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1935 - 2015
VOLUME 46 NUMBER 10 DISTRICT 2 - CHAPTER WEBSITE: WWW.NRHS1.ORG OCTOBER 2015
The Reading’s First Rail Ramble
During the late Summer of 1936, Philadelphia Chapter, NRHS PresidentCharles Pittman and his trip committee made arrangements with theReading Company to operate a new type of passenger excursion knownas a “Rail Ramble.” The particulars were agreed on and on Sunday,October 4, 1936, approximately 500 people left Philadelphia’s ReadingTerminal at 8:30 AM on the new “Special Ramble.” As requested, steamlocomotive No. 178, a Class G-2sa 4-6-2 Pacific built by Baldwin in 1926,was the motive power, leading a consist of coaches and a diner thatserved meals throughout the day. The 178 had just been semi-streamlined that September and the high-stepper was a regular on thePhiladelphia-Jersey City (New York) route.
A quick 59-mile run was made up the Main Line to Reading for a Shopand engine facility tour. A number of fans snapped photos of thesteamers on hand and many of the group had pictures taken ofthemselves and the same for a memory of the visit. Most agreed that thehighlight was when they observed, close-up, Reading Class K-1sb 2-10-2No. 3014 being revolved on the turntable. These “Santa Fe” types wereonce the most powerful of their kind in the United States.
In 1936 the Company had over 700 locomotives, 830 passenger servicecars and over 34,000 freight cars, and all of this equipment was eitherbuilt or maintained at some point in the sprawling Reading, Pennsylvaniashops.
After the stop, the Ramble headed west on the Lebanon Valley line andshortly turned at Sinking Springs onto the Reading & Columbia branch
for a 42-mile bucolic run and short stop at Lancaster. It was turned and headed north and diverted at Manheim Junctionfor the “joint line” with the Cornwall Railroad enroute to Lebanon. Along this track, the excursionists were treated to a viewof the massive open-pit Cornwall Iron Mine and a tour of the old charcoal furnace.
While at Lebanon, the excursionists viewed Reading Class I-8sb 2-8-0Camelback Consolidation No. 1522, one of 117 I-8 Class locomotives builtbetween 1905 and 1914 at Reading Shop, as well as Baldwin LocomotiveWorks. The 1522 would assist the train up the 31 miles of the Lebanon andTremont Branch. Along the way, the train would pass the Indiantown Gapmilitary reservation and had a “stretch your legs”water stop at Pine Grove.
Tremont was a busy anthracite coal mining centerand much of this activity was viewed as theRamble worked its way to Shamokin, where itturned for a fast 90-mile run home, arriving ontime in Reading Terminal at 7:30 PM. - Roy L.Hudson [Philadelphia Chapter, N.R.H.S. - CINDERS]
SEMI-STREAMLINED READING NO. 178, CLASS G-2SA, ON A RUN IN THE
1930S.
READING NO. 3001, CLASS K-1SB “SANTA FE” TYPE
READING NO. 1584, CLASS I-8B AT TOPTON, PA
JUNE 1, 1925
LANCASTER DISPATCHER PAGE 2 OCTOBER 2015
SEPTA: REINVESTING AND REBUILDING
WRITTEN BY CAROLINA WORRELL, MANAGING EDITOR - RAILWAY AGE
With funding in place, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is delivering on its promiseto restore essential infrastructure.
As a result of the passage of Pennsylvania Act 89 (House Bill 1060) in November 2013—Pennsylvania’smost comprehensive piece of state transportation legislation in decades, providing capital funds to advance transportation improvements throughout thestate—the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is now in the position to restore essential infrastructure that supports safe andefficient service to its more than 1.1 million daily riders.
The agency’s Rebuilding for the Future program (funded through Act 89, launched in October 2014 and initiated by SEPTA Deputy General Manager and formerChief Engineer Jeffrey Knueppel) design and construction is under way on projects in Philadelphia and suburbs Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks and Chestercounties. In Fiscal Year 2015, SEPTA will invest more than $570 million in infrastructure and vehicle rehabilitation projects. Over the next five years, SEPTAsays it anticipates dedicating approximately $3.4 billion to system restoration.
SUBSTATION PROGRAM
Rebuilding for the Future’s substation program will replace major power components of SEPTA’s regional rail and transit traction power substations suchas transformers, transformer breakers, trolley breakers, feeder switches, substation switchgear and protective relaying. The program will focus on manysubstations originally built more than 80 years ago. These projects will take place over the program’s first five years, with budgets ranging from $3.4 millionto $50 million.
Projects under this portion of the program include upgrading the Doylestown, Lenni, Woodbourne, Morton, Jenkintown, Ambler, Lansdale, Bethayres, ChestnutHill East, Hatboro, Neshaminy, Yardley, Clifton, and City Transit substations; the purchase of 16 railroad transformers; and upgrading Center City CommuterConnection indoor switching stations.
POWER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM
SEPTA’s Power Program will complete seven catenary replacement projects, including 17 miles of 80-plus-year-old catenary on the Media/Elwyn RegionalRail Line. The $10.7 million project, which began in spring 2014 and is slated for completion in winter 2017, also includes construction of new catenary supportpoles.
BRIDGE REPLACEMENT AND REHABILITATION
SEPTA’s Bridge Program involves replacement of Regional Rail and Norristown High Speed Line steel bridges and viaducts and rehabilitation of nine stonearch Regional Rail bridges.
Ranging in size from 339 to 3,165 feet, the majority of SEPTA’s bridges were constructed in the early 1900s, with the oldest—the Crum Creek Viaduct—builtin 1895. Individual projects will focus on improvements to bridge timbers, paint, catenary, signals, superstructure steel, and substructural steel repairs, withbudgets ranging from $7.6 million to $77.5 million.
Projects include the $1.5 million complete superstructure replacement and substructure repairs to Bridge 6.48 over Whiskey Run, located near PapermillStation on the Route 101 line. Work began this past spring and is expected to be completed this summer.
SEPTA, in partnership with the City of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), is also managing design and constructionof the replacement for the Woodland Avenue Bridge over the Media/Elwyn Regional Rail Line in southwest Philadelphia. The bridge also carries SEPTA Routes11 and 36 light rail lines. The single-span bridge will be replaced beginning in the spring of 2017 and will be completed by early 2018. The project is valuedat $5.07 million.
STATION IMPROVEMENTS
This program focuses on renewal and reconstruction at customer facilities as well as travel amenity enhancements at regional rail and transit stations, andbus and trolley loops.
Station and loop improvement work will include building renovations, constructing new high-level platforms, pedestrian tunnel and stairway repairs, newsecurity and safety systems, escalators, customer waiting shelters, new boarding platforms, signage, lighting, painting, sidewalk repaving, landscaping, ADAimprovements, and improving bus intermodal connections. Project budgets range from $5 million to $122 million.
ROOF REPLACEMENT
The Roof Program involves replacement and upgrading at numerous facilities and will include new mechanical equipment, electrical connections, brick repairs,roof-mounted HVAC equipment, and replacement of old roofing systems. Project budgets range from $1.5 million to $15.8 million.
MAINTENANCE AND TRANSPORTATION
SEPTA’s Maintenance and Transportation Facilities Program focuses primarily on the replacement and upgrade of equipment and systems that will enhancesafety and operational efficiency, including upgrades to existing fire sprinkler systems, boiler replacement, addition of emergency generators, upgrades tovehicle washers, and surface paving. One project—the $2.7 million Frankford Transportation Building—is included as part of this effort. Construction beganin spring 2015 with completion scheduled for summer 2016. Project budgets in this program range from $1 million to $7.5 million.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
The Right-of-Way & Track Program will focus on stabilization of soil and rock slopes, storm water control, erosion control, soil compaction, earth-bridgeconstruction, sink holes in the right-of-way and track areas for regional rail and transit as well as continuous welded rail, street track, and yard track work.Budgets will range from $3.9 million to $26 million.
Projects in this program include the $26 million Norristown High Speed Line tie replacement and continuous welded rail (CWR). Work on the project beganin September 2014 and is scheduled to be completed by winter 2021.
LANCASTER DISPATCHER PAGE 3 OCTOBER 2015
Other projects include the $5.5 million Route 102 Sharon Hill Line Street Track project. Work includes renewal of embedded track on Woodlawn Avenue andSpringfield Road, between North Street and West Madison Avenue in Delaware County. Work began this summer and is expected to be completed by spring2016.
COMMUNICATIONS AND SIGNALS
The Communication & Signals Program involves modernization and installation of emergency signals and systems, upgrades to computer aided radio dispatchsystems and train control systems, as well as advancing upgrades to the systems used to enhance operational and customer communications includingreal-time arrival information and AVPA (audio-visual public address). Project budgets range from $3.4 million to $33 million.
NEW FLEET
In May 2015, the SEPTA Board of Directors approved spending up to $154 million for new ACS-64 electric locomotives toreplace the agency’s existing AEM-7 and ALP-44 locomotives, all of which have exceeded their useful life. The locomotiveswill be manufactured by Siemens Industry, Inc. and will be virtually identical to the ACS-64 electrics that Siemens is currentlydelivering to Amtrak. The first units are due to be delivered in early 2018. In conjunction with the planned purchase of newmulti-level passenger cars, the agency says it will be able to provide additional capacity to accommodate growing ridership.Thirteen locomotives will initially be purchased, with an option for five more.
TROLLEY TUNNEL BLITZES
Beginning July 31, 2015, SEPTA forces worked around the clock during a 16-day Trolley Tunnel outage, performing maintenance and construction work. Crewsreplaced nearly 7,500 feet of track between 22nd and 30th street stations; installed new railings and stairs at eight stations including 13th and 22d; madegeneral station improvements and repairs with a focus on 19th Street Station; replaced 2,880 feet of wire support assemblies; and performed graffiti removal,painting and general maintenance at every station along the Trolley Tunnel loop.
Part of SEPTA’s Rebuilding for the Future program, this is the second year the agency has taken a blitz approach to its Trolley Tunnel maintenance. In July2014, SEPTA replaced 14,000 feet of rail, two switches, 24,000 feet of overhead contact wire and other track components. SEPTA says this blitz is a continuationof the worked performed in 2014.
TROLLEY MODERNIZATION PROJECT
On June 15, 2015, SEPTA began a modernization project on its Route 101/102 (Media/Sharon Hill) trolley lines. Work includes gradecrossing renewals, track replacement and surfacing and replacement of wood bridge ties/timbers and walkway; general bridge structurerepairs and maintenance; replacement of overhead trolley wire; vegetation clearing and tree trimming; installation of new trolley wiresupport structures in select locations; repairing or replacement of retaining walls at Drexeline and Springfield Mall Stations; replacementof drainage pipe and repairing drainage trenching at Springfield Mall Station; and grade crossing warning device improvements at sevenlocations—MacDade Boulevard, Andrews Avenue, Bartram Avenue, Chestnut Street, Walnut Street, Broad Street and Spruce Street.
On Route 101, superstructure replacement and substructure repairs will be made to the Whiskey Run Bridge.
In Collingdale, Clifton Heights and Aldan, SEPTA will replace Route 102 rails and concrete roadway and repave the parking lanes on both sides of the streetalong Woodlawn Avenue and Springfield Road between North Street and West Madison Avenue. SEPTA will also install rubber rail boots around the new railsto lessen vibration and noise. The trolley track and roadway was last replaced in this area in 1983. The work will be completed in 10 phases over a 12-weekperiod, with rolling street closures along the construction zones.
SEPTA will use the shutdown to begin the early action phase of installing a new Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system that utilizes radiocommunications between vehicles and the signal system to automatically prevent collisions between trolleys by enforcing safe stopping distances. The systemalso prevents trolleys from exceeding civil speed limits. The CBTC system is scheduled to be completed by summer 2018 and will also include upgradedinterlockings for improved reliability and operational flexibility.
SEPTA’S 69 STREET WEST TRANSPORTATION CENTER SHOWING THE FOOTPRINT OF THE OLDTH
TERMINAL BUILDING AND THE BUSWAY AROUND IT. ROUTE 101/102 TROLLEYS ARRIVE ON THE
LEFT, CIRCLE THE OUTER PERIMETER OF THE TERMINAL AND DEPART AT THE COVERED PLATFORM ON
THE RIGHT. BUSES TRAVERSE THE INNER PERIMETER ARRIVING ON THE RIGHT AND DEPARTING ON
THE LEFT, WHERE THE BOBCAT, TRUCKS AND CRANE ARE PARKED. SEPTA PHOTO.
SEPTA’S 69 STREET WEST TRANSPORTATION CENTER (THE FORMER RED ARROW LINES 69TH TH
STREET TERMINAL) SHOWS WORK IN PROGRESS AS A KAWASAKI TROLLEY ARRIVES FROM MEDIA.
UPPER DARBY’S TERMINAL SQUARE IS IN THE BACKGROUND. SEPTA PHOTO.
LANCASTER DISPATCHER OCTOBER 2015PAGE 4
THE POWER DIRECTOR
“NEWS FROM THE RAILROAD WIRES”
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF
CHAPTER OFFICERS
In accordance with Lancaster Chapter, National Railway Historical Society
By-Laws, notice is hereby given of election of Chapter Officers for the year
2015-2016, to be held at the Regular Chapter Membership Meeting of the
Lancaster Chapter, N.R.H.S. on Monday evening, October 19, 2015 at the
Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Avenue, Christiana, Pa., starting at
7:30 pm.
Any member in good standing who is interested in serving on the Chapter
Board of Directors may be nominated from the floor at the October 19
meeting, or by placing your name in nomination by writing, before October
1, 2015 to: Chairperson, Nominating Committee, Lancaster Chapter,
N.R.H.S., 10 Railroad Avenue, Christiana, Pa. 17509-1416.
NOTE: Any candidate for office, whether nominated in advance or at the
Regular Chapter Membership Meetings must give his/her consent, in
writing, to be a nominee.
AMTRAK ADDS HOLYOKE TO ITS NATIONAL
NETWORK
HOLYOKE, Mass. – The large round sign proudly
proclaimed “An Amtrak Served Community” Thursday
afternoon August 27, as residents of Holyoke awaited
the first intercity passenger train to stop in their city
since 1966.
Amtrak’s St. Albans,
V t . - W a s h i n g t o n
Vermonter train will
s e r v e th e o n e t i m e
industrial city, 8 miles
north of Springfield, as
part of its “Knowledge
Corridor,” named for the
m an y co lleg es an d
universities along the
route.
The Vermonter shifted its
route through Massachusetts from New England Central to the former
Boston & Maine Connecticut River main line in December 2014, following
major upgrading, but initially made stops only at Greenfield and
Northampton. Holyoke service was postponed until completion of a $4.3
million platform, located slightly south of the still-standing 1885 stone
passenger station. [Scott A. Hartley - Trains News Wire]
AMTRAK AND BANK OF AMERICA ANNOUNCE NEW AMTRAK GUEST
REWARDS CREDIT CARDS
WASHINGTON - Sept. 14, 2015 - Amtrak and Bank of America announced a
new Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card program effective immediately. This
program includes two new credit cards created to fit passengers’ travel and
spending preferences. It’s now easier than ever to ride with Amtrak, earn
points and redeem for Amtrak travel with the Amtrak Guest Rewards® World
MasterCard® and Platinum MasterCard® credit cards.
Amtrak passengers and Amtrak Guest Rewards members can now choose
from two credit card options that deliver more flexibility and convenience
for card holders. The Amtrak Guest Rewards World MasterCard credit card
offers many perks, including:
• A complimentary Companion Coupon, one Class-Upgrade and a
single-day ClubAcela® pass upon account opening
• 20,000 Amtrak Guest Rewards bonus points after spending at least $1,000
in purchases within 90 days of account opening
• Three Amtrak Guest Rewards points for every $1 spent with Amtrak
• Two points per $1 spent on all other eligible travel purchases
• One point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• A 5% rebate on Amtrak redemption travel
• EMV chip technology
For more information about the second credit card option, the Amtrak Guest
Rewards ® Platinum MasterCard®, as well as rates, fees, costs and benefits
a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h e s e c r e d i t c a r d s , v i s i t
www.AmtrakGuestRewards.com/Apply and refer to the disclosures
accompanying the online credit application.
The Amtrak Guest Rewards MasterCard credit cards’ new features make
exploring America easier than ever before. Terms and restrictions apply. For
more information about the Amtrak Guest Rewards program, visit
www.AmtrakGuestRewards.com/ [Edited from Amtrak]
AMTRAK LAUNCHES NEW BRAND CAMPAIGN: “500 DESTINATIONS:
INFINITE STORIES”
WASHINGTON - Sept. 14, 2015 - Amtrak today unveiled a new nationwide
brand campaign “500 Destinations: Infinite Stories,” inspired by
passengers’ travel experiences from across the U.S. The new campaign is
designed to create top-of-mind awareness and showcases the comfort,
freedom, service and value of train travel.
The storytelling at the heart of the campaign focuses on the unique
experiences and adventures only rail travel can provide. Whether it’s a trip
to college, a business trip with colleagues, a girls’ weekend, or a dream
vacation across the country, Amtrak takes you there. From downtown to
downtown, community to community, Amtrak connects passengers to more
than 500 destinations, offering a smarter way to travel.
The new brand campaign also builds upon the value Amtrak offers to
millions of passengers every year: a chance to relax and stretch out, move
about freely and work or play.
“Amtrak’s new campaign speaks to the uniquely enjoyable experience of
rail travel,” said Darlene Abubakar, Amtrak acting vice president brand
management and marketing. “We are reinvigorating the Amtrak brand by
celebrating thousands of travel experiences while simultaneously
reinforcing what longtime Amtrak loyalists love about America’s Railroad:
comfort, convenience and a commitment to excellent customer service.”
The multi-platform campaign provides brand consistency across all
channels including TV, print, digital and social media and features the
breadth of Amtrak’s national train system including long distance , Acela®
and Northeast Regional trains, as well as state-supported routes.
The new campaign was created in coordination with Amtrak’s advertising
agency, FCB Garfinkel, New York. [Amtrak]
BNSF ETHANOL TRAIN DERAILS, CATCHES
FIRE IN SOUTH DAKOTA
LESTERVILLE, S.D. - Sept. 21, 2015 -
Investigators are looking into the cause of a South Dakota derailment on
Saturday, Sept. 19, that resulted in at least one tank car on fire.
BNSF Railway confirms to Trains News Wire that a 98-car ethanol train
THE SOUTHBOUND VERMONTER ROLLS INTO HOLYOKE,
MASS. ON AUGUST 27, 2015 - SCOTT A. HARTLEY
LANCASTER DISPATCHER OCTOBER 2015PAGE 5
derailed about 6:15 a.m. local time Sept. 18, among fields of row crops
between the towns of Scotland and Lesterville, S.D.
BNSF Railway spokesperson Amy McBeth tells Trains News Wire that seven
cars derailed, three of which were compromised and some were involved
in a fire. No injuries were reported and the fire was successfully
extinguished on Saturday afternoon. The BNSF hazardous materials team
was deployed to assist with cleanup efforts and to assess environmental
damages.
The derailment occurred on the railroad’s Aberdeen Subdivision between
Mitchell, S.D. and Sioux Falls, S.D., BNSF directed further questions to the
National Transportation Safety Board, whose investigators are looking for
the cause of the accident.
CSX UPDATES THIRD QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR
EXPECTATIONS
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 9, 2015 - CSX Chief
Sales and Marketing Officer Fredrik Eliasson,
formerly the company's Chief Financial Officer, today reviewed performance
to date and updated investors on the company's third quarter and full-year
expectations at the Cowen and Company 8th Annual Global Transportation
Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The company delivered strong
financial, service and efficiency improvements in the first six months of
2015, but expects the second half of the year to be more challenging given
intensifying headwinds in its coal markets.
"In the third quarter, we see strong pricing that reflects the value of our
service, and we continue to drive greater asset utilization and reduce costs
as we match our resources with demand while improving our service
product," Eliasson said. "At the same time, overall volume to date is down
about two percent, with both our domestic coal and merchandise markets
tracking slightly below the company's original third quarter expectations."
"While we continue to target flat earnings per share for the third quarter,
achieving that estimate will be more challenging given the weaker than
expected volumes," said Eliasson. "In addition, with the volume declines
this quarter and ongoing challenges to coal that are expected to continue
in the fourth quarter, CSX now expects full-year earnings per share growth
in the mid-single digits."
That earnings growth will be delivered despite domestic coal revenue
declines that may exceed $400 million for the year. As CSX continues to
focus on its value drivers of growing merchandise and intermodal business,
value pricing and efficiency savings, the company still expects to drive
meaningful full-year margin expansion this year as it progresses towards
its longer term goal of a mid-60s operating ratio. [CSX Corp.]
CSX RECOGNIZES RAILROAD HERITAGE WITH PREDECESSOR
EMBLEMS ON LOCOMOTIVES
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Aug. 11, 2015 - CSX Transportation will recognize its
rich history with commemorative predecessor logos applied to locomotives
beginning this year. Last week, photos from the railroad’s Waycross, Ga.,
locomotive shops showed freshly painted GE AC44CW No. 256 displaying
a Seaboard Coast Line emblem on the locomotives engineers side nose.
The locomotive had just emerged from the railroad’s paint booth wearing
CSX’s YN3b scheme.
CSX spokesperson
Kristin Seays tells
Trains News Wire
that CSX plans to
feature at least 10
i n d i v i d u a l
predecessor logos,
but a final number
has not yet been
determined.
“Over the last 187
y e a r s , r a i l r o a d
mergers and acquisitions formed CSX’s present day 21,000 mile, 23 state
rail network that connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern U.S.
and links more than 240 short-line railroads and 70 ocean, river and lake
ports. In honor of the predecessor railroads that built our company, CSX is
displaying their logos on its locomotives,” she says. “The Seaboard Coast
Line is one of the first predecessor logos CSX has displayed. It will be
followed by others that have contributed to CSX’s heritage dating back to
the country’s first common carrier, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, chartered
in 1827.”
Each predecessor logo will be applied to one individual locomotive. The
total number of railroads to be featured is to be determined and locomotives
will be selected as they come in for scheduled repaint and repair. [Chase
Gunnoe - Trains News Wire]
CSX DEBUTS C&O HERITAGE LOGO
WAYCROSS, Ga. -
Sept. 8, 2015 - CSX
Transportation has
unveiled its latest
p r e d e c e s s o r
railroad emblem on
a recent repaint at
its Waycross, Ga.,
Locomotive Shops.
CSX GE CW40-8 No.
7376 emerged from
Waycross late last
week displaying a "Chesapeake & Ohio For Progress" decal. The navy blue
and yellow logo was applied to both the locomotive’s engineer's and
conductor's side nose hood.
CSX No. 7376 is the third of at least 10 predecessor decals to be applied by
the railroad’s Waycross facility. CSX No. 256 was the first locomotive
released and features a Seaboard Coast Line decal. CSX No. 323 was
released two weeks ago with a Louisville & Nashville logo.
No. 7376 was spotted in trail on a merchandise freight train through in
Folkston, Ga., over Labor Day weekend. [Chase Gunnoe - Trains News Wire]
FIRST CSX TIER 4 ET44AC STARTS MAINLINE TESTING
ERWIN, Tenn. - Aug. 24, 2015 - After leaving General Electric’s production
plant in Erie, Pa., last week, CSX Transportation’s first Tier 4 compliant
SMOKE RISES FROM A BURNING TANK CAR CARRYING ETHANOL ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 19,
2015. THE 98-CAR BNSF TRAIN CARRYING ETHANOL DERAILED IN A RURAL PART OF BON
HOMME COUNTY, S.D., AMONG FIELDS OF ROW CROPS BETWEEN THE TOWNS OF SCOTLAND
AND LESTERVILLE, S.D. THREE TANK CARS WERE COMPROMISED AND LOST THEIR CONTENTS.
OFFICIALS AREN'T YET SURE WHAT CAUSED THE DERAILMENT OVER A SMALL BRIDGE THAT
SPANS A DRY CREEK -PHOTO: DAVE TUNGE/DAKOTA AERIALS VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS
CSX GE AC44CW NO. 256 DISPLAYS THE SEABOARD COAST
LINE LOGO AHEAD OF THE CAB - PHOTO BY CURTIS BROWN
LANCASTER DISPATCHER OCTOBER 2015PAGE 6
ET44AC is en route to the railroad’s Erwin yard. CSX ET44AH No. 3251 was
trailing on mixed freight CSX Q696 near Johnson City, Tenn., on Monday.
Sources close to the railroad tell Trains News Wire the locomotive is en
route to Erwin for testing on the railroad’s former Clinchfield territory. The
locomotive will be used in heavy haul service on the railroad’s Blue Ridge
Subdivision between Erwin and Spartanburg, S.C.
It is unknown how long the locomotive will undergo testing before being
released system wide.
CSXT No. 3251 is the first CSX Tier 4 ET44AH to be released from GE’s plant
in Erie. One of the most noticeable external differences among the new Tier
4 locomotives designated as ET44AH models is a large, flared radiator
section at the rear. [Edited from Chase Gunnoe - Trains News Wire]
CSX-NS TRADE LOCOMOTIVES HEADED TO IDAHO
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Sept. 11, 2015 - CSX Transportation plans to rebuild
all SD40-2s acquired from Norfolk Southern into SD40-3s. The current
locomotives will not yet enter revenue service as originally speculated.
In March, CSX and NS traded 12 CSX SD80MACs for 12 NS SD40-2s.
Following the trade, NS immediately placed the SD80MACs into revenue
service, while CSX stored its acquired fleet of SD40-2s at its Huntington
Locomotive Shops. CSX renumbered the locomotives into the 8900 series
and painted over the NS logos with its YN3b boxcar logo. The unique
yellow-on-black scheme peaked interest for enthusiasts who were anxious
to see the locomotives enter revenue service.
N o w , C S X i s
transporting the
locomotives from
West Virginia to
Idaho for rebuilding
into its growing
fleet of 4000 series
SD40-3s. The first
batch of ex- NS
S D 4 0 - 2 s N o s .
8901-8904, 8906,
and 8909 departed
Huntington in late
August enroute to
Motive Power Inc.
in Boise, Idaho for
rebuild. The locomotives were interchanged to a western Class I railroad in
St. Louis last week.
The six remaining NS SD40-2’s left Huntington, W.Va., in a move on Sept.
3. Nos. 8900, 8905, 8907-8908, 8910-8911 were included in last week’s
deadhead move. The locomotives were handed over to the St. Louis
interchange early this week.
The railroad has been sending out-of-service SD40-2s to Boise for several
months now, including one of its last YN1 painted SD40-2s, last month.
[Chase Gunnoe - Trains News Wire]
SPECIAL NORFOLK SOUTHERN LOCOMOTIVES
HELP ATLANTANS BREATHE EASIER
ATLANTA, GA - Sept. 1, 2015 - With Georgia Gov.
Nathan Deal on hand to celebrate the success of a public-private
partnership for cleaner air, Norfolk Southern today unveiled the nation’s
first of a new class of rail yard locomotives developed with federal funding
assistance to reduce emissions in urban areas.
Gov. Deal and Mark Manion, Norfolk Southern’s chief operating officer,
dedicated five of the locomotives (numbered 4716-4720 - Ed.) during a
ceremony at Norfolk Southern’s Inman Yard, a major hub of interstate
commerce and intermodal transportation just northwest of downtown
Atlanta.
The engines are branded “Eco” locomotives for their operating efficiencies
in reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The 3,000-horsepower
engines meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s strict Tier-3
emissions standards for locomotives. Norfolk Southern’s Atlanta yard
eventually will put to work 10 low-emissions Eco locomotives this year.
Annually, the 10
units will account
for 6.6 fewer tons
o f p a r t i c u l a t e
matter and 155
fewer tons of
nitrogen oxides
p o l l u t a n t s
g e n e r a l l y
associated with
smog and acid
rain. As more Eco
u n i t s a r e
d e l i v e r e d t o
Atlanta in 2016,
t h e c l e a n - a i r
benefits will be
even greater.
The Eco units were designed and built by Norfolk Southern at its Juniata,
Pa., locomotive shops using components from locomotive builder
Electro-Motive Diesel, a division of Progress Rail Services, a Caterpillar
company. The project was funded in part by grants from the federal
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ). The
Eco units unveiled today feature a stylistic green paint scheme with a
Georgia-shaped icon and the slogan “Working Together for a Cleaner
State.”
Additional CMAQ grants will lead to future placement of Eco locomotives
at Norfolk Southern’s rail yards at Macon and Rome, Ga., and at Chicago.
Mark Duve, Norfolk Southern Mechanical Engineer – Locomotive Design
said that the Eco locomotive design includes aggressive separate loop
aftercooling, better combustion with fuel injection design, better piston ring
design to reduce burning of lubrication oil, and an advanced oil separator
to reduce oil burn, along with other modifications to enable to Eco
locomotives to achieve the Tier 3 standards.
Based on an EMD GP50, the four-axle, 3,000-hp GP33ECO uses an EPA Tier
3-compliant 12N-710G3BT3 (“710 ECO Kit”) prime-mover from
Electro-Motive Diesel, D87 traction motors (which offer 10% higher tractive
effort than a D77), new radiators with two-speed fans, electrical cabinets
with EMD’s EM 2000 microprocessor, an AR15 main traction alternator
(retained from the GP50) and a CA6 companion alternator (a replacement for
the D 18). NS’s Admiral Cab, with its angled windshield, has been fitted to
the carbody. The unit’s flared radiators “are similar to those of an SD70,”
according to NS Mechanical Engineer-Locomotive Design Mark Duve.
[Edited from Norfolk Southern Corp., Trains News Wire and Railway Age]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF DELAWARE &
HUDSON SOUTH LINE
NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 18, 2015 – Norfolk Southern Corporation today
completed the acquisition of 282 miles of the Delaware & Hudson Railway
Co.’s (D&H) line between Sunbury, Pa., and Schenectady, N.Y., a $214.5
million transaction that increases options for rail carriers and supports jobs
in Pennsylvania, New York, and New England. D&H is a subsidiary of
Canadian Pacific (CP).
“The D&H South Line integrates perfectly into our 22-state rail system, and
it allows NS to connect businesses along this important economic corridor
with a rail transportation system that’s a top performer in safety and
efficiency,” said NS President and CEO James A. Squires. “Our acquisition
will make NS a more competitive transportation option between
Pennsylvania, New York, and New England.”
CP will cease operations on the corridor this evening, and NS is scheduled
EX-NORFOLK SOUTHERN SD40-2 LOCOMOTIVES SPORT NEW
CSX TRANSPORTATION LIVERIES. THEY WILL BE RE-BUILT IN
IDAHO TO SD40-3S - PHOTO BY JAMES D. MOORE
NORFOLK SOUTHERN NO. 4719, MODEL GP33ECO, AT INMAN
YARD IN ATLANTA ON SEPT. 1, 2015
PHOTO BY DAVID C. LESTER - TRAINS NEWS WIRE
LANCASTER DISPATCHER OCTOBER 2015PAGE 7
to start operations at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. The transaction, first proposed
in November 2014, received U.S. Surface Transportation Board approval in
May 2015.
The acquired lines connect with NS’ network at Sunbury, Pa., and
Binghamton, N.Y., and they provide NS single-line routes from Chicago and
the southeastern United States to Albany, N.Y., and NS’ intermodal
terminals in Scranton, Pa., and Mechanicville, N.Y. NS also gains an
enhanced connection to its joint venture subsidiary Pan Am Southern,
which serves New England markets. Additionally, NS has acquired D&H’s
car shop in Binghamton along with other facilities along the corridor.
As part of the transaction, NS will retain and modify overhead trackage
rights on the line between Schenectady, Crescent, and Mechanicville, N.Y.,
as well as Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
NS has hired about 150 former D&H employees who have experience
working in this corridor.
Track crews from NS are scheduled to perform routine maintenance in the
corridor, and NS plans in 2016 to add new ties and resurface 40 miles of
track and install 14 miles of new curved rail. [Edited from Norfolk
Southern Corp.]
MARC REPLACING ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE FLEET
WITH HIGH-SPEED DIESELS
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has decided
to phase out its 10-unit fleet of AEM7 and HHP8 electric locomotives used
for MARC regional/commuter rail service and replace them with eight new
125-mph “Charger” diesel-electric locomotives from Siemens Industry.
The MTA received permission
from Maryland’s Board of
Public Works to piggyback on
an Illinois DOT contract with
Siemens to acquire the
locomotives, for an estimated
$58 million. Amtrak, which has
been maintaining MARC’s
electric fleet since 1983, will no
longer be able to provide the service as of June 2016 because it has retired
its own HHP8 locomotives and is phasing out its AEM7s as new Siemens
ACS-64 electrics enter service.
The Charger locomotives, which are based technically on the Siemens
Eurosprinter, Eurorunner, and Vectron locomotive platforms, feature a
primary traction drive consisting of a 4,400-hp-rated 16-cylinder Cummins
QSK95 diesel engine with a cubic capacity of 95 liters. The QSK95 complies
with EPA Tier IV emissions regulations. The 120-ton (approximate) Charger
locomotive offers a starting tractive effort of 65,200 pounds (290 kN).
MARC’s four EMD/ASEA-produced AEM7s, like Amtrak’s, are approaching
30 years in age. Its six-unit HHP8 fleet, also like Amtrak’s, is only about 15
years old but has suffered from reliability and availability problems. (The
HHP8 was part of Amtrak’s Acela Express trainset contract with a
Bombardier/Alstom consortium in the late 1990s.)
According to a report in the Baltimore Sun, MTA spokesman Paul Shepard
said that replacing the electric fleet with diesels will improve MARC’s
service reliability and will “enhance the passenger experience.” The electric
locomotives operate only on MARC’s Penn Line (Northeast Corridor)
between Perryville, Md., and Washington D.C. Union Station. The agency’s
existing 33 diesel locomotives are used on the Camden (Baltimore Camden
Yards Station-Union Station) and Brunswick (Martinsburg, W.Va.-Union
Station) lines as well as the Penn Line.
Shepard said MARC’s electric fleet has a reliability rating of between 40%
and 50%. Its diesel fleet, most of which was replaced about five years ago
with 26 MP36PH-3C units from Wabtec subsidiary MotivePower Industries,
has a reliability rating of 85%. MARC’s diesel fleet also contains six EMD
GP39H-2s, which are scheduled for repowering, and one EMD GP40WH-2,
used as standby power. MARC’s Charger locomotives are expected to be
delivered by late 2017. [Edited from Railway Age Rail Group News]
SEPTA GENERAL MANAGER JOSEPH M. CASEY
ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Aug. 19, 2015 - SEPTA General Manager
Joseph M. Casey, who has led the Authority since 2008,
today announced his retirement. After a total of 34 years of
distinguished service in a number of roles, Mr. Casey will retire as general
manager on September 30, 2015.
Mr. Casey began his career in transportation at Consolidated Rail
Corporation (Conrail) before joining SEPTA in 1982. Prior to being
appointed General Manager, Mr. Casey served for six years as the
Authority's Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and held senior
management positions in Internal Audit and Finance. During his tenure as
SEPTA Senior Budget Director and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Casey was
successful in establishing balanced operating budgets, streamlining
expenses and reducing costs, and containing overall budget growth even
in the face of skyrocketing healthcare and fuel costs.
Thanks in large part to Mr. Casey's key role as a tireless advocate for
finding a dedicated, long-term funding source to address SEPTA's critical
infrastructure improvements, Act 89, which provides new resources for
transportation in Pennsylvania, went into effect in January 2014. [Edited
from SEPTA]
SEPTA WEST TRENTON PASSENGER SERVICE TO SEPARATE FROM
CSX FREIGHT OPERATIONS
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Aug. 21, 2015 - The Southeastern Pennsylvania
Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will finalize separation of its West Trenton
Regional Rail Line from a CSX freight line.
Separation of the six-mile section of track shared by SEPTA and CSX
between the authority's Woodbourne and West Trenton stations will help to
alleviate rush hour train congestion in this area and clears the way for
SEPTA to complete Positive Train Control implementation.
Both SEPTA and CSX have experienced sustained growth along this section
of track. SEPTA West Trenton ridership has increased by more than 60
percent over the past decade while CSX operates some 25 trains through
the area daily, moving goods throughout the Greater Philadelphia region
linking into the freight company's national north-south network.
SEPTA received a $10-million Transportation Investment Generating
Economic Recovery grant in 2013 for the $38-million project. [Railway
Track & Structures]
TIMETABLE 10-15
For Lancaster Chapter News,
see “INSIDE THE BACK PAGE”
***
Through October, 2015
Exhibit: Building the Reading at the Reading
Railroad Heritage Museum, 500 S. Third Street,
Hamburg, PA. Contributions of ethnic groups
are highlighted as well as the tools and
materials used to build the railroad. Info:
www.readingrailroad.org
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 3-4, 2015
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway DIESEL powered
Autumn Leaf Trips from Port Clinton to Jim
Thorpe. Info: www.lgsry.com
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015
RCT&HS Fall Train Show at the Leesport Farmers Market, 312 Gernant’s
LANCASTER DISPATCHER OCTOBER 2015PAGE 8
Church Rd., Leesport, PA, 19533. 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Adm: $4.00
Friday - Sunday, Oct. 9-11, 2015
Reading Railroad Modelers Meet III at the Comfort Inn & Suites, 41 Diner
Rd., I-78 Midway Exit 16, Bethel, PA 19507-9204. Info:
www.ReadingRRMM.com
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 2015
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway STEAM powered Autumn Leaf Trips from Port
Clinton to Jim Thorpe. Info: www.lgsry.com
Sunday - Friday, Oct. 18-23, 2015
Train Show and Sale at the Reliance Fire Hall, 1341 West Market St., York,
P A 17 40 4 . F re e . In fo : B arry K in g a t 7 1 7 -4 24 -1 3 0 8 o r
Monday - Wednesday, Oct. 19-21, 2015
Train Show and Sale at the Commonwealth Fire Hall, 2045 North Sherman
St., York, PA 17402. Free. Info: Barry King at 717-424-1308 or
Monday - Wednesday, Oct. 19-21, 2015
Billy Budd Model Train Meet at the Days Inn, Arsenal Rd. and Route 30 (334
Arsenal Rd), York, PA 17402. Free. Info: Rich deDufour at 609-466-3933.
Thursday - Saturday, Oct. 22-24, 2015
Eastern Division TCA Train Meet at the York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle St.,
York, Pa. 17403. Info: www.easterntca.com
Thursday - Sunday, Oct. 22-25, 2015
Mid-Eastern Region NMRA 2015 Convention at the Hotel ML, 915 Route 73,
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054, 856-234-7300. Sponsored by the New Jersey
Division. Info: www.delawarevalleyturn.org
Friday - Sunday, Oct. 23-25, 2015
NRHS Fall Conference in Utica, NY.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015
Delaware Train Show at the Nur Shrine Center, Rt. 13, 198 S. Dupont Hwy.,
New Castle, Del. Info: www.toyshows.org
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015
European Train Show & Sale at the Electric City Trolley Museum, Cliff
Street, adjacent to Steamtown, Scranton, PA 18501. Adm: $5.00 - under 5
free. Info: [email protected]
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2015
Greenberg's Great Train Show at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St.,
Harrisburg, PA 17111. Info: http://GreenbergShows.com
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 14-15, 2015
First Frost train Meet at the Allentown Fairgrounds Agricultural Hall
(Agri-Plex), 302 North 17th St., Allentown, PA 18104. Info:
www.allentowntrainmeet.com
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 5-6, 2015
Greenberg's Great Train Show at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York
Road, Timonium, MD 21093. Info: http://GreenbergShows.com
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 12-13, 2015
Greenberg's Great Train Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100
Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456. Info: http://GreenbergShows.com
RTE. 741 EAST, STRASBURG, PA
WWW .RRMUSEUMPA.ORG
717-687-8628
Through Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015 - Riveted Jacket of Many Colors: A Photo
History of GG1 No. 4800
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015 - Garden Railways Tour
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 - 1940s Swing Dance
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7-8, 2015 - Trains & Troops
Saturday, Dec. 5, 12, 2015 - Christmas With The Conductor and Home For
The Holidays
STRASBURG RAIL ROAD
SPECIAL EVENTS
WWW.STRASBURGRAILROAD.COM
1-866-725-9666
Various Days thru Nov. 14, 2015 - The ChocolateExpress
Saturday thru Nov. 21, 2015 - Wine & Cheese Train
Various Saturday thru Nov. 21, 2015 - Murder Mystery Dinner Train
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015 - Vintage Base Ball Day
Friday - Sunday, Oct. 16-18, 2015 - Steampunk unLimited
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 - The Great Train Robbery
Friday - Sunday, Nov. 20-22, 2015 - Day Out With Thomas
Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 - The Night Before Christmas Train
Friday - Sunday, Nov. 27-29, 2015 - Santa’s Paradise Express
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 2015 - Santa’s Paradise Express
Friday, Dec. 4, 11, 18, 2015 - The Night Before Christmas Train
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 - Christmas Tree Train
STEAMTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
150 SOUTH WASHINGTON AVENUE
SCRANTON, PA 18503-2018
WWW.NPS.GOV/STEA
1-888- 693-9391
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015 - Gouldsboro, Pa.
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015 - Moscow, Pa. with the Civil War Generals
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015 - East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015 - Tobyhanna, Pa.
Monday, Oct. 12, 2015 - Moscow, Pa. supports the restoration of B&M 3713
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015 - Moscow, Pa. supports the restoration of B&M 3713
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015 - Delaware Water Gap. Pa.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 - East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015 - Moscow, Pa. supports the restoration of B&M 3713
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015 - Nay Aug Tunnel Halloween trains
HTTP://STEWARTSTOWNRAILROADCOMPANY.COM/TRAIN-RIDES /
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015 - Fall Leaf Rambles - Motorcars
Saturday, Oct. 17 - Fall Leaf Rambles - Coach, Caboose, and Locomotive
Sunday, Oct. 18 - Fall Leaf Rambles - Coach, Caboose, and Locomotive
Saturday, Oct. 24 - Fall Leaf Rambles - Coach, Caboose, and Locomotive
Friday, Oct. 30 - Special Halloween Event - Coach, Caboose, and Locomotive
Saturday, Oct. 31-Special Halloween Event - Coach, Caboose, and Locomotive
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015 - Veteran’s Day - Caboose and Locomotive
Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015 - Caboose and Locomotive
LANCASTER DISPATCHER OCTOBER 2015PAGE 9
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 - Holiday Home Tour - Caboose and Locomotive
Sunday, Dec. 6 - North Pole Express - Coach, Caboose and Locomotive
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 12-13 - North Pole Express - Coach, Caboose andLocomotive
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 19-20 - North Pole Express - Coach, Caboose andLocomotive
Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015 - Caboose and Locomotive
SEPTEMBER, 2015
CHAPTER MEETING MINUTES
CALLED TO ORDER: The "Annual Chapter Picnic"
Membership Meeting of the Lancaster Chapter, National
Railway Historical Society was held at the Christiana
Freight Station, Christiana, Pa. on Sunday, September 20,
2015. President Tom Shenk led those assembled in the Pledge of
Allegiance. There were 41 members and 2 guests present.
MEMBERSHIP: In the absence of First Vice President Ron Irwin, Tom Shenk
announced new chapter members Richard and Kelly Karp from East Earl,
Pa. The chapter also had the following members celebrating birthdays this
month. They are Peggy Sweigart, Janice Russell (September 23), Glenn
Kendig (September 28), Richard Karp, Evan Russell (October 3).
DONATION: Chapter member William Richard donated to the Chapter
Library a book entitled "A Railroad for the Southern End."
COLLECTIBLES: Steve Himpsl announced the Hometowne wooden cutout
of the Conrail caboose will hopefully be available at the Monday, October
19 Membership Meeting. Mr. Devilbiss had some problems with the
machinery he uses to make the cutouts. They will sell for $16.00 each. After
March 2016, there will be an increase to $17.00. If chapter members have
other pieces (J Tower, 4800, FP7’s and the Christiana Freight Station) that
are numbered on the back, they can request the same number for the new
pieces. There are still some Christiana Freight Station pieces left if anyone
would like to purchase that piece.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Upcoming Events: Saturday, October 3 will be
Christiana Freight Station CLEAN-UP DAY. Chapter members can meet at
the Dutchway Restaurant for breakfast around 7:30 a.m. The clean up at the
Station starts at 9:00 a.m. Monday, October 19 Chapter Membership
Meeting program will be given by Mark Hoffman, entitled "Conrail
Memories." Annual Chapter Banquet tickets may be purchased at this
meeting or they may be purchased using the order form in the October
Lancaster Dispatcher. Saturday, October 24 will be the Chapter’s 2nd
CRAFT and VENDOR Show at the Christiana Freight Station from 9 a.m. to
2 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help in setting up tables, taking down
tables after the show, in the kitchen and parking. Food donations (baked
goods or home prepared food to sell at the chapter kitchen) are needed.
Donated items can be dropped off at the Freight Station Friday, October 23
(the night before the show) from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Any questions about the
Craft and Vendor show or how you can help, please call Cindy Kendig at
1-610-593-6313. Friday, November 20 will be the Annual Chapter Banquet
at Shady Maple Restaurant. Steve Barry will be presenting the program.
Thursday, December 3 will be decorating the Christiana Freight Station for
the Christmas holiday. Volunteers are needed to help decorate the Station.
Saturday, December 19 will be the Freight Station Open House from 3:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Santa and hayrides provided by the Lions Club.
Sunday, December 20 will be Open House from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Volunteers are also needed for the Open House on both days. If you can
help at the Open House, please contact Glenn Kendig. The regular chapter
membership meeting will still be held on Monday, December 21. This
meeting is the Annual Christmas party. Bring your favorite cookies or
desserts.
Tom Shenk announced next year’s tentative schedule: Monday, January 18
Membership Meeting will be a clean-up from the Christmas holidays.
Monday, February 15, there will be NO Meeting this month. The March 20
membership meeting will be on SUNDAY afternoon.
Chip Rush thanked the Chapter for the sympathy card he received from the
Chapter when his mother passed away. She was 98 years old.
ADJOURNMENT: The Chapter Meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Donetta M. Eberly, Secretary
THIS MONTH’S BANNER PHOTO
Southern Pacific No. 6039, an Alco PA, leads Train No. 76, The Lark, in
October 1959. This paint scheme was applied to No. 6039, the only Alco PA
to wear this scheme, as a test in May, 1958. EMD E9A No. 6051 also wore
this experimental paint scheme. It certainly is appropriate for Halloween!
OPERATION LIFESAVER REMINDS YOU...
WAIT FOR THE GATE.
ISN’T YOUR LIFE WORTH THE WAIT?
LANCASTER DISPATCHER OCTOBER 2015PAGE 10
A MOONLIT EVENING SETS THE MOOD TO WISH YOU A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
BEWARE OF GHOSTS AND GOBLINS ON THE TRACKS AND IN THE STATIONS...
“INSIDE THE BACK PAGE”
UPCOMING LANCASTER CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
OCTOBER 17, 2015 - SATURDAY, 9:00 AM - CHRISTIANA FREIGHT STATION - FALL CLEAN-UP
Spiff up our chapter home. Meet at either the Christiana Fire Hall at 7:30 AM and enjoy a hearty breakfast or meet at the Station at
9:00 AM. Did you know that the Christiana Freight Station receives many compliments from the public and guests?
OCTOBER 19, 2015 - MONDAY, 7:30 PM - CHRISTIANA FREIGHT STA. - CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Chapter member Mark Hoffman will present a slide show program entitled Conrail Memories, which features railroad
action, locomotives, rolling stock, facilities and some special trains on Conrail. The presentation will focus primarily on
Conrail's mid-state operations during the "Big Blue Era" (1976-1999). However, it will also include some locations beyond
this region.
OCTOBER 24, 2015 - SATURDAY, 9:00 AM - CHRISTIANA FREIGHT STATION - VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW
Information in this issue of The Lancaster Dispatcher.������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
NOVEMBER 20, 2015 - FRIDAY, 6:00 PM - SHADY MAPLE SMORGASBORD - ANNUAL CHAPTER BANQUET
Information and order form in this issue of The Lancaster Dispatcher.������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
DECEMBER 3, 2015 - THURSDAY, 7:00 PM - CHRISTIANA FREIGHT STATION - CHRISTMAS DECORATING
Decorate the Freight Station and Christmas Tree for the Holiday Open House and Christmas. Bring your favorite Train Ornament to
hang on the tree. This is a fun-filled activity to usher in the Holiday Season. Input from the Chapter Membership for the design and
set-up of the train display would be greatly appreciated - see Glenn Kendig for further information.
DECEMBER 19, 2015 - SATURDAY, 3:00 PM - CHRISTIANA FREIGHT STA. - CHRISTIANA CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Christiana Lions Club will have Santa for the area children and families. Everyone is invited. Saturday night Hay Rides to see the
Christiana Christmas light displays - a fun-filled evening for the entire family!
DECEMBER 20, 2015 - SUNDAY, 1:00 PM - CHRISTIANA FREIGHT STATION - CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Open House from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy the Station decorated for Christmas, popcorn, train layout and holiday displays.
DECEMBER 21, 2015 - MONDAY, 7:30 PM - CHRISTIANA FREIGHT STATION - CHAPTER CHRISTMAS PARTY
Please bring cookies, snacks or a covered dish to share. There’s no better way to get into the festive holiday spirit! No business
meeting - just food, fun and holiday merriment! We have the Santa Claus Seal of Approval!����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
CHAPLAIN CONTACT INFORMATIONDAVID STAMBAUGH EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 717-292-1726
IF YOU KNOW OF A CHAPTER MEMBER WHO IS SICK, LOST A LOVED ONE OR HAS A NEW BIRTH IN THE FAMILY, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID
LANCASTER DISPATCHER OCTOBER 2015PAGE 11
LANCASTER CHAPTER, N.R.H.S. ANNUAL BANQUET
FRIDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
THE SHADY MAPLE SMORGASBORD - BANQUET CENTER
129 TODDY DRIVE, EAST EARL, PA 17519
717-354-8222
PLEASE JOIN US AS WE RETURN TO THE SHADY MAPLE SMORGASBORD FOR ANOTHER WONDERFUL EVENING WITH GREAT FOOD, THE
FRIENDSHIP OF YOUR FELLOW CHAPTER MEMBERS AND A TERRIFIC MULTI-MEDIA PROGRAM AS ONLY STEVE BARRY CAN PRESENT. AND DON’TFORGET THE FABULOUS DOOR PRIZES! MAKE THIS THE FIRST EVENT OF YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON!
SOCIAL TIME / IN-ROOM BUFFET FEATURING 3 MEATS, 3 VEGETABLES AND A FULL SALAD BAR / DOOR PRIZES
6:00 PM - DOORS OPEN - LIGHT APPETIZERS SERVED
6:30 PM - IN-ROOM BUFFET MEAL
FOLLOWED BY A MULTI-MEDIA PROGRAM PRESENTED BY STEVE BARRY, EDITOR OF RAILFAN & RAILROAD MAGAZINE
THE BANQUET COST FOR 2015 IS $25.00 PER PERSON
TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE OCTOBER 19 CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING.TH
OR, YOU MAY MAIL THIS COUPON INCLUDING A SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE.
ALL TICKET ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOVEMBER 6, 2015
� - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NAME ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY _________________________________________________________________________ STATE _________________________ ZIP_________________________
NO. OF SEATS____________________ @ $25.00 EACH = TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ ___________________________________
PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: LANCASTER CHAPTER, N.R.H.S.
MAIL TO: LANCASTER CHAPTER, N.R.H.S. INFORMATION:
C/O THOMAS SHENK TOM SHENK
1 1 MARQUIS COURT OFFICE - 717-299-6600 ext. 504
LITITZ, PA 17543 CELL - 717-314-4448
LANCASTER CHAPTER
NATIONAL RAILWAY
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
10 RAILROAD AVENUE
CHRISTIANA, PA 17509-1416
PHONE: 610-593-4968
CHAPTER WEBSITE: WWW.NRHS1.ORG
THE LANCASTER DISPATCHER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY AS THE
NEWSLETTER OF THE LANCASTER CHAPTER, NRHS AND IS E-MAILED
TO EACH MEMBER OF THE CHAPTER AS ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF
MEMBERSHIP. ANNUAL LANCASTER CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP DUES
ARE $20 PLUS $12 IF YOU DESIRE A MAILED NEWSLETTER. NATIONAL
NRHS DUES ARE MAILED SEPARATELY. OPINIONS AND POINTS OF
VIEW EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE THOSE OF THE EDITOR, STAFF OR
CONTRIBUTORS AND NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE MEMBERSHIP,
OFFICERS, OR THE NRHS. THE DEADLINE FOR ALL ITEMS SUBMITTED
IS THE THIRD MONDAY OF THE PRECEDING MONTH. ADDRESS
CHANGES OR CORRECTIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO: RON IRWIN, 15
HIGHLAND DRIVE, LANCASTER, PA 17602-3313 OR EMAIL:
LANCASTER CHAPTER, N.R.H.S.
10RAILROAD AVENUE
CHRISTIANA,PA17509-1416
Forwarding and Address Correction Requested
FIRST CLASS MAIL
PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY
FIRST
CLASS
LANCASTER DISPATCHER PAGE 12 OCTOBER 2015
LANCASTER CHAPTER BOARD of DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT: TOM SHENK 717-560-1186 [email protected]
1ST VICE PRESIDENT: RON IRWIN 717-299-6405 [email protected]
2NDVICE PRESIDENT: GLENN KENDIG 610-593-6313 [email protected]
SECRETARY: DONETTA EBERLY 717-866-5514 [email protected]
TREASURER: RICHARD RUTLEDGE 717-741-0205 [email protected]
EDITOR: ED MAYOVER 302-834-3662 [email protected]
HISTORIAN: EVAN RUSSELL, JR. 610-269-7054 [email protected]
CHAPLAIN: DAVID STAMBAUGH 717-292-1726 [email protected]
1ST DIRECTOR: CINDY KENDIG 610-593-6313 [email protected]
2ND DIRECTOR: STEPHEN HIMPSL 717-285-4283 [email protected]
NATL REP & WEB: FRED KURTZ 717-200-1551 [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOTICE
THE REGULAR MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND ELECTION OF
2015-2016OFFICERS OF THE LANCASTER CHAPTER,N.R.H.S.
WILL BE HELD AT THE CHRISTIANA FREIGHT STATION,
CHRISTIANA,PA ON MONDAY,OCTOBER 19,2015, STARTING
AT 7:30 P.M. Come out and vote!
