TRAINS News Wire Content

[Bergie]

Would you like to see the details from financial reports released by publically-held railroads (quarterly earnings, etc.) included in the TRAINS News Wire? Please share your reasoning if you voted no.

[Bergie]

Would you like to see the details from financial reports released by publically-held railroads (quarterly earnings, etc.) included in the TRAINS News Wire? Please share your reasoning if you voted no.

[Anonymous]

I thought you could devote more time to other rail news if we all contacted the railroads' websites directly for their financial reports. Maybe you could limit your coverage to a link directing us to their press releases.

[Anonymous]

I thought you could devote more time to other rail news if we all contacted the railroads' websites directly for their financial reports. Maybe you could limit your coverage to a link directing us to their press releases.

[Bergie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lincoln5390

I thought you could devote more time to other rail news if we all contacted the railroads' websites directly for their financial reports. Maybe you could limit your coverage to a link directing us to their press releases.

First let me say that offering financial news wouldn't take away from time devoted to other rail news.

A link to their financial information isn't a bad idea. That way, if a reader wants to see it, they can go to the source (instead of reading our edited-down version).

Thanks for the feedback!
Erik

[Bergie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lincoln5390

I thought you could devote more time to other rail news if we all contacted the railroads' websites directly for their financial reports. Maybe you could limit your coverage to a link directing us to their press releases.

First let me say that offering financial news wouldn't take away from time devoted to other rail news.

A link to their financial information isn't a bad idea. That way, if a reader wants to see it, they can go to the source (instead of reading our edited-down version).

Thanks for the feedback!
Erik

[JoeKoh]

I think it would be ok for the newswire.
stay safe
joe

[JoeKoh]

I think it would be ok for the newswire.
stay safe
joe

[kevarc]

I have to agree, a link would be best.

[kevarc]

I have to agree, a link would be best.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, i think i should get a link, not actually put in the news wire.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, i think i should get a link, not actually put in the news wire.

[sooblue]

44% that don't care if they read totaly boring bean counter reports?

I have a better idea (I think)[:)]
Could it be possible for Trains to use it's clout to bring the fans and the RRs togeather for hands on demonstrations and tours in selected cities through out the nation.
As an example;
BNSFs Northtown yard has been turned into a storage yard of sorts.
The last time I visited the area they had several strings of engines sitting idle waiting for a new fate. The Northtown yard used to be a hopping place.
Now it sits. Why not tour it and than see some demonstrations that we can partisipate in.
I'm sure others on this forum could come up with much better ideas,
The CP now occupies the home of the Soo line in mpls. It won't be long and the old shops will be gone.
sooblue

[sooblue]

44% that don't care if they read totaly boring bean counter reports?

I have a better idea (I think)[:)]
Could it be possible for Trains to use it's clout to bring the fans and the RRs togeather for hands on demonstrations and tours in selected cities through out the nation.
As an example;
BNSFs Northtown yard has been turned into a storage yard of sorts.
The last time I visited the area they had several strings of engines sitting idle waiting for a new fate. The Northtown yard used to be a hopping place.
Now it sits. Why not tour it and than see some demonstrations that we can partisipate in.
I'm sure others on this forum could come up with much better ideas,
The CP now occupies the home of the Soo line in mpls. It won't be long and the old shops will be gone.
sooblue

[Mookie]

I like that idea. I imagine they will cite insurance costs as why they can't/wont. But that would be so great to actually get close and put your hands on some of the engines!

Jen

[Mookie]

I like that idea. I imagine they will cite insurance costs as why they can't/wont. But that would be so great to actually get close and put your hands on some of the engines!

Jen

[Bergie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

I like that idea. I imagine they will cite insurance costs as why they can't/wont. But that would be so great to actually get close and put your hands on some of the engines!

Jen

You hit the nail on the head, Jen. BNSF didn't exhibit at Galesburg Railroad Days this summer, stating insurance costs as the reason. Too bad... it was the first time in years that there wasn't some representation from the local railroad. To their defense, the said that would exhibit if Galesburg would help pick up some of the cost of insurance. They didn't this year. We'll see what happens in the future. Hopefully it doesn't harm overall turnout, because it's usually a great weekend. I hope people who traveled long distances don't feel burn and won't return in the future. I saw license plates from Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri. I hope those guys didn't drive 8 hours thinking they were going to be able to climb through a Dash-9 like they had been able to do in the past. [:(]

Erik

[Bergie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

I like that idea. I imagine they will cite insurance costs as why they can't/wont. But that would be so great to actually get close and put your hands on some of the engines!

Jen

You hit the nail on the head, Jen. BNSF didn't exhibit at Galesburg Railroad Days this summer, stating insurance costs as the reason. Too bad... it was the first time in years that there wasn't some representation from the local railroad. To their defense, the said that would exhibit if Galesburg would help pick up some of the cost of insurance. They didn't this year. We'll see what happens in the future. Hopefully it doesn't harm overall turnout, because it's usually a great weekend. I hope people who traveled long distances don't feel burn and won't return in the future. I saw license plates from Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri. I hope those guys didn't drive 8 hours thinking they were going to be able to climb through a Dash-9 like they had been able to do in the past. [:(]

Erik

[Anonymous]

What if everyone signed a waiver? [:)]

If the trend continues we won't be able to do anything fun due to insurance costs.

[Anonymous]

What if everyone signed a waiver? [:)]

If the trend continues we won't be able to do anything fun due to insurance costs.

[Anonymous]

Here are a couple of facts from the world of railroad reality.

From a friend who manages a short line (and to whom I act as a "shoulder"):

1. Liability insurance costs have increased by over 30% annually since 9-11

2. Liability Self Insured Retentions (like a deductible) have more than doubled. $25,000 used to be standard for many short line policies, now it is $50,000 or more minimum depending upon the insurance company and the railroad's claims history.

3. Thefts and other security and casualty related costs have increased over 50% in the past 5 years. Remember all those horn thefts and the "Conrail Boyz" ring? It all adds up.

4. Liability waivers rarely completely bar recovery in court in most comparative negligence states. So, although they may help in the event of an injury, they are not a complete solution.

5. Railroads are in the business of moving freight (or in a few cases passengers) and the RR does not realize any revenue from giving tours of facilities. While there may be reasons to participate in events or grant tours for public relations, they are not high priority, especially where they result in additional costs for already very busy supervisors to lead tours (they aren't in any collective bargaining agreement) and of course you may open up the liability issues mentioned above.

6. Support tort reform, OLI, tougher grade crossing laws and whatever other methods you may have of limiting railroad liability and let your representatives know in writing that these are important issues.

LC

[Anonymous]

Here are a couple of facts from the world of railroad reality.

From a friend who manages a short line (and to whom I act as a "shoulder"):

1. Liability insurance costs have increased by over 30% annually since 9-11

2. Liability Self Insured Retentions (like a deductible) have more than doubled. $25,000 used to be standard for many short line policies, now it is $50,000 or more minimum depending upon the insurance company and the railroad's claims history.

3. Thefts and other security and casualty related costs have increased over 50% in the past 5 years. Remember all those horn thefts and the "Conrail Boyz" ring? It all adds up.

4. Liability waivers rarely completely bar recovery in court in most comparative negligence states. So, although they may help in the event of an injury, they are not a complete solution.

5. Railroads are in the business of moving freight (or in a few cases passengers) and the RR does not realize any revenue from giving tours of facilities. While there may be reasons to participate in events or grant tours for public relations, they are not high priority, especially where they result in additional costs for already very busy supervisors to lead tours (they aren't in any collective bargaining agreement) and of course you may open up the liability issues mentioned above.

6. Support tort reform, OLI, tougher grade crossing laws and whatever other methods you may have of limiting railroad liability and let your representatives know in writing that these are important issues.

LC

[Trainnut484]

BNSF pulled out of RR days activities in Topeka, KS a few years ago[V][V]. It was the only railroad days celebration activity for NE Kansas. I was fortunate to go to the last one.

[Trainnut484]

BNSF pulled out of RR days activities in Topeka, KS a few years ago[V][V]. It was the only railroad days celebration activity for NE Kansas. I was fortunate to go to the last one.

[sooblue]

Well there you are!
But I just can't accept it. Some where some one has to take a stand. It can't be an individual, it has to be an entity that has a following, like trains mag.
The entity does the talking and the following provides the capital.
I know things have changed in this world but we don't have to like it or live with it.
We can be Pioneers and move while every one else says stay. Life is a risk, why not take a risk of your own chossing? one that brings satisfaction.

NOW I DID IT !!
I'm headin out to the UPs tracks in town and I'm gona walk em!
when that train comes by this afternoon I'll slid off to the side and wave at em as they go by.

Well, maybe I shouldn't, my hearing isn't as good as it used to be.
I KNOW !!
I'll just stay close to the crosssing. The bells and lights will tip me off.
Sooblue

[sooblue]

Well there you are!
But I just can't accept it. Some where some one has to take a stand. It can't be an individual, it has to be an entity that has a following, like trains mag.
The entity does the talking and the following provides the capital.
I know things have changed in this world but we don't have to like it or live with it.
We can be Pioneers and move while every one else says stay. Life is a risk, why not take a risk of your own chossing? one that brings satisfaction.

NOW I DID IT !!
I'm headin out to the UPs tracks in town and I'm gona walk em!
when that train comes by this afternoon I'll slid off to the side and wave at em as they go by.

Well, maybe I shouldn't, my hearing isn't as good as it used to be.
I KNOW !!
I'll just stay close to the crosssing. The bells and lights will tip me off.
Sooblue

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by sooblue



Well, maybe I shouldn't, my hearing isn't as good as it used to be.
I KNOW !!
I'll just stay close to the crosssing. The bells and lights will tip me off.
Sooblue

[:0] I WILL YELL SO YOU CAN HEAR ME - DON'T GET HURT - I CAN'T LOSE ONE OF MY BROTHERS! OR TAKE ME WITH YOU - MY EYES AREN'T THAT GOOD, BUT MY HEARING IS EXCELLENT!

Jen

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by sooblue



Well, maybe I shouldn't, my hearing isn't as good as it used to be.
I KNOW !!
I'll just stay close to the crosssing. The bells and lights will tip me off.
Sooblue

[:0] I WILL YELL SO YOU CAN HEAR ME - DON'T GET HURT - I CAN'T LOSE ONE OF MY BROTHERS! OR TAKE ME WITH YOU - MY EYES AREN'T THAT GOOD, BUT MY HEARING IS EXCELLENT!

Jen

[jsanchez]

Sounds good to me, I like to hear more on new construction, I don't recall ever reading anything about the old D&H Diamond branch being reopened in Scranton, PA or the Reading and Northern reopening the railroad to St. Clair ,PA. There are a pretty decent amount of new lines and old lines being opened in various places.

[jsanchez]

Sounds good to me, I like to hear more on new construction, I don't recall ever reading anything about the old D&H Diamond branch being reopened in Scranton, PA or the Reading and Northern reopening the railroad to St. Clair ,PA. There are a pretty decent amount of new lines and old lines being opened in various places.