January 2013 – Railfanning.org

Huge Turnout for Southern Museum’s Trains, Trains, Trains

January 20, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

KENNESAW, Ga. — More than 2,200 people turned out Saturday for the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History’s third annual Trains, Trains, Trains event. Museum visitors explored model train layouts, vendors selling train-themed wares and various activities geared toward families. “This event is so much fun because kids have the opportunity to get up and close with trains,” said Dr. Richard Banz, the museum’s executive director. “We’re grateful to everyone who came out, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone at our future events, including next year’s Trains, Trains, Trains.” The museum’s next major event, “Museum Night,” is

Amtrak

Senate Confirms Two Amtrak Board Appointments

January 4, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

The U.S. Senate this week confirmed two new appointments to Amtrak’s Board of Directors. Christopher R. Beall and Yvonne B. Burke were confirmed as directors on the Amtrak Board of Directors. As part of its vote, the Senate also confirmed Michael P. Huerta as the next Federal Aviation Administration administrator.

Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Facilitates $2.1 Billion in Industrial Investment in 2012

January 4, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern Corp. participated in the location of 64 new industries and the expansion of 30 existing industries along its rail lines in 2012. New plants and expansions announced in 2012 represented an investment of $2.1 billion by Norfolk Southern customers and are expected to create more than 6,100 jobs in the railroad’s territory, in future years potentially generating more than 141,000 carloads of new rail traffic annually. Norfolk Southern assisted state and local government and economic development officials throughout 19 states in helping customers identify ideal locations for new and expanded facilities. “Our 2012 results were

Amtrak

Amtrak Fills More Senior Operations Positions

January 4, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – Amtrak announces it has named Magdy El-Sibaie as the new chief safety officer and Robin McDonough as chief, business operations. Both will report directly to DJ Stadtler, vice president of operations. As chief safety officer, Dr. El-Sibaie will be responsible for planning, directing and overseeing the safety activities and standards of Amtrak departments to achieve continuous improvement in employee and passenger safety, including the railroad’s Safe-2-Safer behavior- based cultural safety program. In addition, he will provide oversight of Amtrak’s compliance with safety regulations and participation in current and emerging industry safety programs. He has over 20 years of