CSX Named to Top 100 Green Companies in the U.S. by Newsweek Green Rankings

Received the following via email. 

CSX Named to Top 100 Green Companies in the U.S. by Newsweek Green Rankings

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - June 9, 2015 - CSX was again named to Newsweek's Green Rankings for environmental efficiency and sustainable business practices. CSX has been included on the ranking since it was created in 2009, and in 2015, the company ranked 96th among U.S. companies.

"Rail is the most environmentally efficient way to move freight on land, and CSX is continually pursuing new technologies and initiatives to further increase our sustainability," said Michael Ward, CSX chairman and chief executive officer. "We appreciate this recognition of our efforts to offer our customers a safe, reliable transportation solution that simultaneously reduces their environmental footprint."

Recent sustainability initiatives at CSX include incorporating environmentally friendly development features in new facilities and undergoing an LED lighting retrofitting program in existing buildings and terminals. The company also continues to invest in technological advances in fuel efficiency, such as the Trip Optimizer locomotive fuel efficiency software created with GE and Evolution Series locomotives. As a result, CSX moved one ton of freight an average of 483 miles on one gallon of fuel in 2014, the company's most fuel-efficient year ever.

CSX's sustainability strategy is focused on three main areas: reducing the environmental footprint of operations, engaging openly on sustainability issues, and supporting sustainable development. The company discloses performance data through the Carbon Disclosure Project and Dow Jones Sustainability Index.  CSX also releases an annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which measures progress on environmental performance and sets goals for the future.

Newsweek's Green Rankings are based on eight indicators: energy productivity, carbon productivity, water productivity, waste productivity, sustainability pay link, sustainability board committee, audited environmental metrics and a green revenue score. The data is compiled by Corporate Knights Capital and HIP Investor, and the results are overseen by an advisory panel. This year's ranking is based on 2013 performance year data, given the lag time in environmental data availability.

The complete list of the Newsweek Green Rankings is available on its website at http://www.newsweek.com/green-2015. For more information on CSX's sustainability strategy and recent environmental highlights, please visit www.csxcsr.com. 

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 nearly 190 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 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:

Kaitlyn Barrett

(904) 359-1037

Too nice a day not to be trackside!

(Train sightings on 6-10-15.)

After what has been too long a hiatus from going trackside for me, Wednesday's weather forecast called for pleasant temperatures and sunny skies. In a sense, a reprieve from the heat and humidity that would be coming in and staying with us for a few days. Decided to head out to Bloomsbury and see what would be passing by the Lehigh Line's MP 68.8. It wasn't long before the first eastbound train could be heard sounding its horn for the Still Valley Road grade crossing. A short while later its headlight appeared off in the distance. As it came closer it was easy to see this was NS 22V with its colorful consist of COFCs that would be passing by my location at 8:28. Motive power for 22V would be NS 9150 and NS 9409. About twenty minutes later, NS 20E would pass by my vantage point with NS 7588 and NS 2522 bringing more COFCs east. Nothing outstanding when it came to the motive power I saw but passing up such fine weather was too hard to resist. 

NS names its largest freight train classification yard in honor of Wick Moorman

Received the following via email. 

Norfolk Southern names its largest freight train classification yard in honor of Wick Moorman

NORFOLK, Va., June 8, 2015 -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is naming its largest freight train classification yard after Charles W. “Wick” Moorman for his leadership in support of freight railroads and their investors, customers, and employees.

“Moorman Yard” is now the official name of Norfolk Southern’s Bellevue, Ohio, yard. Moorman retired June 1, 2015, as chief executive officer and has assumed duties as executive chairman of the corporation’s board of directors.

In making the announcement, NS President and CEO Jim Squires said, “Wick’s incredible talent has been to bring the entire Thoroughbred team forward in the same direction -- always forward, always with enthusiasm and the right intent, always with the sense that we can do great things. Shareholders, employees, business partners – all are better for it.

“This is timely and well-deserved recognition for a railroader who thinks big, who thinks long-term, and who does the right things in the right ways,” Squires said.

Moorman Yard is the largest rail yard on the NS system after the recent completion of $160 million in improvements that doubled its size. It is one of NS’ 11 primary classification yards, where freight cars are collected and sorted for their final destinations.

Moorman Yard is midway between Chicago and New York. Five NS main lines converge there, making it a perfect location for distributing some 3,200 carloads of freight moving daily. On a broader scale, Moorman Yard’s centralized position on NS’ Northern Region promotes fluid movement of long-distance freight across the entire rail network.

Bellevue has been a railroading community since the late 19^th century, when NS’ Nickel Plate Road predecessor began operations there. The current Bellevue Yard was opened in 1966 by NS’ Norfolk and Western Railway predecessor. Today, 100 to 110 trains pass through daily, while 20 to 30 originate in the area and a like number terminate there. Most of the trains carry automobiles and parts, agricultural products, and consumer products.

Moorman joined NS predecessor Southern Railway in 1970 as a co-op student. He was named chairman, president and CEO in 2006. Moorman is recognized as a champion of public-private partnerships to create rail infrastructure that benefits America long-term, as an advocate of balanced regulation to best serve the interests of railroads and their customers, and as a leader in reducing the railroad’s environmental footprint.

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

IC #1037 leading mixed freight

Received the following from our correspondent in NW Pennsylvania.

Ken Heyl saw this IC SD70 leading a mixed freight on CSX's former B&O main line in north-central Ohio on Tuesday, 6-2-15.   

By mid-morning the sun came out and the day turned out to be very nice as this eastbound train showed up at GN Interlocking.   IC #1037 was on the point along with a CN and two CSX engines as the long mixed freight worked past my location.   AHHH, I always like a “Kodachorme Sky” for RR photos, don’t you ?

Tri-State Chapter - Monthly Meeting - Thurs, June 11, 2015 - 7PM - George Inness "The Lackawanna Railroad" - Adrienne Baxter Bell, Ph.D.

Received the following via email.

TRI-STATE RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Presents Adrienne Baxter Bell
George Inness: The Lackawanna Valley

Thursday, June 11, 2015, 7:00 PM
at the Bickford Theater of the Morris Museum6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

The June 11^th meeting will feature Adrienne Baxter Bell, Ph.D. of Marymount Manhattan College. Professor Bell, a graduate of Columbia University has written extensively on George Inness, his life and work. Her scholarship centers on American art and cultural history from the pre-colonial period to the present.

George Inness established his reputation during the development of the ‘Hudson River School’, (America's first true artistic movement). Known especially for the philosophical, social and spiritual influences in his work, including how industrialization impacted the agrarian lifestyle.

John Jay Phelps, (President of the DL&W Railroad), in 1855, commissioned Inness in 1855 to image the site of the railroad's first roundhouse, in Scranton, PA. The product of this effort was “The Lackawanna Valley” now on display at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.).

Although the painting fell into obscurity during the artist's lifetime, it has since become a notable American image and served to fuel discussions regarding social impacts in the nineteenth century. Please join us to learn more about George Inness and his painting.

Admission is free, open to the public. All are welcome. The meeting will begin at 7:15 p.m. The programs usually begin about 8:00 p.m. Light refreshments are often available. We will have a selection of books, videos and memorabilia for sale before the meeting. Visit us at facebook.com/tristaterail.org or the web: TRISTATERAIL.ORG  

CSX CFO Updates Volume Expectations and Reaffirms Second Quarter and Full-Year Earnings Guidance

Received the following via email.

CSX CFO Updates Volume Expectations and Reaffirms Second Quarter and Full-Year Earnings Guidance

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - June 3, 2015 - CSX (NYSE: CSX) Chief Financial Officer Fredrik Eliasson today reviewed the company's quarter-to-date volume and service performance and reaffirmed second quarter and full-year 2015 earnings expectations at the Deutsche Bank Global Industrials & Basic Material Conference in Chicago.

Eliasson also reviewed the company's decade of strong financial performance, during which CSX expanded margins more than 1,600 basis points and delivered average annual growth in earnings per share of 20 percent.  This performance was achieved while managing through a significant decline in the company's coal business, historically its most profitable market.

"While overall volume is tracking slightly below the levels in the second quarter of last year, service is improving steadily and we remain on track to deliver second quarter earnings per share that are flat to slightly up," Eliasson said.  "Delivering excellent service continues to underpin CSX's ability to create strong shareholder value by pricing above inflation, driving ever more efficient operations, and growing merchandise and intermodal businesses faster than the economy."

Key service measures continue to improve in the second quarter, as resources come on line in critical areas of the network. On-time originations and arrivals, dwell time and velocity have all improved during the quarter, and more meaningful improvements are expected in the second half of the year.

The company's intermodal traffic, its main growth market, as well as its construction sector are producing volume growth quarter-to-date.  At the same time, CSX sees increasing headwinds in its coal markets.  Full-year domestic coal volume is expected to be down at least five percent reflecting low natural gas prices, and export coal volumes are expected to decline to 30 million tons for the year as the stronger U.S. dollar and overseas commodity prices reduce global demand for U.S. coal.

For 2015, CSX continues to expect earnings per share growth in the mid-to-high single digit range and meaningful margin expansion as it progresses toward a mid-60s operating ratio longer-term.

About CSX Disclosures and the Company

This announcement, as well as additional financial information, is available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com.  CSX also uses social media channels to communicate information about the company. Although social media channels are not intended to be the primary method of disclosure for material information, it is possible that certain information CSX posts on social media could be deemed to be material.  Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review the information we post on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX) and on Slideshare (http://www.slideshare.net/HowTomorrowMoves).  The social media channels used by CSX may be updated from time to time.

More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX).

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 nearly 190 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 farming towns alike.

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

NS brings "Train Your Brain" public safety campaign to Georgia

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern brings “Train Your Brain” public safety campaign to Georgia

Cross railroad tracks carefully; get home safely

NORFOLK, Va., June 1, 2015 – Norfolk Southern is bringing its Train Your Brain public safety campaign to central and south Georgia to remind people to be safe and alert around railroad tracks and trains.

Billboards, with photos and captions such as “She needs story time” and “Your fan club is waiting,” will remind motorists that their families and loved ones depend on them to return home safely.

“The images are intended to grab drivers’ attention and encourage them to cross tracks safely,” said Cayela Wimberly, Norfolk Southern’s director of grade crossing safety. “Our goal is to save lives by educating people that trying to beat a train across railroad tracks or walking or playing on tracks is potentially deadly and always illegal.”

The billboards are going up this week in communities along the Interstate 75 corridor from Macon to Valdosta. Georgia was selected for this year’s annual campaign because of the high number of deaths and injuries resulting from vehicle-train and trespassing incidents. In 2014 the state ranked fifth-highest in the U.S. in highway-rail grade crossing collisions and 10^th highest in trespassing incidents.

The campaign’s mascot, “Brainy,” a giant wide-eyed pink walking brain, will  make appearances at fairs, festivals, and sporting events to remind people to be smart and alert at highway-rail grade crossings and to avoid trespassing on railroad property. 

In addition to the billboards, Train Your Brain safety messages will appear on gas pumps and ice chests at convenience stores, in movie theaters, on game tickets at 38 high schools, and on homework folders at 63 public elementary schools. To encourage safe driving habits, rail safety kits will be distributed to 3,600 students enrolled in driver’s education programs at 18 public high schools.

Now in its ninth year, Norfolk Southern’s “Train Your Brain” public safety campaign has run in Alabama, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee, reminding more than 7 million people to make safe decisions around tracks and trains. For more information, visit www.brainysworld.com or www.facebook.com/BrainysWorld.

Norfolk Southern also is a longtime supporter of the national railroad safety awareness organization, Operation Lifesaver, which works in partnership with railroads, law enforcement, and transportation agencies to encourage the public to make safe decisions around tracks and trains.

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:

Susan Terpay, Norfolk Southern, 757-823-5204, susan.terpay@nscorpcom

Liz Hamilton, archer>malmo for Norfolk Southern, 901-260-4168 lhamilton@archermalmo.com

Investor Inquiries:

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

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

###

Knight Train just 3 weeks away!

Received the following from The Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg, NJ. 

KNIGHT TRAIN A Renaissance Fair & Steam Train Ride Back In Time August 22 & 23 BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW Great Acts  In the Station Area Throughout the day there will be great entertainment in the station area. The Lords of Adventure Jack Bold and Roger Awesome are the Lords of Adventure. These two identical twin brothers perform their token "two-man comedy sword fighting show. Shelli Buttons Aerial acrobatics and feats of human awe and gymnastics. Aerial Acrobatics, Fitness, Art, and Love! The Shelli Buttons YouTube channel will feature videos of my aerial and acrobatic performances, workout and fitness tips, philosophy, advice and more! Come learn and grow with me, and above all, have fun and spread love!   Pieces of 8 Pieces of 8 is a fantastic Acappella singing experience. No instruments needed, just the power of our voices. We sing about adventure, romance, and general silliness! Our debut performance was at the first annual NJ Renaissance Faire in Sept, 2010, and we can't wait for more!! Arethusa Father & Son strolling musicians performing on a good many instruments for music of the Renaissance, Victorian, World Music, Celtic, Jazz Improv and more! Adamo Ignis 'Adamo Ignis' is latin for 'to fall in love with flame'. Exactly what you'll be doing when you see the literally hot stunts in this group's show! The passion of dance, the danger of fire, and of course many other stunts and tricks will leave you in love with more than just the flame. Ride The Train To The Ruins Of  Kilns Castle Each train car will have it's very own Knight and Squire to escort you to the tournament of Champions at the Ruins of Kilns Castle. Sit back and enjoy a 45 minute show about the days of old! GREAT VENDORS Hammernought Armory JERSEY DEVIL BBQ Fortunes by Lydia My Pieces of Eight Green Cow Studio Beauty and Beasts Naturama Starlight Caravan Villa Milagro Vineyard ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Ol'Susquehanna Mine  At the mine pan for real gem stones you can take home! Knight Train Corn Maze At the mine site journey into a 10 acre corn maze and play the game where getting lost is half the battle! Brought to you by the folks at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire & The Delaware River Railroad Excursions. Prepare yourself for a full day of family fun and adventure on the Knight Train. Immerse yourself in the fully interactive world of the Knight Train. Enjoy the Renaissance Faire on the station grounds complete with acts and entertainment as well as food and merchandise vendors. Enjoy the different acts, vendors and entertainment throughout the day, before and after your train ride back in time. the real magic happens when you journey back in time to the King Arthur's Tournament of Champions at the ruins of Kilns Castle. Each train car will have it's very own Knight and Squire to escort you to the tournament. BEWARE, the tournament may awaken the evil sprit rumored to inhabit the ruins of the castle and disrupt the tournament! Will this be the year? Come cheer on your champions at the ruins and if the evil spirit makes her move, lets hope that Merlin the great wizard shows up in time to save the day! Delaware River Railroad Excursions | Phillipsburg, New Jersey | 877-train-ride  877trainride.com Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

TRAINS & GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Received the following via email. 
We do not know who took the photos nor wrote the original email. 

Back in 1939, the town of Essex, MT was picking up steam. It had always been in close proximity to the gorgeous Glacier National Park — in fact, it was nestled between its two main entrances. But when the Great Northern Railway placed a stop in Essex, it was like putting coals in the boiler of a train, and a plan to make a third entrance to the park got rolling. 

In anticipation of all the future tourists and rail workers that Essex was sure to attract, the Izaak Walton Inn opened. The grand, $40,000 hotel was “modern in every detail,” with 29 rooms, 10 bathrooms, a lobby, dining room, and kitchen with a two-ton cook stove. 

Yet, when the United States entered World War II following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, plans for the new park entrance hit the back burner, and it never materialized. The small town of Essex was then left with its “Inn Between” two park entrances…and not much else. 

But, much like The Little Engine That Could, the big hotel in a tiny town persevered. Its warm staff and cozy rooms attracted ski and nature enthusiasts seeking a quiet refuge, and the hotel eventually earned a reputation as one of the state’s best recreational secrets. 

Fast-forward to 2015, and the hotel is thriving thanks to a very creative nod to its locomotive roots… 

This caboose that zoomed through Essex in 1941 belonged to a Great Northern X215. It has been converted into something really special for this hotel.

It’s a beautiful and modern dwelling that can house up to six. Once you step inside, you almost forget that you’re standing in the belly of a caboose.

A family can keep cozy in this renovated caboose that has a fully equipped kitchen, two sets of bunk beds, and a queen-sized bed with a gas fireplace in the master bedroom. 

This 60,000-pound rail car was hoisted by crane before it was trucked to Essex. 

“We get a lot of rail fans here who just go crazy over the trains,” Elise Wright, assistant general manager at the Izaak Walton Inn, told the Daily Inter Lake. 

The GN X215 Caboose isn’t the only reason why train buffs are attracted to this inn. There are other beautifully restored cars on the premises as well, like the Great Northern 441 Locomotive. 

This "car" represents the diesels that once rolled past the Izaak Walton Inn every day. 

Each car boasts lovely, rustic details as well. The birch walls in this car accent the 400-year-old reclaimed oak floor. 

This larger "car" can hold up to two couples or a small family. The modern kitchen is the perfect place to cook up some fresh, river-caught trout. 

This "car", obviously the conductor's locomotive, still retains some of its original parts. “Kids love the train cars, too," Wright noted. 

The hotel also boasts other converted cars, like the JJ, Green, and Orange cabooses. 

Nowadays, though a track still runs by Essex, Amtrak only stops when there are passengers waiting. 

Although it never became the third entrance to Glacier National Park, the stop has become important over time, especially for BNSF Railway Co. freight trains that need helper engines to push their heavy loads over Marias Pass. 

Please SHARE this amazing restoration of American history with everyone you know as a reminder that even when things don’t initially pan out, with a little creativity, something you love can still succeed.

While waiting for Saturday's 18N...

(Train sightings on 5-30-15.)

...that had the Lackawanna heritage unit leading, I did manage to photograph NS 66Z crossing over the Raritan River in Neshanic, NJ. Motive power was NS 3354 (ex-CR 6403; SD40-2), UP 5811 and UP 6693. The river's shallowness indicates how this area has received very little rainfall this month. Not bad for photography but bad if one's livelihood is farming! Regarding that 18N, it would show up much later in the afternoon after being delayed during its eastward trip.

...and the CNJ NS heritage unit makes 15!

(Train sightings on 5-29-15.) 

NS's Central of New Jersey is seen leading NS 20K, a Chicago, IL to Croxton, NJ intermodal, through the S-Curves of Stanton Station (NJ) just west of Lehigh Line MP 53 around 3:13 on May 29th.

CSX CFO to Address Deutsche Bank Global Industrials and Basic Materials Conference

Received the following via email. 

CSX Corporation Chief Financial Officer to Address Deutsche Bank Global Industrials and Basic Materials Conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - May 27, 2015 - Fredrik Eliasson, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) executive vice president and chief financial officer, will address the Deutsche Bank Global Industrials and Basic Materials Conference in Chicago, Wednesday, June 3, at 9:40 a.m. Eastern time / 8:40 a.m. Central time.

Access to the audio webcast and presentation materials will be available on CSX's website at http://investors.csx.com.  A replay and accompanying audio will be available following the conclusion of this event.

This announcement, as well as additional financial information, is available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com.

About CSX and its Disclosures

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 nearly 190 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 farming towns alike.

This announcement, as well as additional financial information, is available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com. CSX also uses social media channels to communicate information about the company. Although social media channels are not intended to be the primary method of disclosure for material information, it is possible that certain information CSX posts on social media could be deemed to be material. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review the information we post on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX) and on Slideshare (http://www.slideshare.net/HowTomorrowMoves).  The social media channels used by CSX may be updated from time to time.

More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com and on Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

Tuesday wasn't a lost cause after all!

(Train sightings on 5-26-15.) 

The prospect of being able to photograph NS's Savannah & Atlanta heritage unit leading 20K on a day filled with ample sunshine and only a few clouds to contend with, Tuesday held lots of promise. Not knowing when 20K would be passing down the Lehigh Line, my day started out at Bloomsbury, NJ. First up was 22V with its colorful COFCs made even more colorful by morning's sun at 8:42 AM. Next up would be 20W at 9:06. After its passage, a phone call informed me that 20K was still in Harrisburg. That call served as my cue to leave in order to get a few errands done before returning track side later in the day. As 20K headed east, I felt Stanton Station would be the best location to take advantage of the sun. Finally, around 2:10, I heard the sound of 20K blowing its horn for a crossing. Prior to it's arrival, a cloud partially covered the sun and I thought "Great I wait here for close to two hours and now get lousy sunlight!" Never did I think that the camera would take a sabbatical on me just then. Unfortunately when 20K got in sight of my viewfinder, the camera malfunctioned and didn't go off! When I pressed the shutter button again moments later, my camera worked fine. As a side note, some guy tried to beat the Stanton Station crossing guard but didn't! The gate landed on his SUV's roof and when he backed up, it ended up bending the gate. His explanation was "...those gates came down real fast!" I did call it in to NS.  As my consolation 'prize', the 22V made at least the morning worth while for me to be track side. For that crossing gate and me though it just was not our day.

NS EVP and CIO Butler to present at Deutsche Bank 2015 Global Industrials and Basic Materials Conference

Received the following via email. 

Norfolk Southern EVP and CIO Butler to present at Deutsche Bank 2015 Global Industrials and Basic Materials Conference

 NORFOLK, Va., May 26, 2015 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced that Deborah H. Butler, NS executive vice president and chief information officer, will make a presentation at the Deutsche Bank 2015 Global Industrials and Basic Materials Conference.

What:               Deutsche Bank 2015 Global Industrials and Basic Materials Conference

When:              Thursday, June 4, 2015, 9:20 a.m. EDT

Where:            Westin Chicago River North

Webcast URL: http://cc.talkpoint.com/deut001/060315a_ae/?entity=5_1RTYKFG

The presentation will be posted at www.norfolksouthern.com in the Investors section.

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

###

Three Memorial Day weekend images

(Train sightings on 5-23-15 and 5-24-25.) 

The first one taken at Hershey (PA) show general merchandise freight NS 19G (Oak Island, NJ to Conway, PA) heading past Hershey Park on Saturday (5/23). High above is 'ol Glory waving proudly in the breeze on this gorgeous spring day. While waiting I marveled while watching some of the roller coaster rides Hershey Park had. Back in my youth, I thought those wooden roller coasters were plenty scary. Compared to these newer rides, with their steep drops and upside down rolls, those old coasters were mild in comparison to these newer rides. Sunday's track side excursion in Hillsborough (NJ) enabled me to catch a rather unusual power consist on NS 212. The leader was CSX 5489, followed by UP 6946 and trailing was UP 2001 with its Olympic Torch Relay paint scheme. Have a good Memorial Day...

Now here is something worth saving

Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr.  Text is his, flyer is from the Lehigh Valley Chapter NRHS.

The group that I am part of here in Eastern Pennsylvania has purchased the 
last L&NE Diesel locomotive in existence.  We are currently running a 
fund-raising campaign to assist with costs of moving it back to PA.  Any 
assistance will be greatly appreciated.

CSX Employee Wins Industry Lifetime Achievement Award for Hazardous Material Safety

Received the following via email. 

CSX Employee Wins Industry Lifetime Achievement Award for Hazardous Material Safety

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - May 20, 2015 - CSX's Romano DeSimone has been awarded the Association of American Railroad (AAR) Holden-Proefrock Award for his significant career achievements and contributions to the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail. 

"CSX puts safety at the forefront of everything we do, and Romano has personified this commitment through his leadership and courage," said Skip Elliott, vice president, public safety, health and environment. "Romano's achievements, especially his visionary leadership of safety training programs, have made a lasting impact on our culture and our relationships with the communities we serve."

Over the course of more than 30 combined years with CSX and Conrail, DeSimone developed significant response experience with hazardous materials, including his tenure as a Field Hazmat responder in New York and his first-response efforts at various rail incidents. He also led CSX's chemical safety team, where he focused on improving the safe loading and unloading of chemicals at customer sites.

Currently, DeSimone serves as director, hazardous materials, where he leads CSX's team of Hazardous Materials Managers and has maintained an injury free record for his team's response efforts over 25 years.

DeSimone has become a recognized leader for equipping emergency responders with the information and skills needed for safe and effective responses to rail-related incidents. While he was a Board Member of the Firefighters Education and Training Foundation, he spearheaded the development of Safety Train programs to bring hands-on training to local communities. Through the Safety Train, DeSimone and his team have provided thousands of first responders, law enforcement, short line railroads, and customers with information and experience to improve their readiness in case of an incident. Most recently, his team led the CSX Safety Train: Emergency Preparedness Program in 2014, which trained more than 2,000 emergency first responders in 18 cities along CSX's crude oil routes.

The award was presented on Tuesday morning in Addison, Texas at the 28th Hazmat Seminar hosted by the AAR and Bureau of Explosives. It is named for Roy Holden and Art Proefrock, pioneers in the safe rail transportation of hazardous materials, and is awarded annually to recognize lifetime achievement in this field. DeSimone is the fourth CSX employee to receive the Holden-Proefrock Award.

At the same ceremony, DeSimone and CSX employee Harry Hopes also received the TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) Torch award, which is given to retiring members who have made a significant contribution to this voluntary national outreach effort focused on preparation and response for hazardous material transportation incidents.

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 nearly 190 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 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:

Kaitlyn Barrett

(904) 359-1037

Train watching was for the birds!

(Train sightings on 5-16-15.) 

Even the turkey vultures were anxious to see NS's heritage unit Savannah & Atlanta leading the 20R past MP 40 on the Lehigh Line in Hillsborough (NJ). Fortunately for them, they opted for an aerial view of the train instead of waiting trackside!