(Note: to view any of these photos full size, merely click on the picture. Then, use your browsers BACK button to return here.)
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Amtrak Heritage units - all 5 together
Received the following photos via email from John Kilbride. Pictures are of the five Amtrak locomotives in the five heritage paint schemes in order from Phase I on the left to the current scheme on the right. You can find other photos of Amtrak Heritage units elsewhere on this blog. These photographs were taken by Gary Pancavage.
NS CFO Squires to address Wells Fargo Securities Industrial and Construction Conference
Received the following via email.
May 4, 2011
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address Wells Fargo Securities Industrial and Construction Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Wells Fargo Securities 2011 Industrial and Construction Conference in New York City at 10:20 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 10.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://cc.talkpoint.com/well001/051011a_cy/?entity=42_F5EFKHV. After the webcast, the presentation will be posted at www.nscorp.com.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 ( fsbrown@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
May 4, 2011
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address Wells Fargo Securities Industrial and Construction Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Wells Fargo Securities 2011 Industrial and Construction Conference in New York City at 10:20 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 10.
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://cc.talkpoint.com/well001/051011a_cy/?entity=42_F5EFKHV. After the webcast, the presentation will be posted at www.nscorp.com.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 ( fsbrown@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
NMRA Update on tornado destruction in Chattanooga
Received the following via email originally sent Fri, 29 Apr 2011.
As you have undoubtedly heard, there has been a rash of devastating tornadoes all across the southern part of the country. Unfortunately, Chattanooga was not immune. A tornado ripped through the city on Wednesday (4-27-11), taking some of our Headquarters shingles with it. Much of the city is without electricity, and there are trees, fences, and power lines down all over. Many roads and highways are closed.
Fortunately all of our staff members are unharmed. However Chief Administrative Officer Jenny Hendricks had her house picked up, rooms ripped open, and the roof blown off.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of our staff, especially Jenny.
Please note that NMRA business will be interrupted for several days until things get back to a semblance of normality. If your call or problem can wait, please do so.
Thanks.
-Gerry Leone
NMRA Communications Director
As you have undoubtedly heard, there has been a rash of devastating tornadoes all across the southern part of the country. Unfortunately, Chattanooga was not immune. A tornado ripped through the city on Wednesday (4-27-11), taking some of our Headquarters shingles with it. Much of the city is without electricity, and there are trees, fences, and power lines down all over. Many roads and highways are closed.
Fortunately all of our staff members are unharmed. However Chief Administrative Officer Jenny Hendricks had her house picked up, rooms ripped open, and the roof blown off.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of our staff, especially Jenny.
Please note that NMRA business will be interrupted for several days until things get back to a semblance of normality. If your call or problem can wait, please do so.
Thanks.
-Gerry Leone
NMRA Communications Director
Deadline to submit application to attend Norfolk Southern's 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference is May 6
Received the following via email.
May 3, 2011
Deadline to submit application to attend Norfolk Southern's 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference is May 6
NORFOLK, VA. -- Norfolk Southern Corporation will hold its 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference on Wednesday, June 8, for active buy- and sell-side analysts as well as the company's largest shareholders at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, Pa. Those interested in attending the conference must submit a registration application by Friday, May 6. NS will contact qualified applicants to confirm their registration for the conference.
Norfolk Southern plans to present a comprehensive overview of the company's operating, financial, and strategic initiatives at the event, which will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude around 3 p.m. The morning session will include prepared presentations, while the afternoon session will feature a guided tour of Norfolk Southern's Juniata Locomotive Shop, the company's primary overhaul and heavy repair facility for its fleet of locomotives.
The convention center is located at 1 Convention Center Dr., in Altoona. It is a 35-minute drive from the Altoona-Blair County Airport at Martinsburg, Pa., a one-hour drive from the University Park Airport at State College, and a 2½-hour drive from Pittsburgh International Airport. The convention center is adjacent to the Courtyard by Marriott Altoona.
Norfolk Southern will host a dinner at the convention center the night before the conference and provide a continental breakfast and lunch during the conference itself. Applications should note any dietary restrictions or other special requirements.
NS' intent is to accommodate everyone who wants to attend the conference; however, attendance will be restricted if demand exceeds capacity. Simultaneous webcast details for interested investors will be provided at a later date.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Rudy Husband, 610-567-3377 ( rudy.husband@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
May 3, 2011
Deadline to submit application to attend Norfolk Southern's 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference is May 6
NORFOLK, VA. -- Norfolk Southern Corporation will hold its 2011 Investor and Financial Analyst Conference on Wednesday, June 8, for active buy- and sell-side analysts as well as the company's largest shareholders at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, Pa. Those interested in attending the conference must submit a registration application by Friday, May 6. NS will contact qualified applicants to confirm their registration for the conference.
Norfolk Southern plans to present a comprehensive overview of the company's operating, financial, and strategic initiatives at the event, which will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude around 3 p.m. The morning session will include prepared presentations, while the afternoon session will feature a guided tour of Norfolk Southern's Juniata Locomotive Shop, the company's primary overhaul and heavy repair facility for its fleet of locomotives.
The convention center is located at 1 Convention Center Dr., in Altoona. It is a 35-minute drive from the Altoona-Blair County Airport at Martinsburg, Pa., a one-hour drive from the University Park Airport at State College, and a 2½-hour drive from Pittsburgh International Airport. The convention center is adjacent to the Courtyard by Marriott Altoona.
Norfolk Southern will host a dinner at the convention center the night before the conference and provide a continental breakfast and lunch during the conference itself. Applications should note any dietary restrictions or other special requirements.
NS' intent is to accommodate everyone who wants to attend the conference; however, attendance will be restricted if demand exceeds capacity. Simultaneous webcast details for interested investors will be provided at a later date.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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) Rudy Husband, 610-567-3377 ( rudy.husband@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Status report on the Route 206 bridge construction...
(Train sightings on 4-30-11.)
Another phase in the construction of a new Route 206 (MP 50) overpass in Belle Mead (NJ) spanning CSX's Trenton Line was completed. This phase was hoisting and placing steel girders that will be the foundation for Route 206. It was an operation that started on Friday morning and completed on Saturday morning. The first image shows the former Reading Belle Mead station and the old Route 206 bridge. Built in 1918 this bridge is estimated to carry 19,400 vehicles daily. The second image shows CSX's Q300 passing beneath the new span. Motive power on this day was CSX 8553 and CSX 8745.
Another phase in the construction of a new Route 206 (MP 50) overpass in Belle Mead (NJ) spanning CSX's Trenton Line was completed. This phase was hoisting and placing steel girders that will be the foundation for Route 206. It was an operation that started on Friday morning and completed on Saturday morning. The first image shows the former Reading Belle Mead station and the old Route 206 bridge. Built in 1918 this bridge is estimated to carry 19,400 vehicles daily. The second image shows CSX's Q300 passing beneath the new span. Motive power on this day was CSX 8553 and CSX 8745.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Bowser 50th Anniversary Celebration
Received the following 2 announcements from Bowser.
Please note that we carry Bowser products.
Bowser is proud to announce its 50th Year Anniversary!
On May 1, 1961 Bowser was purchased by Lewis and Shirlee English and moved from Redlands, CA. to their basement in Muncy, PA. Over the years the company grew and they acquired parts of the Penn Line brand as well as Cal Scale, Cary Locomotives Works, Selley Finishing Touches & Pennsylvania Scale Models. The company also acquired tooling for various Pittman motors & select Varney items. Finally, as recently as 2004 Stewart Hobbies was added.
In 1965 having out grown their basement location the business was moved to Montoursville, PA. where it continues to thrive today under the careful hands of its current president Lee English, son of Lewis and Shirlee English.
Bowser continues the great American tradition of multigenerational small business ownership and operation.
Bowser continues to make a varied array of products to include HO Rolling Stock in both Kits and Ready to Roll, HO Diesel Locomotives in both Basic ( Stewart Brand) and now in a Super Detailed version ( Bowser) known as the Executive Series. We also continue to produce detail castings for locomotives under both the Cal Scale & Cary Brands as well as details and scenic castings under the Selley brand.
Some of our more recent additions include the introduction of an all new PCC Trolley in several variations to include the famous San Francisco 'F' Line Trolleys and versions of the 'Post War' PCC Trolley.
We have many more new projects in the works for the future and are looking forward to the next fifty years of serving the model railroading hobby.
LONGEST MODEL TRAIN
On the afternoon of April 23rd, 2011 the Model Railroaders of the Wilmington Railroad Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina, set a new record for the longest model train.
After numerous tries they were successful in having their 925.55 foot long HO scale model train move the required distance, 15 scale kilometers, under its own power. Official witness statements, the official surveyors report, and photographic and video evidence must be submitted to Guinness World Records(tm) before they will certify this as an official world record.
The 32 modelers from the Museum started on this quest in June of 2010 when they submitted their request to Guinness World Records(tm). They were issued a claim number and given the "Guinness Guidelines" in July and the planning began.
This group put out a call to all local model railroaders for HO train cars to help make up the necessary length of the train. Seventeen modelers responded with cars to be added to the 400 custom boxcars that were built just for this event. In all over 1900 cars were available to make up the train. As most of the cars were scale 50 foot cars or longer only 1563 cars were required in addition to the 31 Bowser C-628 diesel engines to make up the 925 foot long train.
Starting two days prior to the event the modeler team assembled a double oval of track 1002 feet long in the exhibit hall of the new Wilmington Convention Center.
Once completed and wired the testing began. It took over seven hours to place the engines and cars on the track. Then another fourteen hours of testing for problems to get the train ready for the official 1 PM kick-off on April 23rd. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo rang an old Atlantic Coast Line engine bell to start the first official run. A number of runs followed as the train continued to have problems, primarily with the cars separating. Each time the official surveyors from McKim & Creed would re-measure the start point. Finally at approximately 3:50 PM the train exceeded the required distance and continued on for a total travel of 750.09 feet.
The preliminary measurements and numbers are as follows:
· Total length of the train = 925.55 feet (282.1 meters or 15.27 scale miles long)
· Total distance traveled under its own power = 750.09 feet (228.63 meters or 19.91 scale kilometers)
· Length of track oval = 1001.8 feet
· Number of engines = 31 Bowser Alco C-628 diesels
· Number of train cars = 1563 various
· People in attendance = 1059
Here are some links to news stories talking about this record:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110423/ARTICLES/110429855/1005/sports?Title=Wilmington-model-railroaders-set-Guinness-World-Record&tc=ar http://www.jonesanthony.com
/ (click on purple box)
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2011/04/23/first-3-wilmington-train-breaks-guinness-world-record
http://www.wect.com/story/14502855/wilmington-now-home-to-worlds-longest-model-train
Please note that we carry Bowser products.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bowser Manufacturing Company Inc.
50th Anniversary Celebration!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bowser is proud to announce its 50th Year Anniversary!
On May 1, 1961 Bowser was purchased by Lewis and Shirlee English and moved from Redlands, CA. to their basement in Muncy, PA. Over the years the company grew and they acquired parts of the Penn Line brand as well as Cal Scale, Cary Locomotives Works, Selley Finishing Touches & Pennsylvania Scale Models. The company also acquired tooling for various Pittman motors & select Varney items. Finally, as recently as 2004 Stewart Hobbies was added.
In 1965 having out grown their basement location the business was moved to Montoursville, PA. where it continues to thrive today under the careful hands of its current president Lee English, son of Lewis and Shirlee English.
Bowser continues the great American tradition of multigenerational small business ownership and operation.
Bowser continues to make a varied array of products to include HO Rolling Stock in both Kits and Ready to Roll, HO Diesel Locomotives in both Basic ( Stewart Brand) and now in a Super Detailed version ( Bowser) known as the Executive Series. We also continue to produce detail castings for locomotives under both the Cal Scale & Cary Brands as well as details and scenic castings under the Selley brand.
Some of our more recent additions include the introduction of an all new PCC Trolley in several variations to include the famous San Francisco 'F' Line Trolleys and versions of the 'Post War' PCC Trolley.
We have many more new projects in the works for the future and are looking forward to the next fifty years of serving the model railroading hobby.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bowser Locomotives Help Establish
New World Record for Model Railroading.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LONGEST MODEL TRAIN
On the afternoon of April 23rd, 2011 the Model Railroaders of the Wilmington Railroad Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina, set a new record for the longest model train.
After numerous tries they were successful in having their 925.55 foot long HO scale model train move the required distance, 15 scale kilometers, under its own power. Official witness statements, the official surveyors report, and photographic and video evidence must be submitted to Guinness World Records(tm) before they will certify this as an official world record.
The 32 modelers from the Museum started on this quest in June of 2010 when they submitted their request to Guinness World Records(tm). They were issued a claim number and given the "Guinness Guidelines" in July and the planning began.
This group put out a call to all local model railroaders for HO train cars to help make up the necessary length of the train. Seventeen modelers responded with cars to be added to the 400 custom boxcars that were built just for this event. In all over 1900 cars were available to make up the train. As most of the cars were scale 50 foot cars or longer only 1563 cars were required in addition to the 31 Bowser C-628 diesel engines to make up the 925 foot long train.
Starting two days prior to the event the modeler team assembled a double oval of track 1002 feet long in the exhibit hall of the new Wilmington Convention Center.
Once completed and wired the testing began. It took over seven hours to place the engines and cars on the track. Then another fourteen hours of testing for problems to get the train ready for the official 1 PM kick-off on April 23rd. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo rang an old Atlantic Coast Line engine bell to start the first official run. A number of runs followed as the train continued to have problems, primarily with the cars separating. Each time the official surveyors from McKim & Creed would re-measure the start point. Finally at approximately 3:50 PM the train exceeded the required distance and continued on for a total travel of 750.09 feet.
The preliminary measurements and numbers are as follows:
· Total length of the train = 925.55 feet (282.1 meters or 15.27 scale miles long)
· Total distance traveled under its own power = 750.09 feet (228.63 meters or 19.91 scale kilometers)
· Length of track oval = 1001.8 feet
· Number of engines = 31 Bowser Alco C-628 diesels
· Number of train cars = 1563 various
· People in attendance = 1059
Here are some links to news stories talking about this record:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110423/ARTICLES/110429855/1005/sports?Title=Wilmington-model-railroaders-set-Guinness-World-Record&tc=ar http://www.jonesanthony.com
/ (click on purple box)
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2011/04/23/first-3-wilmington-train-breaks-guinness-world-record
http://www.wect.com/story/14502855/wilmington-now-home-to-worlds-longest-model-train
Construction begins on $105 million Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility
Received the following via email.
April 29, 2011
Construction begins on $105 million Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility
ROSSVILLE, TENN. - Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam joined state and local dignitaries and business and community leaders today at the groundbreaking for the new Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility in Rossville, Tenn. The $105 million facility is part of the multi-state $2.5 billion Crescent Corridor initiative to establish an efficient, high-capacity intermodal freight rail route between the South and the Northeast on Norfolk Southern's rail network.
The new facility will be built on 380 acres in Fayette County and is expected to open in late 2012. Today's groundbreaking is the second of four new Crescent Corridor intermodal terminals to be constructed or improved over the next two years.
"The Memphis intermodal facility will be an anchor of Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor rail route connecting the Northeast and Southeast with high-speed, reliable, truck-competitive intermodal services," said Wick Moorman, Norfolk Southern's chief executive officer. "We thank Secretary LaHood and USDOT for their support of public-private partnerships to create jobs and economic development opportunities. We also commend Gov. Haslam, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for their leadership in support of meaningful rail initiatives in Tennessee that will help solve our national transportation infrastructure crisis. We greatly appreciate the continued support of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Mississippi DOT, and the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority for their awareness of the benefits that the project will have for the surrounding region."
"I'm excited about the jobs this project will bring to Fayette County and Tennessee," said Gov. Haslam at the groundbreaking ceremony today. "My administration continues to focus on making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs, and this project is indicative of why one of our target industry clusters for job growth is transportation, logistics, and distribution."
The Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility is expected to create or enhance 6,200 jobs in the Memphis region over the next 10 years, and its capacity will grow to handle 327,000 containers and trailers annually. The terminal will utilize the latest in gate and terminal automation technology, which shortens the waiting time for trucks entering the terminal, thereby reducing exhaust emissions and improving truck driver productivity. Additionally, state-of-the-art, low-emission cranes will operate within the terminal. NS also will construct the main administration building to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification standards.
The Crescent Corridor is a program of independent projects and improvements geared toward creating a high-capacity, 2,500 mile intermodal route from New Jersey to Louisiana that touches 26 percent of the nation's population and 30 percent of the nation's manufacturing output. It provides the shortest intermodal double-stack route between the South and the Northeast. When fully operational, it will handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting more than 73,000 green jobs by 2030 and producing these estimated annual public benefits:
· 1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
· $146 million in accident avoidance savings
· 1.9 million tons in CO2 reduction
· $575 million in congestion savings
· $92 million in highway maintenance savings
· 169 million gallons in fuel savings
The Crescent Corridor program of projects is estimated to cost $2.5 billion for full development. In addition to the Fayette County facility, Crescent Corridor projects currently planned for development include new independent intermodal facilities at Birmingham, Ala., Charlotte, N.C., and Greencastle, Pa.; the expansion of the Harrisburg, Pa., intermodal terminal; and the addition of freight rail capacity in Virginia and Mississippi. In addition to facility investments, the program includes significant investments in rail route improvements consisting of additional passing tracks, double track projects, improved signaling systems, and other track speed enhancements.
When the Crescent Corridor is fully operational, annual benefits to Tennessee are expected to include more than 637,000 long-haul trucks diverted to rail, more than 30 million gallons of fuel saved, carbon dioxide reduction of 336,000 tons, more than $103 million in traffic congestion savings, and an estimated $26 million in accident costs avoided.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Susan Terpay, 757-823-5204 ( susan.terpay@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
April 29, 2011
Construction begins on $105 million Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility
ROSSVILLE, TENN. - Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam joined state and local dignitaries and business and community leaders today at the groundbreaking for the new Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility in Rossville, Tenn. The $105 million facility is part of the multi-state $2.5 billion Crescent Corridor initiative to establish an efficient, high-capacity intermodal freight rail route between the South and the Northeast on Norfolk Southern's rail network.
The new facility will be built on 380 acres in Fayette County and is expected to open in late 2012. Today's groundbreaking is the second of four new Crescent Corridor intermodal terminals to be constructed or improved over the next two years.
"The Memphis intermodal facility will be an anchor of Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor rail route connecting the Northeast and Southeast with high-speed, reliable, truck-competitive intermodal services," said Wick Moorman, Norfolk Southern's chief executive officer. "We thank Secretary LaHood and USDOT for their support of public-private partnerships to create jobs and economic development opportunities. We also commend Gov. Haslam, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for their leadership in support of meaningful rail initiatives in Tennessee that will help solve our national transportation infrastructure crisis. We greatly appreciate the continued support of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Mississippi DOT, and the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority for their awareness of the benefits that the project will have for the surrounding region."
"I'm excited about the jobs this project will bring to Fayette County and Tennessee," said Gov. Haslam at the groundbreaking ceremony today. "My administration continues to focus on making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs, and this project is indicative of why one of our target industry clusters for job growth is transportation, logistics, and distribution."
The Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility is expected to create or enhance 6,200 jobs in the Memphis region over the next 10 years, and its capacity will grow to handle 327,000 containers and trailers annually. The terminal will utilize the latest in gate and terminal automation technology, which shortens the waiting time for trucks entering the terminal, thereby reducing exhaust emissions and improving truck driver productivity. Additionally, state-of-the-art, low-emission cranes will operate within the terminal. NS also will construct the main administration building to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification standards.
The Crescent Corridor is a program of independent projects and improvements geared toward creating a high-capacity, 2,500 mile intermodal route from New Jersey to Louisiana that touches 26 percent of the nation's population and 30 percent of the nation's manufacturing output. It provides the shortest intermodal double-stack route between the South and the Northeast. When fully operational, it will handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting more than 73,000 green jobs by 2030 and producing these estimated annual public benefits:
· 1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
· $146 million in accident avoidance savings
· 1.9 million tons in CO2 reduction
· $575 million in congestion savings
· $92 million in highway maintenance savings
· 169 million gallons in fuel savings
The Crescent Corridor program of projects is estimated to cost $2.5 billion for full development. In addition to the Fayette County facility, Crescent Corridor projects currently planned for development include new independent intermodal facilities at Birmingham, Ala., Charlotte, N.C., and Greencastle, Pa.; the expansion of the Harrisburg, Pa., intermodal terminal; and the addition of freight rail capacity in Virginia and Mississippi. In addition to facility investments, the program includes significant investments in rail route improvements consisting of additional passing tracks, double track projects, improved signaling systems, and other track speed enhancements.
When the Crescent Corridor is fully operational, annual benefits to Tennessee are expected to include more than 637,000 long-haul trucks diverted to rail, more than 30 million gallons of fuel saved, carbon dioxide reduction of 336,000 tons, more than $103 million in traffic congestion savings, and an estimated $26 million in accident costs avoided.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Susan Terpay, 757-823-5204 ( susan.terpay@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
Saturday, April 30, 2011
NS supports Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee storm recovery
Received the following via email.
April 28, 2011
Norfolk Southern supports Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee storm recovery
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern said it is supporting relief efforts in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, three of the states hardest hit by severe storms earlier this week.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at NS are with our employees, neighbors, and business partners who have been affected by these terrible storms," said CEO Wick Moorman. "Weather may be unpredictable, but what is certain is that in its wake all of us will pull together to recover and rebuild."
Norfolk Southern's contributions will include $100,000 to the American Red Cross in each of the three states, free rail transportation for movement of certain critical response supplies, and zero-interest loans for employees who suffered property damage.
Norfolk Southern has 3,600 employees in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee and operates over 2,400 miles of railroad there.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Rudy Husband, 610-567-3377 ( rudy.husband@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
April 28, 2011
Norfolk Southern supports Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee storm recovery
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern said it is supporting relief efforts in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, three of the states hardest hit by severe storms earlier this week.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at NS are with our employees, neighbors, and business partners who have been affected by these terrible storms," said CEO Wick Moorman. "Weather may be unpredictable, but what is certain is that in its wake all of us will pull together to recover and rebuild."
Norfolk Southern's contributions will include $100,000 to the American Red Cross in each of the three states, free rail transportation for movement of certain critical response supplies, and zero-interest loans for employees who suffered property damage.
Norfolk Southern has 3,600 employees in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee and operates over 2,400 miles of railroad there.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Rudy Husband, 610-567-3377 ( rudy.husband@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
NS receives its 11th TRANSCAER National Achievement Award
Received the following via email.
April 27, 2011
Norfolk Southern receives its 11th TRANSCAER National Achievement Award
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation has earned the TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) National Achievement Award for 2010. This is the eleventh time - and the ninth consecutive year - that Norfolk Southern has earned the award that recognizes extraordinary achievement in support of efforts to prepare communities to respond to a possible hazardous materials transportation incident.
In 2010, Norfolk Southern held multiple large-scale training events in Asheville, N.C.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Johnson City, Morristown, and Martin, Tenn.; Mobile, McIntosh, Selma, Jasper, and Muscle Shoals, Ala.; and Rural Retreat, Va. Along with other Norfolk Southern TRANSCAER events throughout the year, these training events reached out to 92 cities and counties in adjoining states and resulted in the training of 4,890 emergency responders.
Norfolk Southern chose the training locations based on key hazardous materials routes as well as requests from shippers of hazardous materials and local emergency responders. Training events included classroom instruction, hands-on training, and table-top and actual drills.
TRANSCAER is a voluntary national outreach effort that focuses on assisting communities to prepare for and to respond to a possible hazardous material transportation incident. TRANSCAER members consist of volunteer representatives from the chemical manufacturing, transportation, distributor, and emergency response industries, as well as government.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 ( robin.chapman@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
April 27, 2011
Norfolk Southern receives its 11th TRANSCAER National Achievement Award
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation has earned the TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) National Achievement Award for 2010. This is the eleventh time - and the ninth consecutive year - that Norfolk Southern has earned the award that recognizes extraordinary achievement in support of efforts to prepare communities to respond to a possible hazardous materials transportation incident.
In 2010, Norfolk Southern held multiple large-scale training events in Asheville, N.C.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Johnson City, Morristown, and Martin, Tenn.; Mobile, McIntosh, Selma, Jasper, and Muscle Shoals, Ala.; and Rural Retreat, Va. Along with other Norfolk Southern TRANSCAER events throughout the year, these training events reached out to 92 cities and counties in adjoining states and resulted in the training of 4,890 emergency responders.
Norfolk Southern chose the training locations based on key hazardous materials routes as well as requests from shippers of hazardous materials and local emergency responders. Training events included classroom instruction, hands-on training, and table-top and actual drills.
TRANSCAER is a voluntary national outreach effort that focuses on assisting communities to prepare for and to respond to a possible hazardous material transportation incident. TRANSCAER members consist of volunteer representatives from the chemical manufacturing, transportation, distributor, and emergency response industries, as well as government.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 ( robin.chapman@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
NS Roanoke Locomotive Shops log 1 million injury-free employee-hours
Received the following via email.
April 26, 2011
Norfolk Southern Roanoke Locomotive Shops log 1 million injury-free employee-hours
ROANOKE, VA. - Norfolk Southern's Roanoke Locomotive Shops achieved 1 million injury-free employee-hours in March. The facility near downtown Roanoke, which employs about 200 people in the heavy maintenance and overhaul of the railroad's locomotive fleet, reached the milestone March 12 after 3 ½ years without an injury.
Chuck Sloan, shop manager, attributed the achievement to "TEAMWORK - in all capital letters. It's a cooperative effort between labor and management that focuses on safety, operating performance, and customer service. We have strong, proactive safety committees to support these efforts. The dedication, commitment, and teamwork of everyone in the shop made this possible."
This is the first time the Roanoke Locomotive Shops achieved the million-employee-hour mark. The facility, where employees log more than 900 employee-hours a day in activities that include operating heavy machinery, had not had a reportable injury since Oct. 9, 2007.
For 21 years in a row, Norfolk Southern has won the E. H. Harriman gold medal award for employee safety for achieving the rail industry's lowest employee personal injury ratio. Norfolk Southern has won the award every year since 1989. (The awards for 2010 have not yet been announced.) The Harriman awards are presented annually for outstanding performance in railroad safety to the U.S. railroads whose employees have the lowest number of injuries for every 200,000 employee-hours worked.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 (robin.chapman@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
April 26, 2011
Norfolk Southern Roanoke Locomotive Shops log 1 million injury-free employee-hours
ROANOKE, VA. - Norfolk Southern's Roanoke Locomotive Shops achieved 1 million injury-free employee-hours in March. The facility near downtown Roanoke, which employs about 200 people in the heavy maintenance and overhaul of the railroad's locomotive fleet, reached the milestone March 12 after 3 ½ years without an injury.
Chuck Sloan, shop manager, attributed the achievement to "TEAMWORK - in all capital letters. It's a cooperative effort between labor and management that focuses on safety, operating performance, and customer service. We have strong, proactive safety committees to support these efforts. The dedication, commitment, and teamwork of everyone in the shop made this possible."
This is the first time the Roanoke Locomotive Shops achieved the million-employee-hour mark. The facility, where employees log more than 900 employee-hours a day in activities that include operating heavy machinery, had not had a reportable injury since Oct. 9, 2007.
For 21 years in a row, Norfolk Southern has won the E. H. Harriman gold medal award for employee safety for achieving the rail industry's lowest employee personal injury ratio. Norfolk Southern has won the award every year since 1989. (The awards for 2010 have not yet been announced.) The Harriman awards are presented annually for outstanding performance in railroad safety to the U.S. railroads whose employees have the lowest number of injuries for every 200,000 employee-hours worked.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713 (robin.chapman@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
NS reports first-quarter 2011 results
Received the following via email.
April 27, 2011
Norfolk Southern reports first-quarter 2011 results
For 2011 vs. 2010, Norfolk Southern achieved the following first-quarter records:
· Railway operating revenues increased 17 percent to $2.6 billion.
· Income from railway operations improved 8 percent to $600 million.
· Diluted earnings per share rose 32 percent to $0.90.
NORFOLK, VA. - For the first quarter of 2011, Norfolk Southern Corporation reported net income of $325 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, 26 percent higher than $257 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2010.
First-quarter 2011 results included a $58 million non-cash charge associated with an unfavorable insurance arbitration ruling that reduced net income by $36 million, or $0.10 per diluted share. For the same period of 2010, results were impacted by a $27 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, deferred tax charge resulting from the enactment of healthcare legislation.
"Norfolk Southern delivered an excellent financial performance during the quarter, reflecting the strong market for freight rail transportation and the value of our service product," said CEO Wick Moorman. "We see continuing opportunities for growth in almost every segment of our business, and we're optimistic about our prospects for the balance of 2011."
First-quarter railway operating revenues improved 17 percent to $2.6 billion, compared with the first quarter of 2010, as the result of 8 percent increases in revenue per unit and traffic volume.
General merchandise revenues were $1.3 billion, 10 percent higher compared with the same period last year. Coal revenues increased 30 percent to $816 million compared with first-quarter 2010 results. Intermodal revenues were $485 million, up 18 percent compared with the first quarter of last year.
Railway operating expenses for the quarter were $2.0 billion, up 20 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. The increase was largely due to higher fuel costs, which rose by $135 million or 53 percent, primarily as the result of increased prices as well as the effects of an unfavorable arbitration ruling and higher traffic volumes.
Income from railway operations for the quarter improved 8 percent to $600 million compared with the same period of 2010.
The railway operating ratio was 77.1 percent, compared with 75.2 percent in first- quarter 2010.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 ( fsbrown@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
April 27, 2011
Norfolk Southern reports first-quarter 2011 results
For 2011 vs. 2010, Norfolk Southern achieved the following first-quarter records:
· Railway operating revenues increased 17 percent to $2.6 billion.
· Income from railway operations improved 8 percent to $600 million.
· Diluted earnings per share rose 32 percent to $0.90.
NORFOLK, VA. - For the first quarter of 2011, Norfolk Southern Corporation reported net income of $325 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, 26 percent higher than $257 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2010.
First-quarter 2011 results included a $58 million non-cash charge associated with an unfavorable insurance arbitration ruling that reduced net income by $36 million, or $0.10 per diluted share. For the same period of 2010, results were impacted by a $27 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, deferred tax charge resulting from the enactment of healthcare legislation.
"Norfolk Southern delivered an excellent financial performance during the quarter, reflecting the strong market for freight rail transportation and the value of our service product," said CEO Wick Moorman. "We see continuing opportunities for growth in almost every segment of our business, and we're optimistic about our prospects for the balance of 2011."
First-quarter railway operating revenues improved 17 percent to $2.6 billion, compared with the first quarter of 2010, as the result of 8 percent increases in revenue per unit and traffic volume.
General merchandise revenues were $1.3 billion, 10 percent higher compared with the same period last year. Coal revenues increased 30 percent to $816 million compared with first-quarter 2010 results. Intermodal revenues were $485 million, up 18 percent compared with the first quarter of last year.
Railway operating expenses for the quarter were $2.0 billion, up 20 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. The increase was largely due to higher fuel costs, which rose by $135 million or 53 percent, primarily as the result of increased prices as well as the effects of an unfavorable arbitration ruling and higher traffic volumes.
Income from railway operations for the quarter improved 8 percent to $600 million compared with the same period of 2010.
The railway operating ratio was 77.1 percent, compared with 75.2 percent in first- quarter 2010.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
###
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 ( fsbrown@nscorp.com )
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 ( michael.hostutler@nscorp.com )
NS declares quarterly dividend
Received the following via email.
April 26, 2011
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced the regular quarterly dividend of 40 cents per share on its common stock, payable on June 10, to stockholders of record on May 6.
Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 115 consecutive quarters.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
April 26, 2011
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced the regular quarterly dividend of 40 cents per share on its common stock, payable on June 10, to stockholders of record on May 6.
Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 115 consecutive quarters.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway 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 and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Rock'in Out in 2011
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.
Working in the Blue Island IL area this week, I got to see many remnants of the old Baby Line...CRI & P!!!! (Chicago Rock Island & Pacific) And today (4-15-11), the Rock Island renaissance locomotive from the Iowa Interstate came into town! A fitting end to the week if I must say so myself.
Working in the Blue Island IL area this week, I got to see many remnants of the old Baby Line...CRI & P!!!! (Chicago Rock Island & Pacific) And today (4-15-11), the Rock Island renaissance locomotive from the Iowa Interstate came into town! A fitting end to the week if I must say so myself.
Iowa Interstate 513 at Blue Island, IL
METX 3001 (ex RI) at Blue Island, IL
RI 4238 (as METX) at Blue Island, IL
RI 4382 (as METX) at Blue Island, IL
Friday, April 22, 2011
High Speed Rail in the USA
Here are links to a couple of interesting CNN articles about High Speed Rail in the USA. Hopefully, this information will lead to a better informed discussion of the topic.
U.S. high-speed rail 'myths' debunked
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/13/high.speed.rail.fact.check/index.html?iref=allsearch
Riled about rail: Why all the anger over high speed trains?
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/04/21/harrod.high.speed.rail.trains/index.html?hpt=T2
U.S. high-speed rail 'myths' debunked
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/13/high.speed.rail.fact.check/index.html?iref=allsearch
Riled about rail: Why all the anger over high speed trains?
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/04/21/harrod.high.speed.rail.trains/index.html?hpt=T2
Thursday, April 21, 2011
BNSF collision near Red Oak, Iowa
We were alerted to this tragic accident via an email which included the photo below. Do not know what newspaper the photo is from. Article below is from the Associated Press.
Federal team to probe fatal Iowa train accident
Updated 01:58 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2011
RED OAK, Iowa (AP) — A federal team has been assigned to investigate a train accident in southwest Iowa that left two crew members dead, officials said Monday.
A news release from the National Transportation Safety Board said Michael Flannigan, the lead NTSB investigator, will head the seven-member team.
Authorities said an eastbound coal train rear-ended a train carrying maintenance equipment in McPherson, which is about five miles west of Red Oak, on Sunday morning, killing the conductor and engineer on the coal train. Their names have not been released.
A spokesman for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Gus Melonas, said Monday that workers had cleared one track and that rail traffic was moving through the crash site. The adjacent line remained closed as the accident investigation continued, Melonas said.
The train had been headed from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to Chicago pulling 130 cars of coal. The coal cars were to be transferred to another line in Chicago to be sent to an Eastern utility, he said.
The other train was hauling 34 cars of maintenance equipment belonging to the railroad. It was going from Bridgeport, Neb., to Creston, Iowa, Melonas said. The maintenance train also had two crew members. They were not injured.
According to preliminary reports, 10 cars on the maintenance train derailed as well as one of the three locomotives on the coal train.
Rail traffic was rerouted or otherwise affected until the repairs were completed.
That included Amtrak's California Zephyr train. The closure of both tracks had forced Amtrak to bus its passengers from Galesburg, Ill., to Omaha, Neb., around the accident site, which is about 40 miles southeast of Omaha.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said Amtrak expected to return to normal service through the area on Monday afternoon.
To see this photo full size, simply click on it. Then, use your browsers BACK button to return here.
Federal team to probe fatal Iowa train accident
Updated 01:58 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2011
RED OAK, Iowa (AP) — A federal team has been assigned to investigate a train accident in southwest Iowa that left two crew members dead, officials said Monday.
A news release from the National Transportation Safety Board said Michael Flannigan, the lead NTSB investigator, will head the seven-member team.
Authorities said an eastbound coal train rear-ended a train carrying maintenance equipment in McPherson, which is about five miles west of Red Oak, on Sunday morning, killing the conductor and engineer on the coal train. Their names have not been released.
A spokesman for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Gus Melonas, said Monday that workers had cleared one track and that rail traffic was moving through the crash site. The adjacent line remained closed as the accident investigation continued, Melonas said.
The train had been headed from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to Chicago pulling 130 cars of coal. The coal cars were to be transferred to another line in Chicago to be sent to an Eastern utility, he said.
The other train was hauling 34 cars of maintenance equipment belonging to the railroad. It was going from Bridgeport, Neb., to Creston, Iowa, Melonas said. The maintenance train also had two crew members. They were not injured.
According to preliminary reports, 10 cars on the maintenance train derailed as well as one of the three locomotives on the coal train.
Rail traffic was rerouted or otherwise affected until the repairs were completed.
That included Amtrak's California Zephyr train. The closure of both tracks had forced Amtrak to bus its passengers from Galesburg, Ill., to Omaha, Neb., around the accident site, which is about 40 miles southeast of Omaha.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said Amtrak expected to return to normal service through the area on Monday afternoon.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
SPRING TRAINing at Steamtown
Steamtown NHS is hosting a special event on Saturday, 4-30-11, called SPRING TRAINing. There will be a multi-media railroad slide show similar to East Rail. That will be followed in the evening by a special night photo session. For more information and to order tickets, please visit the following web site:
http://railfan.com/springtraining/
http://railfan.com/springtraining/
The most interesting common carrier frieght train in the USA.
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Heading, text, photos, and captions are his.
After seeing this train at various times and places along the Indian Harbor Belt Railroad, I was finally able to grab some decent shots of it. Leaves the Arcelor Mittal (old Inland Steel) facility in East Chicago, IN, then takes the IHB south to Gibson, heads west to Dolton IL, then leaves the IHB for NS rails up to the South Chicago, IL facility. The frequency is two round-trips every 24 hours, seven days a week. Number of bottle cars can vary from one to as many as six. (at least that was based on personal observations). This train is literally the HOTTEST train on the system. Speed limit is 10 MPH for loaded trains, 15 MPH for empty trains...and they do not stop for anything!
By far, this has to be the most interesting regularly scheduled, common carrier, freight train plying the nations rail system today.
After seeing this train at various times and places along the Indian Harbor Belt Railroad, I was finally able to grab some decent shots of it. Leaves the Arcelor Mittal (old Inland Steel) facility in East Chicago, IN, then takes the IHB south to Gibson, heads west to Dolton IL, then leaves the IHB for NS rails up to the South Chicago, IL facility. The frequency is two round-trips every 24 hours, seven days a week. Number of bottle cars can vary from one to as many as six. (at least that was based on personal observations). This train is literally the HOTTEST train on the system. Speed limit is 10 MPH for loaded trains, 15 MPH for empty trains...and they do not stop for anything!
By far, this has to be the most interesting regularly scheduled, common carrier, freight train plying the nations rail system today.
NS 7131's Steel Train at Gibson, IN
NS 7131 on the Steel Train at Gibson, IN
Arcelor Mittal 157 at Gibson, IN
Arcelor Mittal 204 at Gibson, IN
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Saturday's rail grinding on the LEHL...
(Train sightings on 4-9-11.)
Would see the LORAM rail grinding train holding at Flemington Jct. (MP 51) to wait for three eastbound NS trains to pass on the morning of April 9 . Once those three trains passed, it would then head down to the Royce Running track (MP 39.6) in Hillsborough (NJ) to once again take this siding and wait on NS 213’s passage. After 213 passed, it would come back out on to the main and head east to Port Reading Jct. The reason the rail grinding came back out on to the main and not head down the Royce Runner was NS 64J was occupying the east end of this siding. At Port Reading Jct. the train would then start its rail grinding operation west to Easton (PA). The train is seen here at Three Bridges (NJ) just west of the BR&W interchange (MP 48.4).
Would see the LORAM rail grinding train holding at Flemington Jct. (MP 51) to wait for three eastbound NS trains to pass on the morning of April 9 . Once those three trains passed, it would then head down to the Royce Running track (MP 39.6) in Hillsborough (NJ) to once again take this siding and wait on NS 213’s passage. After 213 passed, it would come back out on to the main and head east to Port Reading Jct. The reason the rail grinding came back out on to the main and not head down the Royce Runner was NS 64J was occupying the east end of this siding. At Port Reading Jct. the train would then start its rail grinding operation west to Easton (PA). The train is seen here at Three Bridges (NJ) just west of the BR&W interchange (MP 48.4).
Monday, April 18, 2011
NS QUARTERLY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
Received the following via email.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN QUARTERLY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
We cordially invite you to join us on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. EDT to review our first-quarter 2011 results. We will issue earnings results shortly after market close on April 27.
For those interested in participating, we will broadcast via teleconference that will be available by dialing 877-869-3847 several minutes prior to the start of the call. At the conclusion, you can listen to an audio replay, which will be available until May 4, 2011. The replay number is 877-660-6853, using PIN 2861 and access code 368649.
In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible, and presentation materials will be posted on the company's website at http://www.nscorp.com/ under the Investors section. Following the earnings call, an Internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company's website. In addition, the replay will be available for download to a portable audio player or computer as a MP3 - or podcast - file. Both the replay and MP3 file can be found at http://www.nscorp.com/ in the Investors section.
For electronic notification of future earnings events, we invite you to subscribe to NSInvest, Norfolk Southern's e-mail distribution list for news releases on earnings and issues pertaining to the financial performance of Norfolk Southern. To subscribe, please follow directions on our website under the Investors section.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Hostutler
Director Investor Relations
Norfolk Southern Corporation
NORFOLK SOUTHERN QUARTERLY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
We cordially invite you to join us on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. EDT to review our first-quarter 2011 results. We will issue earnings results shortly after market close on April 27.
For those interested in participating, we will broadcast via teleconference that will be available by dialing 877-869-3847 several minutes prior to the start of the call. At the conclusion, you can listen to an audio replay, which will be available until May 4, 2011. The replay number is 877-660-6853, using PIN 2861 and access code 368649.
In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible, and presentation materials will be posted on the company's website at http://www.nscorp.com/ under the Investors section. Following the earnings call, an Internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company's website. In addition, the replay will be available for download to a portable audio player or computer as a MP3 - or podcast - file. Both the replay and MP3 file can be found at http://www.nscorp.com/ in the Investors section.
For electronic notification of future earnings events, we invite you to subscribe to NSInvest, Norfolk Southern's e-mail distribution list for news releases on earnings and issues pertaining to the financial performance of Norfolk Southern. To subscribe, please follow directions on our website under the Investors section.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Hostutler
Director Investor Relations
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Famous numbers in the Windy City
Received the following from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.
Spent the weekend in the Windy City along the old Milwaukee RR in the Bensonville, IL area. Got the METRA 611 (F40C) . After hearing of the demise of the F40C fleet with those hideous contraptions as replacements, it was REAL nice to get the 611 on a METRA commuter train...Nice Number also...
The 4449 showed up later... Was looking for the 1218, 3985, 3751 but to no avail.
The UP just shows what happens out here if things sit around too long...one of the many reasons I hate cities.
Spent the weekend in the Windy City along the old Milwaukee RR in the Bensonville, IL area. Got the METRA 611 (F40C) . After hearing of the demise of the F40C fleet with those hideous contraptions as replacements, it was REAL nice to get the 611 on a METRA commuter train...Nice Number also...
The 4449 showed up later... Was looking for the 1218, 3985, 3751 but to no avail.
The UP just shows what happens out here if things sit around too long...one of the many reasons I hate cities.
METRA 611 at Bensonville, IL
Soo Line 4449 at Bensonville, IL
UP 2038 - 2027 at Franklin Park, IL
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)