Conail's Operation Lifesaver program will be on the road today in Ohio.  Today, the OCS-402 will be operating a round trip from Crestline, OH. The trip will take Ohio Officials on a trip through Loudonville, Wooster and Canton before returning from Alliance back to Crestline.  On May 13, the Operation Lifesaver program will be operated roundtrip from Indianapolis to Lafayette, IN with intermediate stops at Jamestown and Linden. -Kevin Burkholder

BAD DAY ON BIG BLUE...

Conrail's Operation Lifesaver program is obviously needed around the system.  Yesterday at least two incidents occurred at grade crossings, one resulting in a fatality.  At 13:45 ET,  Conrail Lancaster, PA-based local WPLA-91 struck a mini-van attempting to beat the train to a crossing. CR GP15-1's 1623 & 1625 were running light westbound on the New Holland Secondary when the accident occurred at the Creek Hill Rd. crossing, approximately milepost 34.5. There were no injuries to either the crew or the occupants of the mini-van. The train struck the
front right corner of the van spinning it around before it came rest in a ditch. There was no noticable damage to either of the locomotives.  The other incident had more serious results. Mail-44-10 hit a pickup truck at approx. 10:00 ET. The accident happened at approximately MP 179, in the city of Versailles, Ohio on Conrail's Indianapolis Line. The driver, a 17-year old boy, was killed. The lead unit, Conrail B40-8 5068 sustained minimal appearance damage, (shattered ditch lights, bent steps, etc). One of the ditch lights was fixed on site. Mechanically the 5068 could not power up without smoking from the rear trucks. It was kept in the lead, with the trailing units providing the power. Repairs were expected to be made at Conway. -Todd Zimmerman, Chris Haines

CLOSE CALL

The coal train was inbound Columbus, OH from Dickinson, WV with 105 loaded hopper cars.  Thirty-one of the cars derailed "like an acordian".  The conductor reported that the potential problem may have been a broken rail within the grade crossing.  The train crew reportedly tried to get the train stopped after they noticed the broken rail, with the end result a derailment. -information from several sources

SD70MAC TRACK

Two pair of SD70MAC's are currently experiencing some "teething" problems. 4136 through 4139 have spent several days at Indianapolis and Selkirk with various ailments.  4140 and 4141 were scheduled to be released tomorrow for revenue service.
 

IN OHIO...
CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT) announced that the planned upgrade of its main rail line between Chicago and Greenwich, Ohio, is moving ahead rapidly as favorable weather has provided an early start to the 1998 construction season.

Described as one of the most ambitious U.S. rail freight development projects in modern times, the expansion effort will result in a world-class transportation link connecting local communities throughout northern Indiana and northwestern Ohio with major consumption markets in the Northeast such as Boston and New York.

"This capacity expansion ensures that area communities along CSXT's rail route will have access to high quality rail freight service in the years ahead," said David W. Hemphill, assistant vice president-industrial and economic development.  "Access to one of the finest railroad routes in the United States represents a strong selling point as local economic development officials pursue new industries and additional jobs."

Grading and track connections are scheduled during the coming weeks at Willard, Ohio, and Greenwich, Ohio, in Huron County.  Additionally, CSXT is investing nearly $30 million in operational and public safety improvements at its Willard rail terminal.  The Willard terminal will become CSXT's major east-west freight car classification yard, where blocks of rail cars and entire trains will be assembled for interchange with western railroads.

Work crews also will reconstruct public and private highway-railroad grade crossings in the affected areas. Construction work will require temporary closure of these crossings for periods of two or three days.  The schedule and arrangements for detour routes have been coordinated with local public safety officials.

When complete, the project will provide a high-capacity, double-track freight railroad line between Chicago and northern Ohio.  About $220 million will be spent along the 270-mile route, and the upgrading program is set for completion later this year.

About 75 miles of rail already have been installed, and more than 300,000 tons of rock ballast have been applied to the right-of-way.  CSXT has purchased goods and services totaling $6.8 million from local suppliers in Ohio.

CSXT, which serves more than 3,100 customers in Ohio, employs roughly 200 people at its Willard rail terminal, and approximately 2,800 statewide with an annual payroll of more than $111 million. -CSX Corporation
 
AND IN INDIANA...
CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT) announced  that the planned upgrade of its main rail line between Chicago and Greenwich, Ohio, is moving ahead rapidly as favorable weather has provided an early start to the 1998 construction season.

Described as one of the most ambitious U.S. rail freight development projects in modern times, the expansion effort will result in a world-class transportation link connecting local communities throughout northern Indiana and northwestern Ohio with major consumption markets in the Northeast such as Boston and New York.

"This capacity expansion ensures that area communities along CSXT's rail route will have access to high quality rail freight service in the years ahead," said David W. Hemphill, assistant vice president-industrial and economic development . "Access to one of the finest railroad routes in the United States represents a strong selling point as local economic development officials pursue new industries and additional jobs."

Rail installation is scheduled during the coming weeks between Milford, in Kosciusko County, and Nappanee, in Elkhart County. Grading is complete on the 10-mile segment, and ties have been placed on six miles of the route.

Construction work also is planned between Auburn and Garrett in DeKalb County as a third track is added in the vicinity of CSXT's Garrett Yard facility.

Work crews also will reconstruct public and private highway-railroad grade crossings in the affected areas.

Construction work will require temporary closure of these crossings for periods of two or three days. The schedule and arrangements for detour routes have been coordinated with local public safety officials.

When completed, the project will provide a high-capacity, double-track freight railroad line between Chicago and northern Ohio. About $220 million will be spent along the 270-mile route, and the upgrading program is set for completion later this year.

About 75 miles of rail already have been installed, and more than 300,000 tons of rock ballast have been applied to the right-of-way. The railroad has purchased goods and services totaling $8.4 million from local suppliers in Indiana. -CSX Corporation

HOMECOMING

CSXT AC60CW 600 with the GECX 90 Gemini test car was at Newton, KS on May 10.  The 600 is returning after spending nearly two months on the FRA test track in Avondale, CO.  The 600 had been delivered to the FRA on March 18.  -Ken Ardinger

SD45 HEAVEN

In the western United States, SD45 and SD45-2 carbodies are not that rare of a sight.  BNSF and UP roster numerous of each type and operations are scattered throughout the west.  Here in the east, SD45 and 45-2 carbody-types are more difficult to find on the Class 1 railroads.  CSXT had been utilizing three former SCL units in helper service on the Sand Patch Grade.  Two units are still showing as active, while the third has had no activity for over a week.  CSXT is also leasing and utilizing 45's from Wisconsin Central and Conrail.  Half a dozen SD45's are currently leased from Wisconsin Central and are based out of Nashville, TN and most often operate between Nashville and Memphis, TN on Q-535/536 trains.  In addition to the WC units, Conrail SD45-2's have also been wondering around on CSXT to pay off horsepower hours that were acrued by Conrail.  Here is where they all line-up:
 

CSX INTERMODAL WINS "CARRIER OF THE YEAR" AWARDS

Rail Van Inc. and Owens-Corning have named CSX Intermodal (CSXI) "Carrier of the Year" for excellence in intermodal service.

During this third annual competition, CSXI was among 14 rail and trucking companiesnamed as finalists for the award, which is presented to companies doing the best job of working with Rail Van to provide intermodal services to Owens-Corning's manufacturing and distribution facilities and customers nationwide.

The award was presented at the International Intermodal Expo in Dallas. Last year's winners, announced at the 1997 Expo in Atlanta, were Kansas City Southern Railway and Reed Trucking; first-year winners were American President Lines and Norfolk Southern for rail and Total Xpress for trucking.

"All of the finalists are providing excellent service in helping us serve Owens-Corning, but CSX Intermodal is leading the way and deserves special recognition," said Rick Plieninger, assistant vice president for Rail Van. "We are pleased to honor them for their efforts." A variety of criteria was used to judge the companies, including: on-time service performance; ease of doing business; long-term commitment; ability to solve problems; cost savings and avoidance; accurate and timely billing; creative, aggressive marketing; systems efficiency; communications; and on-time, accurate reporting.

"In our business, high quality, on-time service is not something we simply hope for, it is required from carriers every day," said Rance Rogers, Logistics Optimization Leader for Owens-Corning. "CSX Intermodal is setting the standard for others to follow." CSX Intermodal provides transcontinental intermodal transportation services and operates a network of dedicated intermodal facilities across North America. It is a business unit of CSX Corporation. -CSX Corporation

CPR is going to be celebrating the 175th anniversary of the D&H with several Passenger Specials.  Four CPR business cars are being delivered to the D&H via Montreal for a May 20 trip to Philadelphia.  CPR will be entertaining various politicians and business people on a May 22 trip departing Philadelphia for Scranton, PA. The train will be operating via the R&N north from Lehighton, PA.  Reportedly there will be an employee outing at Steamtown on May 23.  The train will spend ALL day Saturday the 23rd at Steamtown.  The NPS MAY add a 17:30 ET departure to their schedule to accomodate the extra patrons. The train will continue northward to Saratoga Springs on Sunday May 24 with a Memorial Day layover slated.  The train will be back in Binghamton on May 27 for a trip with Norfolk Southern officials to Albany. Several moves will be operated with invited guests and passengers.  The tentative power assignment is one of the D&H "Lightining Stripe" GP38-2 and a new Canadian Pacific "Golden Beaver" unit. -Ralph McClive, Sam Botts

SUNBURY LINE CHANGES

New StL&H (D&H) Timetable #1 goes into effect at 12:01 AM on May 12.  Several changes are indicated on the Sunbury Line and the Freight Main Line:
 

SHAWS to CPF 648              Form-D Control System (DCS) rules in effect
CPF-648 to CPF-650             ABS/Rule 261
CPF-650 to CPF-672             Form-D Control System (DCS) rules in effect
CPF-672 to CPF-679             ABS/Rule 261
CPF-679 to CP-KASE           Form-D Control System (DCS) rules in effect
 

CPF-679 to MP 680.4             50 MPH
MP 680.4 to MP 680.9            40 MPH
MP 680.9 to MP 681.3            30 MPH
MP 681.3 to MP 681.5            25 MPH
MP 681.5 to MP 687.5            30 MPH
MP 687.5 to MP 688.4            10 MPH
MP 688.4 to MP 690.2            30 MPH
MP 690.2 to MP 693.3            35 MPH
MP 693.3 to MP 696.7            40 MPH
MP 696.7 to MP 697.6            45 MPH
MP 697.6 to MP 701.9            50 MPH
MP 701.9 to MP 702.1            45 MPH
MP 702.1 to MP 704.1            50 MPH
MP 704.1 to MP 705.3            45 MPH
MP 705.3 to MP 705.9            35 MPH
MP 705.9 to MP 716.6            50 MPH  (Nescopeck Siding 5 MPH)
MP 716.6 to MP 716.7            35 MPH
MP 716.7 to MP 720.6            50 MPH
MP 720.6 to MP 720.8            40 MPH
MP 720.8 to MP 730.4            50 MPH
MP 730.4 to MP 732.3            40 MPH
MP 732.3 to MP 740.2            50 MPH
MP 740.2 to MP 741.8            40 MPH
MP 741.8 to MP 746.2            50 MPH
MP 746.2 to MP 746.8            45 MPH
MP 746.8 to MP 749.0            50 MPH
MP 749.0 to BANKS               35 MPH
BANKS to SUNBURY             20 MPH (siding 5 MPH)
SUNBURY to CASE               20 MPH
 

MP 696.1 (HBD/DED)
MP 721.8 (HBD/DED)

-SJ Botts

On Wednesday May 13, a passenger extra will be operated out of Green Bay to Oshkosh and return on the following schedule.
 

The car consist should be: Prarie Rose, Algoma Country, Montana, Two ACRI Coach cars, and one ACRI Lunch Counter car. The train will load and unload at the Title Town Brewery Station in Green Bay. I believe this to be the old C&NW station.

After this trip is run, the entire consist plus Camp Car WC 77 will be sent to Schiller Park,IL for a trip out of there on Friday May 15. We will post info about the May 15 trip as soon as it is available.-Ray Weart

In addition to the continuing BNSF order, a new order of AC4400CW's for Transportación Ferroviaria Mexicana (TFM), the Mexican subsidiary of Kansas City Southern Industries, are on the floor. The first fifty units are numbered 2600-2649 and will be delivered this year in the KCS "NAFTA" paint scheme with large red "TFM" letters adorning the long hood.  KCS is applying the standard grey paint with large red lettering to all of the KCSI-owned railroads.  These units will be interchanged to Norfolk Southern and delivered to KCS at Kansas City.  GE will build an additional 25 units next year for TFM. This is the first order of new GE locomotives from KCSI.  KCS and associated KCS subsidiaries have always been EMD-operated.  -Kevin Burkholder, GE-Transportation

 Canadian National yesterday announced plans to rationalize a total of 2,648 kilometres (1,586 miles) of track in 1998. This will consist primarily of the transfer of 2,087 kilometres (1,250 miles) of secondary track to short-line railways.

"CN's objective is to create a low-cost, growth-oriented feeder network of short line railways," said CN President and Chief Executive Officer Paul M. Tellier. "This will allow CN to focus on becoming a high-density, long-haul railway."

CN intends to convey the following lines to short line railways:
 

"CN will seek buyers with proven financial and commercial track records, " Tellier said. "Short-line railways improve local service to customers and still connect them to CN's extensive rail network. This will strengthen our customers' transportation link to North American markets. Short lines are very successful at revitalizing rail business, and they play a vital and dynamic role in local and regional economies."

Passenger service provided by VIA Rail Canada Inc. will also be maintained.

CN also intends to discontinue operations on 483 kilometres (289 miles) of track during the year, consisting of the following lines:
 

For lines being discontinued, CN follows the process established in the Canada Transportation Act. Lines must first be announced on CNÆs Three-Year Network Rationalization Public Plan for 60 days. They must then be advertised for another 60 days for sale to the private sector. If no short-line operator is interested, CN then offers the lines successively to the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Under the CTA process, each level of government has 30 days to acquire the lines for net salvage value.

In the United States, CN has informed the Surface Transportation Board of its intention to discontinue operations on the Lapeer, Romeo, Jackson, Charlotte and Cass City lines, totaling 78 kilometres (47 miles), all in the State of Michigan.

Network rationalization is a strategic initiative for CN. The current Three-Year Network Rationalization Public Plan, which lists the lines the company plans to keep, transfer or discontinue, is posted on CN's Web site: www.cn.ca.

In 1997, CN sold or discontinued 2,500 kilometres (1,500 miles) of track. Since 1992, CN has sold or discontinued more than 10,000 kilometres (6,500 miles) of secondary lines. As of Dec. 31, 1997, CN operated 24,600 route kilometres (15,292 route miles) in Canada and the United States. -Canadian National

MLW'S ARRIVING
Three of CP Railway's RS18u's that were inbound to new United States owners have arrived.  1811 and 1850 arrived at Owego, NY on Saturday May 9, delivered to the Owego-Harford Railway.  The 1811 will operate on the Owego-Harford, while the 1850 will be used on newly formed Cayuga Railroad Inc.  Also delivered in the US, was CPR RS18u 1803 to the Four States West Railway in West Chester, PA.  -John Haynes, Carl Perelman