NS Holiday operations...

With reduced shipment volumes associated with the New Years Holiday, Norfolk Southern will reduce scheduled operations beginning 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 31, 2003.   Operations will be modified through the holiday with resumption of normal schedules on Friday, January 2, 2003.  During this period, every effort will be made to meet customer requirements while allowing as many employees as possible to spend time with their families through the holiday.  Questions and/or service requirements for local facilities should be directed to Customer Service-Central Yard Operations at (800) 898-4296.  Customers with shipments moving over the holiday period should allow for additional transit time.  Please contact the National Customer Service Center if you have other questions regarding holiday service operations or active shipments at (800) 635-5768.

Stryker family renovates former GR&I depot...

Today, Stryker Corporation is Kalamazoo's third largest business.  Stryker family members are overseeing  a $2 million historic renovation of the former Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad station in Kalamazoo, commonly known as the Whistle Stop, as well as adjacent properties along East Michigan Avenue. Ironically, one of the buildings that Stryker is renovating for commercial use is the former Stryker Corp. headquarters.  When completed next year, the Whistle Stop will become the home of Jon Stryker's Arcus Foundation, a nonprofit grant-making agency that has funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to local organizations in recent years.  From the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Bring in the New Year on the Dinner Train...

Revelers aboard the Grand Traverse Dinner Train will be treated to five-course dining on linen- and flower-clad tables, live deejay entertainment in the "dancing car" and a journey through miles of northern Michigan winter woodlands. The bright blue twin 1950 locomotives will pull out of the historic Traverse City Railway Station at 9:30 p.m. for a special three-and-a-half hour excursion.   The New Year's Eve package is $125 per person or $450 for a private table for four. For reservations, call 933-1238 or (888) 933-3768 or order tickets on-line at www.dinnertrain.com.

More Amtrak troubles, this time in Ohio...

A car on Amtrak's Capitol Limited from Chicago to Washington partially derailed late Wednesday (12/24) in Northwood, Ohi, near Toledo Amtrak officials said yesterday.  Amtrak Train No. 30 was delayed about two hours around 1 a.m. while 148 passengers who were in the car were transferred to other cars so the train could proceed, said Sarah Swain, an Amtrak spokesman.  Ms. Swain said two minor injuries were reported by passengers. She said no crew members were hurt.  The cause of the derailment remained under investigation yesterday, Ms. Swain said.

Amtrak troubles on VIA...

Mike Blaszak reports that he was on Amtrak #364 on November 19th.  Amtrak engine 35 died at Guelph, Ontario 500 feet west of the station.  They had to empty the train and take the passengers to Toronto by taxi (VIA reportedly paid the C$150 fare).  VIA towed the consist into Toronto, put a VIA P42 on it for power, and turned it around and sent it out the following morning as #365.  Unfortunately, #365 hit a truck near London and the train was annulled.

Ironville tower closing update...

Word has it that Ironville Tower, in Oregon (Toledo), Ohio is not going to close on Christmas, as previously posted. New information suggests that the tower will close in January or later, but no date has been set yet.  From Cass Telles.

Port of Escanaba Plans...

ESCANABA — Major steps are being taken to transform Escanaba’s industrial north shore into a transportation and distribution center for international trade. An estimated 500 jobs could be created, according to Rep. Tom Casperson. Plans call for a marine shipping terminal and port authority to be constructed along a stretch of land between the C. Reiss Coal Co. and the Canadian National/Escanaba Ore Docks. So far, it’s been a series of well-paced green lights. The proposal was officially announced this weekend by Escanaba City Manager Doug Terry, Mayor Judi Schwalbach and Casperson, R-Escanaba. Major components of the plan include investment by a Michigan-based company on behalf of international clientele headquartered in China — and a separate company with interest in locating a Great Lakes shipbuilding business here. “This project could make the region a center for product distribution in the Midwest,” said Casperson. “The interest shown by Escanaba’s leaders to explore building a marine terminal in conjunction with the consortium is exciting,” he added, “because of the international business and political doors it will open to promote foreign trade.” “This is an outstanding and exciting prospect for the city of Escanaba,” said Schwalbach Sunday. “It will provide many jobs and will launch Escanaba as a major player in the international market. We want to thank Rep. Tom Casperson for his outstanding leadership in facilitating this project.” The two companies have submitted proposals to the city. Neither is being identified at this time. Talks have been advancing since last spring. Terry and Schwalbach have had several meetings in Lansing since then with legislators and representatives of the consortium, which is in negotiations with the city and the state.  From the Escanaba Daily Press.

NS Derailment in Kendallville, Indiana...

The Norfolk Southern apparently had a derailment this morning (12/22) in which several cars midway in the train derailed, tearing up track and blocking their main line.  Amtrak was being diverted to the CSX via Fostoria.

Saline Depot Museum temporarily closed...

The Saline Railroad Depot will be closed temporarily for cleaning and painting.  "The depot has been open for several years and, as with any building, it is time to give the interior a fresh coat of paint," said Agnes Dikeman, publicity coordinator for the Saline Area Historical Society.  "With some professional help, the Saline Area Historical Society members will pool their energies for cleaning, painting the interior, and reorganizing the exhibits.  We hope this temporary closure will not inconvenience visitors."  Please call 944-0442 or watch The Saline Reporter for updates on the mid-February reopening of the Depot Museum.