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THE TRANSFER TABLE
The Wilmington Chapter NRHS Official Newsletter
Internet Edition

Back To Wilmington Chapter Web Site

July 17, 2008 MEETING NOTES

This reporter was unable to attend the meeting and has received no details of its activities.

August 21, 2008 MEETING NOTES

There was no meeting. There was a Chapter Do-It-Yourself, Pay-As-You-Go trip from Marcus Hook to Fox Chase in lieu of the meeting (which I believe involved five Chapter Members).

From The Editor

It is with great shock, sadness, and regret that I have to report upon the sudden passing of long time Chapter Member and Treasurer since Jan. 1997 Ralph E. Stevens, Jr. His sister, Mary Ann Haley had the presence of mind to send an e-mail to everyone on Ralph's "cc" list to let them "know that he passed away suddenly, Saturday, 8/23 at 6:25 a.m. He had a terrible infection in his blood system, which became septic." She said that they tried everything they could to save him and were awaiting an autopsy to find out what caused this infection.Approximately one dozen Chapter Members and a few spouses joined his family and other friends for the funeral services. See other stories in this newsletter for details.

Ralph E. Stevens, Jr.

This Obituary appeared in the Wilmington News Journal:

"Ralph E. Stevens, Jr. - Age 62, of Wilmington, DE, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 23, 2008, at Wilmington Hospital.

Ralph was a truly unique and beautiful person, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and was a kind soul who will be missed. He served in the US Air Force, retired from the US Post Office. He loved to travel by train and was a member of NRHS Wilm. & Phila. Chapters, Delmarva Passenger Chapter, Delaware Valley Rail, London Rail Tram System, NYC Rail Tram System, Mystic Valley Railway, and the Post Office Union.

Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Stevens Vernon; father, Ralph E. Stevens; uncle, Leo Moreau; grandparents, Delphine and Joseph Moreau; stepfather, H. Bayne Vernon; stepsister, Sharon Barclift. He is survived by 2 sisters, Mary Ann Haley and husband Michael J. of Claymont, Delphine Smith and husband Fred of Wilmington; 2 nephews, Fred Smith, Jr., and Jeffrey Smith both of Wilmington; grand-nephew, Dylan Smith; stepbrother, William Vernon of Missouri; stepmother, Louise Stevens of Missouri; 2 aunts, Carol Cole of Wilmington, Louise Dougherty of Florida; numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces."

A funeral service on Thursday, August 28, at 11 am, at Gracelawn Memorial Park Chapel, 2220 S. DuPont Hwy., New Castle, DE. Viewing will be from 10:15-11 am, at Gracelawn Chapel. Interment will immediately follow in the adjoining cemetery."

In Memory of Ralph Stevens, Jr. by Phil Snyder

After Ralph got out of the Air Force, he got a job at the Wilm. Post Office where he met Fred Eichelberger who introduced him to Wilm. Chapter member Dave Frazer. They introduced Ralph to many other people who were interested in railroads and trolleys. Fred would take Ralph and other people to German restaurants in the Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York City. Ralph went with Fred to Germany and rode the rails in Europe.

Ralph became the Wilm. Chapter Treasurer in 1997. He took care of membership dues and the checkbook. About 6 years ago he took over as Trip Director for the Chapter. Some of the many trips he arranged were to Danbury, CT; Port Jefferson, Long Island; Coney Island; New Jersey River Line from Camden to Trenton. The Wilm. Chapter never had meetings during the month of August. Ralph created many trips over August in lieu of meetings. In the last 8 years Ralph and I went on a number of trips: Atlanta, Georgia to ride the light rail line; Boston to Ride the trolley cars; Chicago to ride the elevated lines; Washington, DC to ride the entire Metro System; New York City to ride subways; Dallas to ride the entire Metro System. We attended the last three NRHS Conventions.

Ralph liked spending holidays with his family and going to the beach with them. There were small groups of friends he visited once a week and many organizations once a month.

Ralph was one of the few people who could read a map and wherever he went, he knew what stop to get off and where he was in that city.

On August 21, 2008, the Wilm. Chapter had a trip put together by Ralph. I picked up Ron Cleavers, Ralph at 3:30. We went to eat where my wife met us. We were at Marcus Hook train station by 5:30. We met Dave Waterson and Tom Henderer at 6:00 and proceeded to Fox Chase. We left Fox Chase around 8:00 and returned to Marcus Hook. I dropped Ralph off at 10:10.

Saturday afternoon I received a call informing me that Ralph had passed away from a blood infection. Ralph always had a big smile on his face when he ran into someone he knew. He was a positive person with a positive attitude. He enjoyed people and life. When traveling he needed food and diet soda. Ralph never had anything bad to say about the people he knew. And those who knew him had nothing bad to say about him. With this I know he is resting in peace. We all lost a friend. I lost a good friend and traveling companion.

In Memory of Ralph Stevens, Jr. by Ron Cleaves

Being among one of the very first to learn of Ralph's sudden passing away August 23, I too, as I know others were, was in disbelief. Hard to believe it was, that just mere hours earlier he along with Phil Snyder, Dave Watterson, Tom Henderer, and myself with Ralph as our train "scheduler" had such a relaxing ride aboard Septa during the August 21 Chapter outing Marcus Hook to Fox Chase and return

To me, Ralph was more than just somebody who at Chapter meetings read the monthly Treasurer's Report, he was a personable and laid-back fellow who always seemed to enjoy himself anytime and anywhere there were trains, including trolleys to either ride or look at. He always seemed to know too, all the various schedules when anywhere a train, or trolley, was to arrive and depart, as I had often discovered on various Chapter rail "safaris" I, and others participated on with him over the years. (He also knew too, where various Post Offices were located and was always, it seemed, quick to spot one or a mail truck, as Ralph was retired recently after working many years for the postal service).

His passing will surely leave a void to all who had come to know him.

NEWS BITS 

• In a June 12, 2008 Reuters Interview with Amtrak President Alex Kummant, he indicated that primarily as a result of the increase in gasoline prices that for the air-rail share on the Northeast Corridor combined, AMTRAK is up to 63 percent share between (Washington) D.C. and New York and 49 percent share between New York and Boston. Regarding ACELA service, he said, "it is time to start looking at a replacement for that product. If we started today, particularly with a high-speed product, and we said we need to replace that. It would be six to eight years until one got a serious flow of new equipment in, so there is work to be done there. And it is time to start looking at a replacement for that product. If we started today, particularly with a high-speed product, and we said we need to replace that. It would be six to eight years until one got a serious flow of new equipment in, so there is work to be done there. And frankly at the end of the day we don't know where that capital would come from other than really a stand alone appropriation. At some point, someone has to look at the Northeast Corridor operation and say if we really want new equipment there we - and we're talking in the end multiple billions of dollars just for the equipment - we have to start looking at that now and we have to start getting serious about funding that as well." And regarding other high-speed service, he said, "Take for example 100 to 300 mile routes, going 110 miles per hour is not a bad thing at all. We have a great example, the Keystone Corridor, that we got up and running a little over a year ago - 110 mph, a nice electrified line, pretty good railroad and that ridership has grown dramatically. And it's a very successful service from Harrisburg to Philadelphia. And we can do that in a lot of different places given some capital. Take for example, Chicago-Detroit, we actually own 96 miles of railroad in that stretch where we could go 110 miles per hour. There's another stretch into Michigan where if you spent $100 million you could get signalings and sidings up, which leaves you with the stretch into Chicago which is highly congested. But for let's say less than $1 billion you could build that out. You could go 100 miles an hour between Chicago and Detroit. That would be highly competitive." (via Ed Thornton)
   
• The Media Line Turns 150 [Posted August 17, 2008 ] The Chester County Historical Society and the West Chester Railroad are teaming up to mark the 150th anniversary of the "Media Branch to West Chester" -- the rail line that ends on E. Market Street near Rubenstein's, and which serves as the basis for weekly rail excursions to Delaware County. The original tracks were constructed in the 1850s and the first train rolled into West Chester on November 11, 1858 (pulled by a 4-4-0 Atlantic-type locomotive, for you aficionados of steam locomotives). Since then, the line operated without interruption under a number of company names -- West Chester & Philadelphia; Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore; Pennsylvania; Penn Central; and SEPTA -- until 1986. For the next ten years, only an occasional work train disturbed the right-of-way until 1997 when the new West Chester Railroad began to operate. [NOTE: The original West Chester railroad began as a horse-drawn line that operated to the north side of town between 1832 and 1864 when it was acquired by the owners of the Media line.]

To observe the anniversary, the Historical Society is mounting an exhibition called "The Railroad: West Chester's Gateway to the World" featuring rare items from its archives plus objects loaned by local collectors. The exhibit will be installed by Friday, September 27, and officially open in October at the same time as an exhibit on open space preservation in Chester County. Then, on Saturday November 15, volunteers from the West Chester Railroad have organized a day-long program. In the morning, three presenters from the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum, the West Chester Railroad and West Chester University will offer a program at the Historical Society on the past, present and future of railroading in West Chester. Afterwards, participants will have time to view the Society's exhibits, take a guided tour of Borough's historic railroad sites and eat lunch. Finally, everyone will convene at the Market Street station for a train ride to Glen Mills with commentary by local railroad historians.[ from http://wcjim.com/news/rr150th.htm via Ed Thornton] Souvenir envelope and commemorative postage stamp will be available.

Tickets for the event cost $30 ($20 for young people 12 and under), and are available at the Market Street station (234 E. Market St.) on Sundays between 11:30am and 12:30pm, at the Historical Society Museum Shop (225 N. High St.) during regular and Saturday business hours, or by calling 610-430-2233. Besides admission to the presentations, exhibits and train ride, each ticket holder will receive a souvenir envelope featuring a reproduction of the 1858 photograph of the first train plus a commemorative postage stamp created specifically for the 2008 event.

• Amtrak is rebranding its busiest trains. The Regional service on the Northeast Corridor has been renamed the Northeast Regional. Once referred to by individual train and, at times, historic names and more recently as Acela RS, Northeast Regional service is slightly slower and cheaper than Amtrak's fastest train, the Acela Express. Along with the new name, the Northeast Regional features refurbished cafe cars, a new menu, and improved business-class seats and interiors. The Regional service carried 6.8 million passengers last year, and Amtrak expects the rebranding, the upgrades, and a marketing campaign to attract an additional 136,000 passengers. [AMTRAK Press Release via Ralph Stevens]
   
• MECHANICVILLE, N.Y. -- N.Y. State Senator Joe Bruno (R-Brunswick) today announced that a new intermodal and automotive rail logistics center will be constructed at the former rail yard located within the towns of Halfmoon, Mechanicville, and Stillwater. This new rail terminal will anchor the western end of Pan Am Southern's Patriot Corridor, which will be a high-speed freight rail route between the Capitol Region and the Boston area once track and signal improvements are complete. Construction of the $40 million facility is expected to begin in the first quarter 2009 and be complete by April 2010. In May, Pan Am Railways and Norfolk Southern announced plans to create a joint venture, called Pan Am Southern. The key component of Pan Am Southern is the Patriot Corridor, the 155-mile main line track that runs between Mechanicville and Ayer, Mass. Pan Am Southern also includes 281 miles of secondary and branch lines, including trackage rights, in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The new Saratoga County rail logistics center will serve as the primary distribution hub for the Patriot Corridor. The Pan Am Southern joint venture is subject to the approval of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, which is expected to issue a decision on the transaction in October 2008. Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing superior connections to western rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is North America's largest rail carrier of metals and automotive products. Pan Am Railways is the Northeast's largest regional railroad. It operates over 2,000 route miles in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New York and Atlantic Canada. Pan Am Railways interchanges traffic with fifteen railroads throughout its network. [NS News Release]
   
• THAMES RIVER BRIDGE TESTED SUCCESSFULLY: Amtrak's new lift bridge over the Thames River cleared a shipping channel successfully in tests, Connecticut 's The Day newspaper reported. Last month contractors replaced the aging bascule span with a new lift span that moves up and down like an elevator between two towers. The bridge is part of Amtrak's busy Northeast Corridor trains between Boston and Washington . The news is a relief for mariners, and plans call for the bridge to begin opening and closing regularly July 10. However, work on the bridge won't be completely finished until late this year. (Trains News Wire via American Rail Link for July 9, 2008 via Ed Mayover)
   
• TUNNEL LINKING LIRR TO GRAND CENTRAL ON TRACK: The suburban commuter's dream of taking the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal is on track. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said Wednesday that after eight months, the first of two tunnel boring machines has ended its one-mile-long journey that started in the bedrock beneath midtown Manhattan. The result is a tunnel that will become a new station and concourse beneath Grand Central Terminal at Park Avenue and 42nd Street. A second tunnel boring machine is scheduled to end its parallel journey by summer's end. The project will eventually allow future LIRR access to all eight tracks in the new station under Grand Central. (Newsday via American Rail Link for July 9, 2008 via Ed Mayover)
   
• Amtrak expands shuttle service to eastern Maryland - Amtrak recently announced it extended its Thruway bus service to Maryland's eastern shore through a partnership with BayRunner Shuttle, enabling passengers to reach communities not served by rail. The service will be available from the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Rail Station to Easton, Cambridge, Salisbury, Ocean Pines and Ocean City, Md. The shuttle will offer 14 daily departures, seven in each direction from the eastern shore. (via Ed Thornton) Amtrak News Release: August 4, 2008 Amtrak and Bayrunner Shuttle Partner to Provide Thruway Service from BWI to Eastern Shore - - Service Includes 14 Daily Departures - - Amtrak recently extended its Thruway bus service to Maryland's Eastern Shore through a partnership with BayRunner Shuttle of Salisbury, Md. The service is available from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Rail Station (BWI) to the communities of Easton, Cambridge, Salisbury, Ocean Pines and Ocean City, Md. Amtrak's Thruway service is a convenient way for Amtrak passengers to reach communities not served by rail. This new Thruway service offers Amtrak passengers a choice of 14 daily departures - 7 in each direction to and from Maryland's Eastern Shore. Shuttles depart BWI every two hours from 8:35am to 8:35pm to Easton, Cambridge and Salisbury. Shuttles depart Salisbury for BWI every two hours from 5:20am to 5:20pm making stops at Cambridge and Easton. Ten of the daily departures - 5 in each direction - also serve Ocean Pines and Ocean City. BayRunner Shuttle provides all-reserved van shuttle service. Fares begin at $40 each way. BayRunner Shuttle Thruway Service Fares for Travel between:
  • BWI and Easton: $40.00
  • BWI and Cambridge: $57.00
  • BWI and Salisbury: $60.00
  • BWI and Ocean Pines: $95.00
  • BWI and Ocean City: $95.00

Reservations for the Thruway service must be made at the same time Amtrak rail reservations are made. Advance reservations are required at least 48 hours prior to travel, including passengers in need of a lift-equipped vehicle. Passengers desiring to make reservations after the 48-hour cut off time should contact Bayrunner Shuttle directly to arrange travel.

BayRunner Shuttle Thruway Service Locations
Salisbury, MD_547 E. Riverside Drive_Salisbury, MD 21801 Cambridge, MD_Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort & Spa_100 Heron Blvd_Cambridge, MD 21613 Easton, MD_Main Terminal Building - Easton Airport_29137 Newnam Road_Easton, MD 21601__Ocean Pines, MD Rite Aid Pharmacy (at the South Gate of Ocean Pines)_11011 Manklin Creek Road_Berlin, MD 21811 Ocean City, MD_ West Ocean City Park & Ride_12848 Ocean Gateway_ Ocean City, MD 21842

The BWI Airport Rail Station is served by Amtrak's Acela Express service as well as its Northeast Regional service, the railroad's busiest, serving more than 6.8 million passengers last fiscal year. More than 587,000 passengers boarded or alighted from an Amtrak train at BWI last fiscal year, ranking it 15th among all Amtrak stations nationwide.About Amtrak Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail services to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 22,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and information, passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com.

About BayRunner Shuttle, Inc. BayRunner Shuttle is a Salisbury, MD, based provider of scheduled, high-quality shuttle services for passengers traveling between the Eastern Shore of Maryland and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and Rail Station. Founded in 2005, Bayrunner has transported over 25,000 passengers since its inception. For additional information, contact 410-912-6000 or visit www.bayrunnershuttle.com.

• New Jersey Transit approved the purchase of 50 additional bi-level commuter rail cars. The new purchase order will increase NJT's planned bi-level fleet to 329 cars, 170 of which have already been delivered, and 143 of which are already in service. The cars are being assembled by Bombardier Transportation. The bi-levels, which are in service on NJT's Northern New Jersey trains, have been praised by riders, especially for their 2-2 seating configuration that avoids the much-disliked 3-2 seating on many NJT single-level cars. (ffd: Times Herald Record)
   
• Amtrak announced that it had begun using a new video system to help communicate key security information to passengers getting ready to board its trains. The new system, known as PASS for Passenger Advisory at Security Screening, features a 1-minute, 40-second video that explains security measures, including random baggage screening and K-9 patrol units. An Amtrak spokesman said that the system is now in use at Washington DC Union Station. (ffd: redorbit.com)
   
• A city historian in New York State announced that he has unearthed what is believed to be the country's first rudimentary railroad tunnel. Don Rittner, city historian of Schenectady NY, said that the tunnel had been unearthed 15 feet beneath the city's historic Stockade district and dated from 1832. Mr. Rittner said he believed the tunnel not only the first ever constructed in the U.S. for use by a locomotive, but that its entrance was also the nation's first junction of two railroad companies' tracks. (ffd: Schenectady Daily Gazette)
   
• Amtrak announced that its July, 2008 patronage of 2,750,278 was the most for any single month in its 37-year existence, and up 14 percent compared with its July, 2007 ridership. Ticket revenue for July was up $168 million, up 18.6 percent from the year-ago month. An Amtrak spokesman noted that all its services except one, the Chicago-Grand Rapids MI run, had experienced ridership increases. Amtrak President Alex Kummant commented that the notable increases were due to factors including "increased fuel prices, highway congestion, airline issues and environmental awareness." (ffd: Amtrak, Wall Street Journal)
   
• Philadelphia PA rail and transit operator SEPTA announced what it said was its largest one-time service expansion in its history. A SEPTA spokesman said that it will apply $10 million to increase regional rail and bus frequencies, including adding late-night rail service. SEPTA GM Joe Casey said that the service expansion was in part made possible by Pennsylvania's recent signing into law Pennsylvania Act 44, which provides a steadier stream of SEPTA funding. Mr. Casey further noted that SEPTA expects to add 120 Silverliner V electric-multiple-unit cars in 2009, its first new commuter rail car purchase in 40 years, and that it has recently acquired eight used cars from New Jersey Transit. (ffd: SEPTA, Railway Age)Amtrak's planned 100th anniversary celebration for its Washington DC Union Station has been rescheduled to October 4 and 5. Festivities were previously planned for September 27 and 28. (ffd: Amtrak)
   
• Iowa Interstate Railroad announced that it would again operate the two modern Chinese steam locomotives recently acquired and brought to the U.S. by its parent, RDC Corporation. In a prepared statement, the IAIS said that special trains powered by the locomotive would be operated October 18 and 19 between Iowa City IA and Rock Island IL, and include "an attempt to set a record for steam-hauled revenue tonnage" this decade. IAIS said that the proceeds from the train trips and other special rail-related events going on in Rock Island IL these days would benefit The Salvation Army, in appreciation of their relief efforts on behalf of communities impacted by Midwest flooding last June. (ffd: IAIS RR) [from Weekly Rail Review For The 7 Days Ending Fri, August 15, 2008 By Dave Mears via Ed Mayover]
   
• August 28,2008 In preparation for anticipated landfall on the Louisiana Coast of Hurricane Gustav, Norfolk Southern has issued an Embargo, effective immediately, for all traffic destined to locations south of Hattiesburg , MS to and including New Orleans . Traffic moving via New Orleans to and from connecting carriers is also included in the embargo. [NS News Release]
   
• Genesee & Wyoming to acquire nine Ohio Central Railroad System short lines. - Genesee & Wyoming Inc.'s (GWI) railroad roster soon will increase from 52 to 61. Today, the company announced it signed an agreement to acquire nine of the Ohio Central Railroad System's (OCR) short lines for $219 million in cash. GWI also would pay contingent consideration of about $25 million after satisfying certain conditions. Expected to close in the fourth quarter, the deal is subject to customary closing conditions and approval from the state of Ohio to transfer an operating agreement for one of the railroads. Founded in 1988, OCR owns 10 short lines that combined operate about 500 miles of track. The deal includes the Ohio Central Railroad Inc., Ohio Southern Railroad Inc.; Columbus and Ohio River Railroad Co.; Youngstown Belt Railroad Co.; Youngstown & Austintown Railroad Inc.; Warren & Trumbull Railroad Co.; Mahoning Valley Railway Co.; Pittsburgh & Ohio Central Railroad; and Aliquippa & Ohio River Railroad. The acquisition does not include the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad Corp. The nine short lines move about 140,000 carloads and generate about $70 million in revenue annually. GWI owns and operates 52 regionals and short lines in the United States, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands, and owns a minority interest in a Bolivian railroad. Meanwhile, GWI also reported second-quarter financial results today. Revenue jumped 21.9 percent to $152.7 million (while same-railroad revenue increased 10 percent), operating income rose 39.2 percent to $29.7 million and net income soared more than 40 percent to $15.4 million compared with second-quarter 2007 totals. [from Progressive Railroading Daily News - August 4, 2008via Ed Mayover]
   
• Wilmington to Newark Commuter Rail Improvement Project - - The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC), a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), is undertaking a rail capacity expansion project on the Northeast Corridor to improve local train service in Delaware. When the project is completed in 2014, DTC will be able to add up to 10 more SEPTA train frequencies between Delaware's two largest cities, Wilmington and Newark. As a result, train schedules will be improved to offer 30-minute headways during peak travel periods. Forecasts for growth in New Castle County compel DelDOT to look at alternatives to the busy I-95 corridor. Amtrak's Northeast Rail Corridor parallels I-95, and offers the opportunity for commuters to use SEPTA trains instead of their personal vehicles to get to work, school and recreation. DTC contracts with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to operate regional rail services along the Amtrak Northeast Corridor in Delaware. The service, referred to as SEPTA "R2", began operations to Wilmington in 1989, added stops in Claymont in 1991, Newark in 1997 and Churchman's Crossing in 2000. During Fiscal Year 2008, SEPTA transported 1,073,000 riders in Delaware. The service averages 4,000 passenger trips per day. After the infrastructure improvements are added, the SEPTA service in Delaware is projected to transport 7,840 trips per day. Eliminate a Choke Point - The SEPTA service between Wilmington and Newark is constrained because of a two- track choke point between Wilmington and Newport. As a result, Amtrak will not permit the operation of more SEPTA trains during peak commuter travel periods. The restraint also negatively impacts existing schedules, causing delays at the Wilmington station. The goal of DTC's Commuter Rail Improvement Project is to increase the frequency and reliability of commuter rail service during peak travel periods between Newark and Wilmington, Delaware; and to increase commuter train capacity on the Northeast Corridor. To achieve rail capacity expansion, the following objectives were established.

- Add a third main track on the Northeast Rail Corridor between Wilmington Newport, a distance of 1.5 miles;

- Reconstruct turnouts and track alignments; Northeast Corridor at Mill Creek

- Rehabilitate the Mill Creek and Orange Street Rail Bridges;

- Construct a new Newark rail station on Delaware Route 72 with expanded track capacity to accommodate two operating trains and provide rail car storage capacity.

- Purchase 4 SEPTA rail cars to support expansion of SEPTA's Delaware service; Construct a Regional Rail Center in Newark - The current Newark station located on Route 896, South College Avenue, will be replaced by a Regional Rail Center on DE Route 72, Library Avenue. Construction of a new station in Newark is based upon the following considerations:

- The present South College Avenue facility has no room to expand parking, and has now reached capacity. The Route 72 site will result in doubling of parking capacity.

- There is a conflict between Norfolk Southern Railway freight and SEPTA passenger operations. N/S trains must wait until after 9:00 a.m. to operate in and out of the north end of their freight yard. With expanded SEPTA frequencies, N/S could become unacceptably constrained.

- The N/S freight yard at Chrysler is the location of trains to and from the Port of Wilmington and the Delmarva Peninsula. The N/S yard will not close when Chrysler ends operations at its plant in 2009.

- There are safety concerns about freight trains operating at inter city and commuter rail platforms.

- Improving the present South College Avenue facility to be compliant with FRA rules for ADA accessibility would require massive, expensive reconstruction.

- The Route 72 site has sufficient space to add track that will accommodate two SEPTA trains at once, or one MARC train and one SEPTA train at once. The additional track space affords the option to store trains overnight that would reduce operational cost to Delaware.

- The Route 72 site is strategic in that it has the potential to directly serve any future downstate passenger service via the Delmarva Secondary. The existing South College Avenue site is nearly a mile west of the Delmarva Secondary. There was extensive public outreach for the plan to relocate the commuter rail station to a new facility on Route 72:

- Public Hearing Workshops were held in Newark on November 29, 2004 and June 20, 2005.

- A Newark Working Group was formed consisting of city officials, MPO, University of Delaware, Chrysler representatives and various stakeholders. The Working Group met in

WILMAPCO offices on March 16, April 27 and May 25, 2005. The group recommended relocating the station. Proposed site at Davis/Newark Cost of Improvements DTC and DelDOT invest in passenger rail improvements as a strategy to alleviate traffic congestion along the state's busiest highway corridor. Rail investments are important to the future of the state. Passenger rail expansion adds mobility and supports economic growth in Northern Delaware. The use of rail transit reduces the number of vehicles on area highways, improving air quality. By improving the rail infrastructure, freight and inter city rail services can also operate more efficiently and add more services. The total program for the Wilmington to Newark Commuter Rail Improvement Project, 2009 through 2014, is estimated to cost $88.11 million. The U.S. Federal government will provide approximately 50% of the funds, and 50% will come from the State of Delaware. Third Track, Orange Street & Mill Creek Bridge Rehabilitation $35,639,600 Newark Rail Station 26,452,800 Four Rail Cars 8,300,000 Engineering and Design 3,500,000 Total $73,892,400 Project Schedule Third Track:

- October 2008 - Federal Transit Administration issues approval to begin construction on the Third Track.

- November 2008 - Order Long Lead Items for Third Track (18 month fabrication)

- April 2009 - DelDOT Contractor begins Civil / Structural work on Third Track (15 month duration due to work time limitations)

- Sept 2009 - DelDOT Contractor begins civil / foundations / utility relocation at Orange Street bridge (12 month duration) ¥ July 2010 - Third Track roadbed construction complete (including Mill Creek bridge, scour protection, and retaining walls)

- July 2010 - Long Lead Items for Third Track delivered, track work commences (18 month duration)

- January 2012 - Third Track complete. New Newark Station: Phases 1 + 2: Initial Parking Lot, Platform, Waterline Relocation, Widen SR 72, Traffic Signal, Track "B", and New Crossover and Turnout Phase 3: Construct Pedestrian Bridge and Relocate High Voltage Line Phase 4: Final portion of Parking Lot, and opening of the Chapel Street Loop.

- December 2011 - FTA issues approval to Begin Construction

- April 2012 - Issue Notice to Proceed to DelDOT contractor for Phases 1 + 2: Parking Lot, Platform, Waterline Relocation, SR 72 Widening, Traffic Signal, Chapel Street Loop

- August 2012 - Track "B" roadbed construction complete (culvert extended, waterline moved, embankment constructed)

- December 2012 - Commence Revenue Service at Relocated Newark Station Ð Single Track (A only)

- July 2013 - Long Lead Items for Track "B", New Crossover, and Turnout delivered, track work commences (6 month duration)

- January 2014 - Complete Track "B", begin operation as a double track station.

- January 2014 - Issue NTP to DelDOT contractor for Phase 3: Construct Pedestrian Bridge and Relocate High Voltage Lines

-  June 2014 - Pedestrian bridge fabricated, high voltage lines relocated

-  July 2014 - Pedestrian bridge opened to public

-  Aug 2014 - Newark Station complete Four SEPTA Rail Cars:

-  October 2007 - DTC and SEPTA contract to purchase 4 rail cars

-  August 2010 - SEPTA receives cars purchased by DTC

-  October 2010 - SEPTA completes inspection and testing and informs manufacturer of deficiencies

-  February 2011 - DTC purchased cars begin revenue service Engineering and Design provided by Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland. Project Management Oversight Program provided by Hill International, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Planning Project Management provided by the Delaware Transit Corporation. North District Construction, Delaware Department of Transportation, will provide construction management. [ from website from Doug Andrews via Ed Thornton http://www.dartfirststate.com/information/programs/wilm_newark/crip_summary_082108.pdf ]

• NJ Transit is retiring 104, 40-year-old Comet 1 railcars - eight of which are being leased for two years to SEPTA at $15,000 each annually. MTA in Montreal is doing the same deal for at least 14 cars. Metrolink in southern California, may negotiate for some more. The Utah Transit Authority has bought 25 cars at $35,000 each with plans to refurbish them. NJT bought 279 new multilevel cars that carry 20% more than the cars they are replacing. [from The Philadelphia Inquirer 6/6/08 via John Tinley.]
   
• Swathmore Council approved a resolution to support the extension of the SEPTA R3 line to West Chester. Service now ends at Elwyn station. The extension would serve Westtown School, Williamson Trade School, and West Chester universities. [from Delaware County Daily Times 6/24/08 via Dave Frazer] These photos were taken on the August 21, 2008 Chapter Outing - one at 5:45 PM at the station in Marcus Hook, PA of Tom Henderer, Ralph Stevens, Ron Cleaves, and Dave Watterson, the other of Ron and Ralph at Fox Chase, PA at 8 PM. awaiting the return trip. (photos by Phil Snyder)

COMPANY SERVICE CARS - OF THE - PW&B, PB&W, AND PRR
By Richard E. Hall

Presents a wealth of information on car numbers and history with many drawings representing the work train, wreck train, cabin, and other company service equipment of the PW&B, PB&W, and PRR which were maintained at the Wilmington Shops and / or saw service in our general area, primarily on the PW&B, PB&W main line, Media Division (the old P&BC which later became the Octoraro Branch), Delaware Division, and the former Norfolk Division (NYP&N).

Detailed lists include: Car Numbers, Tools For Maintenance Of Way Tool Cars, Supplies For Camp Trains, Materials to Equip a Pay Car, Tools & Supplies for Cabin Cars, & more.

Drawings include: Pay Cars, Business Cars, Maintenance of Way Equipment, Dynamometer Cars, Cranes, Clearance Car, hand cars, & more.

COMPANY SERVICE CARS OF THE PW&B, PB&W, AND PRR @ $26.00 each

Please makes checks payable to:
Greg Ajamian
P.O. Box 1136
Hockessin, DE 19707-5136

Your Name: ______________________________

Street Address: ____________________________

City, State, Zip: ____________________________

BOTH STILL ONLY $26.00 each postage paid [includes shipping & handling]
Proceeds support the Wilmington Chapter of NRHS

LOCOMOTIVES AND EQUIPMENT OF THE WILMINGTON & WESTERN RAILROAD
Motive Power Gems Of The Diamond State By Richard E. Hall

175 pages with over a hundred illustrations, photos, maps, tables, and much more about the ORIGINAL W&W RR (NOTE: this book is NOT about the current tourist line's equipment)

Chapter I Misconceptions, Facts & Figures
Chapter II W&W - DWRR - B&PRR Locos
Chapter III W&W - DWRR - B&PRR Rolling Stock
Chapter IV B&O Locos Used
Chapter V Delaware Western Ran to Pomeroy
Chapter VI Market St. & Car Floats
Chapter VII Misc. Notes & Photos-

LOCOMOTIVES AND EQUIPMENT OF THE WILMINGTON & WESTERN RR @ $26.00 each

Please makes checks payable to: Greg Ajamian
P.O. Box 1136
Hockessin, DE 19707-5136

Your Name: ______________________________

Street Address: ____________________________

City, State, Zip: ____________________________

SCHEDULE NOTES

Notices, announcements, schedules, etc. are provided here as a service to the members. The Chapter has no affiliation with any commercial operation, museum, or tourist line.

NOW through November 2, 2008 ROADS TO RAILS Ellicott City Station, Wednesdays - Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Experience the story of our Nation's drive to improve travel from the horse drawn wagons of the National Road to the steam engines of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad

Now through end of the year Wilmington & Western Railroad Special Trains, In addition to normal trains, many require reservations, see schedule at http://www.wwrr.com or call 302.998.1930

April 12, 2008 to January 10, 2009: READING RAILROAD EXHIBITION OPEN Celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Reading Company by visiting the exhibit titled "All Aboard." From "mother hubbards" to the Rambles, this exhibit is a comprehensive history of what was once the biggest company in the world. Renowned local historian, Benjamin Bernhart is our guest curator. The exhibit will close January 10, 2009. This exhibit is sponsored by the Norfolk Southern Corp. and Mogel, Speidel, Bobb, & Kershner Law Firm. At the Historical Society of Berks County, 940 Centre Avenue, Reading, Pennsylvania 19601 , Phone 610 375-4375 from http://www.berkshistory.org/histsoc.html via Ed Thornton

Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car to Tour 23 Cities. The Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car tour schedule includes:- Dec. 5-7: Strasburg, Pa., Thomas the Tank Engine at Strasburg Railroad

Saturday, September 20th, 2008 The Stourbridge Railroad First Annual Railfan Day Cost $100.00 includes TWO round trips with a mixed-train from Honesdale, PA to Lackawaxen, PA (one in daylight and one at night) and a box lunch. Will include a special freight consist & the regular passenger consist. We will offer a single roundtrip (either AM or PM for $50.00). All trips will feature multiple Photo Stops and Runbys. The PM trips (limited to 50 participants) will feature Night Lighting at various locations. (Camera capable of shooting on a "B" setting without flash, Tripod, Cable Release, and a flashlight required). The Stourbridge Railroad rosters one of only 2 operating EMD Model BL-2 Diesel Locomotive. (Ex BAR 54). Our second unit will be an ex MEC GP-7. There may be some other locos available to us. Tickets are available through the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, 32 Commercial Street, Honesdale, PA 18431 Cash, Check, or Credit Cards are accepted. For Reservations ONLY, call 570-253-1960 or 800-433-9008 For all other inquiries, PLEASE Write to : Central Pennsylvania Rail Corp, 200 Center Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. All sales final, Reservations Required for the PM (Night Photo train), no alcoholic beverages allowed on the train, all excursions are subject to operating conditions and are subject to change without notice. [via Ed Thornton]

Saturday, September 27, 2008 Blacksmith Day Ellicott City Station11am-4pm, Celebrate the Ellicott City Fall Fest by joining members of the Blacksmith Guild of Central Maryland at their forges on the B&O Plaza. The station provides a rare opportunity to watch blacksmiths ply their trade. 5-12 years old can try their hand at forging plasticene clay with wooden hammers. Pre-register for 11:30 & 1:30 sessions by calling 410-461-1945.

Sunday, September 28, 2008 Steamin' Days at Auburn Heights1:00pm - 4:30pm, Museum & Grounds Open, Operating steam cars, Steam railroad, Electric Car rides, Demonstrations! Adults: $10, Children (2-12 Years Old): $7 http://www.auburnheights.org/

Saturday, October 4 & Sunday, October 5, 2008 Steam Days at Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Ride behind the St. Elizabeth, a 1950 Porter built-saddle tank steam Engine. Programs and demonstrations highlight steam power and celebrate the Museum's historic steam engine collection, which includes icons such as the oldest operating steam locomotive William Mason, The Tom Thumb, and Lafayette.

Sat.-Sun., Oct. 11-12, 2008 Great Scale Model Train Show & RR Marketplace @Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium9 am to 4 pm Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, ADMISSION $7, kids 12 & under FREE, Family $14 [ http://www.gsmts.com/ ]

Sat., Oct. 18, 2008 OcTrolleyMusterFest 2008 in Darby, PA Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the first streetcars to connect Philadelphia with the communities of Delaware County in 1858. In these days of high gas prices and global warming, celebrating a non-polluting, historic, existing, economical form of transportation simply makes sense. Darby #1 Fireman's Muster, Rock and Roll Legend Charlie Gracie, free rides (space permitting) on vintage PCC through 363 years of area history including Pennsylvania's first water powered mill (Old Swedes), the Ghost of the First Librarian, Trolley Songs, Art Contest, Book Signings and much, much more. (thanx to Ed Thornton for this news item)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE - OCTROLLEYFEST 2008 - Saturday, October 18, 20089am to 3pm - OcTrolleyMusterFest ÐNew Walnut Street at Powell Park Sponsored by Darby Fire Company #1 - founded 1775

10:30 to 2pm - Vintage Trolley Tours - on 1947 PCC reconditioned trolley: includes guided tour through Darby, and parts of Yeadon, Colwyn and Southwest Philly. Rides are free (space permitting) and no ticket is needed.

11 - 12:30 pm - Legendary Rock and Roll Star Charlie Gracie in Free Concert on Village Green, 800 block of Main StreetCharlie's Break Time - Trolley Art Contest Winners Announced and Prizes Awarded

1:30 - 2:30 - Joe Becton and his Guitar Explore the 19th century Roots of Jazz on the Village Green1-2pm - Talk & Book Signing by Ken Springirth, Author of Southeastern Pennsylvania Trolleys (pub. Sept. 2008) at Darby Library

2-3pm - Lenni Lenape Program by Carla Messenger at Darby Library

4:45 pm - (16:45 railroad time) Old Swede's Mill (c.1645) Marker Dedication - Cobbs Creek adjacent to Blue Bell

5:45 pm - Celebration Dinner at Keya Graves (fundraiser) - 9th and Main - Music by Joe Becton

Also Ongoing:

9-3 - Collection of Winter coat donations. Sponsored by Darby Borough on the Village Green

9-3 - Village Green Fair - 9th 800 block of Main

11 - 1 - Visit with the Ghost of the First Librarian (Tom Smith as John Pearson) at Darby Free Library, 10th and Main

11-4 - Visit with American and Swedish re-enactors - grounds of Historic Blue Bell (1766)

Times TBA - Scarecrow-making and photos with Mr. Pumpkin on Village Green.

Possible Tours by van of Eden Cemetery to graves of trolley desegregation activists William Still and Octavius V. CattoSaturday,

October 25, 2008 OctoberFest Toy Show, Nur Temple, Rt. 13,1985 DuPont Hwy. New Castle, DE.

Saturday & Sunday, October 25-26, 2008 Steamin' Days at Auburn Heights1:00pm - 4:30pm, Museum & Grounds Open, Operating steam cars, Steam railroad, Electric Car rides, Demonstrations! Adults: $10, Children (2-12 Years Old): $7 http://www.auburnheights.org/

Passenger Department Reading & Northern Railroad Autumn Leaf Train Excursions The trips originate from our Port Clinton headquarters, departing at 9:00am. The train travels north along the Little Schuylkill River, through beautiful mountain scenery. Next we enter the Anthracite region, pass Tamaqua, through a tunnel and over the Hometown High Bridge. We continue to our destination, Jim Thorpe, PA. Passengers have 3 and 1/2 hours to tour the historic town. The train returns to Port Clinton at about 6:30pm. These trips feature many opportunities for photographers, railfans, and sightseers. The trips to Jim Thorpe have traditionally been our best attended, with trains completely sold-out weeks in advance. These trips are sponsored by the railroad. For Pullman availability (see the Passenger Fleet section for a description) or any questions, please contact the Passenger Office at 610-562-2102, Monday-Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM. October 11, 2008: Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe and return Motive Power: Steam Engine No. 425 All Tickets: $69.00 Departure Time: 9:00 AM October 12, 2008: Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe and return Motive Power: Diesel All Tickets: $39.00 Departure Time: 9:00 AM October 18, 2008: Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe and return Motive Power: Steam Engine No. 425 All Tickets: $69.00 Departure Time: 9:00 AM October 19, 2008: Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe and return Motive Power: Diesel All Tickets: $39.00 Departure Time: 9:00 AM December 20, 2008: Winter Photographer's Special Please check back for details.

Saturday, November 15, 2008 150th anniversary of the "Media Branch to West Chester" The Chester County Historical Society and the West Chester Railroad are teaming up to mark the 150th anniversary of the "Media Branch to West Chester" -- The rail line that ends on E. Market Street near Rubenstein's, and which serves as the basis for weekly rail excursions to Delaware County. The original tracks were constructed in the 1850s and the first train rolled into West Chester on November 11, 1858 (pulled by a 4-4-0 Atlantic-type locomotive, for you aficionados of steam locomotives). Since then, the line operated without interruption under a number of company names -- West Chester & Philadelphia; Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore; Pennsylvania; Penn Central; and SEPTA -- until 1986. For the next ten years, only an occasional work train disturbed the right-of-way until 1997 when the new West Chester Railroad began to operate. [NOTE: The original West Chester railroad began as a horse-drawn line that operated to the north side of town between 1832 and 1864 when it was acquired by the owners of the Media line.] To observe the anniversary, the Historical Society is mounting an exhibition called "The Railroad: West Chester's Gateway to the World" featuring rare items from its archives plus objects loaned by local collectors. The exhibit will be installed by Friday, September 27, and officially open in October at the same time as an exhibit on open space preservation in Chester County. Then, on Saturday November 15, 2008, volunteers from the West Chester Railroad have organized a day-long program. In the morning, three presenters from the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the West Chester Railroad and West Chester University will offer a program at the Historical Society on the past, present and future of railroading in West Chester. Afterwards, participants will have time to view the Society's exhibits, take a guided tour of the Borough's historic railroad sites and eat lunch. Finally, everyone will convene at the Market Street station for a train ride to Glen Mills with commentary by local railroad historians. Tickets for the event cost $30 ($20 for young people 12 and under), and are available at the Market Street station (234 E. Market St.) on Sundays between 11:30am and 12:30pm, at the Historical Society Museum Shop (225 N. High St.) during regular and Saturday business hours, or by calling 610-430-2233. In addition to admission to the presentations, exhibits and train ride, each ticket holder will receive a souvenir envelope featuring a reproduction of the 1858 photograph of the first train plus a commemorative postage stamp created specifically for the 2008 event. [from http://westchesterrr.net/WCRR150th.shtml ]8:30 AM to 9:00 AM Registration9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Presentations:"Railroading in Southeastern Pennsylvania" -by Pat Morrison, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania"Railroading in West Chester" -by Dr. Jim Jones, West Chester University "Running the Modern WCRR" -by Glenn Schwass, West Chester RR Heritage Association

11:00AM to 2:00 PM Time for lunch, a visit to the exhibit "The Railroad: West Chester's Gateway to the World" at the Chester County Historical Society, and a walking tour of West Chester's railroad heritage sites.Walking tours last about an hour and leave from the Historical Society at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM.2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Round-trip guided rail excursion between West Chester and Glen Mills.

Friday & Saturday, November 28-29, 2008 Steamin' Days at Auburn Heights 1:00pm - 4:30pm, Museum & Grounds Open, Operating steam cars, Steam railroad, Electric Car rides, Demonstrations! Adults: $10, Children (2-12 Years Old): $7 http://www.auburnheights.org/

November 28 through December 30, 2008 Holiday Festival of Trains at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum Nov. 28 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Nov. 29, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. , Nov. 30, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Holiday celebration of toy trains and model railroading layouts beginning with the arrival of Santa by locomotive on Friday, November 28, 2008. The festival features many different layouts including the Museum's "HO" model train layout in the C&O #725 passenger car and the outdoor "G" scale layout. Children can visit with Santa on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the Festival.

November 28, 2008 - January 25, 2009 Holiday Festival of Trains Ellicott City Station Wednesdays - Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Holiday celebration of toy trains and model railroading including this year's new O-gauge layout in the car house, Museum's permanent HO-gauge layout in the freight house, an N-gauge layout, & Thomas the Tank Engine!

CHAPTER EVENTS