Steam Returns This Weekend! Delaware River Railroad Excursions

Received the following via email.

Steam Returns!

This weekend Steam will return to the Delaware River Railroad Excursions. This is the 9th year we have been preserving steam railroading. Come see the sights and sounds of yesteryear and take a beautiful trip along the Delaware River.

For added enjoyment take a ride on the Warren County Winery Train or spend the afternoon panning for gem stones at the Ol' Susquehanna mine.

Trips run 11am, 12:30 pm, 2:00pm and 3:30 pm Saturday and Sunday

Tickets are $8.00 for children, $16.00 for adults and $5.00 additional for the mine train add on.

BUY TICKETS

Ride our train and support cancer research.

May 26 & 27

We will donate a percentage of each ticket sale sold this weekend to the American Cancer Society.

CSX to Welcome EDF Climate Corps Fellow

Received the following via email.

CSX to Welcome EDF Climate Corps Fellow to Help Improve Energy Efficiency

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - May 23, 2012 - For the third consecutive year, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) will welcome an MBA student from Environmental Defense Fund's (EDF) Climate Corps summer fellowship program to help the company identify ways to improve energy and cost efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"The EDF Climate Corps program brings CSX's brightest minds together with tomorrow's leaders to solve problems to the benefit of our employees, customers and communities," said Carl Gerhardstein, assistant vice president, environmental systems and sustainability.

"CSX's participation in this innovative program is an important part of our commitment to environmental stewardship and helps us achieve our emissions reduction goals."

In 2011, CSX and the EDF Climate Corps fellow analyzed air compressors at rail yard facilities and the CSX Data Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Together, the team identified potential cost savings of more than $1.2 million and greenhouse gas emissions savings of nearly 3,000 metric tons annually. The 2010 partnership identified annual savings of more than $160,000, 1.5 million kWh of electricity (enough to power 140 homes), and 940 metric tons of CO2, the equivalent of removing 150 SUVs from the road.

This year, CSX's EDF Climate Corps fellow will work with the company's environmental and operations teams to develop a program to educate employees about how to save energy. The fellow will also conduct an energy audit of the Waycross, Georgia facility, including evaluating the energy efficiency of air compressors powering the yard's operations.

"CSX's renewed participation in EDF Climate Corps supports our goal of making aggressive energy efficiency the norm in organizations across America," said Victoria Mills, managing director, EDF. "Working with companies like CSX for multiple years allows us to dive deeper into their energy management practices, and recommend solutions that deliver lasting energy savings."

"Participating in the EDF Climate Corps program supports CSX's overall sustainability strategy and environmental stewardship goals," Gerhardstein said. "Thanks to programs like EDF Climate Corps, CSX was able to meet its greenhouse gas emissions intensity reduction goal in 2011, a year earlier than projected. CSX is now working to set a new emissions reduction goal, supported by the EDF Climate Corps results."

For more information about CSX's environmental initiatives, visit the responsibility tab of http://www.csx.com/ and www.beyondourrails.org/environment.

Environmental Defense Fund is a leading national nonprofit organization representing more than 700,000 members. Since 1967, EDF has linked science, economics, law, and innovative private sector partnerships to create transformational solutions to the most urgent environmental problems.

About CSX
CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like
us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

More NS heritage locomotives - photos

Here are more photos of NS locomotives painted in various heritage paint schemes.  Also see our postings on Tuesday, April 24,2012 and Wednesday, April 4, 2012 for more photos.

8114 - NORFOLK SOUTHERN 

1065 - SAVANNAH & ATLANTA 

 1066 - NEW YORK CENTRAL

1067 - READING LINES 

NS Heritage locomotives to gather in North Carolina for July 4 'family portrait'

Received the following via email.

May 21, 2012

Norfolk Southern Heritage locomotives to gather in North Carolina for July 4 ‘family portrait’

NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern’s Heritage locomotives will gather for a “family portrait” at the North Carolina Transportation Museum (NCTM) in Spencer, N.C., during the Fourth of July week. All 20 locomotives painted in the color schemes of predecessor railroads will be on display July 3 and 4.

“This is the first and probably only chance we’ll have to get all these locomotives together in one place at one time,” said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. “We’re proud of the role railroads play in keeping the country’s economy strong, and July 4 is an opportune time to showcase that heritage of service and safety.”

“Having these engines gathered together is a phenomenon, not just an event,” said NCTM Executive Director Samuel Wegner. “And the N.C. Transportation Museum’s Bob Julian Roundhouse is obviously a great place to frame this ‘family portrait’. It’s a great partnership with Norfolk Southern to host this historic occasion.”

Tickets for the event are $25 for adults and $15 for children in advance, and $30 for adults and $20 for children the day of the event. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets will go on sale beginning May 21 at the NCTM’s web site or by calling 704-636-2889, ext. 237. Norfolk Southern employees and retirees will be eligible for a $5 discount, with a limit of four tickets per purchase. Some restrictions may apply. Retirees must purchase tickets by phone to get the discount.

The Fourth of July week was chosen because of the holiday and because demand for the locomotives in freight service temporarily will be reduced due to the traditional coal miners’ holiday.

In a related event, on Saturday, July 7, the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Va., will unveil the refurbished Norfolk & Western 1776 locomotive, which was painted in a star-spangled color scheme to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial in 1976 and has just been restored to its original luster.

Norfolk Southern is producing the Heritage fleet as part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebration. Norfolk Southern was created June 1, 1982, with the consolidation of Southern Railway Company and Norfolk and Western Railway Company, but both of those trace their lineage to hundreds of predecessors dating back to the early 1800s.

The museum is on the former site of Southern Railway’s Spencer Shops, a steam locomotive servicing facility. After the advent of diesel, Spencer continued to serve as a classification yard into the late 1970s, when Southern donated land and facilities to the State of North Carolina for the establishment of the museum.

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 Exhibit Car's 30th-anniversary tour

Received the following via email.

May 21, 2012

Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car’s 30th-anniversary tour celebrates corporate heritage and communities

NORFOLK, VA. – Educating and entertaining audiences of all ages with a nod to the company’s heritage on its 30th anniversary and with new displays showcasing the benefits of rail freight transportation, the Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car has launched a 10-state, 15-city public tour.

The Exhibit Car is a restored 1926 Pullman passenger car that was converted to a mobile museum in 1971. In its 41 years of service as a display car, it has traveled to hundreds of cities across Norfolk Southern’s railway system and has been viewed by more than 1.5 million people.

Among new features for the 2012 tour is a display featuring the company’s heritage locomotives. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Norfolk Southern this year, the company is rolling out 20 locomotives painted in the color schemes of some of its most prominent predecessor companies. The Exhibit Car displays models of the locomotives, along with historical information about each railroad and a flat-screen monitor showing images of the real locomotives.

Also new in the car: a game, community focus, and a photo booth. The game, Load the Line, challenges players to match freight products with the correct type of rail car in a race against time. The community area displays images and information about Norfolk Southern’s employee volunteer program and its sustainability and safety initiatives, all demonstrating the company’s commitment to the communities it serves. Visitors to the car can view Explore the Line to learn about how Norfolk Southern benefits local communities and creates jobs; and through Protect the Line, they can find out how to keep the rails safe. The photo booth takes four quick pictures of guests against a train backdrop and emails the photos. An electronic guestbook allows visitors to comment about their favorite display.

The 2012 improvements complete a two-year upgrade to the Exhibit Car to enhance the experience for guests. The work was done at Norfolk Southern’s Juniata Shops at Altoona, Pa., one of the largest railroad mechanical complexes in the world.

Everyone’s favorite display – the locomotive simulator – remains in the car, complete with throttle, brake, and horn putting guests in control of a virtual freight train.

The Exhibit Car’s first appearance this year was at Chicago May 12 for National Train Day. The car will tour through December on the following schedule, with all events open to the public unless noted otherwise:

· June 2, 3: Strasburg, Pa., Norfolk Southern Days at Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
· July 3, 4: Spencer, N.C., North Carolina Transportation Museum
· July 7: Roanoke, Va., Employee Appreciation Day at the Virginia Museum of Transportation
· July 21: Norfolk, Va., Girl Scouts Council of the Colonial Coast’s observance of 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts (by invitation only)
· July 23: Norfolk, Va., Lionel Collectors Club of America Convention (private ticketed event)
· Aug. 4: Milan, Mich., Discover Milan Day
· Aug. 10-12: Orville, Ohio, Depot Days
· Sept. 1, 2: Scranton, Pa., Lackawanna Railfest
· Sept. 8: Fort Valley, Ga., 7th Annual ComSouth Hambone Jam
· Sept. 19: Louisville, Ky., Grade Crossing Collision Investigation Course (private event)
· Sept. 29: Old Fort, N.C., 100th Anniversary Celebration of Andrews Geyser and Old Fort Railroad
· Oct. 13: Hendersonville, N.C., 5th Annual Bazaar
· Oct. 20: Oliver Springs, Tenn., October Sky Fall Festival
· Dec. 1: Hopkins, S.C., Annual Holiday Taste & Tour – Lower Richland Heritage Corridor
· Dec. 6: Landrum, S.C., Landrum Christmas Stroll/Parade

Norfolk Southern provides the Exhibit Car at no cost for community events throughout its service territory. To request the car for 2013, click here.

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 contact:
(Media) Rick Harris, 757-629-2718 (rwharris@nscorp.com)


Note:  There will be 2 events within easy driving distance of our shop. 
June 2, 3: Strasburg, Pa., Norfolk Southern Days at Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Sept. 1, 2: Scranton, Pa., Lackawanna Railfest

NRHS TriState Equipment 2012 Season Opener - Sunday, May 20th Caboose Excursion

Received the following via email.

The forecast is for nice weather, the cars are cleaned and ready to go.

Grab your tickets, the family and friends and come out for a train ride!!!

I counted nine cabooses in line for tomorrow! L&NE 580 is in position to bring up the markers. Raritan River 10 and DL&W 896 next in line…

Sunday, May 20th – Caboose Excursion Trains

Tomorrow (Sunday) our Tri-State cabooses will again be used in the excursion trains at the Whippany Railway Museum.

http://www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net/index.php/eventstickets/excursion-train

Find out more about our equipment from our web page: http://www.tristaterail.org/

DL&W 896: http://www.tristaterail.org/dlwcaboose896.html

L&NE 580: http://www.tristaterail.org/lnecaboose580.html

RRRR 10: http://www.tristaterail.org/rrcaboose10.html

Equipment Committee Chairman, Don Oberding and his `crew' have been making great progress with the restoration and maintenance of these cars. The most recent activities have been seasonal painting and the removal of the old kerosene burning stove from #10. This has really opened up the car. Don has acquired a period coal burning store to take its place. Come see the spiffed-up cars in person.

Tickets can be purchased on-line. Any unsold tickets may be purchased on-site. Bring your family and friends, help contribute to the museum and share the experience of the ride!

Here's the schedule for train rides at the museum:

Excursion Train Rides
Sunday, May 20
Sunday, June 17 (Father's Day)
Sunday, July 8
Sunday, July 15
Sunday, Sept. 9 (Grandparent's Day)
Sunday, Sept. 16
http://www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net/index.php/eventstickets/excursion-train

12th Annual Pumpkin Festival
Sunday, October 7
http://www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net/index.php/eventstickets/pumpkin-festival

CSX Recognizes Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce with Partnershipping Award

Received the following via email.

CSX Recognizes Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce with Partnershipping Award

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - May 18, 2012 - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) recently presented its Partnershipping Award to the Montgomery (Alabama) Area Chamber of Commerce. The award is in recognition of the Chamber's impact on local economic development by working with CSX to bring rail-related projects to the region.

The Montgomery Area Chamber leveraged its long-standing relationship with CSX to help attract the Hyundai Power Transformers (HYPO) plant to Montgomery, where it is served by CSX.

CSX's Partnershipping Award is presented to individuals who understand and implement the principles of regional development and who maintain professional standards of the highest integrity. The chamber's dedication, expertise and persistence were instrumental to the success of a regional development project.

"In addition to their work to bring HYPO to Montgomery, the Chamber's hospitality and supportive environment has made Montgomery an ideal location for the international business community and has attracted additional foreign and domestic-based companies to the region," said John Sanford, CSX regional development manager for Alabama. "Thanks to the Chamber, Montgomery is a 'home away from home' for these new residents and it deserves credit for bringing needed jobs and development to the area with customary Southern hospitality."

The new $108 million Hyundai power plant is expected to bring more than 500 jobs to the region, and generate more than 150 new carloads annually for CSX.

In addition to HYPO, the Montgomery Area Chamber's efforts were instrumental in locating the CSX-served Hyundai Automotive plant to Montgomery along with its extensive supplier base that has provided an economic boost to Alabama's overall economy.

About CSX
CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at http://www.csx.com/. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Media Contact:
Carla Groleau
1 (877) TELL-CSX

CSX Employee Wellness Programs Lauded in Northeast Florida

Received the following via email.

CSX Employee Wellness Programs Lauded in Northeast Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - May 17, 2012 - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) was named one of the gold-level "First Coast Healthiest Companies" by the Jacksonville Business Journal and the First Coast Worksite Wellness Council (FCWWC). CSX was honored at the Helping Everyone Achieve Lifelong Total Health (H.E.A.L.T.H.) summit held yesterday, which included a keynote address from Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown.

"Health and wellness are core tenets of our workforce philosophy and we're proud to be recognized for our commitment to employees," said Dr. Tom Neilson, chief medical officer. "Healthy employees are safe and productive employees, which is why we invest in some of the most cutting-edge health technologies and practices in our industry."

2012 marks the fourth consecutive year CSX was honored in the "gold" category of the Healthiest Companies award. CSX maintains 36 Health and Wellness Centers throughout its network to help employees take active responsibility for their health. The centers include licensed dietitians, health fitness specialists, wellness coaches, certified diabetic educators, registered nurses, and ergonomists.

In addition, CSX's headquarters in Jacksonville houses a full-scale workout facility complete with daily fitness classes and certified trainers.

Recently, the company embarked on a "Small Steps" program to promote healthy activity by rewarding employees who activated their CSX-issued pedometer and logged the most steps in a 90-day period. CSX also supports a Health & Wellness Inclusion group, one of more than 40 diversity and inclusion groups
available to employees.

The FCWWC is part of Healthy Jacksonville 2020, a citywide initiative to improve the health and wellness of the Duval County and the First Coast. FCWWC aims to share resources and promote education to improve health and wellness. To learn more about FCWWC, visit: http://www.firstcoastwwc.org/

To learn more about CSX's health and wellness initiatives, visit: http://www.beyondourrails.org/wellness.

About CSX

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at http://www.csx.com/. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Gary Sease
1 (877) TELL-CSX

Railfanning with Red Fox

(Train and wildlife sightings on 5-12-12.)

heading down to check on the progress of the Route 206 Belle Mead (NJ) bridge project on CSX's Trenton Line (MP 48) this Saturday morning, I was surprised to see that my photo location was already staked out by another "visitor". It was a red fox sitting by what was once the old Reading waiting building. Perhaps this fox was waiting for the next CSX freight to pass by or reminiscing about the Reading trains he saw as a pup? Anyway, I am speculating the "five-minute rule" was in effect for this fox because five minutes after he left, CSX Q300 passed by what once was his vantage point. The Q300's motive power consisted of CSX 295 and CSX 5265.

 

NS extends registered exchange offer

Received the following via email.

May 16, 2012

Norfolk Southern extends registered exchange offer

NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern Corporation announced that it has extended the expiration date of its offer to exchange up to $595,504,000 aggregate principal amount of its 4.837% Notes due 2041 (the “4.837% Exchange Notes”) registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for an equal amount of its privately placed 4.837% Notes due 2041 (the “4.837% Original Notes”), and up to $4,492,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.00% Senior Notes due 2111 (the “6.00% Exchange Notes”) registered under the Securities Act, for an equal amount of its privately placed 6.00% Senior Notes due 2111 (the “6.00% Original Notes” and, together with the 4.837% Original Notes, the “Original Notes”). The exchange offer, which was scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 16, 2012, will now expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 23, 2012, unless further extended, to allow holders of the outstanding Original Notes additional time to tender in the exchange offer.

Except for the extension of the expiration date, the terms of the exchange offer remain as set forth in the prospectus dated April 16, 2012.

Copies of the prospectus can be obtained from U.S. Bank Trust National Association, which is serving as exchange agent for the exchange offer. Contact information for U.S. Bank Trust National Association is as follows:

U.S. Bank Trust National Association
Attn: Corporate Trust Services
EP-MN-WS-2N
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Telephone: 1-800-934-6802
Facsimile transmission: 1-651-495-8158

This press release shall not constitute an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. The exchange offer is being made solely pursuant to the prospectus dated April 16, 2012, including any supplements thereto and only in such jurisdictions as is permitted under applicable law.

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)

NS CFO to address Transportation Conference

Received the following via email.

May 16, 2012

Norfolk Southern CFO to address Wolfe Trahan & Co. Global Transportation Conference

NORFOLK, VA. – James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, will address the Wolfe Trahan & Co. 5th Annual Global Transportation Conference on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, in New York City during a 9 a.m. EDT panel discussion.

Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcast at http://cc.talkpoint.com/wolf001/052212a_mc/?entity=2_3PCGJKJ. The presentation will be posted at http://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)

This Friday - Slide Show on Staten Island Railway (SIRT)

Received the following via email.

The Igglemeisters Present a

Historic View of the

Staten Island Railway (SIRT)

on Friday, May 18th, 2012

Starting at 8 PM

St. Margaret Mary's

Presentation Hall

1128 Olympia Blvd.

Staten Island, N.Y.

See a slide presentation by Marc Pitanza

In addition, see actual memorabilla

and models

(Be sure to bring & show yours as well)

Refreshments

FREE ADMISSION

for more information email

maurrob@hotmail.com

NS invites public to help protect the rail line

Received the following via email.

May 11, 2012

Norfolk Southern invites public to help protect the rail line;
Joins BNSF in expanding community rail security initiative

NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern is making it easier for communities, businesses, and informed observers such as rail fans to report issues relating to public safety and security to the railroad’s police force. The NS announcement is a significant expansion of the community-based rail security initiative started by BNSF Railway.

Everyone with a stake in rail operations is invited to join Norfolk Southern’s new “Protect the Line” reporting program, an online resource that directly connects you with NS Police. By becoming a Protect the Line member at the new www.protecttheline.com website, observers can report immediately to NS Police any suspicious activity relating to equipment maintenance, track obstructions, trespassing, vandalism, suspicious items and vehicles, and terrorism.

NS’ Protect the Line and BNSF’s Citizens for Rail Security are part of an industry-wide initiative that works to include everyone with an interest in railroads.

“Community awareness and participation are critical to keeping the railroad line safe and secure,” said David Julian, NS vice president safety and environmental. “Through Protect the Line and Citizens for Rail Security, the public can work directly with us to prevent and mitigate situations that jeopardize the railroad line and those whom we serve.”

Mark Sinquefield, NS director of police, said, “Protect the Line members will be doing their part to safeguard America’s critical commerce network by serving as responsible additional eyes and ears for railroads and our employees.”

“More than 10,000 citizens have joined the Citizens for Rail Security effort and are making the rail network a safer place by reporting potential trespassers, stolen equipment, and suspicious behavior near the tracks,” said Duwayne Pennington, BNSF’s assistance vice president of Resource Protection.

Interested people can access the Protect the Line website a number of different ways: directly at http://www.protecttheline.com/, through the Norfolk Southern website at http://www.nscorp.com/, and through BNSF’s Citizens for Rail Security website at http://www.citizensforrailsecurity.com/. Visitors are encouraged to register by clicking Protect the Line and providing contact information. The Protect the Line website explains more about the program, including a link to BNSF’s site.

Citizen reports can be made to the NS Police at 800-453-2530 and nspolice@nscorp.com and to BNSF Police at 800-832-5452 and http://www.citizensforrailsecurity.com/, either directly or through the website. Stay tuned. NS is developing an update to its smartphone app, NS Corp, that will include access to Protect the Line, with enhanced communications capabilities.

The NS and BNSF police forces are charged with safeguarding people and freight shipments over the systems. They work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to protect railroads and communities.

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.

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,000 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of grain, consumer goods, industrial goods and low-sulfur coal that help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. And we are working continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at http://www.bnsf.com/.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:
(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

BNSF contact:
(Media) Krista York-Woolley, 817-867-6139 (krista.yorkwoolley@bnsf.com)

CSX CFO to Address Transportation Conference

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Chief Financial Officer to Address Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (May 11, 2012) - Fredrik Eliasson, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) executive vice president and chief financial officer, will address the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Conference at 10:10 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 18, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at http://www.csx.com/. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812

Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279

Amtrak 40th plus NYC's 20th!

Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr.  Text and photos are his.  Kermit works for Sperry Rail Services. 

Another successful night (Thursday, May 10, 2012?)  in Sperrydice !! Was able to shoot the Amtrak 40th Anniversary loco along side the URHS's NYC Hickory Creek last night. These are all hand held shots taken with the Nikon D7000. After this test is done, it is on to NYC and a daylight test on Hells Gate Bridge!!

NS primed for more growth, CEO tells stockholders

Received the following via email. 

May 10, 2011

Norfolk Southern primed for more growth, CEO tells stockholders

NORFOLK, VA. – Saying "we can look back with a lot of satisfaction" on 2011's record performance by Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC), CEO Wick Moorman told stockholders at the company’s 30th annual meeting, held today in Williamsburg, Va., that he is "confident, optimistic, and enthusiastic about our future business prospects."

Moorman outlined a string of records achieved in 2011 – revenues, operating income, net income, and earnings per share – and noted that the company set first-quarter records in those same categories in 2012.

"We will continue to position the company for sustained growth through strategic investments and hiring," Moorman said. "Our transportation network is functioning well, we have a strong capital budget, and the right projects are under way to enhance our business franchises."

Moorman paid tribute to the company's employees for earning their 23rd consecutive Harriman Gold Medal, recognizing Norfolk Southern's employee safety record as the best in the industry. "Among all our accomplishments in 2011, our phenomenal employee safety record was unmatched not only in what it meant for our people and their families, along with the communities and customers we serve, but also for how it continued to influence safety improvement for our entire industry," Moorman said.

Moorman took a moment to reflect on the company's 30th anniversary. "We boast a proud and strong lineage of predecessor companies that helped pave the way for our contemporary success," he said. To recognize that heritage, the company is painting 20 locomotives in the color schemes of selected predecessor railroads.-

In official business, stockholders re-elected 10 directors whose terms will expire in 2013: Gerald L. Baliles, director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia; Erskine B. Bowles, senior advisor to BDT Capital Partners LLC and to Carousel Capital; Robert A. Bradway, president and chief operating officer of Amgen, Inc.; Wesley G. Bush, chief executive officer and president of Northrop Grumman Corporation; Daniel D. Carp, chairman of the board of Delta Air Lines, Inc.; Karen H. Horn, a partner with Brock Capital Group; Steven F. Leer, executive chairman of the board of Arch Coal; Michael D. Lockhart, retired chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer of Armstrong World Industries, Inc.; J. Paul Reason, retired admiral and former commander in chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet; and Moorman.

Stockholders ratified appointment of KPMG LLP as auditors and approved an advisory resolution on the compensation of executive officers.

Moorman’s remarks to stockholders and a new video are posted in the Investors section of the NS website.

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.

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Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

CivilianJobs.com names NS to Most Valuable Employers for Military(r) List

Received the following via email.

May 10, 2012

CivilianJobs.com names Norfolk Southern to Most Valuable Employers for Military® List

NORFOLK, VA. – Norfolk Southern has been recognized for its commitment to hiring veterans by CivilianJobs.com, an organization that helps job seekers with military experience identify the top employers for careers in the private sector. CivilianJobs.com recently named NS to its 2012 list of Most Valuable Employers for Military®.

"Norfolk Southern’s commitment to hiring veterans is stronger than ever,” said NS Vice President of Human Resources Cindy Earhart, who reports that the company has pledged to hire 300 service men and women this year as part of the White House’s Joining Forces initiative to help veterans and their families find employment. Over the past six years, NS has hired more than 1,300 veterans, and today, about 14 percent of the total NS workforce -- nearly 4,260 employees -- are veterans or members of the National Guard or Reserves.

“Norfolk Southern currently is seeking applicants to fill 1,900 positions in railroad operations and management by the end of 2012,” Earhart said. “We provide job stability, paid training, excellent pay and benefits, and opportunities for rewarding careers in an exciting industry.”

The number of companies recognized as Most Valuable Employers for Military increases each year, said Sandra Morris, CEO, Bradley-Morris Inc., parent company of CivilianJobs.com. “This trend, where more employers are focusing their resources on the hiring and retaining of military, is one to celebrate,” she said. “I congratulate each of these companies on their recognition.”

As part of Norfolk Southern’s recruiting efforts, the company recently launched NorfolkSouthern-veterans.jobs, which allows veterans to search for railroad employment opportunities using their military job titles. NS also attends job fairs on military bases and at the federal government's Transition Assistance Program classes. During job fairs, service members preparing to leave the military can register with NS indicating their separation date and desired work locations, and recruiters will contact them in advance of the date with current job opportunities. NS also provides training and programs to help transition veterans with management experience into supervisory roles.

The Most Valuable Employers for Military recognition is open to all U.S.-based companies. The 45 winners were selected based on surveys in which employers outlined their 2012 recruiting, training, and retention plans that best serve military service members and veterans. Award recipients are recognized on the CivilianJobs.com website as well as in the May issue of Civilian Job News, CivilianJobs.com's worldwide military-base newspaper.

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.

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Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Susan Terpay, 757-823-5204 (susan.terpay@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

Rail Trail Advocates Reveal Their Big Lie...

Received the following via email.  This is blog posting from a web site called MyProgressiveRailroading.com about Rail Trail restoration to Rails.  This web site is a "professional networking site filled with information on all aspects of the rail industry."  Here is the posting and a link a newspaper article about opposition to reopening a rail line in the Adirondacks.


Rail Trail people say that they want the railroad tracks torn up for a trail, or that the railroad corridor should be preserved as a trail in case the railroad needs it back under railbanking; but here again this is where environmentalists go mental. They support green transport but still want their trail. This happened in DC when the B&O line to Bethesda was considered for a light rail line. The local "not in my back yards" fought it, which incidentally were the same people who fought the trail to begin with. Now there is some evidence that Wick Moorman saying that the Pittsburgh-Weirton-Columbus abandonment of the Panhandle Line was a mistake by Conrail. Well there is the Panhandle Trail and there is track at both ends. It's time to test the railbanking act and start making some withdrawals from the "bank." The Panhandle Line would make a great intermodal route and avoid having to go up to Cleveland and back down. I use rail trails, but some of these guys want to bury the patient when they're not dead yet or just in a long coma.

What do you think? Are these rail-trail advocates or rail-trail opposition?

Newspaper article:  Johnsburg Rail project features "green" arguments all around.

Steam returns!

Received the following via email.  This concerns NS’ “Employee Appreciation Excursions” using steam locomotives.  These trips could provide interesting opportunities for railfan photographers.  Harrisburg Division would be closest to us.

might be an interesting month of August depending upon where this trip goes!


TO: ALL NORFOLK SOUTHERN EMPLOYEES

Norfolk Southern employees soon will enjoy opportunities to ride behind steam-powered excursion trains. NS’ “Employee Appreciation Excursions” will be operated on weekends this summer and fall in recognition of the corporation’s 30th anniversary. Each of the railroad’s 11 divisions will host several excursions.

The tentative schedule is:

June 2-3, Georgia Division
June 9-10, Piedmont Division
June 30-July 1, Virginia Division
July 14-15, Central Division
July 21-22, Lake Division
July 28-29, Dearborn Division
Aug. 4-5, Pocahontas Division
Aug. 11-12, Pittsburgh Division
Aug. 18-19, Harrisburg Division
Sept. 8-9, Illinois Division
Sept. 15-16, Alabama Division

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the Fort Wayne Historical Society are providing the steam locomotives, equipment, and services to make these excursions memorable, fun, and of course, safe.

Southern Railway 630 will be used for the trips on the southern part of the system. No. 630 was built in 1904 by the American Locomotive Company at Richmond, Va., and is one of the three locomotives that will be used in NS’ 21st Century Steam program over the next four years.

Nickel Plate Road 765 will be used for the trips on the northern part of the system. No. 765 was built in 1944 by the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio, and is familiar to many railroaders, having been in
excursion service on and off since 1979.

CSX Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - May 9, 2012 - Earlier today, the board of directors of CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) approved a nearly 17 percent increase in the quarterly dividend on the company's common stock to $0.14 per share. The dividend is payable on June 15, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 31, 2012. In the last five years, CSX has increased its dividend 250 percent.

"CSX has a strong balance sheet and cash flows and remains committed to a balanced approach to capital deployment," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "This approach has helped CSX create value in good and bad economic times and remains a cornerstone of our management philosophy."

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at http://www.csx.com/. Like
us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
David Baggs, Investor Relations
904-359-4812

Lauren Rueger, Corporate Communications
877-835-5279