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THE TRANSFER TABLEThe Wilmington Chapter NRHS Official NewsletterInternet Edition

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November 21, 2010 MEETING NOTES

We had 15 members and 1 guest for the meeting. Secretary Dan Frederick's minutes were approved as corrected. Treasurer Dave Warner's report was approved as read. Auxiliary Fund Raiser Greg Ajamian presented the Chapter with $300 from recent videotape sales. National Director Steve Barry reported from the Board meeting in Lancaster that there were 2 new Chapters but that 2 Chapters had dropped out. The next Director's meeting is in January in Williamsburg. Trip Director Steve Barry (some relation to the Nat. Dir.) reported that the next trip date had changed = The Chapter's Night Charter would be Dec 11 instead of Dec 5 out of Callow Hill. President Mike Burkhart reported that the officers for next year would be the same as 2010 except for Dave Watterson replacing Ron Cleaves as Vice President after many years of dedicated service in that role. Dave Warner reported that for the National Director's meeting we have a contract for the hotel Oct 27-30, 2011 and that one trip is definite and one yet to be nailed down. One trip would be Friday afternoon and the other Saturday morning leaving the afternoon for the business meeting. Phil Snyder reported that there are plans to move the Claymont railroad station.

Frank Ferguson's program covered his travels from January thru June 2010. Starting out with Gettysburg, we then saw the Western Maryland in a blizzard. We saw an SD-9 slug set, a steam snowplow train on the Strasburg RR, and then various shots en route to Toronto. We saw the Southern Ontario RR, the Utah Rwy, AMTRAK, VIA, CP, CN, CSX, UP, and BNSF. We saw the Monday morning rush hour in Toronto, the Nevada Northern, the NS office car train at Rockville, and the Wellsboro & Corning. Part Two is due in January and is expected to be every bit as excellent as Part One.

December 5, 2010 MEETING NOTES

Chapter President Mike Burkhart opened with a few announcements around 5 PM including reporting that member Jack Rathburn was recovering from pneumonia. We all wish him a speedy recovery. We had a presentation by National President Greg Molloy of a 25-year pin to Secretary Dan Frederick. After our buffet dinner, master-of-ceremonies Ed Thornton ran our annual Door Prize event. Included in this year's prizes were the last items from Ralph Steven's estate.Steve Barry presented the "Year in Review" program. It included views of Delaware lighthouses before covering railroads in Cumberland, MD, NJ, VA, PA, CA, NV, OH, IL, IN, ID, OR, UT, NH, WV, KY, WS, CT, NYC, and Manitoba. We also saw Freddie Kilowatt, Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston (Ontario), the last Armstrong tower in Springfield, IL and the last Space Shuttle parts train. A simply excellent show - as always.

Dues Are Due

Many have paid, but if you have a RED mark on your address label, the Treasurer has NOT yet received your check. Please send a check made out to the Wilmington Chapter NRHS to our Treasurer:.

David Warner

301 W. Lea Blvd

Wilmington DE 19802-1235

! ! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ! !

We need Chapter Members to step up and help out with preparations before and to provide assistance during the National Director's meeting that we be hosting October 27-30, 2011 Please contact Dave Warner to sign up to help out at: 302-762-2389 or david.warner@comcast.net

Message from the Chapter President - Mike Burkhart

I hope the holiday season finds everyone well. As 2010 draws to a close, there are a few updates on Chapter happenings.

First, the Wilmington Chapter is back in good graces with our incorporation status in the State of Delaware. A big thank you goes out to Tom Posatko for getting the paperwork in order and filing the needed documents.

Next, we are moving into the digital era in the New Year. In early 2010, the Chapter received a donation of dozens of VHS railroad tapes. Over the past year, Greg Ajamian peddled them at meetings and train shows, raising enough cash to purchase a digital projector. This acquisition will allow more Chapter members to put on entertainment during our meetings. But fear not - the slide projector will continue to get a workout.

Chapter elections were held in November, with David Watterson taking on the role of Vice President. Ron Cleaves held that position for many years, and thanks is due for his service and dedication to the Chapter. The remaining officer positions remain unchanged.

Dues renewal notices have been out for more than a month. If you have not re-upped for 2011, please put your check in the mail.

Finally, 2011 will be an exciting year. We are hosting the Fall National Director's Conference from Oct. 28-30, 2011. We will need many people to pitch in for registration, greeters, car and bus hosts and a range of other duties. In early 2011, we will begin filling roles, so please add those dates to your calendar. Our hotel contract was recently finalized, and we are in the process of securing trips on local tourist lines. It will be a great opportunity to showcase our Chapter! A huge "thank you" goes out to Treasurer David Warner and National Director Steve Barry for heading up the effort.

From The Editor

A few statistics of possible interest as this year draws to a close. This Editor has been cranking out newsletters for the Chapter since March of 1994. This edition is my 142nd newsletter and brings my newsletter page total to 166 for this year and just short of 2500 in total (plus 41 post cards).In preparation for our hosting of the National Director's meeting in October 2011, I needed to get some more of Richard Hall's two books reprinted. His first book, Company Service Cars of the PW&B, PB&W, and PRR has sold 95 copies since July of 2005. His second book, Locomotives & Equipment of the Wilmington & Western RR has sold 57 copies since April of 2007.

After expenses, his books have generated over $860 for the Chapter. He had about 200 pages drafted for a third book that we may or may not be able to publish at some point.

The videotapes that were donated to the Chapter by non-member Jim Maloney as a result of a brief e-mail exchange have so far generated over $600 for the Chapter after expenses. As a result we will be purchasing a computer projector for the Chapter as the days of slide presentations seem to be numbered.

Super Saturday Streetcar Special XVIII TRIP

February 5, 2011, Super Saturday Streetcar Special XVIII -- This trip will depart from Elmwood at 10:00 a.m. with a PCC-II car and wander the southwest Philadelphia routes, as well as diversion trackage. This trip usually sells out, and we will not add a second car. Fare is $40.

Visit http://www.wilmingtonchaptertrips.com to order tickets or to get more information. If you wish to order any tickets via mail, make checks payable to Wilmington Chapter NRHS and send to Wilmington Chapter NRHS, c/o Steve Barry, 117 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860. Please include an e-mail address for your confirmation. Confirmations are sent out approximately two weeks before a trip.

NEWS BITS

• The New York MTA is ordering 340 new subway cars that will come equipped for surveillance cameras. Instead of tearing up old subway cars and installing the wiring and hardware needed for security cameras -- a costly process -- the new cars will already have the technology built in, NYC Transit officials said. The MTA will just have to pop in the cameras, and the cars will be ready to roll with their new surveillance equipment. The new cars, known as R179s, would replace aging cars currently used on the A line. MTA documents put the cost of the initial 290-car order, likely to be followed by a 50-car second order, at about $748 million. It's expected that the 60-foot cars -- which will be joined together to make about 34 trains in total -- will be on the tracks by 2015. Any subway that is equipped with the well-hidden cameras will feature a sign that reads: "Notice: This train may be equipped with a video recording device." The feeds aren't monitored live, but the videos can be passed on to law-enforcement authorities in case a crime is committed or for anti-terror purposes. [ from The New York Post via High Green via Tim Moriarty]
• Amtrak is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the launch of America's first high-speed train, the Acela Express, and the vision, teamwork, and national commitment that made the 150 mph (241 kph) passenger rail service a reality. In a guest commentary published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Amtrak vice president of high-speed rail Al Engel, writes that "Acela has shown that high-speed rail does work in America, and that prudent public investments in passenger rail can pay huge dividends." He adds that Acela also has shown "Amtrak's ability to innovate and reinvent itself." Engel notes that the success of Acela can "inform the future of high-speed rail in America" and that "[a]dvance planning and sustained commitment over a number of years are required to build any major national transportation asset." Therefore, "policymakers in Washington and state capitals must make a firm commitment to the future of high-speed rail." In fiscal year 2010, Acela high-speed trains carried more than 3.2 million passengers and earned $440 million in ticket revenue. On weekdays, an average of 80 percent of the seats are sold on the busiest segments, and trains regularly sell out during peak hours. In all, more than 25 million passengers have traveled on Acela since its first day of operation. [Press Release via Ed Mayover]
• The Commonwealth of Virginia and Norfolk Southern Railway Company have signed a landmark agreement that is an important step toward bringing daily intercity passenger rail service back to Norfolk for the first time since 1977. The round-trip train will link Norfolk with a single-seat ride to Richmond, Washington, D.C., and cities as far north as Boston. The agreement provides for the speedy upgrading of Norfolk Southern tracks between Norfolk and Petersburg so that they are suitable for use by passenger trains. Funded by an $87 million Rail Enhancement Fund grant, the projects include upgraded signaling, track extensions and connections, passenger train turning and servicing facilities, and a track and platform near Norfolk's Harbor Park for the passenger train. Also included is construction of a new connection between Norfolk Southern and CSXT tracks near Petersburg. These improvements will enable passenger trains to run on Norfolk Southern's busy Heartland Corridor route. Norfolk Southern will work with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to complete the work outlined in the agreement. The project is already being designed, and construction will begin in 2011. The Commonwealth continues to make progress on the necessary agreements for improvements to CSX track and with Amtrak. These agreements must be in place before new intercity passenger rail service can begin. The Virginia-Norfolk Southern partnership is designed to restart rail passenger service in the corridor between Norfolk, Richmond and the Northeast. The trains will be part of Amtrak Virginia regional service, and will operate at speeds up to 79 mph between Norfolk and Petersburg. Additional departures will be introduced as funding allows. The route between Norfolk and Petersburg is part of Norfolk Southern's Heartland Corridor, the primary rail route serving the Port of Hampton Roads. The Heartland Corridor opened to handle double-stacked container trains in August 2010, providing a more direct route between Norfolk and the Midwest. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is the state agency for rail, transit and commuter services in Virginia. DRPT's mission is to improve mobility and expand transportation choices in Virginia. [Press Release]
• NS plans to set up a new bulk transfer facility in Pottstown, PA at the former Bethlehem Steel plant off Industrial Highway and South Keim Street. Two things make it probable = 1. little or no construction needed because there are already six tracks to store freight cars and 2. federal law exempts the company from having to go through any local land development or planning process. The more southerly spur that runs closer to the Schuylkill River, once used to supply Occidental Chemical, will not be used as part of this project. [from Railway Age via Paul Kutta]
• Amtrak set a new annual ridership record of 28,716,857 passengers for the fiscal year ending September 30 and collected a record $1.74 billion in ticket revenue. The strong performance is evidence that the demand for passenger rail service is rising and that more Americans are choosing Amtrak Ñ a greener and more convenient travel mode. A year-over-year comparison of FY 2010 to FY 2009 shows total Amtrak ridership grew by 5.7 percent, or about 1.55 million passengers, and all Amtrak business lines experienced growth including the Northeast Corridor (up 4.3 percent), long-distance trains (up 6.6 percent), and state-supported and other short-distance routes (up 6.5 percent.) Over the same period, ticket revenue increased 9 percent, or more than $140 million. Continued difficulties with air travel and consumer dissatisfaction with air service are moving passengers from planes to trains particularly along the Northeast Corridor, where Amtrak now enjoys a 65 percent share of the air-rail market between Washington and New York and a 52 percent share of the air-rail market between New York and Boston. Since FY 2000, Amtrak ridership is up nearly 37 percent. To continue this long-term trend, Amtrak is pursuing several initiatives including partnering with states to expand existing services and establish new routes, buying 130 new single-level long-distance passenger cars to modernize its equipment fleet, and beginning the process to expand capacity along the Northeast Corridor to support growing demand. Amtrak is also promoting its vision for a world class next- generation high-speed rail service capable of achieving 220 mph (354 kph). Furthermore, as required under the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, Amtrak recently completed the first of several comprehensive reviews of its long-distance trains exploring every aspect of operations from on-time performance to on-board services to identify opportunities for improvement. The initial group of reports analyzed the Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, California Zephyr, Cardinal and Capitol Limited. The reports are available on Amtrak's website. [AMTRAK news release via Ed Thornton]
• A $20 million federal grant to Delaware is being touted by state officials as a stepping stone toward improved commuter rail service, particularly in Newark, Del. But the funding could also alleviate a key pinch point on the Northeast Corridor (NEC), benefiting not just commuter rail but also Amtrak intercity service. About $13.3 million of the grant will go toward a $45 million project that will add a continuous third track between Newark, Del., and Wilmington. The addition would offer added capacity for additional trains now provided by the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).

But it would also address Amtrak capacity issues on the NEC. In its Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Master Plan released last May, Amtrak noted, "Capacity is constrained around the two-and three-track bottlenecks in Philadelphia and Wilmington," with such constraints being "particularly evident" in northern Delaware. Amtrak's report notes SEPTA service linking Philadelphia and Wilmington/Newark "is planned to increase from 18 trains (nine round trips) to 26 trains (13 round trips)" in the future. "Installation of a third track between Yard and Ragan intelockings and a new Orange Street Bridge will provide some relief south of Wilmington Station." Delaware Transit Corp. Administrator Stephen B. Kingsberry said construction is expected to start early next year and will employ about 115 people, with eventual long-term employment of about 15.Delaware also will share in a $10 million multistate grant from the Department of Transportation for environmental studies and other planning needed to increase train speeds along the NEC. (From Railway Age Rail Group News via Ed Mayover)

• Pennsylvania DOT ponies up $32.5 million for 38 freight-rail projects - On November 10, 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced it will provide $32.5 million to help fund 38 freight-rail projects in 28 counties. More than two-thirds of the funding, or $23.9 million, will come from the 2010-11 Rail Capital Budget/Transportation Assistance Program, which is funded through state capital bond dollars approved in the general fund budget. The remainder will come from the 2011-12 Rail Freight Assistance Program. Both grant programs are administered by PennDOT's Bureau of Rail Freight. Grant awards include:
• $3.9 million to SEDA-COG for facility and track construction projects in five locations to meet Marcellus Shale expansion demands;
• $3 million to Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad Inc. to upgrade and rebuild wood trestles, replace mud sills with pilings and improve bridge deck beams to accommodate 263,000-pound freight cars;
• $1.8 million to the Allegheny Valley Railroad for the second phase of its Glenwood Yard project, including track reconstruction, and rail and tie replacements on two bridge decks;
• $1.4 million to Allentown Economic Development Corp. to restore a branch line and reconnect a R.J. Corman Railroad Group line;
• $1.3 million to the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority to acquire remaining mainline track for existing traffic and new rail traffic associated with the Marcellus Shale;
• $1 million to the Strasburg Railroad to construct and rehabilitate track, and rehab a rail bridge;
• $700,000 to Wellsboro & Corning Railway Co. to reconstruct track and turnouts, install ties and surface track;
• $378,350 to the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad to install new ties, reconstruct rail through three grade crossings and realign a curve to facilitate higher train speed;
• $308,000 to York Railway to upgrade tracks, realign a siding and replace two crossings on its mainline; and
• $301,000 to West Shore Railroad Corp. to rehabilitate a rail bridge, including new ties and deck installation.(From Progressive Railroading via Ed Thornton)
• On Dec. 6, Amtrak reopened Delaware's Wilmington Station, which has been under construction since May 2009. Amtrak has restored and waterproofed the station's exterior and completely renovated the historic station's interior. Crews are currently repairing several nearby bridges, installing a new public-address system, upgrading restrooms, and making ADA improvements. During the next several months, Amtrak plans to complete concourse renovations and demolish the temporary station. The renovation project is scheduled to be complete in February 2011. The project is being funded with $20 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars, $10 million through SAFETEA-LU and other federal appropriations bills, $5.7 million from Amtrak and $2 million from the Delaware Department of Transportation. Built in 1907, Wilmington Station is one of Amtrak's busiest facilities, serving 696,979 passengers in fiscal-year 2010. [from Progressive Railroading via Ed Mayover]
• MODEL AMTRAK TRAIN TO CIRCLE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE - Display represents importance of "America's Railroad" in nation's transportation network. Amtrak plays a significant role in connecting families during the holidays and is proud to take part in another holiday tradition - the National Christmas Tree. Amtrak will have a model train circle the National Christmas Tree and is a sponsor of the event. Working with the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation, and the National Christmas Tree Railroad, Amtrak has provided one of several model trains that will circle the 42-foot Colorado blue spruce. Located on the Ellipse, just south of the White House, the National Christmas Tree has been a part of the holiday season since 1923. The Amtrak model train is a G scale (1:22.5) and includes two GE Genesis P42 diesel locomotives and four single-level Amfleet passenger cars plus a cafe car. The model represents Amtrak's Midwest Corridor service, as well as the Northeast Regional service south of Washington, D.C. where the trains operate using this type of equipment. The National Christmas Tree and model Amtrak train will be on display through January 1, 2011.

As the nation's intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2010), the railroad carried over 28.7 million passengers, making it the best year in the company's history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day (speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph)) to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Become a fan at www.facebook.com/amtrak [Press Release]

• HISTORIC WILMINGTON TRAIN STATION RE-OPENS - Renovated station opens to passengers December 6, Rededication event scheduled for March 2011 - The Amtrak Wilmington Station located at 100 South French Street, opened today to the public following extensive renovation work. Senator Thomas R. Carper, Congressman Mike Castle, Governor Jack Markell, Delaware Transportation Secretary Carolann Wicks, City of Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker and Amtrak Board of Directors Member Bert Di Clemente welcomed passengers back to the historic station. The Wilmington Train Station was built in 1907. The renovation project will continue through the winter, and provides passengers with a more comfortable and convenient station that features a larger concourse, safety improvements and a new passenger information display system. In addition, the renovation includes track and platform improvements and enhancements to the station's accessibility to people with disabilities. Funding for the renovation project has been provided by Amtrak ($5.7 million), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ($20 million), the Delaware Department of Transportation ($2 million) and the Delaware Congressional Delegation through the SAFETEALU Transportation bill and appropriations bills ($10 million). The Wilmington Station is the 12th busiest station in the Amtrak system with 696,979 passengers in fiscal year 2010. A rededication ceremony will be held in March 2011 when construction is complete. {Press Release]
• The numbers are in and Amtrak had a record-breaking Thanksgiving holiday travel week carrying 704,446 passengers, up 2.7 percent over last year. In addition, 134,230 passengers rode Amtrak on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving - itself a new record for the single busiest day in the history of the railroad. {Press Release]
• U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced December 9 that $1.195 billion in high-speed rail funds originally designated for Wisconsin and Ohio will be redirected to other states eager to develop high-speed rail corridors across the United States. Wisconsin has suspended work under its existing high-speed rail agreement and the incoming Governors in Wisconsin and Ohio have both indicated that they will not move forward to use high-speed rail money received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). As a result, $1.195 billion will be redirected to high-speed rail projects already underway in other states. The Recovery Act included $8 billion to launch a national high-speed rail program that will modernize America's transportation network, spur economic development domestically and keep the U.S. competitive with other leading nations. High-speed rail grants announced under the Recovery Act can be used only for high-speed rail projects and not for other transportation projects. Last year, the Obama Administration received a commitment from 30 domestic and foreign rail manufacturers to establish or expand their base of operations in the United States if selected for contracts building America's high-speed rail network. These rail manufacturers and suppliers committed to not only locate in the U.S., but to ensure high-speed rail projects are built by American workers with American-made supplies. To deliver maximum economic benefits to American taxpayers, the Administration's high-speed rail program also includes a 100 percent 'Buy American' requirement. Under the Recovery Act, the Federal Railroad Administration originally announced $810 million for Wisconsin's Milwaukee-Madison corridor and $400 million for Ohio's Cincinnati-Columbus-Cleveland "3C" route. The Federal Railroad Administration will redirect $810 million from Wisconsin and $385 million from Ohio, and will work with these states to determine whether they have already spent money under their contracts that should be reimbursed.

The $1.195 billion originally designated for those high-speed rail projects in Wisconsin and Ohio will now be used to support projects in the following states:

• California: up to $624 million
• Florida: up to $342.3 million
• Washington State: up to $161.5 million
• Illinois: up to $42.3 million
• New York: up to $7.3 million
• Maine: up to $3.3 million
• Massachusetts: up to $2.8 million
• Vermont: up to $2.7 million
• Missouri up to $2.2 million
• Wisconsin: up to $2 million for the Hiawatha line
• Oregon: up to $1.6 million
• North Carolina: up to $1.5 million
• Iowa: up to $309,080
• Indiana: up to $364,980

• On Dec. 11, 2000, Amtrak became the first operator of high-speed rail in North America with the launch of Acela Express service between Washington and Boston. As Amtrak celebrates the service's 10-year anniversary this week, it thanks its employees for their commitment and passengers for their loyalty, while looking ahead to next-generation high-speed rail. The latest data indicates that Amtrak earns 69 percent of the Washington-New York air/rail market and 51 percent between New York and Boston. These numbers are up from 45 and 27 percent, respectively, in 2001. Much of these gains can be credited to Acela Express service. [from Amtrak This Week]
• Major renovations to the Lancaster Amtrak station were projected to cost $12 million. Construction bids for the project came in at $10 million. But the work is now expected to cost $14.2 million and the Lancaster Transportation Authority is only half way through the two-year project. There have been many changes to the plans, such as incorporating the realignment of the Lititz Pike Bridge. A new bridge is expected to be built in 2012 that will cut across the east side of the train station property. At one point engineers learned there was not sufficient pressure in the city water system. They also learned the architect's design drawings for Amtrak's mechanical areas of the station were incorrect. Documentation for the 81-year-old station did not show changes made over the years. Provisions of the agreement with the passenger rail service state that the Transportation Authority must use Amtrak workers to perform work at the station, such as painting and electrical wiring. Estimates over the summer rose for the cost of that work to as high as $2.5 million, but after meetings with county officials and local legislators, Amtrak agreed to cap the cost at $1.7 million.The project includes the renovation of the interior and exterior of the station, including the expansive granite-and-marble main level and concourse. The parking area outside the station is being enlarged including a new passenger drop-off and pickup point. The station's driveway will be connected to North Duke Street and the station will be made more handicapped-accessible. They even plan to add air conditioning. [from Intelligencer Journal via Ed Thornton]
• Progress Rail Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., and Norfolk Southern have announced the order of additional EPA Tier 2 compliant, high-horsepower repower locomotives - designated the PR43C. Since 2008, two PR43C prototype locomotives have been built and placed in service on the Norfolk Southern system. These locomotives have been closely monitored during a series of developmental and operational testing. With the testing of the first two prototypes coming to a close, Progress Rail is pleased to announce Norfolk Southern has ordered four additional PR43C locomotives, scheduled for delivery later this year. The four new PR43C locomotives will feature upgraded traction systems, control systems, and modernized cabs. The PR43C locomotives are unique in the industry. Remanufactured from reusable locomotive cores, the PR43C locomotives have a dual-engine configuration. The primary engine, a Caterpillar C-175 rated at 3,600 horsepower, and a secondary engine, a Caterpillar C-18 rated at 700 horsepower, work in tandem to power the locomotive. By rebuilding the PR43C from a reusable locomotive core and providing 4,300 total horsepower, the PR43C locomotive serves as an environmentally-friendly solution for the rail industry. [Press Release via Ed Mayover]
• The Delaware River Port Authority has awarded a $194.2 million contract to Alstom Transportation Inc., Hornell, N.Y., for overhaul and upgrading of its aging 120-car PATCO rapid transit car fleet. The largest capital improvement project in DRPA history, the contract includes $69 million in Federal Transit Administration funding. More than half the PATCO fleetÑ74 carsÑdate back to the opening of PATCO in 1969. The remaining cars were placed into service in 1980. Alstom's work will include new brake, propulsion and signaling systems; door controls; HVAC systems; lighting, signing, and messaging systems; and new floors. The work also includes enclosing the operator's cab, adding an onboard diagnostic system, ADA improvements, and all-new modern interiors including new seats. [from Railway Age Rail Group News via Ed Mayover]
• The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) $450,000 to conduct studies for potential rail service between the Northeast Corridor and Maryland's Delmarva Peninsula. Funding for the studies comes from FRA's High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program (HSIPR), and requires a $450,000 match by DelDOT. The initial study will be on the feasibility of a new passenger rail line. Based on the results of this study, environmental analysis, a Service Development Plan and preliminary design may follow. To date, FRA has obligated over $1.6 billion in its HSIPR program. [DOT announcement via Ed Mayover]

PATH Tour

By MIKE BURKHART, Chapter President

A dozen members and guests of the Long Island Sunrise Trail Chapter NRHS took a behind-the-scenes look at the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) shops in Harrison, N.J. on Oct. 30, 2010.

PATH operates four routes over about 13 miles of track: Newark and Hoboken to the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, and Jersey City and Hoboken to 33rd Street in midtown Manhattan. It carries an impressive 250,000 riders on weekdays.

The trip left from Platform B in Newark Penn Station on a regular service train and made a special stop at the short platform at the Harrison shops. Once there, visitors walked to the main shop building. Photography on PATH is extremely restrictive - in fact it is not allowed without a permit and escort - so the tour presented a sanctioned opportunity for shots of new and old equipment.

PATH was originally called the Hudson and Manhattan Railroad, and later the H&M Hudson Tubes. The first revenue trains between Hoboken and 19th Street in Manhattan ran in 1908 following years of fits and starts. Construction of road tunnels and bridges to Manhattan led to ridership declines through the 1950's and eventual bankruptcy. As part of the deal to build the World Trade Center, the lines were taken over by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Today, PATH is investing in new cars and infrastructure and signal upgrades. Three hundred and fifty new PA-5 class rapid transit cars are arriving from Kawasaki through 2011, a $680 million investment. At the same time, the older PA-1, PA-2 and PA-3 cars - built between 1965 and 1972 by St. Louis Car Co. and Hawker-Siddeley - are being retired.

By the end of October 2010, 217 new cars were on the property and 130 of the 327 older cars had been shipped off line. Initially, the old cars were planned for use on a start-up system in South America. Instead, the cars are stripped of usable parts to keep the rest of the fleet running and the shells are shipped to Ohio for scrap.

Inside the shops, rapid transit cars were in various states of maintenance and rebuild. Sets of traction motors lined one section, destined for scrap. In another area, shiny wheel sets were recently turned and trued.The PATH system runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week and racks up impressive mileage numbers. The entire fleet has logged about 600 million miles, and the old cars are worn out and tired. Between two and three new cars arrive by truck at the Harrison shops each week. The first new cars were delivered in July 2009.

After the tour, visitors boarded a PATH train bound for Journal Square in Jersey City. Some continued on to ride New Jersey Transit's Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Line or visit Lackawanna's classic Hoboken Terminal. In any case, it was a great day for exploring transit lines of metro New York.

Photos of this year's Wilmington Chapter of the NRHS Annual Holiday Dinner at Maximillian's December 5, 2010 provided by President Mike Burkhart.

National President Greg Molloy and our National Director Steve Barry presenting a 25-Year pin to member Dan Frederick under the watchful eye of Chapter President Mike Burkhart (so how did he take his photo, hmmmm?) and our evening's celebratory cake.

Members Walt Robbins, Tom Posatko, and Dave Watterson and their guests.

Members Allan Patterson, Bill Stees, Phil Snyder, Ron Cleaves, Ed Thornton, and Greg Ajamian. Apologies to anyone who was not captured by a digital photo that evening.

FOUR DAYS ONLY - NEWS RELEASE From Delaware Public Archives

Delaware Public Archives Celebrates the History of the Railroad (Dover, DE) Come to the Delaware Public Archives to help celebrate the history of the railroad in Delaware. The Archives will be hosting a free railroad exhibit from January 5 to January 8 coinciding with the completion of a related Archives initiative to bring the entire Jackson & Sharp Photograph and Drawings Collection to its website archives.delaware.gov. Open each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the exhibit will feature original railroad papers, maps, drawings, and schedules from the 19th century. A large model railroad layout provided by the Delaware Seaside Railroad Club will also be on display for children and model railroad enthusiasts alike. The Jackson & Sharp Photograph and Drawings Collection is a unique group of more than 4,000 images, drawings, and documents that relate to the railroad cars, trolley cars, and ships produced by the Jackson & Sharp Company of Wilmington. Operating in Wilmington from 1863 to 1950, this company built railroad cars for many different railroad operations throughout the world. In its later years, the company also began building ships.

Well known to railroad historians, the Jackson and Sharp photographs have been requested by patrons from all over the United States. While the Archives has had the Jackson & Sharp Photograph and Drawing Collection for many years, not until recently were the images digitized for the Archives website. Along with the photographs of railroad cars and ships built at the Wilmington factory, the collection also features construction drawings and designs used by the company's engineers.

For more information about the Delaware Public Archives, please visit the website at http://archives.delaware.gov. You can also become a follower of the Archives Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/DelawarePublicArchives) and read the Archives blog (http://archives.blogs.delaware.gov/) to learn more about events and other items of interest at the Archives.The Delaware Public Archives is located at 121 Duke of York Street in Dover. The Mabel Lloyd Ridgely Research Room is open to the public Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. On the first Saturday of every month the research room is open from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Captions for the attached photographs:

9015 F2, P22 - Street car blt. for Wilmington City Rwy.Co.in front of Logan House, NW corner of Del. Ave.&DuPont St.

9015 F1, P6 - A mail-baggage-smoking car built for the Central Valley RR (New York), 1871.

The Delaware Public Archives (DPA, archives.delaware.gov), an agency of the State of Delaware, is one of the oldest public archives programs in the United States. DPA serves the citizens of Delaware by identifying, collecting, and preserving public records of enduring historical and evidential value; ensuring access to public records for present and future generations; and advising and educating interested parties in the creation, management, use, and preservation of public records.

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.

May 8, 2010 - March 26, 2011 Almost as Fast as Birds Can Fly - History of Railroading in DE at DE History Museum504 Market Street - Wilmington, DE 19801, For More Information: deinfo@dehistory.org or call (302) 655-7161 http://www.dehistory.org/MuseumExhibits/Railroad_2010/railroadindelawarehistory.htmWednesday-Friday: 11a.m.-4p.m., Saturday: 10a.m. - 4p.m Sponsored by Delaware Today, We the People Grant through the Delaware Humanities Forum, and Transportation Enhancement Fund

July 30, 2010 through early 2011 Thomas Viaduct Exhibit, B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore featuring historic and contemporary artworks of this historic bridge. The exhibit will showcase local artists and will be held in the Museum's Education Station.

Nov. 13-14, 2010 Allentown Train Meet Associates First Frost Train Meet 9-4 Saturday, 9-3 Sunday, Allentown Fairgrounds Agricultural Hall, 302 North 17th St., Allentown, PA 18014

Nov. 26, & 27, 2010 Steamin' Days @ Auburn Heights12:30 - 4 PM, Stanley Steamers, steam trains, mansion tours, Marshall Estate, Yorklyn, DE

December 4 & 11, 2010 Home For The Holidays @ RR Museum of PA  Regular Museum hours. Take a nostalgic glimpse at holiday rail travel. Meet costumed engineers, conductors, ticket agents and passengers representing the past century and enjoy seasonal music, festive decorations, Jack Frost Station and a Polar Express party for young children among our world-class collection of trains. Included in the regular Museum admission

Feb 26-27, 2011 Allentown Train Meet Associates Spring Thaw Train Meet 9-4 Saturday, 9-3 Sunday, Allentown Fairgrounds Agricultural Hall, 302 North 17th St., Allentown, PA 18014

October 27-30, 2011 Wilmington Chapter will host the NRHS's Fall National Director's Meeting details to follow as they become available

CHAPTER EVENTS

CHAPTER EVENTS Thursday Nov. 18, 2010 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Frank Ferguson part 1 of his program on ??

Sunday Dec. 5, 2010 5 PM Holiday Dinner in lieu of normal monthly meeting, Maximillian's Restaurant & Tavern, 3001 Naamans Creek Rd, Upper Chichester, PA

Thursday Jan. 20, 2011 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by Frank Ferguson part 2 of his program on ??

Thursday Feb. 17, 2011 7 PM Chapter Meeting Do-It-Yourself Bring-Your-Own Photo & Slide Show

Thursday Mar. 17, 2011 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by ??

Thursday Apr. 21, 2011 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by ??

Thursday May 19, 2011 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by ??

Thursday June 16, 2011 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by ??

Thursday July 21, 2011 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by ??

Thursday Aug. 18, 2011 7 PM Chapter Trip ? in lieu of normal monthly meeting

Thursday Sept. 15, 2011 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by ??

Thursday Oct. 20, 2011 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by ??

October 27-30, 2011 Wilmington Chapter will host NRHS's Fall National Director's Meeting

Thursday Nov. 17, 2011 7 PM Chapter Meeting program by ??

Sunday Dec. 4, 2011 5 PM Holiday Dinner in lieu of normal monthly meeting

The Wilmington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) meets at 7:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month [except August & December] in the Darley Room at the Claymont Community Center on Green Street in Claymont, Delaware. Visitors are always welcome. Admission to regular meetings is free. Check out our Website (thanks to Russ Fox) at: