces highway congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and highway maintenance costs. The Crescent Corridor will help the environment and reduce a large burden on state budgets.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a leading North American transportation provider. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

Any statements contained in this news release which are not related to historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties (noted in the corporation's filings with the SEC) which could cause actual results to differ materially.

Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Rudy Husband 610-567-3377 rudy.husband@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com

Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 30, 2009

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 29 of 2009.

http://railfax.transmatch.com/

Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2008-2009 vs. 2007-2008. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.

From the graph, it looks like rail traffic is picking up. But is this just a seasonal effect, or is this a sign of economic recovery. Keep watching this blog for weekly updates.

Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.

Backhoes on top of railroad cars

Over a year ago I posted still pictures of a backhoe climbing on top of a hopper car. (M of W Procedures, April 16, 2008) I have now come across a video of these backhoes in action. It is a marketing video from Herzog, the company that supplies these specially equipped machines which they call "Cartoppers."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4toJA5EXcM&feature=related

Saturday morning had a pleasant surprise...

(Train sightings on 8-1-09.)

... and that came in the form of sunshine. One weather forecaster indicated the normal amount of rain for July in central NJ is about 4.62 inches. July's total rainfall amounted to 7.02 inches! Now you can understand why seeing sunshine and not gray clouds was soooo... nice on this Saturday morning. It also enabled me to spend some time trackside in Manville along the Lehigh Line. What follows is a report of what I saw:

NS 18G @ 8:40 with NS 9699 as its leader along with an unidentifed second NS unit bringing its general merchandise freight east on track 2.

NS 22V @ 8:50 with NS 9798 and NS 9946 with its colorful consist of COFCs.


NS 214 (time not recorded) had NS 2656, NS 2564 and NS 9449.

NS 212 (time once again not recorded) would have NS 9495, NS 2765 and NS 2637.

NS 11J- after holding at the waterworks for these four eastbounders, NS 9971 and NS 9821 was on the move west with its empty autoracks.

NS 21M @ 9:50 would have NS 9143 as its leader.

Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 29, 2009

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 29 of 2009.

http://railfax.transmatch.com/

Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2008-2009 vs. 2007-2008. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.

Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.

7 year old boy rides 52 miles on freight train between cars

The following news item is from KCTV5 TV station in Kansas City, and was posted on their web site on 7-29-09. Someone definitely must have been watching over that little boy that he was not killed or injured.

Missing Boy Found Miles Away On Train

Boy Rides Train 52 Miles Riding Between Train Cars

POLO, Mo. -- Seven-year-old Colton Smith rode a train more than 50 miles in between train cars, leading his family scrambling to find the missing boy.

Colton has ambition to work on the railroad and plenty of toy trains. However, his family never expected the boy to end up on a train by himself.

When Colton went missing Saturday morning, Colton's mother Heather Smith thought he had gone to a friend's house. When he wasn't found on his block, the mother started to worry.

The family started an all-out search and eventually got the help of police, friends and even K-9 units from a nearby prison. The search team searched the railroad tracks, too.

"And I'm thinking 'Oh no, something tells me he got on one of those trains,'" Heather said.

A few hours later, the family discovered Colton rode on the couplings between to rail cars for 52 miles to Chula, Mo. The train traveled at speeds of up to 45 mph.

"After I found out he rode on the couplings, I was really shocked," Dakota, Colton's older brother, said.

When the train stopped in Chula, sheriff's officials said, Colton walked to a nearby house. The house happened to be owned by a woman who works as a first-responder. Officials said Colton did not require any medical attention.

Heather said she is convinced someone was watching over Colton, and based on how he described his experience, she said she is pretty sure it's the last time Colton will be testing fate on a freight train.

"I asked him, I said, 'Did you have fun?'" Heather said. "And he says, 'No, I hated it. It was scary.'"

Dakota said he doesn't quite get his little brother's obsession with trains, despite his own obsession with skateboarding.

"One day he liked tornadoes and the next day he was just the biggest fan of trains I've ever seen," Dakota said.