Following article appeared in the Shreveport (LA) Times on 8-22-08.
Motorcyclist dies trying to beat train at downtown crossing
By Melody Brumble
mbrumble@gannett.com
Jason Watkins watched a motorcycle rider make a fatal decision Thursday in Shreveport.
He was driving south on East Caddo Street near a Union Pacific railroad crossing about 6:20 p.m. when the cyclist, a man in his 60s, flew past him in the opposite direction trying to beat a train.
The man, whose name hadn’t been released, died probably from a crossing arm hitting him and him subsequently falling to the pavement, said Shreveport police Cpl. Gerald Fletcher, a crash investigator.
“I seen the man on the motorcycle and I seen the train,” Watkins said. “I don’t know if he was trying to go between the arms or if he didn’t see that crossing arm.”
The arm hit the man in the face. The impact knocked off his helmet and wrenched the crossing arm from its mounting.
“I seen him fly off his bike and land over by the curb,” Watkins said. “I called my wife. I said, ‘I think I just seen a man killed.’ I said, ‘Maybe it’s one of those movies filming.’”
With his wife’s encouragement, Watkins returned to the crossing to talk to police. That’s when he realized the rider was badly injured or dead.
“The train conductor went to try to turn him over and he was limp,” Watkins said.
The bike, a 2007 Harley Davidson Heritage model, kept rolling, ending up near East Caddo at Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway.
The train -— two engines and a handful of boxcars — was heading east at six miles an hour. The string of crossings from East Caddo to Festival Plaza at Lake Street in downtown Shreveport is a low-speed area for trains, Fletcher said.
He was unsure how fast the motorcyclist was going when he hit the bar. “Apparently, he was looking at the train and not the crossing,” Fletcher said. “Once he committed, he sped up.”
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Railroad trespassing and safety information
The following information is courtesy of NJ Transit, and appeared with the news article below as a sidebar.
RAILROAD FACTS
Trespass Laws
According to the Criminal Justice Code of New Jersey, criminal trespass is against the law on railroad tracks. Since railroad tracks are private property, trespassers can be arrested for trespassing (walking, taking a shortcut) on them. If convicted of the offense, trespassers face a fine of not less than $100 and/or imprisonment.
Trains can’t stop quickly
An eight-car passenger train traveling at 60 mph will take approximately 1,500 feet to stop, while a train traveling at 80 mph will take about 2,200 feet (nearly one-half mile) to come to a complete stop. NJ TRANSIT trains can operate at speeds up to 100 mph. A train traveling this fast will take about 3,600 feet to stop.
Trains can’t swerve
Trains have no steering wheels so they cannot swerve to avoid hitting something in their path. The way to avoid being hit by a train is to stay out of its way. Environmental noises such as whistles from factories, horns from cars and other noises can muffle train sounds. Electric trains operate so quietly often they cannot be heard until they are right upon a person. Trains also give the illusion that they are traveling much slower than they actually are. Always stay alert. Don’t let a cell phone or headphone distract or prevent a person from hearing an approaching train, and make sure to stand behind the safety line on the station platform while waiting for a train.
Railroad bridges and trestles present a special hazard. Railroad bridges and trestles are built only for trains. People should not walk on them or fish from them. There are no walkways for people. If a train comes, there is nowhere to go.
Safety education programs
NJ TRANSIT offers rail safety education presentations throughout the state as a free community service. These presentations are designed to educate students, as well as adults, on the dangers they might encounter along railroad tracks and at highway-railroad grade crossings. For more information, visit NJ TRANSIT’s Web site, www.njtransit.com, and click on the ‘rider guide and safety’ link. For information on Operation Lifesaver, visit http://www,oli.org/
Train horn rules
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an Interim Final Rule for the use of locomotive horns at highway-rail crossings. For detailed information on the new rule, visit the FRA Web site at www.fra.dot.gov and click on ‘train horn rule.’
Source: NJ Transit
RAILROAD FACTS
Trespass Laws
According to the Criminal Justice Code of New Jersey, criminal trespass is against the law on railroad tracks. Since railroad tracks are private property, trespassers can be arrested for trespassing (walking, taking a shortcut) on them. If convicted of the offense, trespassers face a fine of not less than $100 and/or imprisonment.
Trains can’t stop quickly
An eight-car passenger train traveling at 60 mph will take approximately 1,500 feet to stop, while a train traveling at 80 mph will take about 2,200 feet (nearly one-half mile) to come to a complete stop. NJ TRANSIT trains can operate at speeds up to 100 mph. A train traveling this fast will take about 3,600 feet to stop.
Trains can’t swerve
Trains have no steering wheels so they cannot swerve to avoid hitting something in their path. The way to avoid being hit by a train is to stay out of its way. Environmental noises such as whistles from factories, horns from cars and other noises can muffle train sounds. Electric trains operate so quietly often they cannot be heard until they are right upon a person. Trains also give the illusion that they are traveling much slower than they actually are. Always stay alert. Don’t let a cell phone or headphone distract or prevent a person from hearing an approaching train, and make sure to stand behind the safety line on the station platform while waiting for a train.
Railroad bridges and trestles present a special hazard. Railroad bridges and trestles are built only for trains. People should not walk on them or fish from them. There are no walkways for people. If a train comes, there is nowhere to go.
Safety education programs
NJ TRANSIT offers rail safety education presentations throughout the state as a free community service. These presentations are designed to educate students, as well as adults, on the dangers they might encounter along railroad tracks and at highway-railroad grade crossings. For more information, visit NJ TRANSIT’s Web site, www.njtransit.com, and click on the ‘rider guide and safety’ link. For information on Operation Lifesaver, visit http://www,oli.org/
Train horn rules
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an Interim Final Rule for the use of locomotive horns at highway-rail crossings. For detailed information on the new rule, visit the FRA Web site at www.fra.dot.gov and click on ‘train horn rule.’
Source: NJ Transit
Deaths prompt focus on rail safety - Manville, NJ
Following article appeared in the Courier Times on Sunday 8-3-08. Take this as a warning: both local and railroad police are watching for people who trespass on railroad property.
Deaths prompt focus on rail safety
Officials to launch education program
By PAMELA SROKA-HOLZMANN
STAFF WRITER
Borough police are working to keep trespassers off the railroad tracks following recent fatalities on the Norfolk-Southern and CSX rail lines.
National statistics show this borough is one of the leading municipalities in the nation in per-capita deaths on rail lines. In the borough's 80-year history as a town crossed by two busy freight railroad lines, police have estimated that about 20 people have died in train accidents or near the tracks.
On May 8, Manville High School senior Kevin Seit, 19, was struck by a train while walking along the Conrail tracks near Huff Avenue. In March, a man's body was found along the south bank of the river, east of the CSX railroad bridge and near Huff Avenue. The body was wedged between a fallen tree and some brush along the bank.
More recently, in Hillsborough, 18-year-old Hillsborough High School student Jason Walton was fatally struck by a freight train on the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks near Beekman Lane on July 22.
Now, borough officials, educators, borough police and police from the Norfolk-Southern and CSX railroad lines are determined to change the statistics while heightening the public's awareness of the dangers of walking on railroad tracks.
"We want the public to stay off the railroad tracks, not only is it dangerous, it's private property," said Manville Police Chief Mark A. Peltack.
Promoting safety
Last week, railroad police spent two days canvassing the borough in an effort to raise awareness about railroad safety, said Lew Kellison, a manager of facility security for Norfolk Southern's corporate office.
Kellison was among a team of 10 police agents with the Norfolk-Southern and CSX lines working in Manville on Tuesday, July 22, and Wednesday, July 23.
Kellison said the mission was first to spend that Tuesday talking to business owners, school-board members and local officials about railroad safety. Residents living near the tracks, as well as some found crossing the tracks, were given pamphlets by police highlighting the dangers of trespassing on railroad property.
Next, the team, which also included K-9 dogs, spent hours during the day Wednesday, July 23, enforcing the rules.
The result was the following:
* One adult was arrested for criminal trespassing.
* Three juveniles were arrested for criminal trespassing.
* Two all-terrain vehicles being driven on the tracks were impounded.
* About 43 people received a warning to stay off the tracks.
Kellison said trespassers found on Tuesday, July 22, received warnings, but the police recorded their names and addresses and if they are found on the tracks again, they will be charged with trespassing. The majority of residents were found crossing the tracks to cut through to businesses, such as Wal-Mart on North Main Street or to their homes. Some had crossed 13th Avenue to a swimming hole near the Adesa Auto Auctions lot, he said.
“That whole area right through Manville was pretty busy,'' Kellison said. “People take short cuts and say no one told them it's illegal.''
Kellison said he personally witnessed a group of teenagers walk up the roadway to wait for a friend who was crossing the tracks. When he asked one young man why he stepped on the railroad tracks, the youth replied he was taking a “short cut,'' Kellison said.
“Unfortunately, when folks get hurt it's normally when they are taking short cuts,'' Kellison said. “And danger is the last thing on their minds.''
Kellison also noted some teenagers have been found walking on the tracks while listening to iPods or using other electrical equipment. He said, “They are just oblivious to the world around them. A train is extremely dangerous and it's just not worth the risk.''
From 2007 to 2008, Kellison noted there were 70 people warned and told to get off the tracks in the borough by rail police. In addition, Peltack said last week, two juveniles were found jumping on and off the side of a train while it was moving.
“You wouldn't cross an interstate highway, so why would you cross a railroad track?'' Kellison said. “You just don't know when a train will plow through. Anytime is train time.''
Making changes
The Borough Council plans to launch an education program in September to raise awareness about railroad safety.
Councilman Ken Otrimski, a retired Franklin Township (Somerset) police officer, said he has researched Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit organization sponsored by federal, state and local government agencies to educate students about railroad safety. He plans to initiate seminars for students to learn about the dangers and have parents continue the education at home, he said.
CSX Spokesman Robert Sullivan said during an Operation Lifesaver presentation in May before the Borough Council, CSX guest speakers plan to address the students in a schoolwide assembly, discussing ways to avoid collisions, deaths and injuries where roadways cross train tracks. He said “appropriate age'' visual aids such as videotapes also will be featured.
Otrimski, whose home is near the CSX railroad tracks, also said he has seen school-age children walking across the tracks because it's the quickest way to get from 8th Avenue to 13th Avenue.
“We definitely want to get the word out to both students and adults (about the dangers of trespassing),'' he said.
In addition, Kellison said rail police are on watch 24/7 for trespassers on both the Norfolk-Southern and CSX rail lines. They also plan to return to the borough to distribute information and perhaps, to Hillsborough, if there is a need.
“The past numbers (of fatalities) show us we have to go back there (to Manville),'' he said.
Deaths prompt focus on rail safety
Officials to launch education program
By PAMELA SROKA-HOLZMANN
STAFF WRITER
Borough police are working to keep trespassers off the railroad tracks following recent fatalities on the Norfolk-Southern and CSX rail lines.
National statistics show this borough is one of the leading municipalities in the nation in per-capita deaths on rail lines. In the borough's 80-year history as a town crossed by two busy freight railroad lines, police have estimated that about 20 people have died in train accidents or near the tracks.
On May 8, Manville High School senior Kevin Seit, 19, was struck by a train while walking along the Conrail tracks near Huff Avenue. In March, a man's body was found along the south bank of the river, east of the CSX railroad bridge and near Huff Avenue. The body was wedged between a fallen tree and some brush along the bank.
More recently, in Hillsborough, 18-year-old Hillsborough High School student Jason Walton was fatally struck by a freight train on the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks near Beekman Lane on July 22.
Now, borough officials, educators, borough police and police from the Norfolk-Southern and CSX railroad lines are determined to change the statistics while heightening the public's awareness of the dangers of walking on railroad tracks.
"We want the public to stay off the railroad tracks, not only is it dangerous, it's private property," said Manville Police Chief Mark A. Peltack.
Promoting safety
Last week, railroad police spent two days canvassing the borough in an effort to raise awareness about railroad safety, said Lew Kellison, a manager of facility security for Norfolk Southern's corporate office.
Kellison was among a team of 10 police agents with the Norfolk-Southern and CSX lines working in Manville on Tuesday, July 22, and Wednesday, July 23.
Kellison said the mission was first to spend that Tuesday talking to business owners, school-board members and local officials about railroad safety. Residents living near the tracks, as well as some found crossing the tracks, were given pamphlets by police highlighting the dangers of trespassing on railroad property.
Next, the team, which also included K-9 dogs, spent hours during the day Wednesday, July 23, enforcing the rules.
The result was the following:
* One adult was arrested for criminal trespassing.
* Three juveniles were arrested for criminal trespassing.
* Two all-terrain vehicles being driven on the tracks were impounded.
* About 43 people received a warning to stay off the tracks.
Kellison said trespassers found on Tuesday, July 22, received warnings, but the police recorded their names and addresses and if they are found on the tracks again, they will be charged with trespassing. The majority of residents were found crossing the tracks to cut through to businesses, such as Wal-Mart on North Main Street or to their homes. Some had crossed 13th Avenue to a swimming hole near the Adesa Auto Auctions lot, he said.
“That whole area right through Manville was pretty busy,'' Kellison said. “People take short cuts and say no one told them it's illegal.''
Kellison said he personally witnessed a group of teenagers walk up the roadway to wait for a friend who was crossing the tracks. When he asked one young man why he stepped on the railroad tracks, the youth replied he was taking a “short cut,'' Kellison said.
“Unfortunately, when folks get hurt it's normally when they are taking short cuts,'' Kellison said. “And danger is the last thing on their minds.''
Kellison also noted some teenagers have been found walking on the tracks while listening to iPods or using other electrical equipment. He said, “They are just oblivious to the world around them. A train is extremely dangerous and it's just not worth the risk.''
From 2007 to 2008, Kellison noted there were 70 people warned and told to get off the tracks in the borough by rail police. In addition, Peltack said last week, two juveniles were found jumping on and off the side of a train while it was moving.
“You wouldn't cross an interstate highway, so why would you cross a railroad track?'' Kellison said. “You just don't know when a train will plow through. Anytime is train time.''
Making changes
The Borough Council plans to launch an education program in September to raise awareness about railroad safety.
Councilman Ken Otrimski, a retired Franklin Township (Somerset) police officer, said he has researched Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit organization sponsored by federal, state and local government agencies to educate students about railroad safety. He plans to initiate seminars for students to learn about the dangers and have parents continue the education at home, he said.
CSX Spokesman Robert Sullivan said during an Operation Lifesaver presentation in May before the Borough Council, CSX guest speakers plan to address the students in a schoolwide assembly, discussing ways to avoid collisions, deaths and injuries where roadways cross train tracks. He said “appropriate age'' visual aids such as videotapes also will be featured.
Otrimski, whose home is near the CSX railroad tracks, also said he has seen school-age children walking across the tracks because it's the quickest way to get from 8th Avenue to 13th Avenue.
“We definitely want to get the word out to both students and adults (about the dangers of trespassing),'' he said.
In addition, Kellison said rail police are on watch 24/7 for trespassers on both the Norfolk-Southern and CSX rail lines. They also plan to return to the borough to distribute information and perhaps, to Hillsborough, if there is a need.
“The past numbers (of fatalities) show us we have to go back there (to Manville),'' he said.
Another successful weekend at NY's Premier Railroad Museum
Received the following pictures and text via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. The weekend he refers to was 8- 23&24 -08.
Spent a very good weekend at the Rochester & Genesee Valley RR Museum's Annual Diesel Days. This group of volunteers is some of the best group of professionals that I have had the pleasure of associating with. Operating units this year included the FM H12-44...#1843, GE 80-Ton...#1645, and the premier unit...RS3m...LV 211!!
Yep, the famous Hammerhead from the PRR/LV/CR. Lovingly restored to its Lehigh Valley appearance. This unit was the star attraction.
KUDO's to ALL the R&GVRM volunteers and especially all the RIT students and alumni who really made the weekend flow smoothly. Thanks again to Mike Roque, Luther Brefo, Otto VonDrak, Ryan Kane, Super Dave, Matt Glogowski, John Sommer and everyone else who's name I forgot.
Also a Special thanks to Matt Snell who arrived bearing a gift of a highly detailed model of the LV 211 as she looks today. (see last picture)
Spent a very good weekend at the Rochester & Genesee Valley RR Museum's Annual Diesel Days. This group of volunteers is some of the best group of professionals that I have had the pleasure of associating with. Operating units this year included the FM H12-44...#1843, GE 80-Ton...#1645, and the premier unit...RS3m...LV 211!!
Yep, the famous Hammerhead from the PRR/LV/CR. Lovingly restored to its Lehigh Valley appearance. This unit was the star attraction.
KUDO's to ALL the R&GVRM volunteers and especially all the RIT students and alumni who really made the weekend flow smoothly. Thanks again to Mike Roque, Luther Brefo, Otto VonDrak, Ryan Kane, Super Dave, Matt Glogowski, John Sommer and everyone else who's name I forgot.
Also a Special thanks to Matt Snell who arrived bearing a gift of a highly detailed model of the LV 211 as she looks today. (see last picture)
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Amtrak Train Runs Out of Fuel
Following article appeared in the NY Times on 8-25-08.
Amtrak Train Runs Out of Fuel
By REBECCA CATHCART
Published: August 25, 2008
LOS ANGELES — An Amtrak train traveling from here to San Diego ran out of fuel on Sunday night, an Amtrak spokeswoman said.
“It’s not uncommon for trains to run out of fuel here,” the spokeswoman, Vernae Graham, said. “It happens from time to time.”
This summer, a locomotive traveling on the same Pacific Surfliner route ran out of fuel, Ms. Graham said, as did a train in the Pacific Northwest last year.
“They are fueled once a day,” she said. “Once the train leaves in the morning, generally there is sufficient fuel for the entire day.”
The six-car train on Sunday night slowed to a halt 15 miles north of downtown San Diego at a station that serves the city’s light rail system, which had stopped running for the night. Another Amtrak train pushed the stalled train the remaining 15 miles down the coast, Ms. Graham said.
The trip, which normally takes two and a half hours, stretched to four. Many of the 83 passengers got out at the light rail station and called friends and relatives to pick them up there. Those without other options arrived downtown just before 1:30 a.m.
Technicians in San Diego are inspecting the six cars and a locomotive that ran on diesel fuel to see if mechanical problems caused its tank to drain prematurely, Ms. Graham said.
While Amtrak trains in the Northeast corridor are electric, those in most of the rest of the country are fuel driven. All Amtrak locomotives in California run on diesel, she said.
Amtrak Train Runs Out of Fuel
By REBECCA CATHCART
Published: August 25, 2008
LOS ANGELES — An Amtrak train traveling from here to San Diego ran out of fuel on Sunday night, an Amtrak spokeswoman said.
“It’s not uncommon for trains to run out of fuel here,” the spokeswoman, Vernae Graham, said. “It happens from time to time.”
This summer, a locomotive traveling on the same Pacific Surfliner route ran out of fuel, Ms. Graham said, as did a train in the Pacific Northwest last year.
“They are fueled once a day,” she said. “Once the train leaves in the morning, generally there is sufficient fuel for the entire day.”
The six-car train on Sunday night slowed to a halt 15 miles north of downtown San Diego at a station that serves the city’s light rail system, which had stopped running for the night. Another Amtrak train pushed the stalled train the remaining 15 miles down the coast, Ms. Graham said.
The trip, which normally takes two and a half hours, stretched to four. Many of the 83 passengers got out at the light rail station and called friends and relatives to pick them up there. Those without other options arrived downtown just before 1:30 a.m.
Technicians in San Diego are inspecting the six cars and a locomotive that ran on diesel fuel to see if mechanical problems caused its tank to drain prematurely, Ms. Graham said.
While Amtrak trains in the Northeast corridor are electric, those in most of the rest of the country are fuel driven. All Amtrak locomotives in California run on diesel, she said.
In search of...
(Train sightings on 8- 23 & 24 -08.)
a new spot for doing some leisurely railroad photography along the lehigh Line. My "trek" would take me out to Three Bridges on Saturday and the Roycefield Road grade crossing in Hillsborough on Sunday to check out the new quiet zone grade crossings that were recently installed. Didn't see many trains, but I did enjoy the few that I saw.
On Saturday at Three Bridges: NS 21M @ 8:13- had NS 9953, NS 6685 and NS 9162 for its motive power. Being on the mainline, the trains passed through here at a good clip which meant I had to write real fast to get those engine numbers.
Next up was NS 24V at 9:35. I might say shades of CR days with PRR 8370 (ex-CR 6145) as its leader with NS 9350 following. NS 24V is also ex-CR TV62A symbol (Harrisburg, PA to Dockside, NJ), a daily intermodal train and one of my favorites for its consist of colorful containers that follows.
a new spot for doing some leisurely railroad photography along the lehigh Line. My "trek" would take me out to Three Bridges on Saturday and the Roycefield Road grade crossing in Hillsborough on Sunday to check out the new quiet zone grade crossings that were recently installed. Didn't see many trains, but I did enjoy the few that I saw.
On Saturday at Three Bridges: NS 21M @ 8:13- had NS 9953, NS 6685 and NS 9162 for its motive power. Being on the mainline, the trains passed through here at a good clip which meant I had to write real fast to get those engine numbers.
Next up was NS 24V at 9:35. I might say shades of CR days with PRR 8370 (ex-CR 6145) as its leader with NS 9350 following. NS 24V is also ex-CR TV62A symbol (Harrisburg, PA to Dockside, NJ), a daily intermodal train and one of my favorites for its consist of colorful containers that follows.
Sunday was spent just hoping to catch a train at one of the new quiet zone crossings in Hillsborough. That afternoon I did manage to catch a power move heading west on the Roycefield Running track past the grade crossing. In this consist was NS 5324, PRR 5338 (ex-CR 8171), NS 3011 and NS 3389. I did find it ironic that even though a sign was posted stating "No Train Horn" warning drivers about this crossing, the engineer still sounded his horn to warn oncoming drivers of a train approaching.
Stay tuned until next time when I continue my quest to find a suitable railfan location...
Friday, August 29, 2008
Norfolk Southern Service Alert - Hurricane Gustav
Received the following via email.
August 28, 2008
Hurricane Gustav
In preparation for anticipated landfall on the Louisiana Coast of Hurricane Gustav, Norfolk Southern has issued an Embargo, effective immediately, for all traffic destined to locations south of Hattiesburg, MS to and including New Orleans. Traffic moving via New Orleans to and from connecting carriers is also included in the embargo.
Further updates will be posted as conditions change.
____________________________________________
Norfolk Southern Corporation
http://www.nscorp.com
August 28, 2008
Hurricane Gustav
In preparation for anticipated landfall on the Louisiana Coast of Hurricane Gustav, Norfolk Southern has issued an Embargo, effective immediately, for all traffic destined to locations south of Hattiesburg, MS to and including New Orleans. Traffic moving via New Orleans to and from connecting carriers is also included in the embargo.
Further updates will be posted as conditions change.
____________________________________________
Norfolk Southern Corporation
http://www.nscorp.com
Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 34, 2008
There is an interesting report available on the web that is "A Weekly Report of North American Rail Freight Traffic by Major Railroad and Commodity." It is currently showing data for week 34 of 2008. Take a look.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.
New GE units waiting at Erie, PA
Received the follow in pictures and text via email from Kermit Geary, Jr.
Had a chance to visit the GE interchange with CSX this morning...only to find 9 new ES44I locos bound for MRS Logistica SA (Brazil) and two CSX ES44AH's (complete with the new Electronic Brake equipment!!) Here are 3 shots of the MRS units...for builders info on these, see my post on Loconotes@yahoogroups.com .
Had a chance to visit the GE interchange with CSX this morning...only to find 9 new ES44I locos bound for MRS Logistica SA (Brazil) and two CSX ES44AH's (complete with the new Electronic Brake equipment!!) Here are 3 shots of the MRS units...for builders info on these, see my post on Loconotes@yahoogroups.com .
Here are the shots of the CSX units awaiting pick-up.
The rear shot shows the placement of the new electronic brake connections.
The rear shot shows the placement of the new electronic brake connections.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Derailment, Explosions, and Fire in Oklahoma
Following article was posted to the web site KOCO.com, channel 5 TV station in Oklahoma City, on 8-22 & 23-08 .
Derailment, Explosions Send Fire, Smoke Into Okla. Sky
Train Headed South From Tulsa; 2 On Board Unhurt
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Crews with Burlington Northern-Santa Fe will soon begin the process of cleaning up after a train derailment Friday afternoon near Luther that resulted in explosions and sent a massive plume of smoke into the central Oklahoma sky.
The BNSF train, carrying crude oil and ethanol, derailed just northeast of Luther and north of state Highway 66 at about 2:30 p.m., sending a giant fireball into the sky and forcing evacuations within a half-mile of the area. The track is owned by the state of Oklahoma but operated by the Stillwater Central Railroad, said BNSF spokesman Joe Foust.
Foust said a foam fire trailer is headed to Luther from Amarillo, Texas. The plan is to let the fire burn a bit longer, and then attack it with foam.
Hazmat crews from Edmond and Oklahoma City flocked to the scene Friday afternoon, as did firefighting teams from Wellston, Hickory Hills, Midwest City and authorities from Oklahoma County.
The train was southbound to Temple, Texas, from Tulsa, Foust said. There were two people were on board the 110-car train, and neither was hurt.
Fire officials said an area 1/2 mile around the explosion was blocked and evacuated. The only way people were allowed to return to the area is to pick up a family member or child. Authorities would not let people return to pick up animals, including horses and livestock.
The smoke could be seen across much of central Oklahoma. It even showed up for a time on Advantage Doppler HD, KOCO's weather radar.
There were multiple explosions after the derailment, and flames neared but never ignited an oil pump in the area.
Authorities said the fire began with a report of smoke onboard the train, and then witnesses reported a loud noise and fire. BNSF is sending company officials from Fort Worth, Texas, to the scene.
The fire is burning in an area that is primarily rural.
Derailment, Explosions Send Fire, Smoke Into Okla. Sky
Train Headed South From Tulsa; 2 On Board Unhurt
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Crews with Burlington Northern-Santa Fe will soon begin the process of cleaning up after a train derailment Friday afternoon near Luther that resulted in explosions and sent a massive plume of smoke into the central Oklahoma sky.
The BNSF train, carrying crude oil and ethanol, derailed just northeast of Luther and north of state Highway 66 at about 2:30 p.m., sending a giant fireball into the sky and forcing evacuations within a half-mile of the area. The track is owned by the state of Oklahoma but operated by the Stillwater Central Railroad, said BNSF spokesman Joe Foust.
Foust said a foam fire trailer is headed to Luther from Amarillo, Texas. The plan is to let the fire burn a bit longer, and then attack it with foam.
Hazmat crews from Edmond and Oklahoma City flocked to the scene Friday afternoon, as did firefighting teams from Wellston, Hickory Hills, Midwest City and authorities from Oklahoma County.
The train was southbound to Temple, Texas, from Tulsa, Foust said. There were two people were on board the 110-car train, and neither was hurt.
Fire officials said an area 1/2 mile around the explosion was blocked and evacuated. The only way people were allowed to return to the area is to pick up a family member or child. Authorities would not let people return to pick up animals, including horses and livestock.
The smoke could be seen across much of central Oklahoma. It even showed up for a time on Advantage Doppler HD, KOCO's weather radar.
There were multiple explosions after the derailment, and flames neared but never ignited an oil pump in the area.
Authorities said the fire began with a report of smoke onboard the train, and then witnesses reported a loud noise and fire. BNSF is sending company officials from Fort Worth, Texas, to the scene.
The fire is burning in an area that is primarily rural.
Sightings for a sunny Sunday...
(Train sightings on 8-17-08.)
could not this sunny and warm Sunday pass without getting in some time trackside. From my location, these were the trains I saw:
NS 21M @ 7:45- would have a quartet of motive power. The leader was NS 9154, followed by NS 9639, NS 8348 and NS 7512.
CSX MA?? @ 8:22- PRR 5286 (ex-CR 5286) would come out of Manville yard with eighteen coil cars in tow heading east to South Plainfield.
CSX MA?? @ 8:59- NS 3022 with depart Manville yard with three ACF cars. It would return around 9:45 with four cars.
NS 212 @ 9:15- didn't get the NS leader's number. Second unit was NS 8812 sporting what seemed to be a new paint job followed by NS 9404.
NS MG9 @ 9:25- After holding for 212 on track 1, NS 8749 and NS 9544 would bring one spacer car and fifty-one tank cars west.
CSX Q300 @ 10:15- had the same power as Saturday with CSX 8730 and CSX 7767 in command of forty-nine cars.
NS 24V @ 10:45- NS 9892 and NS 9334 would take a short 24V (24 cars) COFC train east on tracks 1.
could not this sunny and warm Sunday pass without getting in some time trackside. From my location, these were the trains I saw:
NS 21M @ 7:45- would have a quartet of motive power. The leader was NS 9154, followed by NS 9639, NS 8348 and NS 7512.
CSX MA?? @ 8:22- PRR 5286 (ex-CR 5286) would come out of Manville yard with eighteen coil cars in tow heading east to South Plainfield.
CSX MA?? @ 8:59- NS 3022 with depart Manville yard with three ACF cars. It would return around 9:45 with four cars.
NS 212 @ 9:15- didn't get the NS leader's number. Second unit was NS 8812 sporting what seemed to be a new paint job followed by NS 9404.
NS MG9 @ 9:25- After holding for 212 on track 1, NS 8749 and NS 9544 would bring one spacer car and fifty-one tank cars west.
CSX Q300 @ 10:15- had the same power as Saturday with CSX 8730 and CSX 7767 in command of forty-nine cars.
NS 24V @ 10:45- NS 9892 and NS 9334 would take a short 24V (24 cars) COFC train east on tracks 1.
Couldn't let this sunny morning go to waste...
(Train sightings on 8-16-08.)
by not doing something that be put off until later, like cutting grass. With bountiful sun and warm temperatures, this was a morning to definitely be trackside and that was what I did. The trains passing by my location were as follows;
NS 212 @ 7:26- Leader was NS 7546, HLCX 5980 (SD60; ex-UP, CRIX and CNW) and NS 8706.
NS 21M @ 8:01- NS 2642 and NS 9533 was in charge of 26 cars, estimated length around 6,500 feet.
NS 24V @ 9:40- a rather long train of COFCs. Motive power consisted of NS 2755 and NS 2747.
NS 213 @ 10:06-had the trio of NS 9498, NS 7537 and NS 2622 in charge of 28 cars measuring in at 6,800 feet.
CSX Q300 @ 10:20- would have CSX 8730 and CSX 7677 taking 64 cars of mixed freight east along CRSA's Lehigh Line.
by not doing something that be put off until later, like cutting grass. With bountiful sun and warm temperatures, this was a morning to definitely be trackside and that was what I did. The trains passing by my location were as follows;
NS 212 @ 7:26- Leader was NS 7546, HLCX 5980 (SD60; ex-UP, CRIX and CNW) and NS 8706.
NS 21M @ 8:01- NS 2642 and NS 9533 was in charge of 26 cars, estimated length around 6,500 feet.
NS 24V @ 9:40- a rather long train of COFCs. Motive power consisted of NS 2755 and NS 2747.
NS 213 @ 10:06-had the trio of NS 9498, NS 7537 and NS 2622 in charge of 28 cars measuring in at 6,800 feet.
CSX Q300 @ 10:20- would have CSX 8730 and CSX 7677 taking 64 cars of mixed freight east along CRSA's Lehigh Line.
Once CSX's 300 passed by, I packed up and headed home to mow that grass so it doesn't get too long!
Norfolk Southern Foundation Awards
Received the following via email.
August 21, 2008
Norfolk Southern Foundation Awards $2.2 Million in First Half of 2008
NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern Foundation – the charitable giving affiliate of Norfolk Southern Corporation – awarded grants worth nearly $2.2 million to nonprofit charitable organizations during the first half of 2008.
The grants included $721,615 in employee and retiree matching gifts in support of 334 organizations. Grants other than matching gifts went to 104 organizations throughout Norfolk Southern’s operating territory.
Excluding matching gifts, the Foundation contributed to various United Way campaigns and other health and human services nonprofits ($516,000), educational institutions ($301,800), cultural and arts groups ($525,750), and civic and community groups, including environmental organizations ($128,815). Of the $2.2 million, $756,100 (excluding matching gifts) went to charitable organizations in three primary Norfolk Southern locations – Norfolk and Roanoke, Va., and Atlanta. Among the largest recipients were United Way of Roanoke Valley, Marshall -Wythe School of Law Foundation (College of William and Mary), Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Nature Conservancy of Virginia, and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, as well as ACCESS Scholarship Foundation, Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads, Virginia Opera, Virginia Arts Festival, and Virginia Zoological Society, all located in Norfolk.
The $2.2 million in first-half giving represents 44 percent of the Foundation’s 2008 budget of $5 million.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing superior connections to western rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is North America’s largest rail carrier of metals and automotive products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Leanne Marilley, 757-629-2861 (leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
August 21, 2008
Norfolk Southern Foundation Awards $2.2 Million in First Half of 2008
NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern Foundation – the charitable giving affiliate of Norfolk Southern Corporation – awarded grants worth nearly $2.2 million to nonprofit charitable organizations during the first half of 2008.
The grants included $721,615 in employee and retiree matching gifts in support of 334 organizations. Grants other than matching gifts went to 104 organizations throughout Norfolk Southern’s operating territory.
Excluding matching gifts, the Foundation contributed to various United Way campaigns and other health and human services nonprofits ($516,000), educational institutions ($301,800), cultural and arts groups ($525,750), and civic and community groups, including environmental organizations ($128,815). Of the $2.2 million, $756,100 (excluding matching gifts) went to charitable organizations in three primary Norfolk Southern locations – Norfolk and Roanoke, Va., and Atlanta. Among the largest recipients were United Way of Roanoke Valley, Marshall -Wythe School of Law Foundation (College of William and Mary), Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Nature Conservancy of Virginia, and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, as well as ACCESS Scholarship Foundation, Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads, Virginia Opera, Virginia Arts Festival, and Virginia Zoological Society, all located in Norfolk.
The $2.2 million in first-half giving represents 44 percent of the Foundation’s 2008 budget of $5 million.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing superior connections to western rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is North America’s largest rail carrier of metals and automotive products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Leanne Marilley, 757-629-2861 (leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A Lehigh Line railroad geography quiz...
See how well do you know your railroading locations? This company was once a major employer that employed thousands in its prime. Its buildings long since leveled. In this aerial view, the tracks of three long gone railroads can be seen. They are the Jersey Central, Reading and Lehigh Valley. Today, NJ Transit rides over the CNJ tracks by way of the Raritan Valley Line. NS and CSX move the freight over once was the Lehigh Valley's tracks. So what are we looking at here in this aerial view? The clock is ticking.....
(click on the picture to see it larger)
(click on the picture to see it larger)
M.T.H., MKT Settle Misappropriation of Trade Secrets Lawsuit
Following article was posted on the O Guage Railroading Forum (OGR Forum) on 8-13-08.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
M.T.H., MKT Settle Misappropriation of Trade Secrets Lawsuit
Columbia, Maryland, August 12, 2008 --- The federal court case between M.T.H. Electric Trains and MKT (formerly Korea Brass) has been resolved via settlement between the two firms. Terms of the settlement include payment by MKT to M.T.H. in the form of Cash, HO tooling from the Broadway Limited product line and Lionel HO product line, a sub-license from Precision Craft Models for the DCC patent held by Real Rail Effects and dismissal of the MKT/Korea Brass financed QSI Patent Infringement case against M.T.H.
A federal trial in U.S. District Court (Southern District Michigan) was concluded on June 7, 2004 with a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, M.T.H. Korea Brass and its co-defendant, Yoo Chan Yang were found liable on M.T.H.’s claims of misappropriation of M.T.H.’s trade secrets. The jury also found that the defendants’ actions were willful and malicious. The jury awarded M.T.H. damages in the amount of $27,940,925.00.
Two weeks after the 2004 jury decision in Michigan, Korea Brass transferred all of its assets and purchase orders to a new Korean entity named MKT. In May of 2006, M.T.H. filed a lawsuit in the same Michigan U.S. District Court that heard the original suit to contest the fraudulent transfer of assets undertaken by Korea Brass to avoid that court’s judgment. In April 2008, a final judgment against MKT was issued finding that MKT and Korea Brass were one and the same and that MKT was liable for the original judgment against Korea Brass. An injunction was subsequently issued requiring that all payments due to MKT from its U.S. customers were to be paid to M.T.H. until the original judgment was satisfied.
The MKT settlement negotiations were complicated and delayed due to MKT’s current financial status, their previous ownership status of U.S. model railroad importer Broadway Limited, their relationship with Precision Craft Models and that firm’s relationship with DCC patent holder Real Rails Effects, and their joint venture agreement with QSI to fund a merit less patent infringement lawsuit against M.T.H. Electric Trains in an effort to pressure M.T.H. to settle the original Michigan trade secrets lawsuit. Precision Craft Models assisted Real Rail Effects patent infringement lawsuits in Florida against QSI, Atlas O LLC, and American Hobby Distributors. These suits alleged violations of Real Rail Effects’ patent for combining DCC with a Sound Decoder and M.T.H. felt it needed a license with Real Rail Effects to prevent a presumable forthcoming lawsuit between Real Rail Effects and M.T.H.
M.T.H. Electric Trains president Mike Wolf said; “It was so frustrating to negotiate the settlement due to all the moving parts.” Toward the end of negotiations, MKT insisted that the QSI suit dismissal not be included but Wolf wanted it resolved along with the Real Rail Effects patent infringement suit between QSI, Atlas O LLC, and American Hobby Distributors. According to Wolf, “I wanted to wrap up all of this litigation in one big settlement even though some elements of the resolution would have benefited my competitors, so I insisted that the QSI suit be resolved as well as the Real Rail Effects suits against the other named parties. This was one of the reasons this thing took so long, but in the end it was worth the wait.”
In the end M.T.H. secured cash payments of $950,000.00 and has taken ownership of the tooling for the following Broadway Limited HO models: Union Pacific die-cast Big Boy steam engine, Pennsylvania die-cast GG-1 electric, Alco PA diesel, Alco FA diesel, EMD F3 diesel and EMD F7 diesel. Also included were the two sets of Lionel HO tooling for their Union Pacific die-cast Challenger and their Union Pacific die-cast Veranda Turbine. MKT also agreed to provide to M.T.H., on behalf of Real Rail Effects and Precision Craft Models, a non-royalty, perpetual license for the right to produce and market model train products equipped with a DCC soundboard receiver. MKT also agreed to obtain a dismissal of the QSI lawsuit against M.T.H. for alleged patent infringements, as was MKT’s right to do so per its joint venture agreement with QSI.
M.T.H. Electric Trains, with the trade secrets case now completely behind it, will continue to forge ahead with its expansion plans in the HO, One-Gauge and O Gauge markets. The HO tooling acquired in the MKT settlement will require significant reworking in order to bring the models up to M.T.H.’s HO standards and house M.T.H.’s Proto-Sound 3.0 sound and train control modules. Once the upgrades have been completed, the models will be incorporated into M.T.H.’s ever-growing product lines that continue to reflect the company’s commitment to producing the best model railroading products available today.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
M.T.H., MKT Settle Misappropriation of Trade Secrets Lawsuit
Columbia, Maryland, August 12, 2008 --- The federal court case between M.T.H. Electric Trains and MKT (formerly Korea Brass) has been resolved via settlement between the two firms. Terms of the settlement include payment by MKT to M.T.H. in the form of Cash, HO tooling from the Broadway Limited product line and Lionel HO product line, a sub-license from Precision Craft Models for the DCC patent held by Real Rail Effects and dismissal of the MKT/Korea Brass financed QSI Patent Infringement case against M.T.H.
A federal trial in U.S. District Court (Southern District Michigan) was concluded on June 7, 2004 with a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, M.T.H. Korea Brass and its co-defendant, Yoo Chan Yang were found liable on M.T.H.’s claims of misappropriation of M.T.H.’s trade secrets. The jury also found that the defendants’ actions were willful and malicious. The jury awarded M.T.H. damages in the amount of $27,940,925.00.
Two weeks after the 2004 jury decision in Michigan, Korea Brass transferred all of its assets and purchase orders to a new Korean entity named MKT. In May of 2006, M.T.H. filed a lawsuit in the same Michigan U.S. District Court that heard the original suit to contest the fraudulent transfer of assets undertaken by Korea Brass to avoid that court’s judgment. In April 2008, a final judgment against MKT was issued finding that MKT and Korea Brass were one and the same and that MKT was liable for the original judgment against Korea Brass. An injunction was subsequently issued requiring that all payments due to MKT from its U.S. customers were to be paid to M.T.H. until the original judgment was satisfied.
The MKT settlement negotiations were complicated and delayed due to MKT’s current financial status, their previous ownership status of U.S. model railroad importer Broadway Limited, their relationship with Precision Craft Models and that firm’s relationship with DCC patent holder Real Rails Effects, and their joint venture agreement with QSI to fund a merit less patent infringement lawsuit against M.T.H. Electric Trains in an effort to pressure M.T.H. to settle the original Michigan trade secrets lawsuit. Precision Craft Models assisted Real Rail Effects patent infringement lawsuits in Florida against QSI, Atlas O LLC, and American Hobby Distributors. These suits alleged violations of Real Rail Effects’ patent for combining DCC with a Sound Decoder and M.T.H. felt it needed a license with Real Rail Effects to prevent a presumable forthcoming lawsuit between Real Rail Effects and M.T.H.
M.T.H. Electric Trains president Mike Wolf said; “It was so frustrating to negotiate the settlement due to all the moving parts.” Toward the end of negotiations, MKT insisted that the QSI suit dismissal not be included but Wolf wanted it resolved along with the Real Rail Effects patent infringement suit between QSI, Atlas O LLC, and American Hobby Distributors. According to Wolf, “I wanted to wrap up all of this litigation in one big settlement even though some elements of the resolution would have benefited my competitors, so I insisted that the QSI suit be resolved as well as the Real Rail Effects suits against the other named parties. This was one of the reasons this thing took so long, but in the end it was worth the wait.”
In the end M.T.H. secured cash payments of $950,000.00 and has taken ownership of the tooling for the following Broadway Limited HO models: Union Pacific die-cast Big Boy steam engine, Pennsylvania die-cast GG-1 electric, Alco PA diesel, Alco FA diesel, EMD F3 diesel and EMD F7 diesel. Also included were the two sets of Lionel HO tooling for their Union Pacific die-cast Challenger and their Union Pacific die-cast Veranda Turbine. MKT also agreed to provide to M.T.H., on behalf of Real Rail Effects and Precision Craft Models, a non-royalty, perpetual license for the right to produce and market model train products equipped with a DCC soundboard receiver. MKT also agreed to obtain a dismissal of the QSI lawsuit against M.T.H. for alleged patent infringements, as was MKT’s right to do so per its joint venture agreement with QSI.
M.T.H. Electric Trains, with the trade secrets case now completely behind it, will continue to forge ahead with its expansion plans in the HO, One-Gauge and O Gauge markets. The HO tooling acquired in the MKT settlement will require significant reworking in order to bring the models up to M.T.H.’s HO standards and house M.T.H.’s Proto-Sound 3.0 sound and train control modules. Once the upgrades have been completed, the models will be incorporated into M.T.H.’s ever-growing product lines that continue to reflect the company’s commitment to producing the best model railroading products available today.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Railroad Track Safety in Manville, NJ
Following article appeared in the Courier-News on 8-18-08.
Manville business owners join in plan to make railroad tracks safer
By PAMELA SROKA-HOLZMANN
STAFF WRITER
Borough business owners are joining an effort with borough police, educators and authorities from the Norfolk-Southern and CSX railroad lines to keep trespassers off the railroad tracks.
During the Monday, Aug. 4 Manville Business Professional Association meeting, Oscar Gonzalez, co-owner of Discount Mattress and Furniture and member of the board of directors of the association, said at least 24 business owners at the meeting were on board to help prevent tragedies from occurring on the railroad tracks.
"Manville safety on the railroad tracks is the biggest thing in town right now," Gonzalez said. "The problem has been ongoing for a lot of years."
Gonzalez said association members are waiting to receive informational pamphlets to be mailed from Norfolk Southern to begin spreading information to customers on the dangers of crossing over the railroad tracks.
"With a roster of 60 members, the MBPA can be a conduit of information, distribution, easily reaching and accessible to everyone in the borough of Manville," Gonzalez said. "The MBPA is committed in helping and joining the great efforts of the Manville Police Department, the Manville school system and the families of the borough. Together, becoming an effective vehicle for safety."
Rudy Husband, a spokesman for Norfolk-Southern said Tuesday, Aug. 12, "We're grateful for any support we can get. We appreciate any support to keep people off the tracks."
Recent deaths
The move comes in the wake of recent fatalities on the railroad tracks in a town crossed by two busy freight railroad lines. National statistics show this borough is one of the leading municipalities in the nation in per-capita deaths on rail lines and police have estimated that about 20 people have died in train accidents or near the tracks in the borough's 80-year history.
Manville High School senior Kevin Seit, 19, was struck by a train on May 8 while walking along the Conrail tracks near Huff Avenue. In March, a man's body was found along the south bank of the river, east of the CSX railroad bridge and near Huff Avenue. The body was wedged between a fallen tree and some brush along the bank. In October 2007, 19-year-old borough resident Cassie Brown who was struck and killed by a Norfolk Southern freight train.
More recently, in Hillsborough, 18-year-old Hillsborough High School student Jason Walton was fatally struck by a freight train on the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks near Beekman Lane on July 22.
Gonzalez said many people in town knew the victims, noting, "It's a small town and everyone knows one another."
Anthony D'Aniello, owner of Manville Pizza, said Brown was a regular at his establishment and he had seen her less than an hour before she died. He said, "You see these people (victims) everyday and it's such a dangerous situation. You get to know these people as customers."
Dr. Maria Auletta, whose practice is on South Main Street, said, "We are wondering what we can do to work on the issue. It's effected so many people."
Spreading awareness
On Tuesday, Councilman Steve Szabo pointed out holes cut in a fence running parallel to the railroad tracks behind South Main Street businesses.
He said trespassers — including small children with bicycles — cross over the tracks and travel through the holes to get to the other side. If the borough and Norfolk Southern officials discussed putting up additional fencing, Szabo thinks trespassers would continue to cut through the fencing, he said. Also, the fencing would have to be constructed on either side until it meets the borough's border with Hillsborough and would have to be open to railroad crossings, he noted.
During the Borough Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 11, Councilman Ken Otrimski, a retired Franklin Township (Somerset) police officer, said, "Parents have to police their children on crossing the road safely and nowhere in between. Because the police now are going to be out in force."
Mayor Lillian Zuza also encouraged parents to educate their children on the dangers of crossing over the tracks. She said her own children were taught at a young age never to go near a railroad track.
"My kids were never on the tracks," the mayor said.
Nick Gonzalez, 15, Oscar's son and a Hillsborough High School student, said he has seen his peers cross the railroad tracks mainly as short cuts to get to and from local businesses.
Peers think "it's a lot quicker," he said. "It saves three minutes."
Manville Police Chief Mark A. Peltack had said police frequently are patrolling the area of the railroad tracks and that rail police are expected to be on watch for trespassers on both the Norfolk-Southern and CSX rail lines.
In addition, the Borough Council plans to launch an education program in September to raise awareness about railroad safety.
Manville business owners join in plan to make railroad tracks safer
By PAMELA SROKA-HOLZMANN
STAFF WRITER
Borough business owners are joining an effort with borough police, educators and authorities from the Norfolk-Southern and CSX railroad lines to keep trespassers off the railroad tracks.
During the Monday, Aug. 4 Manville Business Professional Association meeting, Oscar Gonzalez, co-owner of Discount Mattress and Furniture and member of the board of directors of the association, said at least 24 business owners at the meeting were on board to help prevent tragedies from occurring on the railroad tracks.
"Manville safety on the railroad tracks is the biggest thing in town right now," Gonzalez said. "The problem has been ongoing for a lot of years."
Gonzalez said association members are waiting to receive informational pamphlets to be mailed from Norfolk Southern to begin spreading information to customers on the dangers of crossing over the railroad tracks.
"With a roster of 60 members, the MBPA can be a conduit of information, distribution, easily reaching and accessible to everyone in the borough of Manville," Gonzalez said. "The MBPA is committed in helping and joining the great efforts of the Manville Police Department, the Manville school system and the families of the borough. Together, becoming an effective vehicle for safety."
Rudy Husband, a spokesman for Norfolk-Southern said Tuesday, Aug. 12, "We're grateful for any support we can get. We appreciate any support to keep people off the tracks."
Recent deaths
The move comes in the wake of recent fatalities on the railroad tracks in a town crossed by two busy freight railroad lines. National statistics show this borough is one of the leading municipalities in the nation in per-capita deaths on rail lines and police have estimated that about 20 people have died in train accidents or near the tracks in the borough's 80-year history.
Manville High School senior Kevin Seit, 19, was struck by a train on May 8 while walking along the Conrail tracks near Huff Avenue. In March, a man's body was found along the south bank of the river, east of the CSX railroad bridge and near Huff Avenue. The body was wedged between a fallen tree and some brush along the bank. In October 2007, 19-year-old borough resident Cassie Brown who was struck and killed by a Norfolk Southern freight train.
More recently, in Hillsborough, 18-year-old Hillsborough High School student Jason Walton was fatally struck by a freight train on the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks near Beekman Lane on July 22.
Gonzalez said many people in town knew the victims, noting, "It's a small town and everyone knows one another."
Anthony D'Aniello, owner of Manville Pizza, said Brown was a regular at his establishment and he had seen her less than an hour before she died. He said, "You see these people (victims) everyday and it's such a dangerous situation. You get to know these people as customers."
Dr. Maria Auletta, whose practice is on South Main Street, said, "We are wondering what we can do to work on the issue. It's effected so many people."
Spreading awareness
On Tuesday, Councilman Steve Szabo pointed out holes cut in a fence running parallel to the railroad tracks behind South Main Street businesses.
He said trespassers — including small children with bicycles — cross over the tracks and travel through the holes to get to the other side. If the borough and Norfolk Southern officials discussed putting up additional fencing, Szabo thinks trespassers would continue to cut through the fencing, he said. Also, the fencing would have to be constructed on either side until it meets the borough's border with Hillsborough and would have to be open to railroad crossings, he noted.
During the Borough Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 11, Councilman Ken Otrimski, a retired Franklin Township (Somerset) police officer, said, "Parents have to police their children on crossing the road safely and nowhere in between. Because the police now are going to be out in force."
Mayor Lillian Zuza also encouraged parents to educate their children on the dangers of crossing over the tracks. She said her own children were taught at a young age never to go near a railroad track.
"My kids were never on the tracks," the mayor said.
Nick Gonzalez, 15, Oscar's son and a Hillsborough High School student, said he has seen his peers cross the railroad tracks mainly as short cuts to get to and from local businesses.
Peers think "it's a lot quicker," he said. "It saves three minutes."
Manville Police Chief Mark A. Peltack had said police frequently are patrolling the area of the railroad tracks and that rail police are expected to be on watch for trespassers on both the Norfolk-Southern and CSX rail lines.
In addition, the Borough Council plans to launch an education program in September to raise awareness about railroad safety.
Black River & Western RR in the movies
Received the following via email about the BR&W Railroad (New Jersey).
While channel surfing last night, I came across the 1962 version of "The Miracle Worker", starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke. It had apparently just started, and Anne was on her way from Boston to the Keller's home to take up her assignment as a nanny for Helen Keller.
When she arrived, somewhere in the South I think it was, as she was getting off the train, I noticed that the coach was marked "Black River & Western RR".
Curious, I just did some searching, and found this on the Railway Preservation Society web site:
"Property owners along the Chester branch opposed the operation of a tourist railroad and got the town of Chester to help block the BR&W. The CNJ ultimately abandoned and tore up the Chester branch. Then the BR&W leased a 12-mile Pennsylvania Railroad branch line from Flemington, NJ to Lambertville, NJ. Whitehead and other businessmen, including Nicholas Burenga, incorporated the BR&W in 1961. Whitehead traded ownership of #565 for shares in the new corporation. The BR&W moved #565 and its other equipment out of Chester in 1962. Initially, a CNJ switcher pulled #565 to High Bridge, NJ. The locomotive sat at the Taylor Wharton Foundry in High Bridge for over a year. Then, in late 1963, the BR&W parked #565 near Flemington Lumber in Flemington, NJ. Finally, in 1965, the BR&W moved #565 to its operating headquarters in Ringoes, NJ. During the move from High Bridge to Flemington, an individual involved with the BR&W removed and kept the number board. The BR&W made and installed a new number board. The number board in the Steamtown collection is this replacement number board.
Prior to leaving Chester, the BR&W moved some of its equipment to Gladstone, NJ for use in filming "The Miracle Worker", a movie about Helen Keller starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke (both of whom won Academy awards for their roles). The producers wanted to use #565 in the movie, but, because the CNJ would not transport the locomotive out of Chester, only some BR&W coaches appear in the movie."
While channel surfing last night, I came across the 1962 version of "The Miracle Worker", starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke. It had apparently just started, and Anne was on her way from Boston to the Keller's home to take up her assignment as a nanny for Helen Keller.
When she arrived, somewhere in the South I think it was, as she was getting off the train, I noticed that the coach was marked "Black River & Western RR".
Curious, I just did some searching, and found this on the Railway Preservation Society web site:
"Property owners along the Chester branch opposed the operation of a tourist railroad and got the town of Chester to help block the BR&W. The CNJ ultimately abandoned and tore up the Chester branch. Then the BR&W leased a 12-mile Pennsylvania Railroad branch line from Flemington, NJ to Lambertville, NJ. Whitehead and other businessmen, including Nicholas Burenga, incorporated the BR&W in 1961. Whitehead traded ownership of #565 for shares in the new corporation. The BR&W moved #565 and its other equipment out of Chester in 1962. Initially, a CNJ switcher pulled #565 to High Bridge, NJ. The locomotive sat at the Taylor Wharton Foundry in High Bridge for over a year. Then, in late 1963, the BR&W parked #565 near Flemington Lumber in Flemington, NJ. Finally, in 1965, the BR&W moved #565 to its operating headquarters in Ringoes, NJ. During the move from High Bridge to Flemington, an individual involved with the BR&W removed and kept the number board. The BR&W made and installed a new number board. The number board in the Steamtown collection is this replacement number board.
Prior to leaving Chester, the BR&W moved some of its equipment to Gladstone, NJ for use in filming "The Miracle Worker", a movie about Helen Keller starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke (both of whom won Academy awards for their roles). The producers wanted to use #565 in the movie, but, because the CNJ would not transport the locomotive out of Chester, only some BR&W coaches appear in the movie."
At a crossing gate...
(train sightings on 8-9-08)
was where I would see my first train on this Saturday morning. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see what railroad was hauling these TOFCs nor was I able to get a symbol.
However, the trains that I did get to see are as follows:
NS 11J @ 7:40- thirty-seven empty autoracks were taken west behind NS 9647 and PRR 8363 (ex-CR 6133).
CSX symbol unknown @ 8:05- had CSX 4814 and CSX 4502 bringing a general merchandise train east off the Trenton Line.
NS 21M @ 8:10- would have NS 9132 and PRR 6764 (ex-CR 5503) bringing twenty-nine cars of TOFCs, estimated length 6,400 feet, west to CP 51. The dispatcher told him he would hold "...for two, possibly three eastbound trains..."
NS 214 @ 9:00- Shades of western railroading! 214 would have UP 5477 as its leader, followed by UP 5198 and BNSF 4972.
NS 212 @ 9:10- had NS 9610, NS 6652 and NS 6709 as its motive power for a combination autoracks and intermodal mix.
With my scanner batteries running low and grass to be cut, it was time for me to go.
was where I would see my first train on this Saturday morning. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see what railroad was hauling these TOFCs nor was I able to get a symbol.
However, the trains that I did get to see are as follows:
NS 11J @ 7:40- thirty-seven empty autoracks were taken west behind NS 9647 and PRR 8363 (ex-CR 6133).
CSX symbol unknown @ 8:05- had CSX 4814 and CSX 4502 bringing a general merchandise train east off the Trenton Line.
NS 21M @ 8:10- would have NS 9132 and PRR 6764 (ex-CR 5503) bringing twenty-nine cars of TOFCs, estimated length 6,400 feet, west to CP 51. The dispatcher told him he would hold "...for two, possibly three eastbound trains..."
NS 214 @ 9:00- Shades of western railroading! 214 would have UP 5477 as its leader, followed by UP 5198 and BNSF 4972.
NS 212 @ 9:10- had NS 9610, NS 6652 and NS 6709 as its motive power for a combination autoracks and intermodal mix.
With my scanner batteries running low and grass to be cut, it was time for me to go.
Weekly Rail Carloading Report - Week 30, 2008
There is an interesting report available on the web that is "A Weekly Report of North American Rail Freight Traffic by Major Railroad and Commodity." It is currently showing data for week 32 of 2008. Take a look.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.
http://railfax.transmatch.com/
Here is an example of the information available on this web site. This graph shows Total Traffic for 2007-2008 vs. 2006-2007. There are more graphs and tables on the web site showing data by railroad and by commodity.
Note: This web site has new tables and graphs every Thursday. So, if I am late or miss a week with this blog posting, you can check for new data on Thursdays.Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Somerset 4-H Trainmasters at 2008 Somerset County 4-H Fair
The Somerset 4-H Trainmasters Model Railroad Club is once again at the Somerset County 4-H Fair. The Fair runs from Wednesday, 8/13 through Friday 8/15, 2008, and it is located in North Branch Park on Milltown Road in Bridgewater. The club currently has 24 members ranging in age from 10 to 17. Their display is located in the pavilion at the rear of all the tents, between the cows and goats. Come see the great modeling work of the members and watch the trains run. If you are interested in joining, or you know someone who might be interested, please ask the folks at the display. You can also visit the club web site at:
http://home1.gte.net/vzeo5q9u/
http://home1.gte.net/vzeo5q9u/
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