NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car will travel the company’s rail network from Alabama to Ontario in 2004, making stops in 18 communities where it will be open to the public.
The car will appear for community events in 11 states and the Canadian province. It also will be in a special five-city whistle-stop train operated by NS to promote safe transportation of hazardous materials.
The Exhibit Car is a rebuilt passenger rail car with displays depicting the history and modern operation of the Norfolk Southern transportation system. A locomotive simulator, the car’s most popular display, puts guests in the engineer’s seat in control of throttle, brake and horn. Some 1.5 million people in more than 350 communities have viewed the traveling showcase since 1971. The car began its 2004 tour with stops at Opelika, Ala., and Spencer, N.C.
Here is the schedule through the end of the year:
- May 15, 16 – Strasburg, Va., Mayfest
- May 29 – Valdese, N.C., Centennial Celebration
- June 11-13 – Altoona, Pa., Railroaders Appreciation Days
- July 1-5 – Waverly, N.Y., 150th Anniversary
- July 16, 17 – Williamson, W.Va., Rail Fest
- July 31 – Frankfort, Ind., Hot Dog Festival
- Aug. 28, 29 – St. Thomas, Ontario, Railway Heritage Weekend
- Sept. 11, 12 – Hazleton, Pa., Funfest
- Sept. 18-26 – Strasburg, Pa., Thomas the Tank Engine at Strasburg
- Railroad
- Oct. 8-15 – TRANSCAER Whistle-Stop Tour: Decatur, Ill.; St. Louis, Mo.;
- Princeton, Ind.; Louisville and Danville, Ky.
- Nov. 13 – Charlotte, N.C., Boy Scout Railroad Day
- Dec. 5 – Millen, Ga., Christmas in Millen
Norfolk Southern provides the Exhibit Car at no cost for community events throughout its rail transportation network. Requests for the car for 2005 can be made through the Norfolk Southern Web site at www.nscorp.com. Click on “About NS,” then “Exhibit Car.”
— PRNewswire-First Call
