Friday, May 05, 2017

False Rumor About MTL Discontinuing Z Scale

Received via email


There is a rumor circulating that began on a forum thread that was needlessly allowed to continue without confirming directly with us if the rumor had any truth to it.  This rumor is absolutely not true.  We have no intentions of discontinuing production of our Z scale line.  
Our Z scale line not only will continue, but will continue to expand with the release of a Heavyweight Modernized Business Car this coming fall, as well as the reintroduction of our SD40-2’s in the near future.
We would appreciate your help in sharing with any of your friends and contacts that the rumor is totally false.
Thank you,
Micro-Trains
 

NMRA GSD Spring Meet on Saturday, May 13, in Bridgewater

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GSD Spring Event Reminder:
Saturday, May 13, in Bridgewater
Greetings!

It is finally spring time! That means it is time to get out of your basement, take a break from outdoor chores and take a road trip to the joint GSD/NJD spring meet. 


This meet will feature two clinics on scenery. NJD member Chris Conaway will present a clinic on static grass. GSD member Bill Frankenfield will present a clinic on constructing lightweight and removable scenery. The meet will also feature the popular Bring 'n Brag session, where we ask members to bring their latest projects and briefly tell us about them.


After a quick lunch on your own at one of the many local eateries two layouts will be open in Freehold, NJ.  Dick Genthner's latest version of the Arpee & Western will be open for the first time.  Dick's HO scale layout is freelanced and set in the 1950's. Joe Garsick's HO scale layout is 75% complete and features many craftsman structures built by his good friend, Bill Rose.

Donuts and coffee will also be served in the morning.  Maps for the local restaurants and the layout tour will be available at the end of the morning session.

Please join us at 9 AM at the Blum 4-H Center located at 310 Milltown Road in Bridgewater, NJ.   

To closely view the location on Google Maps and get directions, click on the map or the button.



Did you forget to read the latest issue of the Whistle Post?  The issue contains more information about the upcoming GSD event in Bridgewater.  And, it also contains articles on the last GSD event in Union, the Achievement Program, Fred's Boxcar Challenge, and more.  To get your copy, just click on the newsletter image!


Feel free to pass this information on to others by clicking on the image to the left OR you can just click your forward key and send it on.

Please do so.  This e-mail is our Number One tool for spreading the word.
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NMRA Garden State Division, 537 Malcolm Road, Union, NJ 07083

Wednesday, May 03, 2017

New train crew management system to boost NorfolkSouthern operating efficiency

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New train crew management system to boost Norfolk Southern operating efficiency

LOUISVILLE, Colo., and NORFOLK, Va., May 2, 2017 – A new train crew management and payroll system now being developed is expected to boost operating efficiency, lower costs and increase productivity, supporting goals of Norfolk Southern’s strategic plan to improve corporate performance.

Norfolk Southern and software company PS Technology have agreed to develop the automated system for phased future deployment throughout Norfolk Southern’s network.

“Incorporating PS Technology’s CrewPro software with our operating and data platforms will save costs and streamline Norfolk Southern’s train crew management and payroll processes,” said Fred Ehlers, NS vice president information technology. “When deployed, the system will expand Norfolk Southern’s digital capabilities to enhance interactions with our train crews.”

Ehlers said the software optimizes train crew assignments by factoring in employees’ work schedules and geographical operating credentials, federal regulations, and labor contract requirements. “In effect, the software analyzes data to come up with the best, most efficient match of crew and train,” Ehlers said.

Seenu Chundru, PS Technology president, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with our longtime business partner Norfolk Southern to develop CrewPro. The system leverages technology to reduce costs of managing train and engine service crews. Optimization tools enable automated decision-making support and efficiency improvements.”

In addition to crew assignments, CrewPro ultimately will manage payroll, taxi and lodging services, and vacation scheduling for some 11,700 Norfolk Southern transportation employees in train and engine service.

About PS Technology
PS Technology (PST) is committed to delivering significant and measurable returns to its clients and partners. For over three decades, PST has improved the processes and systems surrounding crew management, timekeeping and physics-based simulation solutions with integrity and a desire to create value.

PST’s asset management systems power the largest railroads in North America. PST’s crew management and timekeeping solutions have been used to manage the day-to-day operations of over 100,000 employees that run, maintain and support rail operations across more than 120,000 miles of rail. PST’s physics-based simulation solutions provide a premium learning environment.

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 19,500 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.

Inquiries:

PS Technology

Mark Bremmer, senior marketing manager, 303-527-2111 (mark.bremmer@pstechnology.com)

Norfolk Southern

Media:

Investors:

LNE 611 day on 6-11-2017

Received via email

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

received via email



Electronic Newsletter of the NMRA Garden State Division
Greetings!

The latest issue of the Whistle Post is available on-line.  And, we have provided a few highlights of the issue, below. 
GSD/NJD Spring Joint Event in 
Bridgewater, May 13
This year, it is the Garden State Division's turn to host the annual joint meet with the New Jersey Division. The meet will be held on May 13 at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater, NJ, starting at 9 AM.

A pair of clinics are planned for the morning and a pair of layout tours are planned for the afternoon.  A map to the layouts and local eateries will be provided at the meet.

The two clinics presented in the morning are on the subject of scenery. Chris Conway will present a clinic on using static grass and Bill Frankenfield will present a clinic on constructing lightweight and removable scenery.

In the afternoon, Dick Genthner will open his 7th version of the Arpee & Western for the first time. Joe Garsick will also have his layout open, featuring many craftsman structures constructed by Bill Rose. 

Come join us on May 13! Click on the Google logo for directions to the meet:
Windows on a Roll
Model railroaders are always looking for new ideas and techniques for their modeling. Jim Walsh explains how to use fiberglass drywall tape to produce industrial windows. Jim takes you through several methods of painting and creating the window glazing.
Last Train on the Ramapo Valley
The Ramapo Valley Railroad Club held its final operating session, earlier this year.  The club is in the process of dismantling the layout and is currently looking for a new location.  In a pair of articles, Rene Mack and Tom Wortmann provide their perspectives on the club, history, and their experiences.
Gulliver's Gate is Hiring!
Just after the Whistle Post was published, we received word that a new attraction in New York City, Gulliver's Gate, is looking to hire an "HO Train Specialist".  To learn more about this new attraction, click here.

Located near Times Square and a full city block wide, Gulliver's Gate is a "technologically advanced, interactive and immersive world of miniatures."  To learn more about the HO Train Specialist position, click on the job description.
These are only the highlights of the new, just published issue of the Whistle Post shown here. This issue contains more information about the upcoming GSD/NJD event in Bridgewater.  And, it also contains articles on the last GSD event in Union, the Achievement Program, and much more.
To get the full issue

[NSInvest] Norfolk Southern EVP and CFO Marta Stewart to retire

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Norfolk Southern EVP and CFO Marta Stewart to retire

Company has initiated internal and external search for successor

NORFOLK, Va., April 26, 2017 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced that Marta R. Stewart, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corp., intends to retire effective Aug. 1, 2017.

NS has initiated a comprehensive search to identify the company’s next chief financial officer and will consider both internal and external candidates with the assistance of an executive search firm. 

“Marta has made significant contributions to NS over the course of her career, most recently as one of the architects of our strategic plan,” said James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern chairman, president and CEO. “Her intimate knowledge of the railroad business, engagement with stakeholders inside and outside the company, and relentless focus on driving shareholder value has positioned NS for continued success. On behalf of the board and management team, I thank Marta for her service and wish her the best in retirement. We look forward to Marta’s continued leadership as we conduct our CFO search and execute an orderly transition to her successor.”

“I am very proud of the company’s accomplishments during my tenure and the progress we have made in implementing our strategic plan,” said Stewart. “I will miss working with a great leadership team and talented employees, and am confident NS is on track to achieve its objectives as it becomes an even stronger, more profitable railroad.”      

Since joining NS in 1983 as an accountant, Stewart has been instrumental in developing the company’s accounting systems and controls. Prior to Stewart’s appointment as executive vice president and chief financial officer in 2013, she assumed roles of increasing responsibility in finance and served as vice president accounting and controller, and vice president finance and treasurer. Stewart has been a key strategic advisor to the NS CEO, agent for change throughout the company, and advocate for NS shareholders. 

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 19,500 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:


Investor Inquiries:


[NSInvest] Norfolk Southern reports record first-quarter 2017 results

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Norfolk Southern reports record first-quarter 2017 results

Achieved first-quarter record operating ratio, income from operations, and earnings per share

NORFOLK, Va., April 26, 2017 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today reported first-quarter financial results.

First-quarter net income was $433 million, up 12 percent year-over-year, a result of a 7 percent rise in income from railway operations, as well as a lower effective income tax rate. Diluted earnings per share were $1.48, up 15 percent year-over-year and a first-quarter record.

“Norfolk Southern’s record results for the first quarter demonstrate the efficacy of our strategic plan, under which we are enhancing our service quality and network performance while driving significant efficiency improvements,” said James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern chairman, president and CEO. “Our focus on providing a superior service product has positioned us for growth and, coupled with our cost discipline, has contributed to a solid start to the year. Our strategy provides a strong foundation for growth at low incremental costs, a powerful formula for enhanced shareholder value.”

First-quarter summary

Railway operating revenues of $2.6 billion increased 6 percent compared with first-quarter 2016, as overall volumes were 5 percent higher, reflecting growth within our major commodity categories of coal, intermodal, and merchandise.

Railway operating expenses increased $105 million, or 6 percent, to $1.8 billion as targeted expense reductions and efficiencies were offset by inflation, particularly within fuel expenses, which were higher by $64 million.

Income from railway operations was a first-quarter record $773 million, up 7 percent year-over-year.

The railway operating ratio, or operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 70.0 percent, a first-quarter record.

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 19,500 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:


Investor Inquiries:


Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Bessemer F7As 727 & 728: New Lives as RBMN #250 & 251!

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I received this HAPPY NEWS via Tim Darnell, last evening! 

Forlorn former B&LE F7As #727 & 728 of Western Allegheny Branch fame are now Reading, Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad #250 & 251, respectively, and are (again) on the roster of a caring, functioning railroad. Note the changes already evident in these two Ben Kranefeld photographs taken just yesterday at the unprotected Winslow, NJ site where this pair has languished and suffered abuse for so long: 


RBMN 251

RBMN 250