Miscellaneous

JOFFRE, Alberta — National Railway Equipment Co. announced that NOVA Chemical recently operated an NREC N-ViroMotive GenSet locomotive in an operational test at their facility here. The locomotive, a three-engine 2100 HP (3GS-21B) 4-axle unit, is EPA certified and CARB recognized as an ultra-low emitting GenSet locomotive. “Fuel conservation, protecting the environment and operational efficiency are vital to our operation,” said Fred Owens, rail-maintenance coordinator, Nova Chemicals. “We witnessed surprising performance with this locomotive and its remarkable fuel savings, ultra-low emissions and low noise. Another big plus for us is the N-ViroMotive’s outstanding tractive effort, which can improve operations efficiency

CHICAGO – FreightCar America Inc. is closing its Johnstown, Pa., manufacturing facility that employs about 390 employees. The closure does not involve a closure of the company’s Johnstown administrative offices. Officials said the closure is in line with FreightCar’s strategy of optimizing production at its low-cost manufacturing facilities and continuing its focus on cost control. “It is critical for us to take full advantage of our lower-cost manufacturing facilities in order to produce our railcars with a competitive cost structure,” said Chris Ragot, president and chief executive officer. “Our Johnstown, Pennsylvania manufacturing plant is a higher-cost facility than our other locations. “Although

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The state of Pennsylvania is investing $20 million in taxpayer money to help seven railroads and five businesses undergo rail-freight improvement projects, stimulate economic development and reduce traffic congestion. “Dependable rail service helps businesses expand their markets, and this investment will help create and maintain jobs in communities throughout the commonwealth,” Gov. Edward G. Rendell said. “Moving products by rail also lowers the number of trucks on the roadways, which in turn reduces the wear and tear on our state’s highways, relieves traffic congestion, and improves air quality.” The State Transportation Commission approved the grants. Several of

CHICAGO — GATX Corp. has agreed to buy 2,000 newly-manufactured tank cars from Trinity Industries Inc. over a two-year period beginning in early 2008, with an option for an additional 1,000 tank cars thereafter. GATX expects the Trinity order, together with other existing orders, to provide significant opportunity to enhance market share, meet customer demand and replace retired equipment with high quality tank cars, manufactured and configured according to strict GATX specifications. “We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Trinity,” said James F. Earl, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Trinity offers a full range of railcars

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Government Liquidation LLC is auctioning off 49 railroad cars equaling more than 2.1 million pounds of unprepared heavy melting iron. The railroad cars, which are located in Hooks, Texas, consist of steel tankers, steel box cars and steel flat beds. Online bidding opens at 12 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Dec. 13 on the official online clearinghouse for government surplus www.govliquidation.com. All the rail cars are on wheels and can be rolled out for removal during this one-time event. The steel flat beds and steel box cars have wooden floors, and old style journal bearings. Some are equipped