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Monday, January 25, 2016
The Easter Bunny Train Ride & Easter Egg Hunt
Foundation Delays Demolition of Historic Doris Duke Mansion in Hillsborough; Judge Holds Hearing Feb. 26 in Somerville
Foundation Delays Demolition of Historic Doris Duke Mansion in Hillsborough; Judge Holds Hearing Feb. 26 in Somerville
January 18, 2016 at 8:40 PM
HILLSBOROUGH – Demolition of the historic Doris
Duke Estate has been delayed until Superior Court Judge Yolanda Ciccone
hears oral arguments against the plan in her Somerville courtroom
Friday, Feb. 26.
Although Hillsborough Township has issued the necessary permits, the Duke Farms Foundation has agreed to hold off on the demolition until the judge has an opportunity to weigh the protests of a grass roots organization that has been fighting the plans to demolish the estate since last year.
“At least we have status quo,” said attorney David Brook, one of the leaders of DORIS (Demolition of Residence is Senseless). “Everybody in the group feels good about that and at least we’ll get a fair shot at trying to convince the judge that the township and preservation committee didn’t get it right.”
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The township’s Historical Preservation Commission approved demolition of the mansion in October last year by a 6-1 vote following a series of hearings that began in July.
The estate, built in 1893 has been unoccupied since Doris Duke’s death in 1993, and according to the foundation, would be too costly to renovate.
DORIS contends the mansion, which was remodeled and expanded several times by Doris Duke has major historical significance and should not be razed.
The 2,700-acre expanse that surrounds the estate is maintained and managed by the Duke Farms Foundation with frontage along Route 206 south. There are expansive grasslands and heavily wooded areas.
By design, it has slowly evolved into a popular environmental learning center and ecological preserve with bike paths and guided tours of the grounds.
Brook has been filing arguments and briefs protesting the demolition for months.
He expects the judge will set up a briefing schedule which will allow the foundation to file briefs in favor of the demolition with DORIS given the opportunity to reply no later than Feb. 16, according to Brooks.
Secluded from public view, the Duke Farms Foundation did apply for, and did receive a permit to begin salvage of plumbing fixtures, doors, windows and railings from the sprawling 65,000 square-foot mansion, once home to the world’s wealthiest woman, who inherited a massive fortune from her industrialist father James Buchanan Duke.
“If we win this, one of the first things I’ll be asking the judge is to get inside the place to inspect it and see what its condition is,” Brook said.
Although Hillsborough Township has issued the necessary permits, the Duke Farms Foundation has agreed to hold off on the demolition until the judge has an opportunity to weigh the protests of a grass roots organization that has been fighting the plans to demolish the estate since last year.
“At least we have status quo,” said attorney David Brook, one of the leaders of DORIS (Demolition of Residence is Senseless). “Everybody in the group feels good about that and at least we’ll get a fair shot at trying to convince the judge that the township and preservation committee didn’t get it right.”
Sign Up for E-News
The township’s Historical Preservation Commission approved demolition of the mansion in October last year by a 6-1 vote following a series of hearings that began in July.
The estate, built in 1893 has been unoccupied since Doris Duke’s death in 1993, and according to the foundation, would be too costly to renovate.
DORIS contends the mansion, which was remodeled and expanded several times by Doris Duke has major historical significance and should not be razed.
The 2,700-acre expanse that surrounds the estate is maintained and managed by the Duke Farms Foundation with frontage along Route 206 south. There are expansive grasslands and heavily wooded areas.
By design, it has slowly evolved into a popular environmental learning center and ecological preserve with bike paths and guided tours of the grounds.
Brook has been filing arguments and briefs protesting the demolition for months.
He expects the judge will set up a briefing schedule which will allow the foundation to file briefs in favor of the demolition with DORIS given the opportunity to reply no later than Feb. 16, according to Brooks.
Secluded from public view, the Duke Farms Foundation did apply for, and did receive a permit to begin salvage of plumbing fixtures, doors, windows and railings from the sprawling 65,000 square-foot mansion, once home to the world’s wealthiest woman, who inherited a massive fortune from her industrialist father James Buchanan Duke.
“If we win this, one of the first things I’ll be asking the judge is to get inside the place to inspect it and see what its condition is,” Brook said.
Friday, January 22, 2016
GSD Saturday Meet is POSTPONED
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Winter Storm Update
Due to the Pending Winter Storm, The Big Little Railroad Shop will be Closed on Saturday January 23, 2016.
Stay Warm,
BLRRS
Amtrak's Capitol Limited @ Harpers Ferry
In an undated photograph, Amtrak's westbound Capitol Limited is slowing down for a station stop to pick up two passengers. Lead by Amtrak 272 (F40PH) and considering the way they are dressed and suitcase, perhaps their destination will be this train's final stop which is Chicago. This train takes its name from the former B&O's Capitol Limited. For many years this train was the choice of travelers between Chicago and Washington DC.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
CSX to Consolidate Operating Divisions
CSX Express
| January 18, 2016 |
| CSX to Consolidate Operating Divisions Jacksonville, FL – January 18, 2016 – As CSX (Nasdaq: CSX) continues to match its network resources to business demand and drive additional efficiency, the company announced today that it is consolidating its operations administration from 10 divisions to 9 divisions and closing administrative offices at Huntington, West Virginia. Huntington Division administrative responsibilities will be reassigned to five adjoining divisions: Atlanta, Baltimore, Florence, Great Lakes and Louisville. CSX will continue to run trains over the territory, and its yards and other facilities in the Huntington region – including the Huntington locomotive shop – will continue operations. The company remains committed to the Huntington community, which has played a vital role in railroading and American commerce since its namesake Collis P. Huntington completed the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in 1873. The 121 management and union employees who currently report to the Huntington Division offices will remain employed in the area supporting the transition of administrative responsibilities over the next several months. At the conclusion of the transition period, the timing of which may vary by role, many employees will be given an opportunity to fill positions in other areas of the network. Primarily serving customers in West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, the Huntington territory encompasses the Central Appalachian coal fields, which have been significantly affected by low natural gas prices and regulatory actions. Over the past four years alone, CSX’s coal revenues have declined $1.4 billion. Today’s announcement is part of CSX’s focus on reducing structural costs and aligning resources with demand in its coal fields, and follows the reduction of train operations at Erwin, Tennessee and the closing of mechanical shops at Corbin, Kentucky. CSX remains firmly committed to providing safe, reliable rail service to customers throughout the region. CSX maintains more than 2,000 miles of track in West Virginia and handled more than 1.7 million carloads of freight in the state in 2014. 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) |
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
he GPCo January Update, Vol. 2
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Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Norfolk Southern to hold fourth-quarter 2015 earnings conference call Jan. 27
Norfolk Southern to hold fourth-quarter 2015 earnings conference call Jan. 27, 2016
NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 15, 2016 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) will announce its fourth-quarter financial results during a conference call and live Internet webcast at 8:45 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016. Quarterly earnings results will be released at 8 a.m. ET on Jan. 27, and a press release will be posted at www.nscorp.com under the Investors section.
What:
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Norfolk Southern Fourth-Quarter 2015 Earnings Conference Call
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When:
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Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at 8:45 a.m. ET
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How to participate:
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Teleconference: 877-869-3847 (please dial in several minutes prior to call start)
Live webcast: Go to www.nscorp.com under the Investors section.
Presentation materials will be posted at www.nscorp.com in the Investors section.
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Audio Replay:
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For electronic notification of earnings events, subscribe to NSInvest, Norfolk Southern's e-mail distribution list for news releases on earnings and issues pertaining to the financial performance of Norfolk Southern Corporation.
About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Corporation 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 (katie.cook@nscorp.com)
Monday, January 18, 2016
NMRA Garden State Division's Winter 2016 Whistle Post
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Friday, January 15, 2016
Norfolk Southern combines divisions to streamline operations and support growth
Received Via e-mail from Norfolk Southern
NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 12, 2016 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is consolidating its Virginia and Pocahontas divisions to form the new Pocahontas Division, with headquarters in Roanoke, Va., effective Feb. 1.
The consolidation is part of the company’s ongoing drive to enhance operating efficiencies and support long-term growth. This announcement follows other recent strategic initiatives, including the reduction from three corporate office locations to two, restructuring of the Triple Crown Services subsidiary, and integration of the D&H South Line to increase options for shippers.
In a related move, Norfolk Southern is changing traffic patterns and idling parts of its “West Virginia Secondary,” a 253-mile line between Columbus, Ohio, and central West Virginia that has experienced steady declines in business in recent years. This follows the idling of a 33-mile mainline between Elmore and Princeton, W.Va., in September 2015.
The new Pocahontas Division will comprise 2,581 route miles, mainly in Virginia and West Virginia, extending from the Port of Virginia to Portsmouth, Ohio, and from Bristol, Va., to Hagerstown, Md. “Creation of the new Pocahontas Division supports the railroad’s strategic plan to deliver cost-efficient and superior service while building a stronger enterprise,” said Mike Wheeler, senior vice president operations. “Consolidating the two divisions enables us to streamline operations and focus resources on high-return growth opportunities.”
Combining the divisions will improve service by placing most of the company’s coal routes under the operating authority of a single division. Additionally, the move further consolidates operational control over the company’s Heartland Corridor, a double-stack intermodal route through Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio.
Roanoke, which will serve as headquarters of the new Pocahontas Division, currently is headquarters of the Virginia Division. The new division will be led by Superintendent Charles M. “Mike” Irvin, a 33-year employee with wide experience managing several different divisions for the railroad. In Roanoke, Norfolk Southern currently operates a local switching yard, locomotive and rail car maintenance and overhaul facilities, and a material yard that supports track maintenance gangs systemwide.
The consolidation will affect management and office staff positions now based in Bluefield, W.Va., currently the Pocahontas Division headquarters. Those employees will have an opportunity to relocate to Roanoke or apply for other positions at the company. With the consolidation, Norfolk Southern will operate 10 divisions across its network.
The company will continue to operate its rail yard in Bluefield. Trains moving Appalachian coal comprise most of the business handled there, and yard traffic has declined as coal volumes moved by the railroad have dropped over the past five years. Currently, about 130 people work in operations departments at the yard, including in transportation, engineering, and mechanical.
“Coal mined from the Appalachian Basin has long served as a vital, low-cost source of energy to power America, and Norfolk Southern remains committed to providing top-notch service to our valuable coal customers,” Wheeler said. “At the same time, the railroad is nimble and adapts to changing market conditions. Our strategic plan positions us to meet the needs of current customers while creating efficiencies and focusing resources on infrastructure and markets that support continued growth.”
For example, Wheeler noted that the Heartland Corridor, opened in 2010 as part of a public-private partnership among Norfolk Southern, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and the federal government, created the shortest, most efficient, and environmentally friendly route to transport intermodal freight between the Port of Virginia and Midwest consumer markets. This year, Norfolk Southern trains will begin serving the new Heartland Intermodal Gateway in Prichard, W.Va., the state’s first intermodal facility, which was developed through the corridor partnership.
“The Heartland Corridor opens global trade markets for West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio businesses, creates opportunities for jobs and economic expansion, and supports the railroad’s efforts to shift freight from highway to rail,” Wheeler said. “The Heartland Corridor is a vital part of the U.S. transportation network. As we help communities and businesses compete in the global marketplace, we are building a stronger future for Norfolk Southern and our shareholders.”
In Virginia and West Virginia, Norfolk Southern in 2014 employed 5,690 people and funded a payroll of $450 million, invested $235 million in track and facilities, and spent $278 million in purchases and payments with suppliers and local businesses.
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.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
CSX Names New Sales & Marketing Leaders
Recieved Via e-mail from CSX
| January 11, 2016 |
| CSX Names New Sales & Marketing Leaders JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – January 11, 2016 – CSX today appointed key leaders in the Sales and Marketing organization as the company continues to focus on enhancing customer relationships and encouraging profitable growth. Dean M. Piacente has been named vice president-intermodal; Clark Robertson, vice president-chemicals; and Tim McNulty, vice president-agriculture; all reporting to Fredrik J. Eliasson, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer. Bill Clement, who previously headed intermodal, has left the company and is pursuing other interests. “We thank Bill Clement for his tremendous service that included helping the company build the premier intermodal network in the East,” Eliasson said. “Dean Piacente, Clark Robertson, and Tim McNulty are proven sales and marketing leaders who will continue to work effectively across our company and with customers to develop new relationships, expand our service offerings, and maximize growth opportunities.” Piacente, who joined CSX in 1987, assumes the intermodal leadership role from his position as vice president-chemicals. In that role, he led significant revenue and new customer growth in the chemicals market and leveraged opportunities in the transition of the global energy markets. In addition, he has served in other senior sales and marketing capacities and as vice president-finance. “Dean’s record of growth, revenue generation, and customer relationships makes him the ideal choice to lead intermodal, which is a significant growth driver for CSX as we work with our trucking partners to convert to rail-based solutions more of the approximately 9 million highway loads in the East that travel 550 miles or more,” Eliasson said. Robertson, who joined CSX in 2010, moves to vice president-chemicals from his prior role as assistant vice president-regional development. Robertson oversaw significant business growth from new customers locating on CSX’s network and existing customers expanding their operations. He also led development and implementation of the Select Site certification program, which provides prospective customers with online listings of certified development-ready properties on or near CSX’s rail network. McNulty, who joined CSX in 1985, is promoted to vice president-agriculture, which will now include the company’s phosphate and fertilizer market, in addition to shipments of grain and ethanol. McNulty has been instrumental in the development of CSX’s ethanol unit train network and has an established record of building strong teams, supporting customer needs and enhancing growth and efficiency. 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 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). |
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
From my railroad archives!
Received via e-mail
Came across this old photo taken in NJT's Raritan yard, date unknown, on a snowy day. On the left is NJT 5910 (ex-CNJ 1530; GP7) It was retired in October, 1984 and would be scrapped in January, 1985. The middle diesel is CR 5428 (ex-PRR 8574; GP7, ex-PC 5874) which would eventually be rebuilt as a GP8. On the right is NJT 5906 (ex-CNJ 1527; GP7). After searching the Internet whatever became of CR 5428 and NJT 5906 is unknown.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Monday, January 11, 2016
2015 U.S. Rail Freight DOWN vs. 2014; Trucking Negative, too
Recieved via e-mail...
"Total rail traffic moved in the U.S. in 2015 was about 28 million carloads and intermodal units, down 2.5% compared to 2014; total U.S. carload traffic for 2015 dropped 6.1%, AAR reported on Jan. 6, 2016. Additionally, carload traffic in the month of December 2015 dropped 15.6% from December 2014." "...for the week ending Jan. 2, 2016, on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads...total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 516,946 carloads and intermodal units, down 11.8%." http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/freight/class-i/aar-energy-manufacturing-weakness-negatively-impacted-rail-traffic-in-2015.html
"Total rail traffic moved in the U.S. in 2015 was about 28 million carloads and intermodal units, down 2.5% compared to 2014; total U.S. carload traffic for 2015 dropped 6.1%, AAR reported on Jan. 6, 2016. Additionally, carload traffic in the month of December 2015 dropped 15.6% from December 2014." "...for the week ending Jan. 2, 2016, on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads...total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 516,946 carloads and intermodal units, down 11.8%." http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/freight/class-i/aar-energy-manufacturing-weakness-negatively-impacted-rail-traffic-in-2015.html
Yet again, as I have long said about railroads and trucking as barometers of the true health of the economy: "You can't fake freight." (Or, Cargo is not 'an opinion'.)
While longer term, freight volumes are responsive to political policies, tonnage figures for weekly and monthly intervals cannot be easily manipulated: something was either shipped, moved and received...or it was not. Someone in Purchasing ordered something that they felt they could sell. (Nobody is inclined, in today's J-I-T environment that recognizes the time value of money, to load up on uncommitted inventory.)
Rail freight carriers are not alone; the truckers are feeling the squeeze, too.
From yesterday's Wall Street Journal:
Sales Downshift at Heavy Truck Makers
Lackluster demand for hauling freight curbs big-rig purchases; dealer inventories are bulging
"Trucking companies are buying fewer vehicles amid lackluster demand for hauling freight, triggering job cuts among equipment manufacturers and leaving a near-record number of big rigs gathering dust on dealers’ lots."
http://www.wsj.com/articles/sales-downshift-at-heavy-truck-makers-1452110429
Also from just yesterday:
Avondale Partners Senior Analyst Donald Broughton Talks Transports on CNBC Squawkbox
"...that industrial recession is getting worse, not better". "...we've seen truck tonnage negative three out of the last four months...it's been negative six out of the last eleven months"
http://www.avondalepartnersllc.com/news/senior-analyst-donald-broughton-talks-transports-on-cnbc-squawkbox/
And yet, we're told that the Economy is 'Just Fine'... But, "You can't fake freight."
While longer term, freight volumes are responsive to political policies, tonnage figures for weekly and monthly intervals cannot be easily manipulated: something was either shipped, moved and received...or it was not. Someone in Purchasing ordered something that they felt they could sell. (Nobody is inclined, in today's J-I-T environment that recognizes the time value of money, to load up on uncommitted inventory.)
Rail freight carriers are not alone; the truckers are feeling the squeeze, too.
From yesterday's Wall Street Journal:
Sales Downshift at Heavy Truck Makers
Lackluster demand for hauling freight curbs big-rig purchases; dealer inventories are bulging
"Trucking companies are buying fewer vehicles amid lackluster demand for hauling freight, triggering job cuts among equipment manufacturers and leaving a near-record number of big rigs gathering dust on dealers’ lots."
http://www.wsj.com/articles/sales-downshift-at-heavy-truck-makers-1452110429
Also from just yesterday:
Avondale Partners Senior Analyst Donald Broughton Talks Transports on CNBC Squawkbox
"...that industrial recession is getting worse, not better". "...we've seen truck tonnage negative three out of the last four months...it's been negative six out of the last eleven months"
http://www.avondalepartnersllc.com/news/senior-analyst-donald-broughton-talks-transports-on-cnbc-squawkbox/
And yet, we're told that the Economy is 'Just Fine'... But, "You can't fake freight."
---NSC
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