Mission accomplished!

(Train sightings on 8-18-12.)

I set out to photograph the NKP 765's initial excursion on Saturday morning as it approached the Linglestown Road Bridge in Harrisburg. Judging from the results, I would say that my goal to photograph this train seemed to be successful. Some images from Saturday's first run of NKP 765 along with a surprise guest later in the morning, NS's OCS for your enjoyment.

   

World's 2 Largest Railcars together for very first time

Received the following information and photos via email.  Photos are by Vince F. Skibo. 

Here are four pictures of WECX 800 and 801, the worlds largest railcars, sitting on Kasgro yard lead in New Castle, PA, on 8-16-12.  Over 3.76 million pounds of load-carrying capacity...in just TWO railcars! Cars now en route to the Carolinas for Westinghouse Nuclear vessel loads.

 

 

   

   

 
More photos and specs at following web site.

http://southern.railfan.net/schnabel/cars/wecx801/wecx801.html

CSX Police, Security Re-Accreditation Process Includes Call-in Sessions: Police Chief Urges Communities to Participate

Received the following via email.

CSX Police, Security Re-Accreditation Process Includes Call-in Sessions
Police Chief Urges Communities to Participate

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - August 17, 2012 - CSX's police and security team will meet with representatives of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA) as part of re-accreditation in law enforcement standards.

Currently, the CSX Police Department is the only U.S. based freight railroad police department to have met the more than 450 required best practice standards.

The re-accreditation process includes headquarters and field visits, and public access telephone call-in sessions during which people are invited to comment on their perceptions of CSX's police activities and the company's Public Safety Coordination Center.

"We invite the public to call in and participate in this process," said Jackie Litzinger, CSX chief of police. "We are very proud of our team, and very interested in what the communities in which we operate and serve have to say about our program."

Like other major railroads, CSX operates its own certified police force with commissioned railroad police officers to maintain the safety and security of the public and the freight entrusted to the railroad. The CSX Police Department has officers responsible for partnerships with police and public safety agencies in 23 states.

In addition to its traditional law enforcement duties, the police department also includes several specialty units including rapid response, environmental crimes, cargo theft and canine teams.

The re-accreditation includes a detailed review by CALEA representatives of strategic plans, human resources, equipment, evidence and property control, training, investigative procedures, and communications, among other areas.

The public is welcome to call in, toll-free at (877) 541-8531 from 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 29, to comment on CSX law enforcement activities.

In addition, CSX Public Safety Coordination Center, which handles incoming calls for emergency incidents, will host a separate public call-in session on Tuesday, Aug. 21 between 1 to 3 p.m. by calling in toll-free at (877) 541-8532. The center is staffed by specially trained personnel who can communicate quickly with company police officers and all critical company functions, government security agencies and first responders. Last year, the team managed nearly 300,000 calls.

About CSX

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

###

Contact:

Carla Groleau
1 (877) TELL-CSX

Largest Freighter on Great Lakes is Hard Aground

And now for something completely different.
Received the following via email.  Posting consists of two emails.

Subject: Largest Freighter on Great Lakes is Hard Aground

Crews working to free grounded 1,013-foot coal freighter blocking outbound channel of St. Marys River, linking lakes Superior and Huron.

Article includes a photo showing stern of the stranded, 1,013'-long, self-unloading vessel Paul R. Tregurtha, largest on the lakes:

http://www.cheboygannews.com/features/x821892477/Vessel-runs-aground-blocks-shipping?photo=0

This is not the first...nor even second...time that the enormous, reigning “Queen of the Lakes” has run aground (linked site also features dozens of photos of her throughout her sailing career):

http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/prtrgrth.htm



Subject: Freighter stuck in St. Marys River

1,000-foot coal freighter stuck in St. Marys River

SAULT STE MARIE, Mich. (AP)  The U.S. Coast Guard says crews are working to free a 1,000-foot coal freighter grounded in the outbound channel of the St. Marys River that links lakes Superior and Huron.

The Coast Guard says the grounding happened about 3 a.m. Wednesday. It says there are no reports of injuries or pollution but says the vessel has sustained damage.

It says the Paul R. Tregurtha is owned by Interlake Shipping Co. of Richfield, Ohio, and carried about 62,000 tons of coal. The ship is grounded on the west side of Neebish Island in the channel that leads
to Lake Huron.

The Coast Guard says its personnel are working closely with the freighter's owners and others to determine the safest approach to re-floating the vessel.

NS announces expiration of early exchange period of previously announced exchange offers

Received the following via email.

August 16, 2012

Norfolk Southern announces expiration of early exchange period of previously announced exchange offers

NORFOLK, VA. — Norfolk Southern Corporation (the "Company") today announced the expiration of the early exchange period in connection with its offers (the "Exchange Offers") to certain eligible holders to exchange outstanding debt securities listed in the table below (collectively, the "Existing Notes") for cash and up to $600,000,000 aggregate principal amount (the "Overall Issue Amount") of the Company's 2.903% Notes due 2023 (the "New Notes"), the complete terms and conditions of which are set forth in a confidential Offering Memorandum, dated August 2, 2012 (the "Offering Memorandum"), and the related Letter of Transmittal.

In the Exchange Offers, according to information provided by D.F. King & Co., Inc., the exchange agent for the Exchange Offers, $549,593,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Company's Existing Notes were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 15, 2012 (the "Early Exchange Date"), as more fully set forth below. In accordance with the acceptance priority levels and proration procedures described in the Offering Memorandum, the Company will accept $521,445,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes that were tendered for exchange at or prior to the Early Exchange Date. The Company expects to deliver an aggregate principal amount of $600,000,000 of New Notes and will pay an aggregate of $121,870,052.69 cash consideration, including accrued interest, for the Existing Notes accepted for exchange on August 20, 2012 (the "Early Settlement Date"). Since Existing Notes have been validly tendered so that the maximum amount of New Notes to be issued in exchange for such tendered Existing Notes exceeds the Overall Issue Amount, no additional Existing Notes will be accepted for exchange after the Early Exchange Date.

The table below indicates, among other things, the principal amount of each series of Existing Notes validly tendered as of the Early Exchange Date, the principal amount of Existing Notes to be accepted for exchange as of the Early Exchange Date and the percentage of the principal amount of Existing Notes to be accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offers:



(Not able to reproduce table for this blog. Suggest you try Investor contact listed below.)



The Exchange Offers are scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on August 29, 2012 (the "Expiration Date"), unless extended or earlier terminated.

Tenders of Existing Notes in the Exchange Offers may no longer be withdrawn, except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law. Consummation of the Exchange Offers is subject to a number of conditions as set forth in the Offering Memorandum, including the absence of certain adverse legal and market developments.

If and when issued, the New Notes will not have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state securities laws. The New Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States or to any U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Company will enter into a registration rights agreement with respect to the New Notes.

This news release does not constitute an offer or a solicitation by the Company to participate in the Exchange Offers in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

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: transportation of hazardous materials as a common carrier by rail; acts of terrorism or war; general economic conditions; competition and consolidation within the transportation industry; the operations of carriers with which Norfolk Southern interchanges; disruptions to Norfolk Southern's technology infrastructure, including computer systems; labor difficulties, including strikes and work stoppages; commercial, operating, environmental, and climate change legislative and regulatory developments; 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 December 31, 2011 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) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

NS announces pricing of previously announced exchange offers and interest rate for new notes

Received the following via email.

August 15, 2012

Norfolk Southern announces pricing of previously announced exchange offers and interest rate for new notes

NORFOLK, VA. — Norfolk Southern Corporation (the "Company") today announced the pricing of its offers (the "Exchange Offers") to certain eligible holders to exchange outstanding debt securities listed in the table below (together, the "Existing Notes") for cash and up to $600,000,000 aggregate principal amount (the "Overall Issue Amount") of the Company's new Notes due 2023 (the "New Notes"), the complete terms and conditions of which are set forth in a confidential Offering Memorandum, dated August 2, 2012 (the "Offering Memorandum"), and the related Letter of Transmittal. The Company also announced that it will pay interest on the New Notes at a rate per annum equal to 2.903%, as calculated in accordance with the Offering Memorandum.

Existing Notes validly tendered and accepted by the Company at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 15, 2012 (the "Early Exchange Date"), are expected to settle on August 20, 2012 (the "Early Settlement Date"), unless extended by the Company. Confirmation of the Early Settlement Date will be set forth in a subsequent press release.

The table below indicates, among other things, the Total Exchange Consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes tendered and accepted as of the Early Exchange Date pursuant to the Exchange Offers (as determined in accordance with the Offering Memorandum):



(Not able to reproduce table for this blog. Suggest you try Investor contact listed below.)



The Exchange Offers are scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on August 29, 2012 (the "Expiration Date"), unless extended or earlier terminated. Holders of Existing Notes who tender their Existing Notes for New Notes and cash after the Early Exchange Date but prior to the Expiration Date will be eligible to receive the total exchange consideration minus the early exchange premium of $30 per $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes tendered and accepted for exchange. In such case, the early exchange premium will be deducted from the cash portion of the total exchange consideration. The aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes accepted for exchange on the Early Settlement Date will reduce the amount of Existing Notes that may be accepted for exchange on any subsequent settlement date, as more fully set forth in the Offering Memorandum.

After 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 15, 2012, tenders of Existing Notes in the Exchange Offers may no longer be withdrawn, except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law. Consummation of the Exchange Offers is subject to a number of conditions as set forth in the Offering Memorandum, including the absence of certain adverse legal and market developments.

If and when issued, the New Notes will not have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state securities laws. The New Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States or to any U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Company will enter into a registration rights agreement with respect to the New Notes.

This news release does not constitute an offer or a solicitation by the Company to participate in the Exchange Offers in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

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: transportation of hazardous materials as a common carrier by rail; acts of terrorism or war; general economic conditions; competition and consolidation within the transportation industry; the operations of carriers with which Norfolk Southern interchanges; disruptions to Norfolk Southern’s technology infrastructure, including computer systems; labor difficulties, including strikes and work stoppages; commercial, operating, environmental, and climate change legislative and regulatory developments; 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 December 31, 2011 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) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

CSX Intermodal Terminals Wins American Council of Engineering Companies Award

Received the following via email.

CSX Intermodal Terminals Wins American Council of Engineering Companies Award

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Aug. 13, 2012 - CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc. (CSX) and EMH&T have won the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Ohio "2012 Engineering Excellence Outstanding Achievement Award" for the design of CSX Intermodal Terminal's Northwest Ohio intermodal terminal.

CSX worked closely with EMH&T to design the Northwest Ohio facility, which uses cutting-edge technologies and green design, including ultra-efficient electric cranes that lower emissions, optical scanners that reduce truck idling times and automated car tracking technologies and remote switches that increase operational efficiency.

"CSX is proud to accept this distinguished honor," said Wilby Whitt, president of CSX Intermodal  Terminals. "CSX appreciates the continued recognition of its efforts to provide innovative supply chain solutions for customers. This award reflects the company's focus on delivering the most environmentally-friendly and technologically-advanced intermodal service in North America."

The award was presented at the ACEC Ohio Annual Awards Luncheon in Columbus, Ohio. The state-wide competition evaluated a number of leading projects based on uniqueness, originality, technical value to the engineering profession, social and economic considerations, complexity, and how successfully the project met time and budget constraints.

The Northwest Ohio facility is a key component of the National Gateway initiative, a public-private partnership which supports the movement of double-stacked intermodal containers on rail cars by raising bridges, increasing tunnel clearances and building new terminals along existing rail routes. When complete, the National Gateway will improve service reliability and transit times, reduce highway congestion, and enhance the environment by converting more than 14 billion highway miles to rail and decreasing fuel consumption by nearly 2 billion gallons.

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

About CSX Intermodal Terminals
CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc., a subsidiary of CSX Corporation in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading intermodal terminal operators, providing rail-to-truck and truck-to-rail transloading services. It operates more than 30 terminals across the eastern United States and Canada. More information about CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc. and its affiliates is available at www.csxi.com.

About EMH&T
EMH&T is a full-service civil engineering and land surveying firm, supporting projects from inception to completion since 1926. The firm provides an array of rail engineering services for the design of mainline and siding projects, yards and terminals, and industrial sidetracks. Our services include comprehensive design of tracks, yards and intermodal facilities; bridges; facility planning and corridor selection; environmental services; civil works; and project and construction management. EMH&T is licensed in 22 states across the Midwest and Southeast. Learn more about EMH&T at www.emht.com.

Contact:
Carla Groleau
1 (877) TELL-CSX

NS highlights economic development in new television ad

Received the following via email.

Aug. 13, 2012

Norfolk Southern highlights economic development in new television ad

NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern today launches a new television commercial that showcases the railroad’s role as a creator of economic possibilities – a powerful force for growth among the industries and communities served by the line.

“City of Possibilities” begins airing today in 30- and 60-second versions on CNN, Fox News, and other channels. It will run during the Republican and Democratic national conventions and through the presidential election in November, appearing as well in event sponsorships at the convention sites in Tampa Bay and Charlotte, and in various digital venues.

The spot is a whimsical portrayal of a boy and his dog, and the steady growth of a railroad-served community that springs up while they sleep.

In the last decade, NS has participated in the location and expansion of more than 1,000 factories, distribution facilities, and other businesses along its lines, representing an investment by NS customers of $30 billion and some 46,000 jobs.

“Norfolk Southern is a dependable partner for states and local economic development authorities on projects involving site selection and development of infrastructure to connect customers to our rail system,” said Donald W. Seale, NS executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “It’s not a stretch to say that, where the railroad goes, good things follow. We’re doing our part to keep the American economy strong, and we’re ready to do much more. That’s an incredibly positive message for the country and one that will be well received during the election season.”

The spot was produced by NS’ advertising agency, RP3 Agency of Bethesda, Md., and by The Mill of New York, N.Y., an award-winning creator of computer-generated graphics.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

STEAM on the BR&W!

Received the following via email.

STEAM

on the

Black River & Western Railroad

Dear Patron,

In November, 2000, the fire was dropped in steam locomotive #60 and she was moved to our engine shop for what turned out to be almost 12 long years of restoration.

During that time our dedicated "steam crew" has worked tirelessly on a thorough mechanical overhaul of this historic locomotive. A lot has changed since 2000, and many volunteers have come and gone. Just this year, the BR&W family mourned the loss of one of our most passionate steam crew volunteers, John Konn.

Yesterday (8-9-12), all the hard work paid off when #60 operated under her own power for the first time since November, 2000! Extensive testing was conducted on all of #60's components as she made her first appearance on the BR&W main line in over a decade.

Our steam crew is now back at work fine tuning and making final preparations for #60's return to revenue service on the BR&W.

Stay tuned for further details about when you'll be able to experience #60 on the BR&W!

Best regards,

Black River & Western Railroad

PS: Visit our website for information about more special events with tickets currently on sale, including Three Bridges Excursions, Photo Freights, the Eerie Limited, and the North Pole Express!

For more information about #60:

Visit Our Steam Page

Three Bridges Excursions - 2012
May 27/12 to Sep 1/12 An approximately two hour round-trip over the entire active BR&W line between Ringoes and Three Bridges, NJ. This is a rare opportunity to ride the BR&W between Flemington and Three Bridges, a section of the railroad that is usually freight-only. Light refreshments will be available for sale (cash only) on board the train. This train boards at Ringoes only. Tickets are by reservation only, and seating is limited!

Photo Freight - 2012
May 26/12 to Sep 2/12 Ride along on a mixed freight train featuring restored vintage rolling stock. This event features several run-bys at various locations on the line. This train boards at Ringoes only, and tickets are by reservation only.

Eerie Limited - 2012
Oct 20/12 to Oct 27/12 Calling all history buffs and ghost chasers! Join us for an evening excursion from Flemington to Ringoes and return. On the way, learn the stories of tragedies, wrecks, and hauntings from the long history of the railroad lines operated by Black River & Western. Reservations required. Recommended for ages 15 and up.

North Pole Express - 2012
Nov 23/12 to Dec 22/12 The North Pole Express offers an exciting train ride to North Pole Station to visit Santa & Mrs Claus! Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, singing along with the elves, a chance to tell Santa your Christmas wish, and much more. This is a special experience the entire family won't forget.


For more information and to make reservations for any of the trips above, vistit the Black River & Western web site  http://www.flemingtontrain.org/index.html  and click on TRAINS.

Update - NMRA Garden State Division Mine Tour

Received the following via email.

The Mine Tour

Tickets are paid for at the museum to the museum.
All we need to do is give them a count so that they can schedule enough staff.

We are now suggesting that you arrive earlier than the 10:00am schedule time, 9:30 or so. We have almost fifty people attending and there could be a line at the ticket window.

Any questions respond back to this e-mail.  Garden State Division

Andy Brusgard
e-mail clerk

You do not have to respond if you already are signed up.

NMRA Garden State Division Summer Meet

Received the following via email.

NMRA Garden State Division

Summer Meet

Saturday, August 18, 2012

at 10:00 AM

Truly Something Special

The Sterling Hill Mine Museum

30 Plant Street, Ogdensburg, NJ

The Sterling Hill Mine Museum is the site of the largest Zinc Mine in New Jersey. The Mine closed in 1986 and has been preserved as a museum.

See: http://sterlinghillminingmuseum.org/ for Museum details

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

The events at the site include a private tour of the Museum and an underground tour of the mine just for GSD members and guests. This two hour tour will be followed by a lunch in an outdoor pavilion provided by the GSD.

After lunch, seven layouts in the area will be available for visits. GSD members are also welcome to spend more time visiting the Museum Store and photographing the extensive collection of hard rock mining equipment that is on display outdoors on the grounds.

In addition to zinc and iron, the rock in this mountain is home to an amazing array of florescent minerals – some that are found nowhere else in the world.

Cost; (Lunch inclusive) Adult: $9; Senior: $8; Under 12: $7.

We will need to know how many tour guides are needed, if you’re planning on attending please e-mail us on how many tickets you will need.

See http://www.nergsd.com/Data/SummerMeet12.pdf
for all the details of this exciting event.

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

Please Note:

We MUST have a head count to arrange for tour guides.

E-mail us if you are going to attend this meet with number of tickets needed.

gsdtrains@yahoo.com

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

The Garden State Division, NMRA

Liberty Locomotive Works Whistle Posts and Ring Posts

Liberty Locomotive Works and The Big Little Railroad Shop announce the arrival of Whistle Posts and Ring Posts in brass. These are replicas of those used by the PRR and therefore were plentiful in our surrounding area.


They are available in HO at $9.95 for a package of four (4) units or $14.95 for similar O scale packages.

Stop in to the store to look at them.............

NS 30th Anniversary STEAM Trips in PA with Nickel Plate engine #765

Here is a compilation of several emails and photos we have received regarding the NS employee steam trips in Pennsylvania with NKP locomotive #765. 

Norfolk Southern’s 30th Anniversary Steam Trips in Pennsylvania in August: Nickel Plate Road steam engine 765 will be operating on 2 weekends in August in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg on employee-only trips. The Pittsburgh area trips begin on 8/11, with 3 trips being operated from Conway Yard to the Ohio Connecting Bridge and return. On 8/12, there are 2 trips from Conway to Homewood Junction. Monday, 8/13 is the ferry move of the train from Conway to Enola across the former PRR Middle Division via Horseshoe Curve and Altoona and Lewistown. Harrisburg area trips begin on Saturday 8/18 with 3 trips from Enola Yard to CP Capitol near the Harrisburg Amtrak Station and return. Trips are expected to operate at 9 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm. On Sunday, 8/19, 2 trips will operate from Enola Yard to CP Capitol. Monday, August 20, will be the deadhead move from Enola Yard to Pittsburgh again via Lewistown, Altoona and up and around Horseshoe Curve. If you wish to see the NKP 765 operate over Rockville Bridge or around Horseshoe Curve or just trackside on the old Middle Division, this is your opportunity.

NKP 765 at Garrison, OH, on 7-30-12, photo by Travis Giles

NKP 765 at Bellevue, OH, on 7-21-12, photo by Michael Wierowski

Note NS heritage unit 8100-Nickle Plate Road behind 765's tenders.  

Tracking NKP Steam Engine #765 by the Minute (GPS via On-line, iPhone, DROID & Twitter)

Whilst enjoying the attached photo that Ken Heyl recorded yesterday of #765 on its eastbound ferry move on the old PRR Ft. Wayne Line at Perrysville, OH (east of Mansfield), you may wish to try out the various electronic methods available to track the position of the famous, 1944-vintage Lima-built locomotive. When #765 is in motion, the 400-ton engine's GPS tracker updates every 60 seconds. The engine and train are presently stored, until their employee-only trips this weekend, at Conway Yard, along the Ohio River (no public access). At mid-trip, to return to Conway on the Saturday trips, the locomotive and train will be turned on wye tracks located at the Ohio Connecting {"OC") Bridge spanning the Ohio at Brunot Island, along PA Route 65, just downstream from The Point in Pittsburgh. To return to Conway on the Sunday trips in the other direction, the equipment will be turned on wye tracks located at Homewood Junction ("Wood"), which is immediately west of the PA Route 18 / I-76 (PA Turnpike) interchange. The only mention I see of times (below) is when they are scheduled to begin, "Trips are expected to operate at 9 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm." I have no further information, such as which are the expected departures on days with only two runs. The Ft. Wayne group that owns the engine may have that info., if you ask via the comments on their website (below).  
http://fortwaynerailroad.org/locate.html

http://fortwaynerailroad.org/mobile/

NKP 765 and NS 8100 at Perrysville, OH, on 8-7-12, photo by Ken Heyl

 

Revised NKP #765 PGH Schedule this SAT & SUN (changes, new details) via fallstonflagstop.com

Extremely rare opportunity to witness a large, main line steam locomotive in action on multiple runs in the Pittsburgh-Beaver Falls rail corridor (former Pennsylvania Railroad Ft. Wayne Line). There are various methods (laptop, Smart phone) available to electronically track #765's position: when in motion, the famous, 1944-vintage Lima-built engine's GPS tracker updates every 60 seconds.

The engine and train will operate on NS employee-only trips this weekend out of Conway Yard, along the Ohio River (and PA Route 65). As far as I know, the entire train is still to be turned on the wye tracks located on the approaches of the Ohio Connecting {"OC") Bridge spanning the Ohio at Brunot Island, along PA Route 65, just downstream from The Point in Pittsburgh. On trips in the other (westbound) direction through Rochester and Beaver Falls, the equipment will be turned on the wye located at Homewood Junction ("WOOD"), which is right adjacent to the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Beaver Valley Interchange (junction of PA Route 18 / I-76) south of Koppel. The Homewood Viaduct, carrying Norwood Drive over both the PA Turnpike and the NS wye at WOOD should afford very good views of the engine from above but, for that reason, will also likely become a rather crowded vantage point.

Saturday will see three round-trips, at 9 am, Noon and 3 pm. Sunday will have just 9 am and Noon runs before the engine and emptied train are forwarded east as a daylight 'dead-head/ferry move' through Pittsburgh, over Horse Shoe Curve, and through Altoona to Enola Yard for next weekend's employee trips around Harrisburg.

Though the engine may be turned on the Conway turntable between the Saturday and Sunday PGH runs, this is located on heavily-patrolled private railroad property. Viewing and photography should be conducted at all locations from public property.
http://fortwaynerailroad.org/mobile/

A Reading Ramble Across the Midwest

A pair of Norfolk Southern heritage units - NS 1067, Reading and NS 8104, Lehigh Valley - enjoyed an odyssey across the upper Midwest in July following the "family get together" at Spencer Shops in North Carolina.  First they went to Detroit, Michigan, then Lincoln, Nebraska, next to Laurel, Montana, then Dilworth, Minnesota where they were broken up.  The Reading unit then went to Kansas City and then to Louisville, Kentucky.  The Lehigh Valley unit went to Chicago and then to North Carolina. 

This posting all started with a couple of emails alerting us to this "Reading Ramble."  First here is a portion of one of those emails, then a series of pictures of this odyssey. 

Here's a sweet-evening-light view of this latest 'Reading Rambler' and 'Valley Voyager' (See the 5th photo from Fairmont, NE).  By deciding to 'Go West' on vacation in a big way, might the 'Queen Bee' and 'Valley Girl' already be earning their second nicknames? Note that all four locomotives are coupled elephant-style.

Speaking of elephants, imagine this Color Riot consist of power leading either of the two Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus trains...'Reading on the Ringling'. Hey, stranger things have already happened in just the past two weeks...like this intrepid duo that seems to have arisen from the dusty pages of the old "Rail Northeast" magazine, appearing in fresh paint on new units in places like NC and NE this month! (It is a dry July and Ol' Queenie has always been leading, as there is not yet even any RR crossing diamond / highway grade crossing mud-pump splatter on her shiny plow pilot!)



The first leg of this journey saw the Reading and Lehigh Valley units taking a coal train to the Detroit area after the family gathering in North Carolina.

7/9/12 North of Bucyrus, OH, photo by Kyle Ori

Next, they took an train of empty coal hoppers to Lincoln, Nebraska.

7/12/12 La Salle, MI, photo by Aaron J. Border

7/12/12 South Rockwood, MI by Aaron J. Border

7/14/12 Burlington, IA by FJ Grizel

At Lincoln, NE they were put in charge of a BNSF general merchandise train bound for Laurel, Montana, which is about 10 miles west of Billings, MT.  They traveled across Nebraska, across a corner of Colorado, and then through Wyoming to Montana.

7/15/12 Fairmont, NE by Luke Lohrmeyer

7/16/12 near Benkelman, NE (SW corner of NE), photographer unknown

7/16/12 NE/CO state line along US 34, photo by Kirk Orndorff

7/16/12 Yuma, CO, photo by Kirk Orndorff

7/17/12 near Peetz, CO, photo by Chip

At Laurel, MT, the ramblin' pair were sent to Dilworth, MN, on another BNSF train.  Dilworth is just across the state line from Fargo, ND.   I have no pictures from this leg of the journey.  At Dilworth the pair of NS heritage units were split up.  The Reading unit was put on a train to Kansas City.

7/22/12 Perham, MN, photo by Matt Hagfors

7/24/12 Kansas City, KS, photo by Zach Pumphery

Meanwhile, the Lehigh Valley unit was put on an intermodal train bound for the Chicago area.  Then it was put in charge of a NS grain train bound for North Carolina.

7/22/12 La Crosse, WI, photo by Dennis Weber

7/24/12 Hammond, IN, photo by Matthew Ginkel

7/27/12 Pelham, NC, photo by Khalil Poole

Finally, the Reading unit was returned to NS in Kansas City and sent east to the Louisville, KY area where it was put to work on coal trains.

7/27/12 St. Charles, MO, photo by Jake Branson

7/29/12 Danville, KY by Gage O’Dell

Train Registers & Clearance Cards

Received the following via email. This entry consists of 4 seperate emails. 

email 1.
Good, short lesson in pre-radio train operations from Abe Burnett, former Conrail Harrisburg Division Rules Examiner, who started his RR career in train service on the N&W in Virginia in the Sixties.  

email 2, from Abe Burnett.
A young fellow just asked me the function of a Train Register and a Clearance Card. Since this is now all pretty much 50 years in the past, I thought the younger generation might like to read the explanations. Of course, there all are kinds of permutations I did not go into...


email 3, from a young fellow.
Never having worked directly in operations, and having much less exposure to timetable and train order operations (I'm much more familiar with CTC and TCS), there are many elements about which I lack an understanding. One of these is the purpose of a "train register". I'm attaching the page with the special instructions for the LV's Pottsville Branch's Employee Timetable issued 11/26/1916. Trains registers are noted for a number of stations, but they are located in the "phone booth" at Lizard Creek Jct., Spring Garden Jct., and Blackwood Jct. When the line opened, these were all manned junctions that had telegraph. My assumption is, and this is where I look to you for guidance, that the purpose of the register was to act as a kind of control point, but one at which an operator was no longer located. As a train arrived at the junction, a crew could determine whether or not a scheduled train had arrived from the connecting line by the presence of an entry or lack thereof in the register. Did I guess right? Who and when do you think someone went around to collect all these registers and place new ones?


Second item: What exactly is the function of a clearance card?

I will never completely fathom an era when so many people were involved, all of whom had to have their wits about them. I seriously doubt it could be done the same way today. I increasingly doubt the work of Charles Darwin...

email 4, from Abe Burnett.
Train Register - a "logbook" located at designated places (such as ends of double track or important junctions) where conductors "register" their trains. Opposing trains check the register to see if superior trains have arrived.


Perfect example - the tremendous head on collision of Jan 30,1918 on the N&W at Melborn. Va. No, 26, the eastbound Memphis Special hauled by double-headed Mountains, was running 5 hours and 20 mins late. Ex 1461 West, headed by a big 2-6-6-2 class Z, left the end of double track at Radford, in the face of No. 26. The telegraph operator had failed to deliver a Train Order to the Extra west stating that No. 26 was running late, and the conductor of the Extra west did not check the Train Register to see if all opposing superior trains had arrived. If either of these things had been done, the two trains would not have met head-on the the darkness about 5 miles west of Radford.

I worked with men who had been at that wreck. Trailing are photos of the tombstone of Engineer Charles A. Jacobson, who was running Ex 1461 West that night.

Your second question: What is the function of a Clearance Card. Exact details depend on the time period you want to know about. In the Old days, there were 4 clearance cards, A, B, C and D, and each had a different color and a different purpose.

But let's just discuss the Clearance Form A, which is the only one that survived up until the end... although I could write you volumes on this topic.

A clearance card's function is (1) to make sure that no train gets away without the train dispatcher making sure it has the proper train orders, and has them all, and (2) to make sure the telegraph operator delivers the proper orders to each train.

If a telegraph operator has train orders for delivery, he puts his train order signal to stop. When the train is getting close, he asks the DS (train dispatcher), "Clear Train No..., with train orders numbers 17, 23 and 26?" And if those are the proper train orders to be delivered, the DS responds, "Yes, clear Train No... with orders numbners 17, 23 and 26, at 11:16am, JFF" (where JBB would be his own initials.) The DS then makes a note of the clearance card inn his train order book. The operator writes out the clearance card stating, "To C&E No.. at ... I have train orders no's 17, 23 and 26 for your train. There are no further orders for your train," and signs his last name on the clearance card, and the date and time.

When the crew rolls by and picks up their orders, they compare the clearance card with the numbers of the train orders they have been delivered to see if they have the proper orders, and all the orders they should have. (I have caught orders and found that what I received did not correspond with the clearance card...)

In Time Table/Train order territory, each train must receive a clearance card at its initial station... That is the train dispatcher's "release" for the train, either stating "No orders for your train" or listing the orders for delivery. This requirement is a "hold" on trains, to keep them from getting away without the proper orders.(attached) is a pretty important stuff, when you consider that all the meets on opposing trains were handled by train orders, and radios had not yet come around.

That's the basics. I could write a lengthy essay on this matter, and probably should some day.

Tombstone of engineer Charles A. Jacobson

NS names Rathbone and Squires to new responsibilities

Received the following via email.

August 1, 2012

Norfolk Southern names Rathbone and Squires to new responsibilities

NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE: NSC) announced two personnel changes to broaden the experience of its senior management team.

Effective today, John P. Rathbone is named executive vice president finance and chief financial officer, and James A. Squires is named executive vice president administration. Previously their roles were reversed.

“Norfolk Southern’s experienced senior leadership team is a key strength,” said CEO Wick Moorman. “Jim and John are acknowledged industry leaders in their fields. In their new positions, they’ll bring insight and energy in continuing to move Norfolk Southern forward.”

Rathbone joined Norfolk Southern in 1981 and served in several auditing positions before being named vice president and controller in 1992, senior vice president and controller in 2000, and executive vice president administration in 2004. A native of Alexandria, Va., he earned a degree from Virginia Tech.

Squires joined Norfolk Southern in 1992 and served in several law positions before being named vice president law in 2003, senior vice president law in 2004, senior vice president financial planning in 2006, and executive vice president finance in 2007. A native of Hollis, N.H., he earned degrees from Amherst College and the University of Chicago.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

Norfolk Southern announces private exchange offers

Received the following via email.

August 2, 2012

NORFOLK SOUTHERN ANNOUNCES PRIVATE EXCHANGE OFFERS

NORFOLK, VA. — Norfolk Southern Corporation (the "Company") announced today the commencement of offers to certain eligible holders (together, the "Exchange Offers") of the Company's outstanding debt securities listed in the table below (together, the "Existing Notes") to exchange Existing Notes for consideration consisting of cash and up to $600,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's new Notes due 2023 (the "New Notes"), in the proportions set forth in the table below, the complete terms of which are set forth in an offering memorandum, dated today (the "Offering Memorandum"), and the related letter of transmittal, dated today (together with the Offering Memorandum, the "Offering Documents").

The table below indicates each series of Existing Notes included in the Exchange Offers:


(Not able to reproduce table for this blog.  Suggest you try Investor contact listed below.)



The aggregate principal amount of New Notes to be issued pursuant to the Exchange Offers will be subject to a maximum amount of $600,000,000 aggregate principal amount (the "Overall Issue Amount"). In addition, the principal amount of each series of Existing Notes that is accepted pursuant to the Exchange Offers will be subject to the "acceptance priority level" (in numerical priority order) of such series as set forth in the table above and as further described in the Offering Documents.

All Existing Notes that are tendered for exchange in an Exchange Offer on or before the Early Exchange Date will have priority over Existing Notes that are tendered for exchange after the Early Exchange Date. If the principal amount of Existing Notes validly tendered on or before the Early Exchange Date constitutes a principal amount of Existing Notes that, if accepted by the Company, would result in the Company issuing New Notes having an aggregate principal amount equal to or in excess of the Overall Issue Amount, the Company will not accept any Existing Notes tendered for exchange after the Early Exchange Date (even if they are of acceptance priority level 1).

The following is a summary of certain key elements of the planned Exchange Offers:

· The Exchange Offers will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on August 29, 2012, unless extended by the Company (the "Expiration Date").

· The applicable Total Exchange Consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes tendered for exchange and accepted by the Company will equal (x) the discounted value on the Early Settlement Date of the remaining payments of principal and interest per $1,000 principal amount of the tendered series of Existing Notes through the maturity date of such series of Existing Notes, using a yield equal to the sum of (i) the yield, calculated in accordance with standard market practice, that corresponds to the bid-side price of the applicable Existing Notes Reference Treasury, as of 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on August 15, 2012, unless extended by the Company (the "Pricing Date"), as displayed on the Bloomberg Government Pricing Monitor page PX1 plus (ii) the applicable fixed spread specified in the table above for the applicable series of Existing Notes, minus (y) accrued and unpaid interest on such $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes, to but not including the Early Settlement Date.

o The Company will pay interest on the New Notes at a rate per annum equal to the yield, calculated in accordance with standard market practice, that corresponds to the bid-side price of the 1.750% United States Treasury due May 15, 2022 as of the Pricing Date, as displayed on the Bloomberg Government Pricing Monitor page PX1 plus a fixed spread of 115 basis points.

· The Total Exchange Consideration will include an "Early Exchange Premium" of $30.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes tendered and accepted for exchange.

· The Total Exchange Consideration or the Exchange Consideration, as applicable, for each $1,000 principal amount of the Existing Notes, will be payable in cash and New Notes as further described in the Offering Documents.

· Settlement for Existing Notes tendered on or before the Early Exchange Date and accepted by the Company is expected to be August 20, 2012, unless extended by the Company (the "Early Settlement Date"). Settlement for Existing Notes tendered and accepted after the Early Exchange Date is expected to be August 30, 2012, unless extended by the Company (the "Final Settlement Date").

· Eligible holders who validly tender and who do not validly withdraw their Existing Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 15, 2012, unless extended by the Company (the "Early Exchange Date"), and whose tenders are accepted for exchange by the Company, will receive the Total Exchange Consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes.

· Eligible holders who validly tender Existing Notes after the Early Exchange Date but prior to the Expiration Date, and whose Existing Notes are accepted for exchange by the Company, will receive the "Exchange Consideration," which is the Total Exchange Consideration minus the Early Exchange Premium of $30.00 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of Existing Notes tendered and accepted for exchange.

· The cash payable to each holder whose Existing Notes are accepted for exchange will be adjusted as applicable by the accrued and unpaid interest on those Existing Notes and New Notes, to but not including the applicable Settlement Date.

· Tenders of Existing Notes in the Exchange Offers may be validly withdrawn at any time at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 15, 2012, unless extended by the Company (the "Withdrawal Deadline"), but will thereafter be irrevocable, except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law.

· Consummation of the Exchange Offers is subject to a number of conditions, including the issuance of at least $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of New Notes and the absence of certain adverse legal and market developments.

· The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the Exchange Offers.

· Subject to applicable law, the Company may in its absolute discretion terminate any Exchange Offer for any reason or for no reason.

If and when issued, the New Notes will not have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state securities laws. The New Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States or to any U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Company will enter into a registration rights agreement with respect to the New Notes. The New Notes will be unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.

The Exchange Offers are only made, and copies of the documents relating to the Exchange Offers will only be made available, to a holder of Existing Notes who has certified in an eligibility letter certain matters to the Company, including its status as a "qualified institutional buyer" as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act or who is a person other than a "U.S. person" as defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act. Holders of Existing Notes who desire access to the electronic eligibility form should contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent for the Exchange Offers, at (800) 848-3416 (U.S. Toll-free) or (212) 269-5550 (Collect). Holders that wish to receive the Offering Documents can certify eligibility at http://www.dfking.com/norfolksouthern.

This news release does not constitute an offer or an invitation by the Company to participate in the Exchange Offers in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

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 December 31, 2011 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) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

Somerset County 4-H Fair

August 8-9-10, 2012

North Branch Park, Milltown Road, Bridgewater, N.J.

Please Leave Your Pets at Home!

  The 2012 Somerset County 4-H Fair is Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, August 8, 9 and 10. It is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, located between Routes 22 and 202.

For more information please visit the Somerset County 4-H Fair web site.
http://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/4hfair/

NS raises quarterly dividend and increases stock repurchase program

Received the following via email.

August 1, 2012

Norfolk Southern raises quarterly dividend and increases stock repurchase program

NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern Corporation announced that its Board of Directors today voted to increase the regular quarterly dividend on the company’s common stock by 6.4 percent, or 3 cents per share, from 47 to 50 cents per share.

The increased dividend is payable on Sept. 10 to stockholders of record on Aug. 13. Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 120 consecutive quarters.

Norfolk Southern also announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 50 million shares of its common stock through Dec. 31, 2017. In combination with previous share repurchase programs dating back to February 2006, the total number of shares that the company has been authorized to repurchase over time has increased to 175 million. From February 2006 through June 30, 2012, approximately 122 million shares have been repurchased for $7.1 billion. The timing and volume of any purchases will be guided by management’s assessment of market conditions and other factors. Norfolk Southern had approximately 320 million shares outstanding as of June 30, 2012.

Statements contained in this news release that are not related to historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ from these projections, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which are discussed in Norfolk Southern’s annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

NS supports coal customers with $20.5 million of track work in PA

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern supports coal customers with $20.5 million of track work in Pennsylvania

NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern recently completed $20.5 million of track, bridge, and signal improvements along its major coal line through the Monongahela Valley in a record seven days. To ensure coal customers in Southwest Pennsylvania continue to receive consistent and reliable rail service, Norfolk Southern schedules a maintenance blitz each July to coincide with the coal miners’ annual weeklong summer break.

The “Mon” Line extends 85 miles south from Pittsburgh to serve five coal mines in Washington and Greene counties. In 2011, nearly 37 million tons of coal were shipped over the line -- most of it delivered to utility customers. Approximately 30 trains daily use the line.

“The Mon line is critical to meeting the energy needs of businesses and homes in the Northeast and Midwest,” said Tim Drake, NS’ vice president engineering. “Our work keeps this rail network safe and performing at peak level.”

The blitz is a logistical achievement. Crews labor through long summer days, with afternoon temperatures reaching close to 100 degrees, and they don’t quit until after sundown. This year, 500 Norfolk Southern engineering department employees from across the railroad’s 22-state system installed more than 44,600 crossties, laid 10 miles of new rail, resurfaced 67 miles of track, replaced 1,091 bridge ties, and installed 18 culverts. Additionally, the crews finished maintenance projects on 28 road crossings, four bridges, and one tunnel.

Fifty-six work trains, along with 32 pieces of track equipment, were utilized. Under normal conditions it would take approximately three months to accomplish this work, with disruptions in service.

Our engineering crews blitz this rail network under some challenging conditions – heat, a one-week deadline, a lot of moving parts,” said Phil Merilli, chief engineer for NS’ Northern Region. “What we accomplish will keep trains running safely all year long, and it shows our commitment to keeping these tracks in top condition.”

The maintenance work on the Mon Valley line is part of Norfolk Southern’s planned $2.4 billion investment in its rail network during 2012.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

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Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Dave Pidgeon, 717-541-2247 (david.pidgeon@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

NS Chief Information Officer to address Jefferies 2012 Global Industrial and A&D Conference

Received the following via email.

July 26, 2012

Norfolk Southern Chief Information Officer to address Jefferies 2012 Global Industrial and A&D Conference

NORFOLK, VA. – Deb Butler, executive vice president planning and chief information officer for Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Jefferies 2012 Global Industrial and A&D Conference in New York City at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012.

Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://wsw.com/webcast/jeff70/nsc/. 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 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)