YardLimits.com - Norfolk Southern Railway http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/ Norfolk Southern Railway Forum en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:28:25 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/images/styles/yardlimits/misc/rss.jpg YardLimits.com - Norfolk Southern Railway http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/ Windmills at other locations working? http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26871-windmills-other-locations-working.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:02:36 GMT NS's green initiative windmill to generate power in NKC yard is a joke. It has not turned since April. When it was new it would run for a couple of days then off for a week wind blowing or not. Rumor is it constantly needs some reset button pushed. Any other location have the same problem? ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway Worknthyard http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26871-windmills-other-locations-working.html what i learned at my safety meeting today... http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26864-what-i-learned-my-safety-meeting-today.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:47:12 GMT had a crossing blitz and safety meeting today. as my tm listed the safety records of various districts on our division he made a great statement... had a crossing blitz and safety meeting today. as my tm listed the safety records of various districts on our division he made a great statement which he later tried to change just a bit. he basically just said imagine where our record and the springfield hannibal districts would be if the mechanical defects that caused reportable injuries on both districts. someone stated that it sounded as if he meant that the mechanical department had failed to do their jobs and he began to back peddle on his statement.

an insight on just what caused these injuries that restarted both districts safety records. on the springfield hannibal district and handbrake housing on a car COMPLETELY RUSTED OFF and fell off in the hands of a conductor tying or releasing the brake causing him to fall off with it landing on him.

on the brooklyn district a missing bolt on a safety appliance caused a conductor to lose grip fall off a car and get hurt.

we all know the carmen are much more trained on defects to look for and when a weld is bad so i kinda have to lean toward how it initially sounded. i cant blame the car department. i appreciate it when they do an effective air test and inspection and repair or bad order cars. the job they do possibly keeps me or my coworkers alive or prevents us from getting seriously injured. ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway gsxr1000mxz800 http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26864-what-i-learned-my-safety-meeting-today.html Rail hand signals http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26827-rail-hand-signals.html Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:42:06 GMT Is there a video I can view? Tried search on you tube, no luck. Is there a video I can view? Tried search on you tube, no luck. ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway wildman http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26827-rail-hand-signals.html Oh Dear... http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26825-oh-dear.html Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:51:38 GMT This is the icing on the cake. YouTube- "Raise 'Em Up" - Norfolk Southern Lawmen music video ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway trainman51 http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26825-oh-dear.html durham district http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26801-durham-district.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:26:42 GMT everyone that works on the durham district works for and idiot, if anyone haves somthing to say obout this post , please reply everyone that works on the durham district works for and idiot, if anyone haves somthing to say obout this post , please reply ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway jgilchr622 http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26801-durham-district.html Missed Call http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26782-missed-call.html Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:25:53 GMT I used the search feature and didn't find what I thought was a suitable post for this so please feel free to move it if there is one. I apologize because it was the first time using search.

Anyways, last night, after calling in to repsond to a message left on my phone, I sat on hold for over 15 minutes with a certain 3rd shift caller on desk 17, watching the computer for her to give me a missed call. After she marked me down and called another engineer, I hung up and called her back to only to listen to the phone ring for 10 more minutes with no repsonse. As I remember it, when you call in and the VRU has been trying to call you, it usually goes to the automatic caller thing and gives you the call. It didn't do this for whatever reason. But over 15 minutes on hold to sit and watch the miss call happen is rediculous. Hope my LC can get something done with this one. ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway BRB1069 http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26782-missed-call.html PR43C Locomotives http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26761-pr43c-locomotives.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:11:46 GMT Progress Rail, Norfolk Southern Announce Order of Four Additional High-Horsepower Locomotives Powere Saturday, 04 September 2010 Progress Rail... Progress Rail, Norfolk Southern Announce Order of Four Additional High-Horsepower
Locomotives Powere
Saturday, 04 September 2010

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.

In 2008, Norfolk Southern and Progress Rail began a cooperative effort to develop the PR43C locomotive. Since then, 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 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.

"The PR43C's performance is optimized for the current duty cycle and operational needs of the railroads," said Ken Hofacker, senior vice-president of locomotive development for Progress Rail. "Our concept of large and small diesel
engines working intelligently together maximizes fuel savings while minimizing emissions and lowering life-cycle costs."

"Progress Rail is extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to jointly develop this locomotive with Norfolk Southern," said Billy Ainsworth, president and CEO of Progress Rail. "Progress Rail and our parent company, Caterpillar Inc., share Norfolk Southern's passion for environmentally-friendly locomotives. This project is about maximizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, while taking a locomotive that was built 20-plus years ago and giving it another 20-plus years of life. Simply put, this is about building a sustainable locomotive."

"The PR43C meets Norfolk Southern's standards for high-quality locomotive performance, while at the same time satisfying our corporate sustainability objectives," said Tim Heilig, Norfolk Southern's chief mechanical officer. "Progress Rail deserves credit for building a fuel-efficient, low-emission locomotive that can handle heavy, long-haul freight demands."

The four new PR43C locomotives will feature upgraded traction systems, control systems, and modernized cabs.

About Progress Rail:
Progress Rail Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is a leading supplier of remanufactured locomotive and railcar products and services to the railroad industry, operating one of the most extensive rail service and supply networks in North America. We serve our customers through a network of more than 125 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, with more than 4,300 employees. Progress Rail Services is headquartered in Albertville, Alabama. For more information, visit Home - Progress Rail Services.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg NS PRLX4300.jpg (450.9 KB)
]]> Norfolk Southern Railway batman http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26761-pr43c-locomotives.html dear ns update your safety messages http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26722-dear-ns-update-your-safety-messages.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:58:33 GMT i usually dont listen to the "safety slogan" when calling the VRU to see where i stand and what trains are on the lineup. however i am getting a kick out of calling in now (sept 3) and hearing that august 18th is going to be "safety day". i wonder how many more months we will be listening to this outdated message. ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway gsxr1000mxz800 http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26722-dear-ns-update-your-safety-messages.html For Any Southern Railway Oldheads http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26689-any-southern-railway-oldheads.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:56:42 GMT A friend of mine that retired from the Southern in the 1980s passed along this picture that he took on April 12, 1975 in Stockbridge, GA. The color... A friend of mine that retired from the Southern in the 1980s passed along this picture that he took on April 12, 1975 in Stockbridge, GA.
The color has faded some and I tried to restore it the best I could but I don't have Photoshop on this computer. The depot is long gone along with the train order signal in front of it. I thought the Southern guys might like it.



Southern Railway Depot
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281
Milepost 171.4-H

Dogwood Steam Special
Atlanta - Macon & Return
April 12, 1975

Pulled by Southern No. 722
Ks-1 - 2-8-0

Photo by Herman Pearson ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway bejohnson http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26689-any-southern-railway-oldheads.html Fireman Oilers http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26653-fireman-oilers.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:03:17 GMT I've passed test two times and interview two times and keep getting the dreaded "no" email. What can I do to improve. I am willing one last time.

Thanks!! ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway wildman http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26653-fireman-oilers.html START modifications gr13 and gr14 sept 1 http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26607-start-modifications-gr13-gr14-sept-1-a.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:59:40 GMT just got notified by the general chairmens office of ns policy changes concering the start program. please read the email i just received. ... just got notified by the general chairmens office of ns policy changes concering the start program. please read the email i just received.

Thankfully, the Carrier has rethought the changes to the START Policy concerning GR-13 and GR-14 violations that were initiated on July 12th. I think the fact that our Committee and the UTU on Norfolk Southern stood together with unity throughout this process was a very contributing factor to these changes. The changes as of today are:


1) GR-13/GR-14 violations will continue to be treated as Serious offenses under START. They will be subject to the normal 24-month rolling period for counting purposes. The 3-day removal from service portion of the START modifications will, effective today, be held in abeyance. This means that employees will not be removed from service following an observed violation; however, the Carrier may still send the employee home for the remainder of the tour of duty (with pay). The supervisor and local chairman will attempt to meet within three days of the violation for purposes of explaining the seriousness of the rule violation, and deciding whether to handle the violation through a START waiver, or through investigation. The START Oversight Committee will meet again in approximately six months to review the results of this modified approach—were there less violations, and were there no serious injuries as a result of these violations.

2) Rule violation derailments/incidents resulting in damage will be treated as Serious offenses under START. If the FRA damage threshold is not met, the Carrier will evaluate the incident to determine if the following occurred:
a. Failure to protect a shove move;
b. Failure to secure equipment;
c. Failure to properly line and double-check route.

If yes to any of the above, it will likely be treated as a Serious offense.

Once again, thanks for the solidarity that was shown at each of our locals. Communicate these changes to your members and feel free to contact us with any questions or problems.

In Brotherhood,

Jason Boswell
Asst. GC
UTU GO-687 ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway gsxr1000mxz800 http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26607-start-modifications-gr13-gr14-sept-1-a.html Bone-Us Update http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26532-bone-us-update.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:24:12 GMT ---Quote--- Dear Fellow Employees: Our financial and operating results for the second quarter show continuing improvement in our volumes...
Quote:
Dear Fellow Employees:


Our financial and operating results for the second quarter show continuing improvement in our volumes and profitability. Together, we achieved solid volume and revenue growth, improved productivity, and aggressive cost control, all of which position us well as we move forward.
Our efforts led to a 72.4 percent operating ratio for the first six months; a 5 percentage point improvement over last year. We reported year-to-date pre-tax net income of $1.09 billion, which is a very substantial improvement over last year.
Our success improving pretax net income and operating ratio, two drivers of our 2010 bonus, is noteworthy. The composite service measure component, at 76.3 percent for the first half, has room for improvement to maximize our bonus. The elements of this measure, connection performance, plan adherence, and train performance, require our constant attention as we work to improve service.
Norfolk Southern's performance shows significant momentum. As we continue to work together to keep the Thoroughbred strong, our bonus potential will reflect our efforts. Based on our first- and second-quarter results, we potentially could see a bonus payout above 70 percent.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to safety, performance, and customer service. Let’s keep that momentum going.


John P. Rathbone
Executive Vice President Administration
Better train preformance?:rolleyes: Get rid of the auto router.:wink1::wave: ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway Groundrelay http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26532-bone-us-update.html attendance!!!!!! http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26530-attendance.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:59:00 GMT i read an e mail about csx attendance policy, its kinda like the cn policy 2 days in a rolling 30 days. off any more and get brought to... i read an e mail about csx attendance policy, its kinda like the cn policy 2 days in a rolling 30 days. off any more and get brought to investigation, hope this isnt the new trend!!! if so we need paid sick days that are earned with years of service.....screw this shit !!! ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway gotsnow http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26530-attendance.html Belvue Hiring http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26682-belvue-hiring.html Sun, 29 Aug 2010 04:02:42 GMT Anybody know how many they are gonna hire in Bellevue. I just noticed they have Conductor positions posted on the site. Been trying to get hired onto... Anybody know how many they are gonna hire in Bellevue. I just noticed they have Conductor positions posted on the site. Been trying to get hired onto he RR for a few years. Almost in with CSX in fall of 08'. Recession hit between my physical and when I was supposed to report to Georgia. thinking I may apply for one of these spots.

Thanks. ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway trekker http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26682-belvue-hiring.html Medical Clearance http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26459-medical-clearance.html Sun, 29 Aug 2010 03:05:17 GMT I was hired by norfolk southern in july as a conductor. I went through the "process" of having the hearing/vision test physical and background check.
I patiently waited to get the call to go to mcdonough and didn't hear anything. I was expecting a month or so wait and was being patient. After talking to one of the other guys hired in with me I found out that he had gotten a letter and he had to get a letter from his doctor but that the other 3 guys hired with us were going to school the following week. So out of 5 guys, 3 were going to school and one had a medical issue to take care of and i had not heard anything. I called the trainmaster that more or less was over us and our process and he said it was as simple as he had not received my medical clearance. I asked him what he thought was going on and he didn't offer any explanation other than the HR dept either never got my medical stuff or they were being lazy or were on vacation.
so i called the HR dept on Tuesday the 24th. they said that they never got my info and had caught the issue on Friday 20th. they said they called the DR. office that day (Friday) and requested my info. when i called on Tues. she had still not gotten my info. I called again on Friday and she said, still, that they had not received my info and that she would call them again. I asked her if the Dr. office sent my info to somebody else at NS or if they were supposed to send it straight to the NS HR dept. She said the DR. office should send the info directly to her at the HR. dept. I didn't have a chance to call the Dr.s office and ask them anything for myself.
So after lurking on here for less than a week I've found a reason to make my first post. It seems like a valid question/complaint on my part. What do i do now so that i can get this taken care of ASAP. They are about to hire more conductors down here next month and the last thing I need is for this to drag on and me have to go to school with all these people hired in behind me. Mainly because i have a high SS # and if i have to go to school with these other guys, I will get passed in seniority big time.
Although i feel all i can do is sit and wait and hope they get this paper work pushed through and get me on my way.
Any suggestions or advice? ]]> Norfolk Southern Railway bssford460 http://www.yardlimits.com/forums/norfolk-southern-railway/26459-medical-clearance.html