Received the following via email.
October 29, 2010
Norfolk Southern COO Manion to address Stephens Inc. Fall Investment Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - Mark D. Manion, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Stephens Inc. Fall Investment Conference in New York City at 10 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://www.wsw.com/webcast/stph15/nsc/.
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
NS reports third-quarter 2010 results
Received the following via email.
October 27, 2010
Norfolk Southern reports third-quarter 2010 results
For third-quarter 2010 vs. third-quarter 2009:
· Railway operating revenues increased 19 percent to $2.5 billion.
· Income from railway operations improved 33 percent to $746 million.
· Net income increased 47 percent to $445 million.
· Diluted earnings per share rose 47 percent to $1.19.
· The railway operating ratio improved by 3.2 percentage points to 69.6 percent.
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation today reported third-quarter 2010 net income of $445 million, an increase of 47 percent, compared with $303 million for third-quarter 2009. Diluted earnings per share were $1.19, up 47 percent, compared with $0.81 per share in the third quarter of 2009.
"Norfolk Southern delivered strong financial results as we experienced a fifth consecutive quarter of increased volumes," said CEO Wick Moorman. "We continue to see an economy characterized by slow growth, but growth nonetheless. We remain confident that our focus on strengthening service, controlling costs, and investing in our rail infrastructure and equipment will drive long-term shareholder value."
Third-quarter railway operating revenues improved 19 percent to $2.5 billion, compared with the third quarter of 2009, primarily as the result of a 15 percent increase in traffic volume.
General merchandise revenues were $1.3 billion, 16 percent higher compared with third-quarter 2009 results. Coal revenues increased 24 percent, to $709 million, compared with the same period last year. Intermodal revenues were $464 million, 19 percent higher compared with the third quarter of 2009.
Railway operating expenses for the third quarter were $1.7 billion, an increase of 14 percent over the same period of 2009.
The railway operating ratio improved by 3.2 percentage points to 69.6 percent, compared with 72.8 percent during third-quarter 2009.
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
October 27, 2010
Norfolk Southern reports third-quarter 2010 results
For third-quarter 2010 vs. third-quarter 2009:
· Railway operating revenues increased 19 percent to $2.5 billion.
· Income from railway operations improved 33 percent to $746 million.
· Net income increased 47 percent to $445 million.
· Diluted earnings per share rose 47 percent to $1.19.
· The railway operating ratio improved by 3.2 percentage points to 69.6 percent.
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation today reported third-quarter 2010 net income of $445 million, an increase of 47 percent, compared with $303 million for third-quarter 2009. Diluted earnings per share were $1.19, up 47 percent, compared with $0.81 per share in the third quarter of 2009.
"Norfolk Southern delivered strong financial results as we experienced a fifth consecutive quarter of increased volumes," said CEO Wick Moorman. "We continue to see an economy characterized by slow growth, but growth nonetheless. We remain confident that our focus on strengthening service, controlling costs, and investing in our rail infrastructure and equipment will drive long-term shareholder value."
Third-quarter railway operating revenues improved 19 percent to $2.5 billion, compared with the third quarter of 2009, primarily as the result of a 15 percent increase in traffic volume.
General merchandise revenues were $1.3 billion, 16 percent higher compared with third-quarter 2009 results. Coal revenues increased 24 percent, to $709 million, compared with the same period last year. Intermodal revenues were $464 million, 19 percent higher compared with the third quarter of 2009.
Railway operating expenses for the third quarter were $1.7 billion, an increase of 14 percent over the same period of 2009.
The railway operating ratio improved by 3.2 percentage points to 69.6 percent, compared with 72.8 percent during third-quarter 2009.
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
NS CFO Squires to address Baird Industrial Conference
Received the following via email.
October 25, 2010
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address Baird Industrial Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Baird Industrial Conference in Chicago at 2:30 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://www.wsw.com/webcast/baird17/nsc/. After the webcast, the presentation will be posted at www.nscorp.com.
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
October 25, 2010
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address Baird Industrial Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Baird Industrial Conference in Chicago at 2:30 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://www.wsw.com/webcast/baird17/nsc/. After the webcast, the presentation will be posted at www.nscorp.com.
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
MTH 2011 catalog, Vol. 1 now available
MTH 2011 catalog Volume 1 is now available at The Big Little Railroad Shop.
Stop in and checkout all the new offerings in the catalog.
Place an order for one of the new items by November 15, 2010 to receive 10% off the list price and a guaranteed reservation for that item.
We also have the latest Lionel Catalog, 2010 Vol II.
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
Received the following via email.
October 26, 2010
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation today announced the regular quarterly dividend of 36 cents per share on its common stock, payable on Dec. 10, to stockholders of record on Nov. 5.
Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 113 consecutive quarters.
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.
October 26, 2010
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation today announced the regular quarterly dividend of 36 cents per share on its common stock, payable on Dec. 10, to stockholders of record on Nov. 5.
Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 113 consecutive quarters.
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.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Kent, Ohio and the Erie Railroad
Received a notice of the following event via email. This is a little far from our store, but this blog is read around the world.
From the Kent Historical Society web site ( http://www.kentohiohistory.org/ ).
Railroad Town: Kent and the Erie Railroad
The Kent Historical Society is proud to announce the publication of our new book written by Bruce Dzeda. This profusely illustrated book traces the emergence of the Erie Railroad and the profound affect it had on the city of Kent. The book will be for sale in the lobby of the Kent Stage at Mr. Dzeda's presentation.
From the Kent Historical Society web site ( http://www.kentohiohistory.org/ ).
Coming to the Kent Stage
175 East Main St.
Presented by the Kent Historical Society
Speaker Series
November 1, 2010 – 7:00 P.M.
Bruce Dzeda will speak on Kent and the Erie Railroad
His talk will be accompanied by historical images of Kent and the Erie Railroad
This event is free and open to the public.
Doors open at 6:30 P.M.
Railroad Town: Kent and the Erie Railroad
The Kent Historical Society is proud to announce the publication of our new book written by Bruce Dzeda. This profusely illustrated book traces the emergence of the Erie Railroad and the profound affect it had on the city of Kent. The book will be for sale in the lobby of the Kent Stage at Mr. Dzeda's presentation.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
NS: Green and getting greener
Received the following via email.
October 21, 2010
Norfolk Southern: Green and getting greener
NORFOLK, VA. - For environmentalism in 2010, Norfolk Southern Corporation's score improved to 71.28 of 100 points, and its ranking improved to 233 among the 500 largest publicly traded companies in America, according to NEWSWEEK magazine.
The evaluation reflects NS' worldwide environmental footprint, based on more than 700 separate metrics; an assessment of the company's green initiatives; and a poll of CEOs, environmental officers, and other green experts, according to NEWSWEEK.
Companies measured in the report were included by virtue of their revenue, market capitalization, and number of employees.
The NS numbers compared with 67.61 points and 338 overall in 2009.
"A benchmark such as this gives us useful perspective," said F. Blair Wimbush, NS' vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer. "Customers and communities expect us to set the pace for sustainability in the rail transportation arena. The rankings help validate that our green performance is solid and improving."
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
October 21, 2010
Norfolk Southern: Green and getting greener
NORFOLK, VA. - For environmentalism in 2010, Norfolk Southern Corporation's score improved to 71.28 of 100 points, and its ranking improved to 233 among the 500 largest publicly traded companies in America, according to NEWSWEEK magazine.
The evaluation reflects NS' worldwide environmental footprint, based on more than 700 separate metrics; an assessment of the company's green initiatives; and a poll of CEOs, environmental officers, and other green experts, according to NEWSWEEK.
Companies measured in the report were included by virtue of their revenue, market capitalization, and number of employees.
The NS numbers compared with 67.61 points and 338 overall in 2009.
"A benchmark such as this gives us useful perspective," said F. Blair Wimbush, NS' vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer. "Customers and communities expect us to set the pace for sustainability in the rail transportation arena. The rankings help validate that our green performance is solid and improving."
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
R&N 425 excursion, 10-17-10
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos and captions are his.
R&N is the Reading and Northern RR, and this excursion ran from Port Clinton, PA to Jim Thorpe, PA roundtrip. For more information on the R&N, including future excursions, visit their web site. http://www.readingnorthern.com/
Spent a lazy October Sunday afternoon out following the 425 on its run from Jim Thorpe, PA to Port Clinton, PA on 10-17-2010.
R&N is the Reading and Northern RR, and this excursion ran from Port Clinton, PA to Jim Thorpe, PA roundtrip. For more information on the R&N, including future excursions, visit their web site. http://www.readingnorthern.com/
Spent a lazy October Sunday afternoon out following the 425 on its run from Jim Thorpe, PA to Port Clinton, PA on 10-17-2010.
R&N 425 at Zehners, PA
R&N 425 at Hecla, PA
R&N 425 at Marion Rd X-ing, Haucks, PA
R&N 425 at Molino, PA
NS breaks ground on new intermodal terminal in Greencastle, Pa.
Received the following via email.
October 19, 2010
Norfolk Southern breaks ground on new $95 million intermodal terminal in Greencastle, Pa.
GREENCASTLE, PA. – Today Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman was joined by Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, Federal Railroad Administration Deputy Administrator Karen Rae, Rep. Bill Shuster, and other state and local dignitaries to officially break ground for the new Franklin County Regional Intermodal Facility in Greencastle, Pa.
The $95 million facility, part of the railroad’s multi-state Crescent Corridor initiative to establish an efficient, high-capacity intermodal freight rail route between the Gulf Coast and the Northeast, occupies a 200-acre site adjacent to the planned Antrim Commons Business Park and is expected to open in 2012.
Today’s groundbreaking is for the first of four new Crescent Corridor intermodal terminals Norfolk Southern plans to construct over the next two years.
“The Franklin County Regional Intermodal Facility is ideally located to serve the Mid-Atlantic region and is a critical component of our Crescent Corridor,” said Moorman. “We commend Governor Rendell for his dedication and commitment to improve transportation infrastructure not only in the commonwealth but throughout the U.S. We also want to thank Representative Shuster for his involvement in our efforts to form public-private partnerships to create jobs and economic development opportunities throughout Pennsylvania. Finally, we must recognize the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Franklin County Area Development Corporation, and Antrim Township for their active participation in the planning of this project.”
“There is no doubt that this type of integrated logistics hub creates good jobs, generates revenue, and provides substantial environmental benefits,” Governor Rendell said. “Pennsylvania has invested heavily in freight rail 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.”
“Intermodal terminals like the one Norfolk Southern broke ground on today are proven centers for investment, infrastructure improvement, and business growth,” said Congressman Shuster, Ranking Republican on the House Subcommittee on Railroads. “The improvements being made to Exit 3 on I-81 are a perfect example of this. I have long supported investment in freight rail because it’s efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible. I have no doubt that this facility will open a new chapter in Pennsylvania’s proud railroading history and create new opportunities for growth here in Franklin County and beyond.”
The Crescent Corridor is a program of improvements to infrastructure and other facilities geared toward creating a high capacity 2,500 mile intermodal route spanning from New Jersey to Louisiana that touches 26 percent of the nation’s population and 30 percent of the nation’s manufacturing output. It provides the shortest intermodal double stack route between the South and the Northeast. When fully operational it will handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting more than 70,000 green jobs by 2030 and producing these estimated annual benefits:
1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
$141 million in accident avoidance savings
1.8 million tons in CO2 reduction
$565 million in congestion savings
$262 million in highway maintenance savings
163 million gallons in fuel savings
The Crescent Corridor program of projects is estimated to cost $2.5 billion for full development. In addition to the Greencastle facility, Crescent Corridor projects currently planned for development include new independent intermodal facilities at Birmingham, Ala., Charlotte, N.C. and Memphis, Tenn.; the expansion of intermodal terminals in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Pa.; and the addition of freight rail capacity in Virginia and Mississippi. In addition to facility investments, the program includes significant investments in rail route improvements consisting of additional passing tracks, double track projects, improved signaling systems, and other track speed enhancements.
When the Crescent Corridor is fully operational, annual benefits to Pennsylvania are expected to include more than 806,000 long-haul trucks diverted to rail, almost 10 million gallons of fuel saved, carbon dioxide reduction of 106,000 tons, more than $33 million in traffic congestion savings, and avoidance of an estimated $8.3 million in accident costs. Over the next ten years 26,000 jobs in Pennsylvania are expected to be created or enhanced by Crescent Corridor projects. 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.
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
October 19, 2010
Norfolk Southern breaks ground on new $95 million intermodal terminal in Greencastle, Pa.
GREENCASTLE, PA. – Today Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman was joined by Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, Federal Railroad Administration Deputy Administrator Karen Rae, Rep. Bill Shuster, and other state and local dignitaries to officially break ground for the new Franklin County Regional Intermodal Facility in Greencastle, Pa.
The $95 million facility, part of the railroad’s multi-state Crescent Corridor initiative to establish an efficient, high-capacity intermodal freight rail route between the Gulf Coast and the Northeast, occupies a 200-acre site adjacent to the planned Antrim Commons Business Park and is expected to open in 2012.
Today’s groundbreaking is for the first of four new Crescent Corridor intermodal terminals Norfolk Southern plans to construct over the next two years.
“The Franklin County Regional Intermodal Facility is ideally located to serve the Mid-Atlantic region and is a critical component of our Crescent Corridor,” said Moorman. “We commend Governor Rendell for his dedication and commitment to improve transportation infrastructure not only in the commonwealth but throughout the U.S. We also want to thank Representative Shuster for his involvement in our efforts to form public-private partnerships to create jobs and economic development opportunities throughout Pennsylvania. Finally, we must recognize the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Franklin County Area Development Corporation, and Antrim Township for their active participation in the planning of this project.”
“There is no doubt that this type of integrated logistics hub creates good jobs, generates revenue, and provides substantial environmental benefits,” Governor Rendell said. “Pennsylvania has invested heavily in freight rail 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.”
“Intermodal terminals like the one Norfolk Southern broke ground on today are proven centers for investment, infrastructure improvement, and business growth,” said Congressman Shuster, Ranking Republican on the House Subcommittee on Railroads. “The improvements being made to Exit 3 on I-81 are a perfect example of this. I have long supported investment in freight rail because it’s efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible. I have no doubt that this facility will open a new chapter in Pennsylvania’s proud railroading history and create new opportunities for growth here in Franklin County and beyond.”
The Crescent Corridor is a program of improvements to infrastructure and other facilities geared toward creating a high capacity 2,500 mile intermodal route spanning from New Jersey to Louisiana that touches 26 percent of the nation’s population and 30 percent of the nation’s manufacturing output. It provides the shortest intermodal double stack route between the South and the Northeast. When fully operational it will handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting more than 70,000 green jobs by 2030 and producing these estimated annual benefits:
1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
$141 million in accident avoidance savings
1.8 million tons in CO2 reduction
$565 million in congestion savings
$262 million in highway maintenance savings
163 million gallons in fuel savings
The Crescent Corridor program of projects is estimated to cost $2.5 billion for full development. In addition to the Greencastle facility, Crescent Corridor projects currently planned for development include new independent intermodal facilities at Birmingham, Ala., Charlotte, N.C. and Memphis, Tenn.; the expansion of intermodal terminals in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Pa.; and the addition of freight rail capacity in Virginia and Mississippi. In addition to facility investments, the program includes significant investments in rail route improvements consisting of additional passing tracks, double track projects, improved signaling systems, and other track speed enhancements.
When the Crescent Corridor is fully operational, annual benefits to Pennsylvania are expected to include more than 806,000 long-haul trucks diverted to rail, almost 10 million gallons of fuel saved, carbon dioxide reduction of 106,000 tons, more than $33 million in traffic congestion savings, and avoidance of an estimated $8.3 million in accident costs. Over the next ten years 26,000 jobs in Pennsylvania are expected to be created or enhanced by Crescent Corridor projects. 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.
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Belle Mead NJ's Route 206 bridge days are numbered!
(Train sightings on 10-17-10.)
A project to replace the Route 206 bridge over CSX's Trenton Line has begun as evidenced by the clearing of the surrounding area. This project will demolish the current bridge and be replaced with a new structure on an improved road alignment. The estimated cost of all of this will be $24.77 million. The clearing of the trees has provided with a photo location, albeit a temporary one, along a line that does not have many photo locations due to the trees adjacent to the ROW. Seen here CSX Q439 is westbound with CSX 581 (AC44CW) and CSX 8153 (ex-LN 8153; SD40-2) on October 17th at 2:20.
A project to replace the Route 206 bridge over CSX's Trenton Line has begun as evidenced by the clearing of the surrounding area. This project will demolish the current bridge and be replaced with a new structure on an improved road alignment. The estimated cost of all of this will be $24.77 million. The clearing of the trees has provided with a photo location, albeit a temporary one, along a line that does not have many photo locations due to the trees adjacent to the ROW. Seen here CSX Q439 is westbound with CSX 581 (AC44CW) and CSX 8153 (ex-LN 8153; SD40-2) on October 17th at 2:20.
NS "One Line, Infinite Possibilities" advertising campaign
Received the following via email.
October 19, 2010
"One Line, Infinite Possibilities" characterizes Norfolk Southern approach to freight rail transportation
NORFOLK, VA. -- One railroad line supports the American economy and brings a world of opportunity and benefits to its customers and communities.
With that in mind, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) begins its "One Line, Infinite Possibilities" advertising campaign that builds on the company's "Thoroughbred of Transportation" communications program, now in its 28th year.
The campaign begins with a new television commercial, "Connects," that runs now through the election season on various programs on the CNN and Fox News cable networks. The 30-second spot was produced by Norfolk Southern's creative partner, rp3 Agency, of Bethesda, Md.
CEO Wick Moorman said the "One Line, Infinite Possibilities" tagline reflects the fact that, "NS is the backbone of an integrated logistics system that makes modern life possible. We have extraordinary abilities to offer in terms of service, safety, economy, sustainability, and the ways in which we connect the businesses and people who depend on us."
The "Connects" spot makes a graphic play off the "speedlines" in NS' widely-known corporate logo. It will be joined by print, Internet, out-of-home, and social media advertisements, and a second commercial, called "Engine," beginning early in 2011.
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
October 19, 2010
"One Line, Infinite Possibilities" characterizes Norfolk Southern approach to freight rail transportation
NORFOLK, VA. -- One railroad line supports the American economy and brings a world of opportunity and benefits to its customers and communities.
With that in mind, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) begins its "One Line, Infinite Possibilities" advertising campaign that builds on the company's "Thoroughbred of Transportation" communications program, now in its 28th year.
The campaign begins with a new television commercial, "Connects," that runs now through the election season on various programs on the CNN and Fox News cable networks. The 30-second spot was produced by Norfolk Southern's creative partner, rp3 Agency, of Bethesda, Md.
CEO Wick Moorman said the "One Line, Infinite Possibilities" tagline reflects the fact that, "NS is the backbone of an integrated logistics system that makes modern life possible. We have extraordinary abilities to offer in terms of service, safety, economy, sustainability, and the ways in which we connect the businesses and people who depend on us."
The "Connects" spot makes a graphic play off the "speedlines" in NS' widely-known corporate logo. It will be joined by print, Internet, out-of-home, and social media advertisements, and a second commercial, called "Engine," beginning early in 2011.
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.
Thomas Bright
Technical Project Manager
Norfolk Southern Corporation
3 Commercial Place
Norfolk, VA. 23510-0224
Phone: (757) 823-5525
Email: thomas.bright2@nscorp.com
Friday, October 15, 2010
NS CFO to address Goldman Sachs Conference
Received the following via email.
October 14, 2010
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address Goldman Sachs Global Industrials Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Goldman Sachs Global Industrials Conference on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010, in New York City at 10:15 a.m.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://cc.talkpoint.com/gold006/110310a_mg/?entity=15_24QK3TD. After the webcast, the 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.
October 14, 2010
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address Goldman Sachs Global Industrials Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Goldman Sachs Global Industrials Conference on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010, in New York City at 10:15 a.m.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://cc.talkpoint.com/gold006/110310a_mg/?entity=15_24QK3TD. After the webcast, the 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.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
NS handles one of its largest vessel coal loadings
Received the following via email.
October 5, 2010
Norfolk Southern handles one of its largest vessel coal loadings
NORFOLK, VA. -- Norfolk Southern handled one of its largest cargo loadings of the last 20 years at its Pier 6 coal transloading facility at Lamberts Point in Norfolk.
On Sept. 29, Norfolk Southern loaded 152,681 net tons (138,512 metric tons) of coal into the M/V Linda Dream, destined for ThyssenKrupp Steel in Flushing, the Netherlands. The coal came from Integrity Coal and Mechel in 1,475 railroad coal cars. T. Parker Host Inc. was the ship agent/broker.
The Linda Dream loading was one of the largest since Pier 6's 1989 loading of 151,773 net tons for the Nord Atlantic, the 1991 loading of 153,263 net tons for the Doceserra, and the 1998 loading of 157,645 net tons for the M/V Irongate.
"Such a large transfer is exciting, but the real story is the continuing effectiveness of the partnership between Norfolk Southern, coal suppliers, and agents," said Danny D. Smith, NS senior vice president energy and properties. "We are proud to serve with them in the competitive transportation chain that brings the raw materials essential for making steel to the world."
Jeff G. Yates, terminal superintendent at Pier 6, praised the ability of the railroaders there. "They exemplify safe, reliable transportation," he said. "Wherever steel is used, wherever the lights come on, that's a reminder of the skill they bring to bear for our customers."
At 948 feet long and 147 feet and eight-inches wide, the Linda Dream is one of the larger vessels to call at Pier 6, though the recent length record is held by the Hyundai Continental (1,014-feet) and the recent beam record is held by the Nord Atlantic and the Venture (both 176 foot and one-inch).
Norfolk Southern has been transferring coal and coke from railroad cars into ocean-going export and domestic vessels in the Lamberts Point area since 1884, when it opened Pier 1. In the first half of the 1900s, new Piers 2-5 featured improvements in speed and capacity and even loaded coal into a number of famous vessels, such as those used in Admiral Byrd's 1933 Antarctica expedition.
Pier 6 opened for business in 1962 as the hemisphere's largest, fastest, and most efficient transloading facility. In 1999, Pier 6 dumped its billionth ton of coal and became the only facility in the world to have reached that milestone.
Most of the coal moving through Pier 6 originates in Southwest Virginia, Southern West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Alabama. It is shipped to several dozen countries as well as to coastwise domestic receivers. Pier 6 is situated with access to Hampton Roads' deep 50-foot channel, which allows modern vessels to make productive use of their large holds.
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)
October 5, 2010
Norfolk Southern handles one of its largest vessel coal loadings
NORFOLK, VA. -- Norfolk Southern handled one of its largest cargo loadings of the last 20 years at its Pier 6 coal transloading facility at Lamberts Point in Norfolk.
On Sept. 29, Norfolk Southern loaded 152,681 net tons (138,512 metric tons) of coal into the M/V Linda Dream, destined for ThyssenKrupp Steel in Flushing, the Netherlands. The coal came from Integrity Coal and Mechel in 1,475 railroad coal cars. T. Parker Host Inc. was the ship agent/broker.
The Linda Dream loading was one of the largest since Pier 6's 1989 loading of 151,773 net tons for the Nord Atlantic, the 1991 loading of 153,263 net tons for the Doceserra, and the 1998 loading of 157,645 net tons for the M/V Irongate.
"Such a large transfer is exciting, but the real story is the continuing effectiveness of the partnership between Norfolk Southern, coal suppliers, and agents," said Danny D. Smith, NS senior vice president energy and properties. "We are proud to serve with them in the competitive transportation chain that brings the raw materials essential for making steel to the world."
Jeff G. Yates, terminal superintendent at Pier 6, praised the ability of the railroaders there. "They exemplify safe, reliable transportation," he said. "Wherever steel is used, wherever the lights come on, that's a reminder of the skill they bring to bear for our customers."
At 948 feet long and 147 feet and eight-inches wide, the Linda Dream is one of the larger vessels to call at Pier 6, though the recent length record is held by the Hyundai Continental (1,014-feet) and the recent beam record is held by the Nord Atlantic and the Venture (both 176 foot and one-inch).
Norfolk Southern has been transferring coal and coke from railroad cars into ocean-going export and domestic vessels in the Lamberts Point area since 1884, when it opened Pier 1. In the first half of the 1900s, new Piers 2-5 featured improvements in speed and capacity and even loaded coal into a number of famous vessels, such as those used in Admiral Byrd's 1933 Antarctica expedition.
Pier 6 opened for business in 1962 as the hemisphere's largest, fastest, and most efficient transloading facility. In 1999, Pier 6 dumped its billionth ton of coal and became the only facility in the world to have reached that milestone.
Most of the coal moving through Pier 6 originates in Southwest Virginia, Southern West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Alabama. It is shipped to several dozen countries as well as to coastwise domestic receivers. Pier 6 is situated with access to Hampton Roads' deep 50-foot channel, which allows modern vessels to make productive use of their large holds.
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)
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
NS to host 3rd-quarter earnings conference call
Received the following via email.
October 4, 2010
Norfolk Southern to host third-quarter earnings conference call
NORFOLK, VA. -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) will present its third-quarter 2010 earnings on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. EDT via teleconference and live Internet webcast. The company will issue its earnings results shortly after market close on Oct. 27.
Those interested in participating via teleconference may dial 877-869-3847 several minutes prior to the call. An audio replay will be available until Nov. 3, 2010, following the live broadcast by dialing 877-660-6853 using PIN 2861 and replay number 355166.
In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible, and presentation materials will be posted on the company's Web site at www.nscorp.com under the Investors section. Following the earnings call, an Internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company's Web site. In addition, the replay will be available for download to a portable audio player or computer as an MP3 - or podcast - file. Both the replay and MP3 file can be found at www.nscorp.com in the Investors section.
For electronic notification of earnings events, subscribe to NSInvest, Norfolk Southern's e-mail distribution list for news releases on earnings and issues pertaining to the financial performance of Norfolk Southern Corporation. To subscribe, follow directions on our Web site under the Investors tab.
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)
October 4, 2010
Norfolk Southern to host third-quarter earnings conference call
NORFOLK, VA. -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) will present its third-quarter 2010 earnings on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. EDT via teleconference and live Internet webcast. The company will issue its earnings results shortly after market close on Oct. 27.
Those interested in participating via teleconference may dial 877-869-3847 several minutes prior to the call. An audio replay will be available until Nov. 3, 2010, following the live broadcast by dialing 877-660-6853 using PIN 2861 and replay number 355166.
In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible, and presentation materials will be posted on the company's Web site at www.nscorp.com under the Investors section. Following the earnings call, an Internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company's Web site. In addition, the replay will be available for download to a portable audio player or computer as an MP3 - or podcast - file. Both the replay and MP3 file can be found at www.nscorp.com in the Investors section.
For electronic notification of earnings events, subscribe to NSInvest, Norfolk Southern's e-mail distribution list for news releases on earnings and issues pertaining to the financial performance of Norfolk Southern Corporation. To subscribe, follow directions on our Web site under the Investors tab.
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)
Monday, October 04, 2010
NS announces extension of early exchange date of private exchange offer
Received the following via email.
September 30, 2010
Norfolk Southern announces extension of early exchange date of private exchange offer for 7.90% notes due 2097
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation announced today that the early exchange date with respect to its private exchange offer (the "Exchange Offer") for its outstanding 7.90% Notes due 2097 (the "Existing Notes") has been extended until midnight, New York City time, on Oct. 14, 2010, which is also the expiration date of the Exchange Offer. On or prior to 5 pm, New York City time, on September 29, 2010, the original early exchange date, valid tenders had been received with respect to approximately $97 million of the $350 million aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes outstanding based on information provided to Norfolk Southern Corporation by the exchange agent.
The withdrawal date relating to the Existing Notes occurred at 5 p.m., New York City time, on September 29, 2010. Existing Notes previously tendered and Existing Notes tendered after Sept. 29, 2010, may not be withdrawn except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law. Both the Exchange Offer and the extended early exchange date will expire at midnight on Oct. 14, 2010, unless extended or earlier terminated by Norfolk Southern Corporation. Under the present terms of the Exchange Offer, Norfolk Southern Corporation will deliver, on or promptly following the expiration date, 5.30% Notes due 2040 (the "New Notes") plus $350 in cash to holders whose tenders were accepted.
The New Notes are being offered only to qualified institutional buyers and outside the United States pursuant to applicable exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The New Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act, and they may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. D.F. King & Co. Inc. is the exchange and information agent for the Exchange Offer. Requests for documents and questions regarding the Exchange Offer may be directed to D.F. King & Co. Inc. at (800) 848-3416 (U.S. Toll-free) or (212) 269-5550 (Collect).
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.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements about Norfolk Southern Corporation, including those related to the offering of New Notes and whether or not Norfolk Southern will consummate the offering. Forward-looking statements reflect management's good-faith evaluation of information currently available. However, such statements are dependent on and, therefore, can be influenced by a number of external variables over which management has little or no control, including: legislative and regulatory developments; transportation of hazardous materials as a common carrier by rail; acts of terrorism or war; general economic conditions; impacts of environmental regulations on utility coal customers and/or the value of certain of Norfolk Southern's assets; competition and consolidation within the transportation industry; the operations of carriers with which it interchanges; disruptions to its technology infrastructure, including computer systems; labor difficulties, including strikes and work stoppages; results of litigation; natural events such as severe weather, hurricanes, and floods; unavailability of qualified personnel due to unpredictability of demand for rail services; fluctuation in supplies and prices of key materials, in particular diesel fuel; and changes in securities and capital markets. Information concerning potential factors that could affect Norfolk Southern's financial results is included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, and its other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as, a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at or by which any such performance or results will be achieved. As a result, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Norfolk Southern undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Leanne Marilley, 757-629-2861 (leanne.marilley@nscorp.com)
September 30, 2010
Norfolk Southern announces extension of early exchange date of private exchange offer for 7.90% notes due 2097
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation announced today that the early exchange date with respect to its private exchange offer (the "Exchange Offer") for its outstanding 7.90% Notes due 2097 (the "Existing Notes") has been extended until midnight, New York City time, on Oct. 14, 2010, which is also the expiration date of the Exchange Offer. On or prior to 5 pm, New York City time, on September 29, 2010, the original early exchange date, valid tenders had been received with respect to approximately $97 million of the $350 million aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes outstanding based on information provided to Norfolk Southern Corporation by the exchange agent.
The withdrawal date relating to the Existing Notes occurred at 5 p.m., New York City time, on September 29, 2010. Existing Notes previously tendered and Existing Notes tendered after Sept. 29, 2010, may not be withdrawn except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law. Both the Exchange Offer and the extended early exchange date will expire at midnight on Oct. 14, 2010, unless extended or earlier terminated by Norfolk Southern Corporation. Under the present terms of the Exchange Offer, Norfolk Southern Corporation will deliver, on or promptly following the expiration date, 5.30% Notes due 2040 (the "New Notes") plus $350 in cash to holders whose tenders were accepted.
The New Notes are being offered only to qualified institutional buyers and outside the United States pursuant to applicable exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The New Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act, and they may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. D.F. King & Co. Inc. is the exchange and information agent for the Exchange Offer. Requests for documents and questions regarding the Exchange Offer may be directed to D.F. King & Co. Inc. at (800) 848-3416 (U.S. Toll-free) or (212) 269-5550 (Collect).
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.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements about Norfolk Southern Corporation, including those related to the offering of New Notes and whether or not Norfolk Southern will consummate the offering. Forward-looking statements reflect management's good-faith evaluation of information currently available. However, such statements are dependent on and, therefore, can be influenced by a number of external variables over which management has little or no control, including: legislative and regulatory developments; transportation of hazardous materials as a common carrier by rail; acts of terrorism or war; general economic conditions; impacts of environmental regulations on utility coal customers and/or the value of certain of Norfolk Southern's assets; competition and consolidation within the transportation industry; the operations of carriers with which it interchanges; disruptions to its technology infrastructure, including computer systems; labor difficulties, including strikes and work stoppages; results of litigation; natural events such as severe weather, hurricanes, and floods; unavailability of qualified personnel due to unpredictability of demand for rail services; fluctuation in supplies and prices of key materials, in particular diesel fuel; and changes in securities and capital markets. Information concerning potential factors that could affect Norfolk Southern's financial results is included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, and its other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as, a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at or by which any such performance or results will be achieved. As a result, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Norfolk Southern undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Leanne Marilley, 757-629-2861 (leanne.marilley@nscorp.com)
Friday, October 01, 2010
The Great Pumpkin Train Starts This Weekend!
Received the following via email.
The Great Pumpkin Train
STARTS THIS WEEKEND!
OCTOBER 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24,30,31
Sponsored by:
Ride our steam train through the beautiful fall landscape of Western New Jersey. Take the train to our beautiful pumpkin patch located in a little glade in front of the historic Carpentersville Lime Kilns which date from the 1700's. Once we arrive at the Pumpkin Patch everyone is welcome to get off the train and EVERY CHILD can pick their own pumpkin for FREE.
For more family fun ad the CORN MAZE & OLE' SUSQUEHANNA MINING COMPANY experience to your Pumpkin Train ride!
PRICING:
Lap Sitter $1.00
Child Pumpkin Train $7.00
Lap Sitter $1.00
Child Pumpkin Train $7.00
Adult Pumpkin Train $ 14.00
trains leave:
( 11 AM 12:30, 2 OR 3:30)
THE CORN MAZE CAN BE ADDED ON FOR $4.00 PER TICKET
and the Mine can be added on for $5.00 PER TICKET
Free Pumpkins For Every Child
Atlas Consumer Advisory - product incompatability
Received the following via email.
September 30,2010
Consumer Advisory-Atlas HO Genset Locomotive/MRC Tech 6 Power Pack
Dear Atlas Customer,
Initial investigations have uncovered an incompatibility problem between the new Atlas HO Genset Locomotive and the new MRC Tech 6 Power Pack which could result in circuit board burn out.
Atlas strongly recommends that customers who have purchased this locomotive do not operate it with this specific MRC power pack. Atlas will inform customers of more complete findings as soon as possible.
Thank You
September 30,2010
Consumer Advisory-Atlas HO Genset Locomotive/MRC Tech 6 Power Pack
Dear Atlas Customer,
Initial investigations have uncovered an incompatibility problem between the new Atlas HO Genset Locomotive and the new MRC Tech 6 Power Pack which could result in circuit board burn out.
Atlas strongly recommends that customers who have purchased this locomotive do not operate it with this specific MRC power pack. Atlas will inform customers of more complete findings as soon as possible.
Thank You
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Trains and parades...
(Train sightings on 9-26-10.)
Sunday's heads-up of the NS OCS 8:15 AM departure from Croxton for a morning run west over the LEHL was enough of an incentive to get me trackside despite overcast skies. After all, shooting a westbound train on the LEHL usually means shooting into the sun. Not so on this morning as there was filtered sunlight. I decided to wait for the train at the Valley Road grade crossing (LEHL: MP40) in Hillsborough. Around 9:10, the scanner came alive with the message "P951 clear Port Reading Junction." It wouldn't be long before the headlight appeared off in the distance. The leader on P951 was NS 4271 followed by 4276, 4275 and 4270. Behind these four units were the eleven coaches. What a clean and beautiful sight it was to behold.
After that it was time to head out to watch the annual John Basilone Day parade in Raritan. Our favorite viewing area is standing on Thompson Avenue, south of NJT's grade crossing. Not only can I watch the parade but keep tabs on what trains will pass by. Caught NJT 4001 leading a westbound passenger train prior to the start of the parade. The USMC Band, waiting by the gate, looked as though they were awaiting the President's arrival on this train. All of the members were decked out in their dress uniforms with the flag bearers standing in front.
With the parade's last units having passed, we made our way back to where our car was parked. Looking down the tracks was another NJT train. No, this wasn't another passenger train. It was NJT 4217 heading up a consist of eleven ballast cars. Not a bad way to end what turned out to be a rather productive day when it came to railroad photography.
Sunday's heads-up of the NS OCS 8:15 AM departure from Croxton for a morning run west over the LEHL was enough of an incentive to get me trackside despite overcast skies. After all, shooting a westbound train on the LEHL usually means shooting into the sun. Not so on this morning as there was filtered sunlight. I decided to wait for the train at the Valley Road grade crossing (LEHL: MP40) in Hillsborough. Around 9:10, the scanner came alive with the message "P951 clear Port Reading Junction." It wouldn't be long before the headlight appeared off in the distance. The leader on P951 was NS 4271 followed by 4276, 4275 and 4270. Behind these four units were the eleven coaches. What a clean and beautiful sight it was to behold.
After that it was time to head out to watch the annual John Basilone Day parade in Raritan. Our favorite viewing area is standing on Thompson Avenue, south of NJT's grade crossing. Not only can I watch the parade but keep tabs on what trains will pass by. Caught NJT 4001 leading a westbound passenger train prior to the start of the parade. The USMC Band, waiting by the gate, looked as though they were awaiting the President's arrival on this train. All of the members were decked out in their dress uniforms with the flag bearers standing in front.
With the parade's last units having passed, we made our way back to where our car was parked. Looking down the tracks was another NJT train. No, this wasn't another passenger train. It was NJT 4217 heading up a consist of eleven ballast cars. Not a bad way to end what turned out to be a rather productive day when it came to railroad photography.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Preserving rail history of New Jersey
Following article is from the Star-Ledger of New Jersey.
A mission to preserve rail history
Published: Friday, September 24, 2010
Tomas Dinges/For the Star-Ledger
Frank Reilly is trying to pull off what no one in New Jersey has been able to do for more than 20 years.
An historical society has tapped the 68-year-old Stirling resident to gather a vast, but scattered, collection of New Jersey’s nearly 200-year rail history into a statewide museum.
That goal — the cherished mission of the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey, which Reilly now leads — has eluded the work of his predecessors, who were done in by political wrangling, land disputes and financial concerns.
"Every time we (find a site), somebody else grabs it for some commercial purpose," said Walter Grosselfinger, the society’s founder. "It gets me too upset … It’s my baby, but I was ruining my health."
Reilly, former head of Morris County’s transit system, thinks a new strategy will finally bring the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center to fruition sooner than later. Casting aside decades of reliance on the state for finance and guidance, Reilly is embarking on a private effort to raise nearly $3 million in three years to assure the center’s place in history.
"We can’t pin our hopes on anything," he said. "Whatever we are going to do, we are going to do ourselves."
A collection of 80 antique locomotives, vintage lounge cars and cabooses lies scattered around the state, left uncovered in rail yards.
Together, the relics evoke a proud era in New Jersey’s history, before NJ Transit, Amtrak and Conrail. That was when other passenger and freight lines ran through the state.
The Lackawanna Cutoff, built in the early 1900s, connected Morris County with Pennsylvania, and was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the time.
In 1929, the best — and most exclusive — way to travel from Jersey City to Atlantic City was the Blue Comet, a one-of-a-kind luxury train offering steak dinners and plush seats.
Neighboring states like Pennsylvania showcase their railroad past; New Jersey does not.
A small museum and rail yard in Whippany holds 20 pieces, but it pales in comparison to Pennsylvania’s state museum in Lancaster, which opened in the 1960s and continues to expand.
Plans for a Jersey railroad museum seemed promising in the 1980s, when the state allotted some funds and established the Railroad and Transportation Museum Study Commission.
But two requisites — a site for the antiques and money to build a facility — could not be met.
The society came closest to achieving its goal in 2005, when it found a 35-acre site in Phillipsburg. But the town scuttled the proposal in favor of a $70 million-plus riverfront development.
A smaller yard in Morristown held some pieces but was repeatedly vandalized and town eventually asked the society to take them away.
Reilly has settled on a new approach.
Nearly 50 antique pieces sit in a Boonton railyard in Boonton, where restoration work is under way. Another part of the collection is in Tuckahoe, Cape May County.
So instead of seeking another site and running into cost and transportation issues, Reilly plans formally establish the museum in both Boonton and Tuckahoe to cater to North and South Jersey.
A campaign for personal and corporate donations will begin soon.
"I can’t think of anybody better at this point to take on this responsibility," said Rich Roberts, chief planner for NJ Transit, who has known Reilly for nearly 20 years.
For Reilly, who retired in 2004, the work is personal. As a young boy growing up in Dunellen, Middlesex County, he rode steam engines with his grandfather. Later, as an soldier in Germany, he traded packs of Lucky Strikes with engineers so he could run the troop-transport locomotives.
To naysayers, Reilly points to the decades-long effort to build a passenger rail line between Hoboken and Pennsylvania. The project only recently received federal approval.
"You never say die," he said. "You always stick to what you believe and get it accomplished."
For pictures that accompanied this article and reader comments, please visit the following web site.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/09/stirling_resident_to_gather_nj.html
A mission to preserve rail history
Published: Friday, September 24, 2010
Tomas Dinges/For the Star-Ledger
Frank Reilly is trying to pull off what no one in New Jersey has been able to do for more than 20 years.
An historical society has tapped the 68-year-old Stirling resident to gather a vast, but scattered, collection of New Jersey’s nearly 200-year rail history into a statewide museum.
That goal — the cherished mission of the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey, which Reilly now leads — has eluded the work of his predecessors, who were done in by political wrangling, land disputes and financial concerns.
"Every time we (find a site), somebody else grabs it for some commercial purpose," said Walter Grosselfinger, the society’s founder. "It gets me too upset … It’s my baby, but I was ruining my health."
Reilly, former head of Morris County’s transit system, thinks a new strategy will finally bring the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center to fruition sooner than later. Casting aside decades of reliance on the state for finance and guidance, Reilly is embarking on a private effort to raise nearly $3 million in three years to assure the center’s place in history.
"We can’t pin our hopes on anything," he said. "Whatever we are going to do, we are going to do ourselves."
A collection of 80 antique locomotives, vintage lounge cars and cabooses lies scattered around the state, left uncovered in rail yards.
Together, the relics evoke a proud era in New Jersey’s history, before NJ Transit, Amtrak and Conrail. That was when other passenger and freight lines ran through the state.
The Lackawanna Cutoff, built in the early 1900s, connected Morris County with Pennsylvania, and was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the time.
In 1929, the best — and most exclusive — way to travel from Jersey City to Atlantic City was the Blue Comet, a one-of-a-kind luxury train offering steak dinners and plush seats.
Neighboring states like Pennsylvania showcase their railroad past; New Jersey does not.
A small museum and rail yard in Whippany holds 20 pieces, but it pales in comparison to Pennsylvania’s state museum in Lancaster, which opened in the 1960s and continues to expand.
Plans for a Jersey railroad museum seemed promising in the 1980s, when the state allotted some funds and established the Railroad and Transportation Museum Study Commission.
But two requisites — a site for the antiques and money to build a facility — could not be met.
The society came closest to achieving its goal in 2005, when it found a 35-acre site in Phillipsburg. But the town scuttled the proposal in favor of a $70 million-plus riverfront development.
A smaller yard in Morristown held some pieces but was repeatedly vandalized and town eventually asked the society to take them away.
Reilly has settled on a new approach.
Nearly 50 antique pieces sit in a Boonton railyard in Boonton, where restoration work is under way. Another part of the collection is in Tuckahoe, Cape May County.
So instead of seeking another site and running into cost and transportation issues, Reilly plans formally establish the museum in both Boonton and Tuckahoe to cater to North and South Jersey.
A campaign for personal and corporate donations will begin soon.
"I can’t think of anybody better at this point to take on this responsibility," said Rich Roberts, chief planner for NJ Transit, who has known Reilly for nearly 20 years.
For Reilly, who retired in 2004, the work is personal. As a young boy growing up in Dunellen, Middlesex County, he rode steam engines with his grandfather. Later, as an soldier in Germany, he traded packs of Lucky Strikes with engineers so he could run the troop-transport locomotives.
To naysayers, Reilly points to the decades-long effort to build a passenger rail line between Hoboken and Pennsylvania. The project only recently received federal approval.
"You never say die," he said. "You always stick to what you believe and get it accomplished."
For pictures that accompanied this article and reader comments, please visit the following web site.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/09/stirling_resident_to_gather_nj.html
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
UP Challenger to pull circus train
Received the following press release via email.
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD’S WORLD’S LARGEST OPERATING STEAM LOCOMOTIVE TO PULL CIRCUS TRAIN ON WAY TO SEDALIA, MISSOURI CELEBRATION
The Special Steam Locomotive Will Travel 2,200 Miles During the 17-day Tour
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
OMAHA, Neb., September 14, 2010 – Union Pacific Railroad’s “Challenger” No. 3985, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will be on a six-state, 2,200-mile tour from Cheyenne, Wyo., to Gorham, Ill., to celebrate railroad heritage. To kick-off the tour, Challenger will pull the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® circus train between Speer, Wyo., and Denver, Colo.
“We are proud No. 3985 will pull the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® circus train on September 28. History will be made that day when No. 3985 will pull a 65-car train that is more than 6,000 tons and nearly 6,100 feet long, the most for a steam locomotive in the 21st Century,” said Dick Hartman, Union Pacific’s director of public affairs for Colorado and Wyoming.
No. 3985 is on the Missouri River Eagle tour to help Sedalia, Missouri celebrate the community’s Sesquicentennial on Sunday, October 10.
“Sedalia has such a rich railroad heritage that it is only fitting that the world’s largest operating steam locomotive help in celebrating their sesquicentennial,” said Ben Jones, Union Pacific’s director of public affairs for Missouri and Kansas.
During this tour, the 67-year-old locomotive will be on display in:
Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 3 and Oct. 11;
Jefferson City, Mo., Oct. 5; and
St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 8; and
The Challenger will make overnight stops in;
Denver, Colo., Sept. 28;
Cheyenne, Wyo., Sept. 29;
North Platte, Neb., Sept. 30 and Oct. 13;
Marysville, Kan., Oct. 1 and Oct 12;
St. Louis, Mo., Oct.6 and Oct. 7; and
Sedalia, Mo., Oct. 9.
Union Pacific’s No. 3985, an articulated locomotive with a “hinged” frame to allow it to negotiate curves, is 122 feet long. It weighs more than one million pounds, has six-foot diameter drive wheels and can reach a top speed of 70 miles per hour. No. 3985 was built in 1943 for fast freight service and was retired in 1959. In 1981, it was restored to running condition by UP employee volunteers for special service. This is the first trip for the locomotive after undergoing maintenance work during the last two years. The Challenger is based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
A Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) transmitter was installed on one of the rail cars that will travel with No. 3985. The GPS system has been integrated with a map on UP’s website. Enter the word "Steam" in the search box on the homepage for a shortcut to the map.
Website visitors will be able to access route maps with varying amounts of detail. The GPS system will update the map every five minutes showing No. 3985’s location. GPS updates are also available at http://twitter.com/UP_Steam.
During 2010, the Reed Jackson concession car displays a commemorative sign celebrating the National Model Railroad Association's 75 years of service to the model railroad community.
About National Model Railroad Association
Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) is a nonprofit corporation with members from every U.S. state as well as countries around the world. The organization is charged with establishing and enforcing the standards and recommended practices that ensure compatibility of products in the model railroad hobby. Local divisions host meetings, conventions, home layout visits and train shows. Throughout 2010, the 20,000 members of the National Model Railroad Association are celebrating its 75 years of service to the model railroading hobby and industry. NMRA was founded in Milwaukee in 1935. Learn more at http://www.nmra.org/.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America's leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America's premier rail franchise.
Media contacts:
http://www.up.com/
www.facebook.com/unionpacific
www.twitter.com/unionpacific
-0-
Editor’s Note: A photograph of the steam locomotive is available from Union Pacific Railroad’s website at www.up.com. attached to this news release under Media and News Releases. There are also links to the GPS tracking system, fact sheets and information on the support cars that travel with the Challenger.
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD’S WORLD’S LARGEST OPERATING STEAM LOCOMOTIVE TO PULL CIRCUS TRAIN ON WAY TO SEDALIA, MISSOURI CELEBRATION
The Special Steam Locomotive Will Travel 2,200 Miles During the 17-day Tour
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
OMAHA, Neb., September 14, 2010 – Union Pacific Railroad’s “Challenger” No. 3985, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will be on a six-state, 2,200-mile tour from Cheyenne, Wyo., to Gorham, Ill., to celebrate railroad heritage. To kick-off the tour, Challenger will pull the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® circus train between Speer, Wyo., and Denver, Colo.
“We are proud No. 3985 will pull the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® circus train on September 28. History will be made that day when No. 3985 will pull a 65-car train that is more than 6,000 tons and nearly 6,100 feet long, the most for a steam locomotive in the 21st Century,” said Dick Hartman, Union Pacific’s director of public affairs for Colorado and Wyoming.
No. 3985 is on the Missouri River Eagle tour to help Sedalia, Missouri celebrate the community’s Sesquicentennial on Sunday, October 10.
“Sedalia has such a rich railroad heritage that it is only fitting that the world’s largest operating steam locomotive help in celebrating their sesquicentennial,” said Ben Jones, Union Pacific’s director of public affairs for Missouri and Kansas.
During this tour, the 67-year-old locomotive will be on display in:
Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 3 and Oct. 11;
Jefferson City, Mo., Oct. 5; and
St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 8; and
The Challenger will make overnight stops in;
Denver, Colo., Sept. 28;
Cheyenne, Wyo., Sept. 29;
North Platte, Neb., Sept. 30 and Oct. 13;
Marysville, Kan., Oct. 1 and Oct 12;
St. Louis, Mo., Oct.6 and Oct. 7; and
Sedalia, Mo., Oct. 9.
Union Pacific’s No. 3985, an articulated locomotive with a “hinged” frame to allow it to negotiate curves, is 122 feet long. It weighs more than one million pounds, has six-foot diameter drive wheels and can reach a top speed of 70 miles per hour. No. 3985 was built in 1943 for fast freight service and was retired in 1959. In 1981, it was restored to running condition by UP employee volunteers for special service. This is the first trip for the locomotive after undergoing maintenance work during the last two years. The Challenger is based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
A Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) transmitter was installed on one of the rail cars that will travel with No. 3985. The GPS system has been integrated with a map on UP’s website. Enter the word "Steam" in the search box on the homepage for a shortcut to the map.
Website visitors will be able to access route maps with varying amounts of detail. The GPS system will update the map every five minutes showing No. 3985’s location. GPS updates are also available at http://twitter.com/UP_Steam.
During 2010, the Reed Jackson concession car displays a commemorative sign celebrating the National Model Railroad Association's 75 years of service to the model railroad community.
About National Model Railroad Association
Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) is a nonprofit corporation with members from every U.S. state as well as countries around the world. The organization is charged with establishing and enforcing the standards and recommended practices that ensure compatibility of products in the model railroad hobby. Local divisions host meetings, conventions, home layout visits and train shows. Throughout 2010, the 20,000 members of the National Model Railroad Association are celebrating its 75 years of service to the model railroading hobby and industry. NMRA was founded in Milwaukee in 1935. Learn more at http://www.nmra.org/.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America's leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and provides Americans with a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible and safe mode of freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad emphasizes excellent customer service and offers competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America's premier rail franchise.
Media contacts:
http://www.up.com/
www.facebook.com/unionpacific
www.twitter.com/unionpacific
-0-
Editor’s Note: A photograph of the steam locomotive is available from Union Pacific Railroad’s website at www.up.com. attached to this news release under Media and News Releases. There are also links to the GPS tracking system, fact sheets and information on the support cars that travel with the Challenger.
Monday, September 27, 2010
CSX local near Richmond, KY
Received the following via email. Text and photo are by Troy Rodgers.
CSX 6905 North Bound, just south of Ford Interlocking, CC Subdivision, MP OCK 107. This is the Local, it had gone south first to Richmond KY with one idler car and two tanks; and here it is now North bound with the idler and three tanks. Friday Sept 24, 2010, at 12:49pm. GPS N 37 52.788, by W 84 15.654.
CSX 6905 North Bound, just south of Ford Interlocking, CC Subdivision, MP OCK 107. This is the Local, it had gone south first to Richmond KY with one idler car and two tanks; and here it is now North bound with the idler and three tanks. Friday Sept 24, 2010, at 12:49pm. GPS N 37 52.788, by W 84 15.654.
Scam attempted using Morristown & Erie RR
Following article is from the Morris County (NJ) Daily Record.
2 charged with attempt to defraud NJ railroad rehab program
Cops: Men from Philadelphia, Boston tried to use Morristown & Erie RR in scam
By Peggy Wright • Staff writer • September 24, 2010
A state Department of Transportation engineer and a Boston resident have been charged with trying to entice the Morristown & Erie Railway Inc. into a scam to defraud the state of hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money.
DOT senior engineer Gaudner B. Metellus, 31, of Philadelphia, and Ernest Jerome Dubose, 30, of Boston, were charged late Thursday by the state Division of Criminal Justice with official misconduct and attempted theft by deception between July 21 and Thursday.
Both men were lodged early Friday in the Morris County jail on $100,000 bail each, and bail review hearings are scheduled to occur in Superior Court, Morristown, on Monday.
According to an arrest affidavit, representatives of the Morristown & Erie Railway, which operates shortline freight rail service in Morris and Essex counties, contacted the state Attorney General's Office on Aug. 13. They reported that Metellus invited the rail company to engage in a conspiracy to defraud the state of money intended for railroad rehabilitation projects.
Rail representatives had secretly recorded the meeting that occurred in Morristown, at which Gaudner outlined a scheme to artificially inflate grant applications for rehab projects, the affidavit said.
The railway would benefit by submitting false invoices to the state for work that was never performed and then share with Gaudner the state grant monies they obtained, the affidavit said.
The rail company cooperated with the state by surreptitiously taping further meetings, and at another meeting, rail officials gave Gaudner and Dubose two checks totaling $325,000, both payable to Dubose. The checks allegedly represented a portion received from the state through the scam.
2 charged with attempt to defraud NJ railroad rehab program
Cops: Men from Philadelphia, Boston tried to use Morristown & Erie RR in scam
By Peggy Wright • Staff writer • September 24, 2010
A state Department of Transportation engineer and a Boston resident have been charged with trying to entice the Morristown & Erie Railway Inc. into a scam to defraud the state of hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money.
DOT senior engineer Gaudner B. Metellus, 31, of Philadelphia, and Ernest Jerome Dubose, 30, of Boston, were charged late Thursday by the state Division of Criminal Justice with official misconduct and attempted theft by deception between July 21 and Thursday.
Both men were lodged early Friday in the Morris County jail on $100,000 bail each, and bail review hearings are scheduled to occur in Superior Court, Morristown, on Monday.
According to an arrest affidavit, representatives of the Morristown & Erie Railway, which operates shortline freight rail service in Morris and Essex counties, contacted the state Attorney General's Office on Aug. 13. They reported that Metellus invited the rail company to engage in a conspiracy to defraud the state of money intended for railroad rehabilitation projects.
Rail representatives had secretly recorded the meeting that occurred in Morristown, at which Gaudner outlined a scheme to artificially inflate grant applications for rehab projects, the affidavit said.
The railway would benefit by submitting false invoices to the state for work that was never performed and then share with Gaudner the state grant monies they obtained, the affidavit said.
The rail company cooperated with the state by surreptitiously taping further meetings, and at another meeting, rail officials gave Gaudner and Dubose two checks totaling $325,000, both payable to Dubose. The checks allegedly represented a portion received from the state through the scam.
Friday, September 24, 2010
NS special move this Sunday
Received the following note via email.
It is being mentioned that this Sunday the NS OCS (Office Car Special) will be heading west over the Lehigh Line out of Croxton yard, NJ. It is scheduled to depart between 8 and 9 AM from what I was told.
It is being mentioned that this Sunday the NS OCS (Office Car Special) will be heading west over the Lehigh Line out of Croxton yard, NJ. It is scheduled to depart between 8 and 9 AM from what I was told.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
NS delivers safety training to emergency responders in Alabama
Received the following via email.
September 16, 2010
Norfolk Southern whistle-stop train delivers safety training to emergency responders in Alabama
NORFOLK, VA -- A special train will travel across Alabama Sept. 20-24 to provide emergency preparedness training to first responders as part of the 2010 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 brings emergency preparedness training to response organizations and educates communities near major rail routes about rail equipment, chemical transportation and the importance of planning for potential hazardous material transportation emergencies," said David Julian, Norfolk Southern's vice president safety and environmental.
The tour kicks off in Mobile, and makes stops in McIntosh, Selma, Jasper, and Muscle Shoals. More than 1,000 emergency responders are expected to participate in the training programs taught by chemical and rail transportation experts. At each location, state and local emergency planning committees, emergency responders, and government officials can participate in hands-on drills and training sessions. Railroad training tank cars, specialized emergency response vehicles, and over-the-road tank trucks will be on display. More than 200 participants are expected at each stop.
The schedule for the 2010 TRANSCAER Whistle-Stop Tour will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as follows:
Sept. 20 - Mobile AL, NS Mobile Yard, 72 Beauregard St.
Sept. 21 - McIntosh AL, Olin ChlorAlkali Plant, 1638 Industrial Rd.
Sept. 22 - Selma, AL, NS Selma Yard, 3200 Jeff Davis Ave.
Sept. 23 - Jasper, AL, NS Rail Siding, 14th St. W. at 11th Ave.
Sept. 24 - Muscle Shoals, AL, NS Sheffield Yard, 4500 S. Wilson Dam Rd.
This is the eleventh TRANSCAER train Norfolk Southern has sponsored since 1994. More information, including local contacts, tour times and program information, is available at http://www.transcaer./com. 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, Chemical Educational Foundation, and National Tank Truck Carriers Inc.
The following companies and organizations are participating in the tour: DuPont, Firefighters Education and Training Foundation, BASF, Hepaco Inc., EPS of Vermont, Olin Corp., Operation Lifesaver of Alabama, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Potash Corporation, Eagle/SWS, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Services, SPSI, Marion Environmental, and Norfalco.
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, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing 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 Robin Chapman 757-629-2713 robin.chapman@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
September 16, 2010
Norfolk Southern whistle-stop train delivers safety training to emergency responders in Alabama
NORFOLK, VA -- A special train will travel across Alabama Sept. 20-24 to provide emergency preparedness training to first responders as part of the 2010 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 brings emergency preparedness training to response organizations and educates communities near major rail routes about rail equipment, chemical transportation and the importance of planning for potential hazardous material transportation emergencies," said David Julian, Norfolk Southern's vice president safety and environmental.
The tour kicks off in Mobile, and makes stops in McIntosh, Selma, Jasper, and Muscle Shoals. More than 1,000 emergency responders are expected to participate in the training programs taught by chemical and rail transportation experts. At each location, state and local emergency planning committees, emergency responders, and government officials can participate in hands-on drills and training sessions. Railroad training tank cars, specialized emergency response vehicles, and over-the-road tank trucks will be on display. More than 200 participants are expected at each stop.
The schedule for the 2010 TRANSCAER Whistle-Stop Tour will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as follows:
Sept. 20 - Mobile AL, NS Mobile Yard, 72 Beauregard St.
Sept. 21 - McIntosh AL, Olin ChlorAlkali Plant, 1638 Industrial Rd.
Sept. 22 - Selma, AL, NS Selma Yard, 3200 Jeff Davis Ave.
Sept. 23 - Jasper, AL, NS Rail Siding, 14th St. W. at 11th Ave.
Sept. 24 - Muscle Shoals, AL, NS Sheffield Yard, 4500 S. Wilson Dam Rd.
This is the eleventh TRANSCAER train Norfolk Southern has sponsored since 1994. More information, including local contacts, tour times and program information, is available at http://www.transcaer./com. 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, Chemical Educational Foundation, and National Tank Truck Carriers Inc.
The following companies and organizations are participating in the tour: DuPont, Firefighters Education and Training Foundation, BASF, Hepaco Inc., EPS of Vermont, Olin Corp., Operation Lifesaver of Alabama, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Potash Corporation, Eagle/SWS, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Services, SPSI, Marion Environmental, and Norfalco.
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, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing 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 Robin Chapman 757-629-2713 robin.chapman@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
Norfolk Southern announces private exchange offer
Received the following via email.
September 16, 2010
Norfolk Southern announces private exchange offer
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation announced today the commencement of an offer to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") any and all outstanding 7.90% Notes due 2097 (the "Existing Notes") for 5.30% Notes due 2040 (the "New Notes") and cash, upon the terms and subject to the conditions as set forth in an offering memorandum (the "Offering Memorandum") and a related letter of transmittal. The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions. The New Notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers and outside the United States pursuant to applicable exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
The New Notes will be unsecured obligations of Norfolk Southern and will rank pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Norfolk Southern.
As further described in the Offering Memorandum, eligible holders of Existing Notes ("Holders") who validly tender Existing Notes prior to 5 p.m., New York City time, on Sept. 29, 2010 (the "Early Exchange Date"), will receive an early exchange premium. The Exchange Offer will expire at midnight, New York City time, on Oct. 14, 2010, unless extended or earlier terminated by Norfolk Southern Corporation.
Tenders in the Exchange Offer may be validly withdrawn at any time prior to the Early Exchange Date, but will thereafter be irrevocable, except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law. Tenders submitted in the Exchange Offer after the Early Exchange Date will be irrevocable except in the limited circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence.
This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The New Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act, and they may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. Documents relating to the Exchange Offer will only be distributed to Holders who properly complete and return a letter of eligibility confirming that they are within the category of eligible holders for this private offer. Holders who desire a copy of the letter of eligibility should contact D.F. King & Co. Inc., the information agent for the Exchange Offer, at (800) 848-3416 (U.S. toll-free) or (212) 269-5550 (collect).
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, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing 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.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements about Norfolk Southern Corporation, including those related to the offering of New Notes and whether or not Norfolk Southern will consummate the offering. Forward-looking statements reflect management's good-faith evaluation of information currently available. However, such statements are dependent on and, therefore, can be influenced by a number of external variables over which management has little or no control, including: legislative and regulatory developments; transportation of hazardous materials as a common carrier by rail; acts of terrorism or war; general economic conditions; impacts of environmental regulations on utility coal customers and/or the value of certain of Norfolk Southern's assets; competition and consolidation within the transportation industry; the operations of carriers with which it interchanges; disruptions to its technology infrastructure, including computer systems; labor difficulties, including strikes and work stoppages; results of litigation; natural events such as severe weather, hurricanes, and floods; unavailability of qualified personnel due to unpredictability of demand for rail services; fluctuation in supplies and prices of key materials, in particular diesel fuel; and changes in securities and capital markets. Information concerning potential factors that could affect Norfolk Southern's financial results is included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, and its other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as, a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at or by which any such performance or results will be achieved. As a result, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Norfolk Southern undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.
Norfolk Southern contacts:
Media: Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
Investors: Leanne Marilley, 757-629-2861 (leanne.marilley@nscorp.com)
September 16, 2010
Norfolk Southern announces private exchange offer
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation announced today the commencement of an offer to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") any and all outstanding 7.90% Notes due 2097 (the "Existing Notes") for 5.30% Notes due 2040 (the "New Notes") and cash, upon the terms and subject to the conditions as set forth in an offering memorandum (the "Offering Memorandum") and a related letter of transmittal. The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions. The New Notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers and outside the United States pursuant to applicable exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
The New Notes will be unsecured obligations of Norfolk Southern and will rank pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Norfolk Southern.
As further described in the Offering Memorandum, eligible holders of Existing Notes ("Holders") who validly tender Existing Notes prior to 5 p.m., New York City time, on Sept. 29, 2010 (the "Early Exchange Date"), will receive an early exchange premium. The Exchange Offer will expire at midnight, New York City time, on Oct. 14, 2010, unless extended or earlier terminated by Norfolk Southern Corporation.
Tenders in the Exchange Offer may be validly withdrawn at any time prior to the Early Exchange Date, but will thereafter be irrevocable, except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law. Tenders submitted in the Exchange Offer after the Early Exchange Date will be irrevocable except in the limited circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence.
This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The New Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act, and they may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. Documents relating to the Exchange Offer will only be distributed to Holders who properly complete and return a letter of eligibility confirming that they are within the category of eligible holders for this private offer. Holders who desire a copy of the letter of eligibility should contact D.F. King & Co. Inc., the information agent for the Exchange Offer, at (800) 848-3416 (U.S. toll-free) or (212) 269-5550 (collect).
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, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing 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.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements about Norfolk Southern Corporation, including those related to the offering of New Notes and whether or not Norfolk Southern will consummate the offering. Forward-looking statements reflect management's good-faith evaluation of information currently available. However, such statements are dependent on and, therefore, can be influenced by a number of external variables over which management has little or no control, including: legislative and regulatory developments; transportation of hazardous materials as a common carrier by rail; acts of terrorism or war; general economic conditions; impacts of environmental regulations on utility coal customers and/or the value of certain of Norfolk Southern's assets; competition and consolidation within the transportation industry; the operations of carriers with which it interchanges; disruptions to its technology infrastructure, including computer systems; labor difficulties, including strikes and work stoppages; results of litigation; natural events such as severe weather, hurricanes, and floods; unavailability of qualified personnel due to unpredictability of demand for rail services; fluctuation in supplies and prices of key materials, in particular diesel fuel; and changes in securities and capital markets. Information concerning potential factors that could affect Norfolk Southern's financial results is included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, and its other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as, a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at or by which any such performance or results will be achieved. As a result, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Norfolk Southern undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.
Norfolk Southern contacts:
Media: Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
Investors: Leanne Marilley, 757-629-2861 (leanne.marilley@nscorp.com)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Dansbury Depot to make initial move in early October
Following article is from the Pocono Record for Sunday, September 12, 2010. This is the latest in a series of articles we have posted about the historic train station in East Stroudsburg, PA. You can do a Search (top left) on "Dansbury Depot" to find other postings.
Dansbury Depot to make initial move in early October
By David Pierce
Pocono Record Writer
September 12, 2010 12:00 AM
The fire-damaged Dansbury Depot could make its first stop on a journey to a new home by the first week of October.
The $300,000 in secured grants — $100,000 from Monroe County commissioners and $200,000 from the ESSA Trust Foundation — will be enough to cover the cost of moving the structure to the East Stroudsburg borough parking lot adjacent to its current Crystal Street location.
That move will be temporary, to be followed by a permanent move later this year onto a cement foundation elsewhere on the parking lot. The first move will enable Troy Nauman — the developer who acquired the depot property — to begin constructing a new building on the site.
Before any of that can happen, East Stroudsburg Borough Council will have to approve a zoning change for the South Kistler Street parking lot and nearby Pennsylvania Railway Co. property from residential to business district commercial.
A rezoning hearing and council vote are scheduled for Sept. 21.
"We do have a number of steps to take legally and otherwise," said Cheryl Hayne of the Eastburg Community Alliance, which will operate the depot. "Almost around every corner there is another detail."
The alliance also must finalize an agreement to rent the new depot property from the borough. Though the Eastburg Alliance has enough money to complete the relocation and make exterior renovations, additional money will be needed for interior work, Hayne said. The group also hopes to restore a missing 30-foot section destroyed by fire.
"We're trying to get it as close to the condition the East Stroudsburg Station was in prior to the fire," she said.
The alliance will hold a fundraising drawing for a 16-square-foot quilt depicting early days of the 1864 station. The group also is selling limited edition prints of the station by artist Gary Kresge. Both are on display at the alliance office, 1 Washington St.
The alliance plans to use the building to display historic photos and other artifacts of borough and local train history.
"It will be kind of a living museum," Haye said.
Dansbury Depot to make initial move in early October
By David Pierce
Pocono Record Writer
September 12, 2010 12:00 AM
The fire-damaged Dansbury Depot could make its first stop on a journey to a new home by the first week of October.
The $300,000 in secured grants — $100,000 from Monroe County commissioners and $200,000 from the ESSA Trust Foundation — will be enough to cover the cost of moving the structure to the East Stroudsburg borough parking lot adjacent to its current Crystal Street location.
That move will be temporary, to be followed by a permanent move later this year onto a cement foundation elsewhere on the parking lot. The first move will enable Troy Nauman — the developer who acquired the depot property — to begin constructing a new building on the site.
Before any of that can happen, East Stroudsburg Borough Council will have to approve a zoning change for the South Kistler Street parking lot and nearby Pennsylvania Railway Co. property from residential to business district commercial.
A rezoning hearing and council vote are scheduled for Sept. 21.
"We do have a number of steps to take legally and otherwise," said Cheryl Hayne of the Eastburg Community Alliance, which will operate the depot. "Almost around every corner there is another detail."
The alliance also must finalize an agreement to rent the new depot property from the borough. Though the Eastburg Alliance has enough money to complete the relocation and make exterior renovations, additional money will be needed for interior work, Hayne said. The group also hopes to restore a missing 30-foot section destroyed by fire.
"We're trying to get it as close to the condition the East Stroudsburg Station was in prior to the fire," she said.
The alliance will hold a fundraising drawing for a 16-square-foot quilt depicting early days of the 1864 station. The group also is selling limited edition prints of the station by artist Gary Kresge. Both are on display at the alliance office, 1 Washington St.
The alliance plans to use the building to display historic photos and other artifacts of borough and local train history.
"It will be kind of a living museum," Haye said.
Monday, September 13, 2010
It's a beautiful CORN MAZE weekend
Received the following via email, too late for this past weekend. For timely notices, we strongly suggest you sign up for the mailing list as per our posting of Wed., Aug. 18, 2010, Delaware River Railroad Excursions.
Saturday will be a beautiful day. Come out and visit the corn maze & Gem Stone mine.
All new maze for 2010 !
Come get lost in over 4 miles of trails!
Picnic grove and bouncy pumpkin all included in your ticket price!
Please remember, the only way home is by train and the last train heads North to the station in Phillipsburg at 3:45 pm in the afternoon.
Saturday will be a beautiful day. Come out and visit the corn maze & Gem Stone mine.Let us never forget 9-11.
This day 10 years ago we preparing to run Dunellen Railroad Days. The tragedy that is 9-11 changed all of our lives forever.In fact it set in motion events that would make Philipsburg our permanent home. Remember our friends and family lost that day, and say thank you to those who assisted in the rescue efforts ( some of our train crew was there). It was a day that changed us all forever....
All new maze for 2010 !
Come get lost in over 4 miles of trails!
SEE THE LARGEST PUMPKIN IN THE COUNTRY!
COME BOUNCE IN OUR 30 FOOT BOUNCY PUMPKIN!
Picnic grove and bouncy pumpkin all included in your ticket price!
The Delaware River Railroad Excursions
1 Market Street
Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08812
VISIT
877TRAINRIDE.COM
Corn Maze Train
Board the train in historic downtown Phillipsburg and journey to the CORN MAZE.
Once you arrive at the corn maze you will go through a brief orientation and then the fun begins!
Each group receives a map of the maze. We actually have a small and a large maze. Depending on your skill level and the amount of time you have you can do either one or both! In the maze there are 12 checkpoints and 12 check boxes to be checked off. As you find each check point there is a hole puncher at the check point. The game is complete when each check point is checked off and you find your way out of the maze!
On site we have a beautiful picnic grove so feel free to bring your lunch and spend the afternoon.
You can arrive on any train you like and stay as long as you like.
Please remember, the only way home is by train and the last train heads North to the station in Phillipsburg at 3:45 pm in the afternoon.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Caboose CNJ 91343
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text and photo are his.
Its been a long time in getting here, but the caboose that Mike Bast, Troy Rogers and myself purchased from the Reading and Northern has been delivered to the TrainWorks Museum in Weatherly, PA and restoration work is beginning.
The car was built in 1873 as a boxcar for the Southern Railroad of New Jersey, converted to a caboose in the early 1900's and was in service on the CNJ until just before Conrail. Purchased by RailTours of Jim Thorpe, the car spent most of the time serving as the ticket office in Jim Thorpe, PA.
It will be restored to a 1930-40's appearance with the tongue-and-groove wood being reapplied, and a Central RR of PA paint scheme applied.
The first (of many) work sessions will be held on Saturday 9-11-2010 at Weatherly, PA. All are welcome to come out and restore this car to her hidden beauty.
The car will be open to the public during the TrainWorks Festival on 9-18 & 19, 2010 in Weatherly, PA.
Anyone with photos of this car in service on the CNJ prior to 1975? We would like to establish a pattern of service that the car was in and where.
Its been a long time in getting here, but the caboose that Mike Bast, Troy Rogers and myself purchased from the Reading and Northern has been delivered to the TrainWorks Museum in Weatherly, PA and restoration work is beginning.
The car was built in 1873 as a boxcar for the Southern Railroad of New Jersey, converted to a caboose in the early 1900's and was in service on the CNJ until just before Conrail. Purchased by RailTours of Jim Thorpe, the car spent most of the time serving as the ticket office in Jim Thorpe, PA.
It will be restored to a 1930-40's appearance with the tongue-and-groove wood being reapplied, and a Central RR of PA paint scheme applied.
The first (of many) work sessions will be held on Saturday 9-11-2010 at Weatherly, PA. All are welcome to come out and restore this car to her hidden beauty.
The car will be open to the public during the TrainWorks Festival on 9-18 & 19, 2010 in Weatherly, PA.
Anyone with photos of this car in service on the CNJ prior to 1975? We would like to establish a pattern of service that the car was in and where.
Big Little Railroad Shop hours for September
We have extended our summer hours through the month of September, 2010. This means that we are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. We are open as follows:
- Wednesday - Friday 11 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday 12 to 4 PM
NS Heartland Corridor officially opens
Received the following via email.
September 9, 2010
"New thinking, new resolve, and new optimism" characterize official opening of Norfolk Southern's Heartland Corridor
RADFORD, VA. - Norfolk Southern's Heartland Corridor - one of the most extensive railroad engineering projects in modern times and a template for public-private partnerships that strengthen the nation's transportation infrastructure - officially opened for business today.
A ceremony at the railroad's recently enlarged Cowan Tunnel near Radford marked the occasion, as Norfolk Southern Train 233 pulled through at 11 a.m. with a consist of 148 double-stack containers moving to the Midwest. Train 233 paused near the 3,302-foot tunnel's western portal, where it was greeted by the corridor's partners, designers, and builders, as well as news media and NS officers and employees.
"This is a remarkable achievement, and it marks a notable date in transportation history," NS CEO Wick Moorman told the group. "Together we have shown what can be accomplished when the right partners work together for the right goals. The Heartland Corridor's completion is not an end but rather the start of an era of new thinking, new resolve, and new optimism in which business, communities, and the public sector find creative ways to power the American economy."
The Heartland Corridor is a public-private partnership between NS and Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and the federal government to create the shortest, fastest route for double-stack container trains moving between the Port of Virginia and the Midwest. The new routing improves transit time from Norfolk, Va., to Chicago from four days to three and is nearly 250 miles shorter than previous circuitous routings.
To achieve that, NS raised vertical clearances on 28 tunnels and removed 24 overhead obstacles on one of its main lines connecting the Mid-Atlantic to the Midwest. Construction began in Oct. 2007 and involved modifying 5.7 miles of tunnels through roof excavation and liner replacement, arched roof notching, and track lowering and realignment.
The line dates back to the late 19th Century and traditionally has carried mostly coal traffic. Today, the Heartland Corridor improvements provide more capacity, speed, and reliability not just for coal trains but for the 20-foot, three-inch-high container trains that carry a diverse range of products required for international commerce and consumer demand.
On behalf of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton said, "The Heartland Corridor will significantly advance Virginia's economy and transportation network. This project will improve the economic competitiveness of the Port of Virginia and spur economic development in Southside and Southwest Virginia through new intermodal facilities. The strong partnership between Norfolk Southern and the Commonwealth continues to move Virginia into the future."
The Heartland Corridor and Norfolk Southern's other public-private partnerships, such as the Crescent Corridor program of improvements to infrastructure and other facilities through 13 states from Louisiana to New Jersey, also offer a number of social benefits.
"The U.S. Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner, along with Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia, in making this historic project a reality. The Heartland Corridor will reduce highway congestion and fuel consumption, while improving air quality and transportation safety. For too long, rail has been the forgotten mode, but today's celebration shows it is more indispensable than ever as an integral part of our national transportation system. On behalf of President Obama and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, we congratulate Norfolk Southern on its completion and inauguration," said Joseph C. Szabo, federal railroad administrator.
Today's program at Cowan Tunnel was one of three events related to the Heartland opening. An open house on Sept. 8 at the Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal in Columbus, Ohio, highlighted the freight transfer facility that serves as the corridor's western anchor. A gathering on Sept. 13 in Prichard, W.Va., will feature one of the first eastbound intermodal trains on the route.
"Demand for rail freight service in the U.S. is expected to nearly double by 2035, and that's on a national transportation network that everyone agrees already is sorely stressed," Moorman reminded the Cowan Tunnel group. "As recently as several years ago, the crystal ball was too cloudy to provide a roadmap for meeting the coming challenges. Now, the Heartland Corridor provides a clear and workable vision of the way forward."
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 9, 2010
"New thinking, new resolve, and new optimism" characterize official opening of Norfolk Southern's Heartland Corridor
RADFORD, VA. - Norfolk Southern's Heartland Corridor - one of the most extensive railroad engineering projects in modern times and a template for public-private partnerships that strengthen the nation's transportation infrastructure - officially opened for business today.
A ceremony at the railroad's recently enlarged Cowan Tunnel near Radford marked the occasion, as Norfolk Southern Train 233 pulled through at 11 a.m. with a consist of 148 double-stack containers moving to the Midwest. Train 233 paused near the 3,302-foot tunnel's western portal, where it was greeted by the corridor's partners, designers, and builders, as well as news media and NS officers and employees.
"This is a remarkable achievement, and it marks a notable date in transportation history," NS CEO Wick Moorman told the group. "Together we have shown what can be accomplished when the right partners work together for the right goals. The Heartland Corridor's completion is not an end but rather the start of an era of new thinking, new resolve, and new optimism in which business, communities, and the public sector find creative ways to power the American economy."
The Heartland Corridor is a public-private partnership between NS and Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and the federal government to create the shortest, fastest route for double-stack container trains moving between the Port of Virginia and the Midwest. The new routing improves transit time from Norfolk, Va., to Chicago from four days to three and is nearly 250 miles shorter than previous circuitous routings.
To achieve that, NS raised vertical clearances on 28 tunnels and removed 24 overhead obstacles on one of its main lines connecting the Mid-Atlantic to the Midwest. Construction began in Oct. 2007 and involved modifying 5.7 miles of tunnels through roof excavation and liner replacement, arched roof notching, and track lowering and realignment.
The line dates back to the late 19th Century and traditionally has carried mostly coal traffic. Today, the Heartland Corridor improvements provide more capacity, speed, and reliability not just for coal trains but for the 20-foot, three-inch-high container trains that carry a diverse range of products required for international commerce and consumer demand.
On behalf of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton said, "The Heartland Corridor will significantly advance Virginia's economy and transportation network. This project will improve the economic competitiveness of the Port of Virginia and spur economic development in Southside and Southwest Virginia through new intermodal facilities. The strong partnership between Norfolk Southern and the Commonwealth continues to move Virginia into the future."
The Heartland Corridor and Norfolk Southern's other public-private partnerships, such as the Crescent Corridor program of improvements to infrastructure and other facilities through 13 states from Louisiana to New Jersey, also offer a number of social benefits.
"The U.S. Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner, along with Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia, in making this historic project a reality. The Heartland Corridor will reduce highway congestion and fuel consumption, while improving air quality and transportation safety. For too long, rail has been the forgotten mode, but today's celebration shows it is more indispensable than ever as an integral part of our national transportation system. On behalf of President Obama and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, we congratulate Norfolk Southern on its completion and inauguration," said Joseph C. Szabo, federal railroad administrator.
Today's program at Cowan Tunnel was one of three events related to the Heartland opening. An open house on Sept. 8 at the Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal in Columbus, Ohio, highlighted the freight transfer facility that serves as the corridor's western anchor. A gathering on Sept. 13 in Prichard, W.Va., will feature one of the first eastbound intermodal trains on the route.
"Demand for rail freight service in the U.S. is expected to nearly double by 2035, and that's on a national transportation network that everyone agrees already is sorely stressed," Moorman reminded the Cowan Tunnel group. "As recently as several years ago, the crystal ball was too cloudy to provide a roadmap for meeting the coming challenges. Now, the Heartland Corridor provides a clear and workable vision of the way forward."
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)
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Freehold & Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad
Following article and photo were posted on nj.com
Middlesex County Glimpse Of History 08/22/10
John Figlar/For The Star-Ledger
This photograph, taken by Harry Edwards in 1908, shows five unidentified boys near railroad tracks in Jamesburg as a locomotive approaches. The boys are standing on the Freehold and Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad line, which commenced operation in 1853. The line was started by James Buckelew, founder of Jamesburg, and his son, Isaac. Trains on the line carried produce from the farms of Monmouth County to city markets. The trains, which also carried some passengers, ran from Freehold to Jamesburg, where they connected with the Camden and Amboy lines. Trains made stops at Jamesburg, Hoffman, Tennent, Freehold, Farmingdale, Allaire and Sea Girt. Photo Courtesy of the Monroe Township Historic Preservation Commission
Middlesex County Glimpse Of History 08/22/10
John Figlar/For The Star-Ledger
This photograph, taken by Harry Edwards in 1908, shows five unidentified boys near railroad tracks in Jamesburg as a locomotive approaches. The boys are standing on the Freehold and Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad line, which commenced operation in 1853. The line was started by James Buckelew, founder of Jamesburg, and his son, Isaac. Trains on the line carried produce from the farms of Monmouth County to city markets. The trains, which also carried some passengers, ran from Freehold to Jamesburg, where they connected with the Camden and Amboy lines. Trains made stops at Jamesburg, Hoffman, Tennent, Freehold, Farmingdale, Allaire and Sea Girt. Photo Courtesy of the Monroe Township Historic Preservation Commission
Monday, September 06, 2010
It's not so much about this train I saw...
(Train sightings on 9-4-10.)
...but it is the people I encountered today when doing railroad photography that made this Saturday morning extra special for me. After spending some time up at Hunterdon County's Lansdown Road's grade crossing (MP 58), where I was fortunate enough to see two NS eastbound intermodal trains pass by, I headed down the line to the LEHL's Hamden Road grade crossing (MP 57). It was here that I would wait for whatever was next to come east. A combination of good sunlight and the two truss bridges spanning the Raritan River and Cramer's Brook made this especially appealing to me for doing photography at this location.
During my wait here, people were out either biking, walking or jogging in taking advantage of this day's weather. A few of them stopped at the grade crossing to inquire what I was doing. That spontaneous bit of conversation and what ensued made my wait more pleasant. At times, I think this type of spontaneous social interaction is what makes railroad photography so enjoyable for me. Granted, getting a photo of CP 38T headed east was a unanticipated bonus for me and something I didn't think I would get today. In reminiscing about all those people I have met over the years while doing railroad photography, I feel very fortunate to have met them. Their acquaintance has made this activity so much more enjoyable for me.
...but it is the people I encountered today when doing railroad photography that made this Saturday morning extra special for me. After spending some time up at Hunterdon County's Lansdown Road's grade crossing (MP 58), where I was fortunate enough to see two NS eastbound intermodal trains pass by, I headed down the line to the LEHL's Hamden Road grade crossing (MP 57). It was here that I would wait for whatever was next to come east. A combination of good sunlight and the two truss bridges spanning the Raritan River and Cramer's Brook made this especially appealing to me for doing photography at this location.
During my wait here, people were out either biking, walking or jogging in taking advantage of this day's weather. A few of them stopped at the grade crossing to inquire what I was doing. That spontaneous bit of conversation and what ensued made my wait more pleasant. At times, I think this type of spontaneous social interaction is what makes railroad photography so enjoyable for me. Granted, getting a photo of CP 38T headed east was a unanticipated bonus for me and something I didn't think I would get today. In reminiscing about all those people I have met over the years while doing railroad photography, I feel very fortunate to have met them. Their acquaintance has made this activity so much more enjoyable for me.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Norfolk Southern targets carbon emissions-reduction goal
Received the following via email.
Sept. 1, 2010
Norfolk Southern targets carbon emissions-reduction goal
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) today announced a five-year goal to reduce its carbon footprint through fuel-savings technology and improvements in operating efficiencies.
The freight rail transportation company said it plans to lower its greenhouse gas emissions per revenue ton-mile 10 percent by 2014, compared with 2009 emissions.
"Establishing this goal is an important step toward fulfillment of Norfolk Southern's objective to achieve industry leadership in environmentally responsible business practices," said Blair Wimbush, vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer. "Disclosing our carbon footprint last year was the first step. Now, we move forward with an aggressive yet realistic goal, and we have the tools to measure our progress toward attaining it."
In 2009, Norfolk Southern transported 158.5 billion ton-miles of freight, producing 4.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, mostly from diesel-burning locomotives. Emissions per revenue ton-mile were 30.0 grams. Using 2009 as the baseline and at the same traffic level, a 10 percent reduction of emissions - to 27.0 grams per revenue ton-mile - would result in 475,000 fewer metric tons going into the atmosphere annually by 2014.
Wimbush said the company's emissions reduction strategy will focus on ways to achieve better fuel economy, including purchase of new, more fuel-efficient locomotives; continued deployment of idle-reduction and train handling technologies; and refined engine maintenance practices.
Further efforts will address direct and indirect emissions from energy used for heating, cooling, and lighting buildings and other facilities on the railroad. Nearing completion is a systemwide lighting upgrade that is reducing electricity consumption, and the company continues to adjust its nonrail vehicle fleet to save fuel and emissions.
In addition, Norfolk Southern expects significant efficiency gains from its major infrastructure improvement projects, such as the Heartland and Crescent corridors.
The Heartland Corridor is a three-year project to upgrade Norfolk Southern's rail route between the busy Virginia ports and the Midwest by modifying 28 tunnels and other facilities to accommodate double-stack containers. Set to open Sept. 9, the new gateway will cut about 250 route miles and a day or more of transit time from current train schedules.
The Crescent Corridor consists of a program of improvements to infrastructure and other facilities geared toward creating a high-capacity, 2,500-mile intermodal route spanning from Louisiana to New Jersey. The improvements will enable Norfolk Southern to handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably.
Both the Heartland and Crescent corridors are being developed through public-private partnerships between Norfolk Southern and government agencies to meet the rising demand for freight transportation services that keep America's economy competitive.
More information about Norfolk Southern environmental initiatives is available on the company's sustainability website, Footprints. For more about public-private partnerships that reduce fuel consumption and atmospheric emissions while creating green jobs and making highways less congested and safer, go to TheFutureNeedsUs.com.
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)
Sept. 1, 2010
Norfolk Southern targets carbon emissions-reduction goal
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) today announced a five-year goal to reduce its carbon footprint through fuel-savings technology and improvements in operating efficiencies.
The freight rail transportation company said it plans to lower its greenhouse gas emissions per revenue ton-mile 10 percent by 2014, compared with 2009 emissions.
"Establishing this goal is an important step toward fulfillment of Norfolk Southern's objective to achieve industry leadership in environmentally responsible business practices," said Blair Wimbush, vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer. "Disclosing our carbon footprint last year was the first step. Now, we move forward with an aggressive yet realistic goal, and we have the tools to measure our progress toward attaining it."
In 2009, Norfolk Southern transported 158.5 billion ton-miles of freight, producing 4.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, mostly from diesel-burning locomotives. Emissions per revenue ton-mile were 30.0 grams. Using 2009 as the baseline and at the same traffic level, a 10 percent reduction of emissions - to 27.0 grams per revenue ton-mile - would result in 475,000 fewer metric tons going into the atmosphere annually by 2014.
Wimbush said the company's emissions reduction strategy will focus on ways to achieve better fuel economy, including purchase of new, more fuel-efficient locomotives; continued deployment of idle-reduction and train handling technologies; and refined engine maintenance practices.
Further efforts will address direct and indirect emissions from energy used for heating, cooling, and lighting buildings and other facilities on the railroad. Nearing completion is a systemwide lighting upgrade that is reducing electricity consumption, and the company continues to adjust its nonrail vehicle fleet to save fuel and emissions.
In addition, Norfolk Southern expects significant efficiency gains from its major infrastructure improvement projects, such as the Heartland and Crescent corridors.
The Heartland Corridor is a three-year project to upgrade Norfolk Southern's rail route between the busy Virginia ports and the Midwest by modifying 28 tunnels and other facilities to accommodate double-stack containers. Set to open Sept. 9, the new gateway will cut about 250 route miles and a day or more of transit time from current train schedules.
The Crescent Corridor consists of a program of improvements to infrastructure and other facilities geared toward creating a high-capacity, 2,500-mile intermodal route spanning from Louisiana to New Jersey. The improvements will enable Norfolk Southern to handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably.
Both the Heartland and Crescent corridors are being developed through public-private partnerships between Norfolk Southern and government agencies to meet the rising demand for freight transportation services that keep America's economy competitive.
More information about Norfolk Southern environmental initiatives is available on the company's sustainability website, Footprints. For more about public-private partnerships that reduce fuel consumption and atmospheric emissions while creating green jobs and making highways less congested and safer, go to TheFutureNeedsUs.com.
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)
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