2003 – Page 3 – Railfanning.org

The Great Blackout of 2003

August 23, 2003 The Cross-Tie

A sweltering heat welcomed passengers to Penn Station Friday (Aug. 15) as power remained out after the nation’s largest blackout.

Challenger Goes for a Ride

August 19, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

For the first time in its 60-year history, Union Pacific Railroad’s “Challenger” No. 3985, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, made a passenger run between Cheyenne, Wyo., and Joyce, Neb. July 12.

Amtrak Posts Strong Gains in July

August 16, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Amtrak reported carrying 2,223,358 passengers in July, making it the best month for ridership in the railroad’s 32-year history.

101st Bringing Trains Back on Track in Iraq

August 15, 2003 The Cross-Tie

With a bit of Iraqi industriousness and some help from the 101st Airborne Division, the trains are again rolling northern Iraq.

TDOT Reorganizes State’s Railroad Crossing Task Force

August 1, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is reorganizing its Railroad Crossing Task Force.

RailAmerica Acquires Alabama Rail Line from BNSF

July 17, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company has sold and leased 288 miles of track in and around Mobile, Ala., to RailAmerica’s wholly-owned subsidiary, the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway for about $15 million.

The Conrail Saga

July 17, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Conrail, as a railroad company, began operations in April 1976, although its lineage can be traced to the earliest days of railroads in North America.

CPR Acquiring 600 High-Capacity Freight Cars For Lumber Shippers

July 17, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Canadian Pacific Railway will acquire 600 high-capacity freight cars for lumber products shippers by mid-July, swelling its fleet for North America’s robust and service-sensitive lumber market by close to 30 per cent.

Union Pacific Railroad Museum Officially Opens in Council Bluffs, Iowa

July 17, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Union Pacific Chairman Dick Davidson, along with federal, state and local elected officials, on May 10 officially opened the Union Pacific Railroad Museum at the historic Council Bluffs Carnegie Library.

Emergency Responders Complete UP-Sponsored Safety Course

July 17, 2003 Railfanning.org News Wire

Twenty-five emergency response personnel from across the western two-thirds of the nation have completed a tank car safety course sponsored by Union Pacific Railroad.