GSD Spring Meet, May 14, 2016

Garden  State  Division - N.M.R.A.

NMRA Garden State Division Spring Meet a joint Meet with the New Jersey Division Saturday, May 14th.,  2016   at 9:00 am. The InfoAge Science History Museum www.http://infoage.org/j/ 2101 Marconi Road, Wall, NJ (The Old Camp Evans) Plenty of Parking This is also the new home of  the Garden State Central Model Railroad Club http://gardenstatecentral.com/ and this will be there First  "Unofficial"  Open  House "a work in progress" Easy access from Garden State Parkway, I-195, Rt.138 and Rt. 18  Morning will be Clinics, Model judging, White Elephant table,  and Bring & Brag. In the afternoon will have an  unprecedented 10 Layouts Open on the Layout Tour We encourage you to bring  a non-NMRA member to this event.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ More Details with layout photos are coming  soon in The Spring issue of  our    Whistle Post     newsletter. ====================================================== For additional information on Division activities see the following site: The Garden State Division -  www.nergsd.com  The NMRA Garden State Division,                                Your local contact for the NMRA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What will I bring for Bring and Brag this time??? Maybe!! I been working on 1/12 scale model of the NYSME "HO" Layout for our rebuilding project. What will you bring? AndyB   Andrew Brusgard, Director and the e-mail clerk Garden State Division - National Model Railroad Assoc

Garden State Division National Model Railroad Assoc. www.nergsd.com Contact@nergsd.com

[CRRNJ] Tri-State Meeting May 12, 2016

The TRI-STATE RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

- PRESENTS -

THE JERSEY CENTRAL from Jersey City to Bound Brook

by Tom Nemeth

Thursday, May 12, 7:00 PM at the Bickford Theater of the Morris Museum 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

Jersey’s namesake railroad will take attendees on a trip along one of the state’s most historic rail lines, built between 1831 and 1842.

You may know presenter Tom Nemeth best as the owner and editor-in-chief of Railpace Newsmagazine, the leading periodical source of railroad news in the northeast. Railpace got its start as the news

column of Tri-State’s own Block Line magazine in the 1970s, of which Nemeth was a celebrated editor. An avid railroad photographer and established author, Nemeth scoured the northeast throughout the 1960s and 1970s photographing the last vestiges of a pre-Conrail railroad world. He will present just a portion of these photos, covering the Central Railroad of New Jersey’s mainline between Jersey City and Bound Brook, New Jersey. Nemeth’s 1960s and 1970s views of New Jersey’s namesake railroad will take attendees on a trip along one of the state’s most historic rail lines, built between 1831 and 1842

As always, attendance is free, and all are welcome!

www.tristaterail.org - https://www.facebook.com/tristaterail.org/

Mom's Ride Free

Our First Weekend  For 2016 May 7th & 8th Take Mom on a special train ride this Mother's Day weekend. On the River Train, Mom rides free!* If you are looking for  something a little more adventurous try the Warren County Winery Train, Mom will love it! *One Mom per ticketed passenger, Winery Train not included.  Order Tickets THE WARREN COUNTY WINERY TRAIN Enjoy a beautiful journey along the scenic Delaware River behind New  Jersey's only operating steam locomotive. Visit to one of New Jersey's most beautiful Wineries. The train will take you to the end of our line where you will board a bus for the short trip to the winery which is located in Finesville, New Jersey. The Warren County Winery Train is operated by the Delaware River Railroad Excursions located in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. We are a Non-profit, 501 (c) 3 corporation and staffed almost entirely by volunteers. After a Steam Train ride along the Delaware and a short bus ride through rolling farmlands, you will arrive at Villa Milagro Vineyards There, you will learn how grapes are grown and made into wine with a nice tour of the grounds.  Then you will have aboutone hour to sample their delicious wines and have an opportunity to purchase them at the source. Once that is done, they will let you know when the bus has come back to pick you up and bring you back to the train, so no worries about being left behind! Once the bus drops you back off and you board the train again, it will begin to make its journey home... but not before passing the Ol' Susquehanna Mine! You are welcome to detrain at the Mine free of charge and spend as much time as you like relaxing in the picnic grove and then catch a later train home (trains come every hour and half)If you would like to enjoy your wine with a picnic, bring a lunch and relax at picnic tables in tree groves at the Ol' Susquehanna Mine/Corn Maze grove or at the station in Phillipsburg where you originally parked (please see our website for pictures of our groves at the mine/maze and at the station). The cost is $35 per person and it includes everything for a day filled with wine and fun!  BUY TICKETS STAY CONNECTED:

CSX Named in Top 50 Best Corporate Citizens

CSX Express

April 22, 2016

CSX Named in Top 50 Best Corporate Citizens JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – April 22, 2016 – Reflecting CSX’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor in the communities it serves, the company was recognized as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s Best Corporate Citizens for 2016, with a ranking of #47 in the company’s fourth appearance on the list. CSX was the only railroad included in the ranking. “As we continue to shape CSX to meet the demands of tomorrow, we remain dedicated to safe and responsible operations,” said Michael J. Ward, chairman and chief executive officer. “Investing in our employees, communities, and the environment, and developing technologies for more efficient performance, are key aspects of creating a strong foundation for CSX’s future.” CSX’s performance on the list highlights the company’s grant programs and in-kind donations, increased data transparency, continued shareholder returns, and progress on its 2020 sustainability goals. CSX will soon be issuing its sixth Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which outlines 2015 performance and goals across key areas, including financial performance, governance, safety, employees, environment, and communities. The report also demonstrates CSX’s relevancy to trends in the global marketplace and how CSX employees are living the company’s Core Values to drive responsible and positive business results every day. The 100 Best Corporate Citizens List measures all Russell 1000 companies based on 260 publicly-available data points in seven categories: environment, climate, employee relations, human rights, governance, finance, and philanthropy and community support. The ranking is determined on a relative comparison. For more information about the Best Corporate Citizen list, visit www.thecro.com. For more information on CSX’s corporate social responsibility and community partnerships, please visit https://www.csx.com/responsibility and www.beyondourrails.org. About CSX CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 190 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

ALLN 4666 first run part 2

A very successful test run of the latest piece of self propelled equipment 
on the ALLN.  A 1931 Brill Motor car, re-engined with a Hamilton 6 cyl 
diesel in 1941.  The car ran like a champ and will soon be a regular runner 
in our excursion service!

Kermit Geary JR 

ALLN 4666 first run part1

A very successful test run of the latest piece of self propelled equipment 
on the ALLN.  A 1931 Brill Motor car, re-engined with a Hamilton 6 cyl 
diesel in 1941.  The car ran like a champ and will soon be a regular runner 
in our excursion service!

Kermit Geary JR 

Norfolk Southern rolls out new safety train and website to educate first responders

Norfolk Southern rolls out new safety train and website to educate first responders

ALTOONA, Pa., April 22, 2016 – In keeping with a strong tradition of safety, Norfolk Southern today rolled out a new educational train and website to help first responders across its network respond to potential rail-related incidents.

The train and website are part of Norfolk Southern’s Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program. OAR was launched in 2015 to cultivate and strengthen relationships with local first responders by providing classroom, web-based, and field training on hazardous materials transportation, as well as information about rail operations.

The NS hazmat safety train is comprised of:

·         A 2,000-horsepower, 273-ton locomotive painted in honor of emergency responders with insignia recognizing police, fire, and emergency services

·         Two boxcars converted into classrooms, each capable of holding 30 people

·         Four styles of tank cars, including DOT-105, DOT-111, DOT-112, and DOT-117, to illustrate a variety of car valves and fittings

·         Two 89-foot flatcars designed to transport intermodal containers

"The NS hazmat safety train is like a rolling classroom, delivering hands-on training directly to emergency responders in communities along our rail lines,” said John Irwin, Norfolk Southern assistant vice president safety and environmental. “We are committed to moving these materials as safely and efficiently as possible, and building partnerships with emergency first responders across our network is a vital part of operating a safe rail network.”

Norfolk Southern also launched its new JoinNSOAR.com website today to provide the public with information about transporting hazardous materials and the economic benefits of moving hazardous materials by rail.

Following today’s kickoff, the NS hazmat safety train will travel to 14 states across the railroad’s network. Upcoming training sessions, which are by invitation, will include Harrisburg, Pa.; Baltimore; Chicago; Alexandria, Va.; and Columbia, S.C. The train’s schedule and contact information can be found at JoinNSOAR.com.

Attending today’s kickoff were U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster; Richard Flinn Jr., director of Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency; John O’Neill, founder, president and CEO of the Firefighters Education and Training Foundation; Roger Wynkoop, vice president of Trinity Rail Group; and Frank Reiner, president of the Chlorine Institute and a member of TRANSCAER’s governing task group.

During the ceremony, Norfolk Southern announced that it won its 16^th National TRANSCAER Achievement Award. The TRANSCAER awardrecognizes exceptional achievement in support of voluntary efforts by companies to help communities prepare for and safely respond to incidents involving transport of hazardous materials.

Last year, Norfolk Southern provided training for 4,792 emergency responders, government officials, members of the media, and others in 18 states. The training included classroom seminars, hands-on sessions with rolling stock, table-top simulations, full-scale drills, and exercises at training centers operated by NS and the Association of American Railroads. Norfolk Southern also was instrumental in developing the AskRail™mobile app, which provides real time rail information to first responders.

Norfolk Southern reports strong first-quarter 2016 results

Norfolk Southern reports strong first-quarter 2016 results

Achieves record quarterly operating ratio and double-digit improvements in operating income, net income, and earnings per share

FIRST-QUARTER 2016 RESULTS

·         Railway operating revenues totaled $2.4 billion, down 6 percent year-over-year.

·         Railway operating expenses were $1.7 billion, down 13 percent year-over-year on the 2 percent reduction in traffic volumes.

·         Income from railway operations was $723 million, up 19 percent year-over-year.

·         Net income was $387 million, up 25 percent year-over-year.

·         Diluted earnings per share were $1.29, up 29 percent year-over-year.

·         Railway operating ratio was 70.1 percent, an improvement of 8 percent over the prior year and a Norfolk Southern first-quarter record.

NORFOLK, Va., April 21, 2016 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today reported financial results for first-quarter 2016. Net income for the quarter was $387 million, 25 percent higher compared with $310 million during the same period of 2015. Diluted earnings per share were $1.29, up 29 percent compared with $1.00 diluted earnings per share in the first quarter last year.

“Our strong first-quarter results demonstrate the significant progress we are making in line with our strategic plan,” said Chairman, President, and CEO James A. Squires. “Since I became CEO in June, our team has been committed to streamlining operations, reducing expenses and maintaining superior customer service levels. Our focus on strengthening Norfolk Southern is yielding results, and the company is now on track to achieve productivity savings of about $200 million and an operating ratio below 70 in 2016. We are confident the continued execution of our strategic plan will deliver superior shareholder value by best positioning Norfolk Southern to succeed while ensuring the company is prepared to capture revenue and volume growth opportunities in 2016 and beyond.”

As previously announced, Norfolk Southern is implementing a strategic plan to reduce costs, drive profitability, and enhance value for all Norfolk Southern shareholders.  Through this plan, the company expects to achieve annual productivity savings of more than $650 million by 2020 and an operating ratio below 65 percent by 2020.

FIRST-QUARTER SUMMARY

·         Railway operating revenues were $2.4 billion, 6 percent lower compared with the first quarter of 2015. Volume declined 2 percent, the result of lower coal volumes. Average revenue per unit decreased 3 percent as the effects of higher rates were more than offset by a $114 million, or 70 percent, decline in fuel surcharge revenues.  

·         Merchandise revenues were $1.5 billion, 2 percent higher than the same period last year. Led by an 18 percent increase in automotive traffic, volume grew in all business groups except chemicals, which was impacted by fewer crude oil shipments due to low oil prices.  Thefive merchandise commodity groups reported the following year-over-year revenue results:

§  Chemicals: $419 million, down 3 percent

§  Agriculture: $386 million, up 3 percent

§  Metals/Construction: $300 million, down 3 percent

§  Automotive: $254 million, up 16 percent

§  Paper/Forest: $190 million, up 3 percent

·         Intermodal revenues were $522 million, down 12 percent compared with first quarter 2015. Volume was even for the quarter as growth in international volumes was offset by lower domestic volumes due to the restructuring of the company’s Triple Crown Services subsidiary.

·         Coal revenues were $349 million, 23 percent lower compared with first quarter of 2015. Mild winter temperatures, low natural gas prices, and a weak global export market combined to decrease volume by 23 percent year-over-year.

·         Railway operating expenses decreased $264 million, or 13 percent, to $1.7 billion compared with same period of 2015, due to lower fuel costs and targeted expense reduction initiatives.

·         Income from railway operations was $723 million, 19 percent higher compared with the same period in 2015.

·         The operating ratio, or operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 70.1 percent, a first-quarter record, and an 8 percent improvement compared with first-quarter 2015.

End of Amtrak System Timetable

AMTRAK NATIONAL TIMETABLE... FAREWELL!: For several years we have simultaneously produced the Amtrak System Timetable in printed form and as an electronic downloadable document housed on Amtrak.com. The decision has been made to discontinue production of the printed Amtrak System Timetable effective immediately. The final printed timetable is the January 2016 Winter/Spring version recently printed. The reasons for this decision are:

• Usage and demand for the printed document have steadily declined over the past five years.
• Surveys have revealed that few customers want or use the printed System Timetable and expressed a preference to access information on line.
• Schedules, policies and programs are ever changing and it’s impossible to keep the printed document accurate and up-to-date.
• Reducing print is financially responsible
• Reducing print is environmentally responsible
• All Amtrak timetables, including the System Timetable are housed within and may be accessed on Amtrak.com
• At this time many of the smaller individual route and corridor wallet cards and panels will continue to be printed.

The Delaware River Railroad Excursions 2016 Season

The Delaware River Railroad Excursions 2016 Season Starts May 7th!

In This Issue The Delaware River Railroad Excursions Winery Train River Train Mine Train Knight Train Featured Article The New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society is a non-profit educational society interested in the preservation of the rich railroad history of New Jersey, most specifically that of the New York Susquehanna & Western Railway. Society members are located in half of the states and have come from around the world, at times numbering up to 500. The society is primarily funded by its partnership in the Delaware River Railroad Excursions based out of Phillipsburg. Easter Bunny, A Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express train rides are favorite themed events! The Society has three of the original four Susquehanna Budd cars and an operating steam locomotive as part of its 20 piece collection of railroad equipment. If you are interested in railroading there are many ways to get involved. The Delaware River Railroad Excursions needs train crew and maintenance personnel. Maywood Station needs caretakers and docents. There are the meetings and publications to administer. At all sites there is always plenty to do. Take your time and look around the site. Enter the chat room, read some stories, or just browse through the many pictures. If you are interested in riding the very best historic train trips any where, visit the train trips area and buy tickets today!

Dear Jan, 2016 will be our 13th year!  The season will start with our antique diesel locomotive, followed by steam locomotive Susquehanna  #142 in early June. The Delaware River Railroad Excursion has much to offer.  Every Saturday and Sunday we operate the Warren County Winery Train , The River Train/Steam Train as well as the Ol'Susquehanna Mine Train. We also run special events such as A Day Out With Thomas ,The Polar Express and King Arthur's Knight Train.  Warren County Winery Train A beautiful and educational ride... Enjoy a beautiful journey along the scenic Delaware River behind New Jersey's only operating steam locomotive. Visit to one of New Jersey's most beautiful Wineries. The train will take you to the end of our line where you will board a bus for the short trip to the winery which is located in Finesville, New Jersey. The Warren County Winery Train is operated by the Delaware River Railroad Excursions located in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. We are a Non-profit, 501 (c) 3 corporation and staffed almost entirely by volunteers. After a Steam Train ride along the Delaware and a short bus ride through rolling farmlands, you will arrive at Villa Milagro Vineyards There, you will learn how grapes are grown and made into wine with a nice tour of the grounds.  Then you will have aboutone hour to sample their delicious wines and have an opportunity to purchase them at the source. Once that is done, they will let you know when the bus has come back to pick you up and bring you back to the train, so no worries about being left behind! Once the bus drops you back off and you board the train again, it will begin to make its journey home... but not before passing the Ol' Susquehanna Mine! You are welcome to detrain at the Mine free of charge and spend as much time as you like relaxing in the picnic grove and then catch a later train home (trains come every hour and half)If you would like to enjoy your wine with a picnic, bring a lunch and relax at picnic tables in tree groves at the Ol' Susquehanna Mine/Corn Maze grove or at the station in Phillipsburg where you originally parked (please see our website for pictures of our groves at the mine/maze and at the station). The cost is $35 per person and it includes everything for a day filled with wine and fun!   BUY TICKETS River Train / Steam Train Ride The Steam Train Weekend trips along the scenic Delaware River starting on May 7th All trains run weekends to October 30th. Please join us for a beautiful ride behind our historic railroad equipment.  All  year long you can ride along the beautiful Delaware river departing from Phillipsburg New Jersey  BUY TICKETS Mine Train Visit The Ol' Susquehanna Mine Gemstone Panning is a great activity for all ages.  Participants may find up to 11 ounces of gemstones in a single bag which may include amethyst, rubies, rose quartz, emeralds, crystals, and an arrowhead.  All gems are of high quality and may be suitable for cutting, polishing, and mounting.  With every mine train ticker you will  receive one bag of  mining ore from  the Ole' Susquehanna Mine. Upon arriving at the mine site your guide will tell you the story of Sylas Smith and how he found the mine and about his tragic death which left the mind uncovered until this very year! Next you will walk over the the Ole' Susquehanna mines operating sluice and learn how to pan for gem stones. once you understand how to pan give it a try and see if you can find some gems! BUY TICKETS Day Out With Thomas Come visit everyone's favorite locomotive! Day Out With Thomas is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine™ . Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun. The Day Out With Thomas experience will engineer miles of smiles for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement of railroading.The train pulled by Thomas leaves every hour on the hour, 10 am to 5 pm. You may also ride the River Train along the scenic Delaware River  to Pinchers Point, New Jersey ( an hour and fifteen minute round trip). For an added adventure take the River Train  to the Ol' Susquehanna Mine , enjoy the animated Mine Shaft Explosion, History and learn how to pan for Gem Stones that you can take home!.The trips pulled by Thomas take you along the beautiful Delaware River to North Carpentersville New Jersey, a 25 minute ride. The River Train pulled by our STEAM locomotive #142 follows the same route journeying further along the river to Edingers with a brief stop at the "Old Susquehanna" gem stone mine. At the mine you may get off , visit the mine and learn how to pan for gems. Each passenger receives a bag of mine tiling's , a brief history of the mine and use of the sluice to prospect for their very own gem stones they can bring home!  You may also purchase tickets the day of the event for all trains although we advise that you purchase your tickets in advance. Trains to and from the mine depart every hour. Stay at the mine as little as an hour or as long as you like! Experience the exploding mine shaft tour-- its a hoot! BUY TICKETS King Arthur's Knight Train Come visit everyone's favorite locomotive! Brought to you by the folks at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire & The Delaware River Railroad Excursions. Prepare yourself for a full day of family fun and adventure on the Knight Train. Immerse yourself in the fully interactive world of the Knight Train. Enjoy the Renaissance Faire on the station grounds complete with acts and entertainment as well as food and merchandise vendors. Enjoy the different acts, vendors and entertainment throughout the day, before and after your train ride back in time. the real magic happens when you journey back in time to the King Arthur's Tournament of Champions at the ruins of Kilns Castle. Each train car will have it's very own Knight and Squire to escort you to the tournament. BEWARE, the tournament may awaken the evil sprit rumored to inhabit the ruins of the castle and disrupt the tournament! Will this be the year? Come cheer on your champions at the ruins and if the evil spirit makes her move, lets hope that Merlin the great wizard shows up in time to save the day! BUY TICKETS The Polar Express A Christmas Tradition! "All Aboard" The Polar Express at the Delaware River Railroad Excursions.. Inspired by the run-away hit movie produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. and the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families are sure to enjoy their trip  complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers will then be entertained by a reading of the Polar Express. Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie, to those who BELIEVE. Experience the joy of singing songs with our roaming hobos, be amazed at our Juggling Chef and make your wishes in person to Santa himself! The Polar Express in Phillipsburg, New Jersey is sure to become an annual holiday tradition for the whole family. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic of Christmas. BUY TICKETS We look forward to seeing you and your family on the railroad in 2016! Sincerely, Chris Cotty VP & GM The Delaware River Railroad Excursions