Norfolk Southern EVP and CMO Don Seale to retire

Received the following via email.

January 13, 2015

Norfolk Southern EVP and CMO Don Seale to retire

NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 13, 2015 -- Donald W. Seale, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE: NSC), has announced his plan to retire effective March 1, 2015, Chairman and CEO Wick Moorman said today.

“Don’s central role in building Norfolk Southern’s culture of continuous improvement in customer focus began at the corporation’s creation, and we will continue to benefit from it well into the future,” Moorman said. “His leadership has helped position railroads not only as engines of economic growth but as true partners with the people and industries we serve.”

NS’ board of directors will name Seale’s successor at a later time.

Seale joined NS in 1976 as a management trainee. He served in numerous sales and marketing capacities relating to the railroad’s service to its merchandise and coal customers before being named senior vice president marketing services in 2003, executive vice president sales and marketing in 2004, and executive vice president and chief marketing officer in 2006.

Seale’s tenure as leader of NS’ marketing division saw expansion in demand for quality rail service. The corporation recorded its first $10 billion railway operating revenues year and annual revenues increased by approximately $4 billion during that time.

He championed new, more time-sensitive service offerings for producers, manufacturers, shippers, and receivers of coal, automobiles, chemicals, agriculture and consumer products, metals and construction materials, paper, clay, forest products, and intermodal trailers and containers. In the last three years, Seale’s team has been a leader in developing and marketing rail services to new and expanding businesses in the energy sector. He has also been a strong and tireless advocate of industrial development to spur new industries and jobs across the states Norfolk Southern serves culminating in $5.7 billion in new investments and over 4400 associated jobs in 2014 alone.

About Norfolk Southern

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

Media Inquiries:

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

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

Brand new GE U50 in UP paint - 1965

Received the following via email from our correspondent in NW Pennsylvania. 

Photo taken in 1965 at Erie, PA. 

Thought you folks would enjoy this Mr. Slides photo just forwarded by friend Todd Ferguson, down in North Carolina. (Wish he had also been able to send along a shot of it at the B&LE - EL interchange at Shenango, PA, as well!)

Imagine one of these with a pair of 4,400 h.p., 12-cylinder GEVOs in it vs. the two 2,500 h.p. FDL-16s they actually had.  

 

Definitely a frigid day along NS's LEHL...

(Train sightings on 1-9-15.) 

...to be trackside but was worth it in capturing some winter scenes with good sunshine. Case in point is where the LEHL crosses over the Raritan River in Neshanic Station (NJ). I was hoping to catch the H76 heading east to work Aeropres in Hillsborough. Instead I was surprised with this eastbound intermodal, possibly 212, crossing an partially frozen river. Motive power was NS 7678, NS 9519 and NS 9951. With the wind starting to pick up in velocity, it was time for me to head home and thaw out!

NS unveils first publicly funded, emissions-friendly locomotives

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern unveils first publicly funded, emissions-friendly locomotives

Jan. 6, 2015

ALTOONA, PA. – The first emissions-friendly locomotives funded by the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program have been released for road testing by Norfolk Southern from its Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pa.

The first two GP33ECO switching locomotives – of a total 25 partially funded by CMAQ for production by Norfolk Southern – sport a distinctive paint scheme that reflects their environmentally friendly mission. After in-service testing in the Altoona area, they will be permanently assigned to their respective grant award areas of Chicago and Atlanta.

Funding for the locomotive to be used in the Chicago area was awarded by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency, sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. 

Funding for the locomotive to be used in Georgia (on Norfolk Southern’s Atlanta Terminal) was awarded by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division.

Dedication ceremonies will occur in the months to follow.

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

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 (robin.chapman@nscorp.com)

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

The photo below is from RailPictures.net and was taken by Casey Thomason   on 1-5-15 at the Juniata Shop of Norfolk Southern in Altoona, PA.  More information on the photo at the following web site: 
http://www.railpictures.net/photo/513366 

Evening one-seat ride service on the Raritan Valley Line starts Monday, January 12

Received the following via email.

PM one-seat ride service on the Raritan Valley Line starts Monday, January 12

NJ TRANSIT's Raritan Valley Line will begin one-seat ride service starting Monday, January 12 with weekday evening off-peak hours.

The evening one-seat trips TO New York Penn Station will be as follows:

• Train 5150 departing Raritan at 6:39 p.m.
• Train 5152 departing Raritan at 7:52 p.m.
• Train 5154 departing Raritan at 8:49 p.m.
• Train 5156 departing Raritan at 9:53 p.m.

The evening one-seat trips FROM New York Penn Station will be as follows:

• Train 5193 departing New York at 8:48 p.m.
• Train 5155 departing New York at 9:48 p.m.
• Train 5197 departing New York at 10:48 p.m.
• Train 5101 departing New York at 12:08 a.m.     

Customers should check the new schedule effective January 11 for changes in other weekday afternoon/evening train times.  

First Central NJ snowfall of this winter...

(Train sightings on 1-6-15.)

...finds NS 22V, a Harrisburg (PA) to Elizabeth Marine Terminal (NJ) intermodal, heading east over the LEHL at MP 40 around 10:11 AM on this snowy Tuesday morning. NS 8841 (GE C40-9) and NS 2766 (EMD SD70M-2) is the power consist that is kicking up the snow as it approaches the Valley Road grade crossing in Hillsborough, NJ.

NS facilitates $5.7 billion in industrial investment along rail lines in 2014

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Norfolk Southern facilitates $5.7 billion in industrial investment along rail lines in 2014

NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 7, 2015 -- Norfolk Southern assisted 94 industries in locating or expanding their businesses along its rail lines in 2014.

The 72 new and 22 expanded industries represent an investment of $5.7 billion by Norfolk Southern customers and are expected to create more than 4,420 new jobs in the railroad's territory, generating more than 205,000 carloads of new rail traffic annually.

Norfolk Southern assisted state and local government and economic development officials throughout 18 states in helping customers identify ideal locations for the projects.

“The energy sector continued to be a major driver of industrial development projects in 2014, and we began to see the return of more traditional industrial projects such as steel mills, auto assembly plants, tire manufacturers, and food processing facilities,” said Jason Reiner, assistant vice president industrial development. “We expect continued development in the energy sector, as well as growing activity in manufacturing, in 2015. We will continue to work closely with the communities we serve to ensure that high quality industrial sites are identified and ready to be presented to prospective industrial clients. We have the experience and resources available to support our communities in their efforts to compete for new manufacturing and distribution projects.”

Norfolk Southern works with state and local economic development authorities on projects involving site location and development of infrastructure to connect customers to its rail system and provides free and confidential plant location services, including industrial park planning, site layout, track design, and supply chain analysis. During the past 10 years, Norfolk Southern's Industrial Development Department has participated in the location or expansion of 1,017 facilities, representing an investment of $57 billion and creating more than 44,000 customer jobs in the territory served by the railroad.

About Norfolk Southern

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

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that may be identified by the use of words like “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “consider,” “project,” and similar references to the future. Forward-looking statements reflect our good-faith evaluation of information currently available. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and our actual results may differ materially from those projected. Please refer to our annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC for a full discussion of those risks and uncertainties we view as most important. 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. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

Media Inquiries:

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

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

Customers Invest More Than $3.5 Billion on CSX Network in 2014

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Customers Invest More Than $3.5 Billion on CSX Network in 2014

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - January 5, 2014 - In 2014, CSX and its customers worked together on 107 projects to build or expand facilities on CSX's network and short line partners. CSX customers invested more than $3.5 billion in these projects, which are expected to generate nearly 5,800 new jobs in local communities and approximately 161,000 annual carloads of new business for CSX.  

"In 2014, the bulk of customer investments along our network involved expanding and improving infrastructure for the energy sector. Low natural gas prices are also fueling more downstream projects in the chemicals and fertilizer arena, as well as other manufacturing industries," said Clark Robertson, assistant vice president - regional development.  "We've seen investments from both domestic and multinational companies along our rail network, in part due to the CSX network's ability to reach nearly two-thirds of American consumers. We see strong indicators that this robust activity will continue into 2015."

Over the past decade, CSX customers invested more than $30 billion in rail-served facilities, creating more than 36,000 jobs across the company's 23-state network.

"State and local economic development agencies also play a pivotal role in supporting economic opportunities for new manufacturing facilities," Robertson said. "We appreciate their assistance in helping our customers access our 21,000 mile rail network and the benefits that freight rail provides, including improving their environmental footprint and helping to reduce wear and tear on public roads."

To further expand opportunities for customers to develop on the company's network, the CSX Select Site program certifies properties expressly intended for manufacturing uses. These properties meet rigorous permitting and certification criteria to ease the development process and promote efficient timelines for customers. More information on the CSX Select Site program is available at www.csxselectsite.com.

CSX also recently launched a new online platform to support industrial development across its network, www.csxindustrialdevelopment.com. The site allows potential and current customers to search by specific facility needs, and connects customers with CSX's Select Site program and proprietary Site Design services.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

Melanie Cost

(904) 359-1702

NS invites you to join us for our fourth-quarter 2014 earnings conference call

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern invites you to join us for our fourth-quarter 2014 earnings conference call

Please join us to review our fourth-quarter and full-year 2014 financial results during a conference call and live Internet webcast at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. Quarterly earnings results will be released at 8 a.m. ET on Jan. 26.

You can listen to the call by dialing 877-869-3847 several minutes prior to the start of the conference. In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible and presentation materials will be posted on the company's website at www.nscorp.com under the Investors section.

Following the live broadcast, an audio replay of the conference call will be available until Feb. 2, 2015, by dialing 877-660-6853 and access number 13597919. The replay also will be available as an MP3 downloadable podcast in the Investors section of the company’s website.

For electronic notification of future earnings events, we invite you to 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. To subscribe, please follow directions on our website under the Investors section.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        Katie Cook 

                                                                                         Director Investor Relations

                                                                        Norfolk Southern Corporation

CSX Corporation Announces Dates For Earnings Release and Fourth-Quarter Earnings Call

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CSX Corporation Announces Dates For Earnings Release and Fourth-Quarter Earnings Call

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (January 5, 2015) - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) will release fourth-quarter financial and operating results on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, after the market close.

The company will host an earnings conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 via teleconference and a live audio webcast.

Those interested in participating via teleconference may dial 1-888-327-6279 (1-888-EARN-CSX) and ask for the CSX earnings call. Callers outside the U.S. dial 1-773-756-0199.  Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the call.

Presentation materials and access to the audio webcast will be available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com. Following the earnings call, a webcast replay and an MP3 audio file will be archived on the company's website.

CSX announces material financial information through the Investors section of our website (http://investors.csx.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts.

We also use social media channels to communicate information about the company. Although our social media channels are not intended to be the primary method of disclosure for material information, it is possible that certain information we post on social media could be deemed to be material. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the social media channels listed below. This list may be updated from time to time.

CSX on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSX

CSX on Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/HowTomorrowMoves

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company.  It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products.  For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development.  Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides.  It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike.  More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

NS becomes member of the Campbell Institute for environmental, health, and safety leadership

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Norfolk Southern becomes member of the Campbell Institute for environmental, health, and safety leadership

Dec. 19, 2014

Norfolk, Va. – In recognition of its environmental, health, and safety (EHS) leadership, Norfolk Southern has been accepted for membership in the Campbell Institute at the National Safety Council.

The Campbell Institute recognizes world-class performers in EHS management. Members include some of America’s best-known companies, such as APM Terminals, Chevron, Cummins, Dow, ExxonMobil, General Motors, Georgia-Pacific, United Parcel Service, United Technologies, U.S. Steel, and Whirlpool.

“We are proud to welcome Norfolk Southern to the Campbell Institute,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president & CEO of the National Safety Council. “For two centuries, Norfolk Southern has played a role in building and supplying our country. At the Campbell Institute, they continue the thoroughbred tradition of continuous improvement by joining with other world-class companies to share experience, knowledge, and best practices related to environmental, health, and safety excellence.”

Mark Manion, executive vice president and chief operating officer of NS, noted that, “Membership offers an invaluable opportunity to share best practices, benchmark, and access EHS research. On behalf of everyone at Norfolk Southern, we are honored by, and grateful for, the institute’s consideration.”

Some of the elements that characterize NS’ EHS approach include:

<·         124 employee-led local Safety and Service committees

>·         annual Safety & Service Expo and Awards celebration

>·         leadership for Operation Lifesaver and TRANSCAER

<·         training for local community emergency responders

<·         environmental audits and solid regulatory compliance

<·         partnerships with safety leaders such as DuPont and Aubrey Daniels International.

<·         fuel efficiency and fuel-saving technology

<·         rail service corridors that create jobs while reducing environmental impact

>·        “Trees and Trains” program

<·         conservation easement to protect forest land

>·       annual Railroad Sustainability Symposium

“Where the Campbell Institute and EHS are concerned, we want to learn more, do more, and share more than ever before,” Manion said. “When your company has been around 180 years, as has ours, you understand that continuous improvement is the only way to go.” 

The Campbell Institute is based on the premise that EHS is at the core of business vitality. The National Safety Council is the nation’s leading organization working through research, education, and advocacy to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, in communities, and on the roads.

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

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

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

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

Note to NS Customers

Received the following via email. 

To Norfolk Southern’s Valued Customers:

As we approach the Holiday Season and the end of 2014, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for our business together and your strong support over the past year.

As we look ahead into 2015, Norfolk Southern will continue our keen focus and activities to improve service across our network.  Our train and engine crew base is growing, additional locomotives are being delivered, and we completed not only our normal maintenance of way work in 2014 but opened major new capacity enhancing projects.  The $160 million expansion of our Bellevue, Ohio classification terminal was completed this quarter and is now operational.  The Englewood Flyover was completed and became operational this quarter which separated grade crossings of over 135 commuter, Amtrak and Norfolk Southern freight trains per day in Chicago, improving speed, capacity, and fluidity.  We also completed enhancements to our Conway Yard near Pittsburgh to improve service for energy related and industrial products.  Finally, we have implemented a well-planned and rigorous winter operating plan.

These and other activities at our Company, along with another robust capital plan for 2015 which will be announced in January, are all targeted to return our service for you our customers to levels we both expect.  Our commitment remains strong to meet that objective ahead as we work through the winter months with an expectation that our service recovery process will hit a normalized pace in the second quarter of 2015.  I encourage you to continue to check our service updates on our website for the latest information as we work our way through the winter months

Thank you again for your business, your support of Norfolk Southern, and your friendship, and I extend my very best wishes to each of you for a safe and enjoyable Holiday Season!

Donald W. Seale

Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

Norfolk Southern Corporation

Three Commercial Place

Norfolk, VA  23510-9216

CSX Creates Opportunities for Increased Cross-border Trade with New Intermodal Terminal in Montreal

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CSX Creates Opportunities for Increased Cross-border Trade with New Intermodal Terminal in Montreal

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - December 16, 2014 - CSX (NYSE: CSX) announced the opening of a new intermodal terminal in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield near Montreal, Quebec. The facility expands CSX's intermodal network capacity and offers Canadian customers domestic and international service that connects with the railroad's 21,000 mile network in the United States.

"CSX continues to invest in our intermodal business as a key growth driver and we look for long-term opportunities, such as increased north-south trade access outlined by the North American Free Trade Agreement," says Clarence Gooden, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at CSX. "Opening a terminal near Montreal creates an opportunity to build relationships with new customers on our network, expand access to new markets, and improve the efficiency of the North American supply chain."

The $100 million terminal, which spans 89 acres, includes cutting-edge equipment to capitalize on the efficiency and environmental benefits of intermodal rail transportation, such as three state-of-the-art rubber-tire gantry cranes - the first of their kind at an Eastern Canadian intermodal facility. Construction also incorporated environmentally sustainable innovations in the areas of noise abatement and protection of downstream waterways. 

With capacity for 100,000 loads, the Valleyfield terminal is an important addition to the railroad's unique intermodal network, which offers both point-to-point corridor service and a hub-and-spoke model that allows it to reach into small- and medium-sized markets, to capitalize on the growing demand for intermodal transport. Trains serving the new terminal will also connect through the Northwest Ohio intermodal hub, offering efficient access to markets across the United States and Canada.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. Through its subsidiaries, it provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

Final CSX Oyster Express Train Delivered to Chesapeake Bay

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Final CSX Oyster Express Train Delivered to Chesapeake Bay

Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and CSX collaborate in unique partnership to restore oyster sanctuary

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A unique, year-long partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and CSX recently came to a close with delivery of the 22nd and final freight train filled with fossilized oyster shells from Florida to the Chesapeake Bay.

Over the past 12 months, CSX has transported about 100,000 tons of the fossilized shell to help rebuild habitat in two Maryland oyster sanctuaries. Trains carrying the shells were delivered to CSX's Curtis Bay ore pier once every 10 to 14 days, where the shells were transferred to barges for the trip to the sanctuaries on Maryland's Eastern Shore.  Once in place, the shells provide a habitat where young oysters can thrive.

Viable oyster reefs and the ecosystem they support provide natural filtering capabilities to help improve the water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, filtering silt, sediment and nitrates from the water.

"Using the best available science, DNR  and our many partners are working together to restore oyster habitats in Maryland," said DNR Secretary Joe Gill. "We are already seeing remarkable results in Harris Creek. Once degraded reefs are now teeming with life as a direct result of our collaborative efforts, and we couldn't be more excited about the progress."

With the help of partners, the State has planted more than a billion oysters in the Harris Creek Sanctuary since 2011. Since restoration efforts began, areas with less than one oyster per square meter now have upwards of 25 oysters per square meter. 

"The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's partnership with CSX has provided an amazing opportunity to help accelerate oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay," said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and chief executive officer, NFWF. "Connecting CSX's transportation services with the great work of the State of Maryland and its partners, including the Oyster Recovery Partnership, is a great example of how public and private interests can work together to take a significant step toward a healthy Bay ecosystem."

"Oysters have been central to the Maryland way of life for centuries, and restoring the Chesapeake Bay's oyster beds is critical for this region's environment and the economy," said Michael Ward, president, chairman and chief executive officer of CSX. "CSX is proud to be a part of this unique public-private partnership in helping to restore one of our nation's greatest natural assets."

With a lack of natural, affordable shell available to support restoration of the two sanctuaries, DNR and its partners found the quality and quantity of the next best thing - fossilized shell - for purchase from Gulf Coast Aggregates near Carrabelle, Florida. To address the challenge and expense of moving the large volume of material, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation negotiated an agreement with CSX to transport the shell at cost.

Maryland purchased the materials at a cost of approximately $6.3 million. CSX provided an in-kind investment valued at approximately $2.4 million in the form of reduced-cost transportation. The Maryland Environmental Service is coordinating the effort on behalf of the state. Production of young oysters and their placement on the new reefs will be conducted by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and the Oyster Recovery Partnership.

The sanctuaries were chosen for the initial large-scale restoration project because of their water quality, salinity levels, shape, location, and protected sanctuary status all point to a high likelihood of success. More than 150,000 cubic yards of granite from a Maryland quarry also will be used as substrate in the sanctuaries. Scientists believe the project ultimately can serve as a blueprint to expand large-scale oyster restoration efforts to other Bay tributaries.

Maryland and its partners continue to make progress under all 10 points of the Governor's Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan, adopted in 2010. In 2013, Governor O'Malley announced another oyster restoration landmark, as the state and its partners produced and planted 1.25 billion oysters that year. The University of Maryland Horn Point Hatchery was responsible for the record - the first time any oyster hatchery in the country has passed the 1-billion mark for Eastern oyster spat production.

About The Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. www.dnr.maryland.gov

About NFWF

Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 4,000 organizations and committed more than $2.3 billion to conservation projects. Learn more at www.nfwf.org.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. 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).

CP holiday train - 2014

Received the following via email. 

I've received quite a number of photos of the CP Holiday train this year.      This is the one that I like best.

Gerard F. Edwards

Area Representative Real Estate

Canadian Pacific/Delaware and Hudson

P O Box 786

Clifton Park, NY 12065

518-383-7204

FAX  518-383-7222

NS 2014 CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAY OPERATIONS

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2014 Christmas and New Year Holiday Operations

For customer planning over the upcoming holidays, anticipating reduced volumes Norfolk Southern plans to begin curtailing most operations for the Christmas Holiday beginning at 3:00 PM on Wednesday,  December 24, with resumption of normal operations on Thursday, December 26.  Local train operations (pickup and delivery) and unit train operations during this period will be based on prearranged customer requirements.  Interline gateways will remain open for traffic delivered from connecting carriers. 

Norfolk Southern will operate a normal road train schedule over the New Year Holiday, however local train operations (pickup and delivery) may be reduced due to customer facility closures over the holiday. 

Where customer operations will continue through the holiday and local service (pickup/delivery) will be required, customers should contact their Operations & Service Support or Customer Service representative to confirm local service requirements.

Customers with critical shipments, particularly unit trains, where customer operations will continue through the holiday, should contact their Customer Service representative regarding service requirements.

Operations and Service Support:                            800-898-4296
Customer Service Operations:                                 800-635-5768
Customer Service Automotive Operations:          888-649-9273

Tri-State Chapter NRHS - Monthly Meeting Notice - Thursday, Dec 11, 2014 - 7:00 PM - A story of the North Jersey's railroad and mining history through song - Mike Del Vecchio and Jeff Loy

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The TRISTATE RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Presents Mike Del Vecchio and Jeff Loy: “Signing Rails” - A story of the North Jersey's railroad and mining history through song. at the Bickford Theater of the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

Thursday, December 11, 2014, 7:00 PM 

As we continue our 50th Anniversary year of special presentations, December may be a first for Tri-State in the form of live music. Club president Mike Del Vecchio has been collecting railroad-themed music since childhood. His goal on Thursday December 11^th is to portray, remember and tell the story of the North Jersey's railroad and mining history through songs from a variety of songwriters, some familiar, some not.

Most railfans are also music lovers, but few may know that songwriters have tackled topics such as Blue Coal, the Lackawanna Cutoff, or John Draney's famous ride to bring surgeons to attempt to save President McKinley in Buffalo. Del Vecchio has written a few songs, and will be performing one about the Hibernia Underground Railroad.

Between songs Mike will share the historic context of each piece. While Tri-Staters know Del Vecchio as a railroader, photographer and author, he's also been a professional musician and multi-instrumentalist for more than 30 years, having performed at most of the local live music haunts and played on many studio recordings. Outside of Tri-State he is active in two concert series. His friend and the best guitar player you've never heard of, Jeff Loy, will join him on stage.  

The meetings begin at 7:15 p.m. at the Bickford Theater in the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown. The programs usually begin about 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, open to the public. All are welcome. Light refreshments are often available.

Santa Train runs Saturday, December 13th, Wayne, NJ

We will have a selection of books, videos and memorabilia for sale before the meeting. Light refreshments will be available. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., meeting at 7:30, entertainment about 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, all are welcome. For weather updates see our website at www.tristaterail.org, or visit Tri-State Chapter NRHS on Facebook. 

Alco Hauled Orion: Model 251 engines power NASA’s Crawler Transporters

Received the following via email from a correspondent in northwest Pennsylvania.

Alco has hauled ore on tracks with trains. Now, Alco has hauled Orion on 'tracks' with one of the two 1965 Crawler Transporters. They each use a pair of the same Model 251 V-16 diesel engine that propelled freight behind Alco Model C-628 and C-430/630 and C-636 locomotives..

http://www.nasa.gov/content/new-roller-bearings-tested-on-crawler-transporter-2/#.VII9y8l4VLk 

"One of...two crawler transporters (CTs) transport the Mobile Launcher Platform with the assembled Space Shuttle from the VAB to Complex 39 Launch Pads A and B at John F. Kennedy Space Center":
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/nasafact/transpcrawler.htm

Under "Additional Facts": "Diesel Engines: Alco, 16 Cylinders, 2 @ 2,750 H.P. each"  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawler-transporter

A Busy & Colorful Sunday Morning Along CSX's Trenton Line...

(Train sightings on 11-30-14.) 

At times, CSX's Trenton Line can prove to be very quiet in addition to being a challenge to do any morning photography of eastbound trains due to the sun's angle. Sunday's cloudy skies proved to be beneficial since it allowed me to get these morning images at Belle Mead (NJ) on a rather busy morning. The first eastbound train I saw past TL's MP 50 would be 410 around 10:30. Motive power would be CSX 3036 and CSX 5294.

Forty-five minutes later at 11:15, K-041 would bring empty tank cars east behind BNSF 5395 and BNSF 5262.

Following behind the K-041 a short time later would be a power move of three CSX diesels east. While waiting for the next train, I inspected from the outside the interior of the ex-Reading station and waiting room facility. Both proved to be in sad shape due to vandals and neglect over time. Peering into the station's basement through an outside grate, I saw there was what I would estimate to be over a foot of water. On the station's main floor was debris and busted interior walls The backside of the waiting room facility's back wall was caved in and a third of its roof had fallen.

With my inspection over I spotted the headlight of a westbound train. It was the K-042 with the NS Virginian heritage unit leading a Bakken oil train west over the TL. Not a bad way to spend this Sunday morning!  

CSX Safety Train Reaches More Than 2,000 First Responders on 18-City Tour

Received the following via email.

CSX Safety Train Reaches More Than 2,000 First Responders on 18-City Tour

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - December 3, 2014 - CSX's "Safety Train: Energy Preparedness Program" recently completed its 2014 tour, training 2,022 first responders from more than 350 public safety organizations in 18 cities. Using a rolling classroom and rail cars, the program provides firefighters, police officers, emergency management professionals and other first responders with insights on how rail cars work and how to respond to rail-related incidents. The program was offered in partnership with the Firefighters Training and Education Foundation.

"The Safety Train is just one example of CSX's commitment to helping first responders prepare for potential rail-related incidents," said Skip Elliott, vice president, public safety, health and environment, CSX. "In 2014 we expanded our outreach with first responders and emergency personnel to include training specific to crude-oil movements along key routes. Interest from public-safety employees was tremendous and we are happy to have had the chance to partner with so many different agencies."

The 2014 CSX Safety Train: Energy Preparedness Program tour began in Philadelphia in May and made 19 stops in cities along CSX's principal freight routes, ending with a return visit to South Kearny, N.J., November 18-20. Along the way, it has trained first responders in Eddystone, Del.; Garrett and Indianapolis, Ind.; Chicago, Ill.; Erie, Pa.; Albany, Buffalo, Kingston, New York, Rochester and Syracuse, N.Y.; Cleveland and Willard, Ohio; Nashville, Tenn.; Richmond, Va.; and Charleston, W.Va.

The CSX Safety Train comprises a locomotive, four tank cars, one flat car equipped with a variety of tank-car valves and fittings, two classroom cars and a caboose. CSX hazardous-material specialists lead training sessions with specific instruction on how crude oil and other hazardous materials are shipped. The training and instruction help strengthen CSX's partnership with first responders and provide a higher level of emergency readiness.

"What a huge benefit," said LeeAnn McKay of the Homewood Acres, Ill., Volunteer Fire Department, who participated in Chicago. "You can tell me, but when you show me how to put on the gasket, close the valve and stop the leak-that's what sticks." 

"This is a great opportunity for first responders and the railroad for partnership," said Rob Scharnhorst, fire chief for Riverdale, Ill., who participated in training with a dozen other fire fighters from Riverdale in August.

"This particular training is extremely important to law enforcement because we don't get this at the (police) academy," said Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra, who visited the Safety Train training in Kingston, N.Y. "Now we have a better understanding of what can and can't happen."

The CSX Safety Train is just one of several programs through which CSX offers training and recognition to emergency responders and customers. CSX has reached more than 100,000 first responders over the past six years, through hands-on sessions at training centers operated by CSX and the Association of American Railroads, classroom training at local fire stations, exercises and table-top drills, web-based and self-study training courses and the Safety Train. Also in 2014, CSX hosted more than 90 first responders from 30 communities across the CSX network at crude-by-rail incident response training at the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) in Pueblo, Colo.

"Safety is CSX's first priority," said Romano De Simone, CSX director-hazardous materials. "Through training opportunities like the Safety Train, we bring skill- and knowledge-based programs directly to first responders across our network and better equip first responders to make fact-based decisions that protect the public."

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

About the Firefighters Education and Training Foundation

The Firefighters Education and Training Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation based in Springfield, Massachusetts dedicated to providing the necessary equipment and training programs to teach emergency responders, railroad personnel and government officials on how to deal with railroad emergencies. Since it began in 1994, the Foundation has continued to expand its equipment and training to meet the needs of first responders across the United States. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.thesafetytrain.org.

Contact:

Rob Doolittle

rob_doolittle@csx.com

202-626-4939

A cold morning at the Lehigh Line's MP 68...

(Train sightings on 11-28-14.)

...in Bloomsbury (NJ) had me questioning if there would be any trains coming my way this day after Thanksgiving. I soon got my answer when NS 962 announced on my scanner that it was taking the siding at CP 67 to hold for a trio of eastbound intermodals. NS 290 at 10:03 would be the first one past my vantage point with NS 2745 and NS 2657 as its power consist. 

A short time later and NS 212 was thru Bloomsbury with BNSF 4623, BNSF 7875 and NS 9275. The final eastbounder, its symbol was not known, thru Bloomsbury with NS 7678 and NS 8855.

With these eastbounders now clear, 962 (light power move) would then continue its westward trip with CN 2299 in the consist. After that train passed, time for me to head home and thaw out...

CSX CFO REAFFIRMS FOURTH-QUARTER OUTLOOK AND LONGER-TERM PERFORMANCE

Received the following via email. 

CSX CFO REAFFIRMS FOURTH-QUARTER OUTLOOK AND LONGER-TERM PERFORMANCE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - December 3, 2014 - CSX (NYSE: CSX) is on track to deliver fourth-quarter financial results similar to the levels achieved in the third quarter, as service remains stable in the midst of the fall peak and the beginning of strong winter weather conditions in the Northeast, Chief Financial Officer Fredrik Eliasson told investors and analysts at the Credit Suisse Global Industrials Conference today in New York.

"Fourth-quarter volume is tracking at the level we expected, and we are seeing strength across nearly all markets we serve," Eliasson said. "Longer term, we remain focused on the three key levers that deliver superior shareholder value: pricing above inflation, driving ever more efficient operations and growing our merchandise and intermodal businesses faster than the economy by developing new customers on our network, investing in our intermodal business and leveraging the benefits of the new energy environment."

Service excellence for customers is the foundation of CSX's ability to leverage those key drivers, Eliasson said, which is why CSX is making critical resource investments to restore service to previous record levels and position the company to capitalize on the long-term growth opportunities that exist across nearly the company's entire business mix. The company continues to expect to produce double-digit earnings growth and margin expansion in 2015 as it progresses toward a mid-60s operating ratio.

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

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company.  It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products.  For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development.  Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides.  It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike.  More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

CP 2014 Holiday Train in Scranton

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

What could possibly be the last CP Holiday Train in Scranton, PA started its 
cross country today.  Here are a few images of the event.