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Railroad Newsline for Thursday, December 21, 2006

Compiled by Larry W. Grant

In Memory of Rob Carlson, 1952 – 2006

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RAIL NEWS

RAILROAD BOOM HITS ENVIRONMENTAL, 'NOT IN MY BACKYARD' SNAGS

PICACHO, AZ -- From his ostrich ranch, Rooster Cogburn looks out over a broad mesa covered with cactuses, pecan groves, and alfalfa. In the distance, the granite summit of Picacho Peak towers over the Sonoran desert.

"It's beautiful. It's tranquil. No one lives out there," he says.

Christian Science Monitor photo by Robert Harbison here:

[www.csmonitor.com]

But, the view could be changing.

Across the interstate from his ranch, the Union Pacific (UP) railroad wants to build a six-mile switching yard, part of an effort to improve its national freight service. And, this month, local officials rezoned some 10,000 acres from development sensitive to heavy industrial. They envision businesses springing up around the new yard.

Burgeoning business is pushing railroads into the middle of sticky environmental disputes. On one side are environmental groups, ranchers, and landowners concerned about potential chemical spills and air pollution. On the other side are rail companies stretched to the limit - barely able to provide communities with goods. Their strategy - with national implications for reducing oil usage - is to carry more of the containers now moved by long haul truckers. But, to do this they need to build more rail yards in places such as Picacho.

Urban areas are also becoming wary about freight traffic moving through their communities.
Nine major US cities are considering legislation that would require railroads to reroute hazardous chemicals - a move that would probably require building more trackage in suburban and rural areas. Last week, both the US Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security introduced legislation regarding shipping hazardous materials. And rail security experts anticipate that the Democratic-led Congress will look more closely at the issue.

Map here: [www.csmonitor.com]

With large open spaces in shorter supply and business booming, railroads are locked into disputes over land use - even in what used to be the wide-open West.

The strategy of rail companies - with implications for reducing oil usage - is to carry more of the containers moved by long haul truckers. But, to do this they need to build more rail yards.

"We are all an advocate of increased rail transportation in this country because in part it keeps a significant number of trucks off the interstate highway system," says Cecil Steward, dean emeritus at the University of Nebraska College of Architecture in Lincoln and an expert on sustainability. "However, that does not give the railroads carte blanche to screw up the environment in a similar way the highway system screws it up."

The scrutiny comes at a time when railroads across the nation are building new rail yards - with local citizens concerned about pollution and additional truck traffic. That's the case in Gardner, Kansas, where the BNSF Railway Company is planning a $1 billion train terminal and warehouse center, in Los Angeles where there are proposals by BNSF and UP to build new yards, and in suburban Atlanta where recently local residents unsuccessfully fought the development of a 450-acre Norfolk Southern rail yard.

The growth of the yards is actually part of a change taking place in the rail industry. It is displacing the long-haul truck industry in moving containers. "We move the long haul, then a trucking company does the short haul," says Pat Hiatte, a spokesman for BNSF in Ft. Worth, Texas.

But the railroads then need large yards to either unload or rearrange. Often the rail facilities are combined with warehouses for easy unloading and storage before goods are loaded onto trucks headed to storage or other trains headed to other states. That's the plan in Picacho.

Many residents - including Cogburn and members of a local group called Save the Peak! - are not opposed to the Union Pacific building a switch yard, as long as it's somewhere else. "I'm not against growth," Cogburn says. "But there is so much horrible, miserable land, you don't need to set it down right over there."

"Right over there" is state-owned land currently leased by Herb Kai, who grows cotton, grains, and pecans on it.

Mr. Kai, who also supports a rail yard somewhere else, says "the railroad would have to prove 100 percent that Picacho Peak is the only place this could go."

Christian Science Monitor photo by Robert Harbison here:

[www.csmonitor.com]

The Union Pacific, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, agrees that Kai's piece of property is unique, in large part because it is remote. The railroad tried to avoid locations too close to hospitals, schools, residential developments, and water resources.

And a key reason for choosing Picacho: It's flat. Level land means it's easier and safer to move trains around, says Mark Davis, a UP spokesman.

In Casa Grande, about 20 miles north of the peak, the local economic development group sees the proposed rail yard as a way to get new warehousing jobs for companies that would use the railroad to bring products into the region.

"This should be built to bring in hundreds of super-deluxe jobs and provide the transportation infrastructure necessary to enhance and maintain Arizona's economy," says Paul Ringer, interim director of the Casa Grande Valley Economic Development Foundation.

But the proposed rail yard will also sit on top of an aquifer that could be important for the future expansion of nearby Tucson. "We're storing that water for future generations," says Kai. "People are concerned that any pollution will contaminate it."

That's a valid concern, says Fred Millar, an expert on rail security and safety issues.

"Has anyone inquired of the Union Pacific what hazardous cargos they bring or plan to bring into this area?" he asks. "As an informed citizen, we know that anytime rail yards are redeveloped, you have to do toxic cleanup."

Davis says Union Pacific is "well aware" of the aquifer. And, to cut down on noise the railroad plans to install new hydraulic brakes that will eliminate the high-pitched squeal that often emanates from rail yards.

Environmentalists are also concerned about a population of bats that reside in caves in the nearby mountains. According Tim Smith of the state Game and Fish Department in Tucson, there are historical records of a colony of long-nosed bats, a federally endangered species. "As with any wildlife, there would be concerns about loss of habitat and disturbance of the roost site," he says. "You want to minimize any impact that you can."

Davis of Union Pacific says he is not aware of the bats. But "we will definitely look into it."
But, Cogburn's daughter, Dana Barrett, says UP was told about the bats in a hearing. "We can't seem to get anyone interested in protecting these bats," she says. - Ron Scherer, The Christian Science Monitor

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RAILROAD MUSEUM TAKES SHAPE AT NEW SITE

CHANDLER, AZ -- Just east of Arizona Avenue, between Germann and Queen Creek roads, a collection of old trains sits all by itself, surrounded by alfalfa fields.

The site doesn't look like much now, but it's part of the Tumbleweed Park master plan - the new and growing home of the Arizona Railway Museum.

The trains rolled out of their old home at Armstrong Park in downtown Chandler last year. Although the land surrounding the 32 trains will stay vacant for years, there is quite a bit of work being done, said Bart Barton, vice president of operations for the museum.

"We have a good amount of volunteers who help out with tours and rehabilitation of the trains," he said. "Things are progressing."

The vintage cars, some more than 100 years old, won't have an adjoining building until 2008. But work is nearly complete on the track necessary for displaying the cars.

In 2007, the museum should see its access on Ryan Road east of Arizona Avenue, which is now dirt, paved. Improvements also are planned for the parking lot.

In the meantime, the cars stand out amid the 6.5 acres designated for the museum. A chain-link fence surrounds the area and security patrols walk the perimeter at night under the light of security lamps.

The space at Armstrong Park was only 2 acres.

"We just outgrew the place," Barton said. "We had more cars and memorabilia than we could hold."

Since retiring from Motorola three years ago, Barton has spent four days a week at the museum. He and wife Jane join about 20 volunteers to restore the cars to their original look. An additional 30 volunteers help with weekend tours, gift shop and memorabilia displays.

"Electrical, plumbing, construction, carpentry - all the trades have a place out here," Barton said.

Re-creating the museum has been Barton's mission for years. It encapsulates years of Arizona history, including the expansion of agricultural and livestock farming in the Southeast Valley.

City founder Dr. A.J. Chandler first realized the potential of a rail line into the community in 1911, when he persuaded the Great American Eastern railway to build a track south from Phoenix. By adding the line, Chandler farmers were able to connect to a new market, Barton said.

"It enabled Chandler to grow its cotton business to new heights," he said. "After that, it allowed transportation to places like the San Marcos Hotel, the dude ranches and eventually Williams Air Force Base."

Barton said public visits have been slower since the move to Tumbleweed Park. But as the park and the museum evolve, he expects to see more people out on weekends when the museum is open. - Ty Young, The Arizona Republic

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GREENBRIER EXPECTS TO EARN LESS THAN FORECAST

LAKE OSWEGO, OR -- The Greenbrier Cos. Inc. said Tuesday earnings for its first fiscal quarter will fall below expectations.

Lake Oswego-based Greenbrier (NYSE: GBX), a supplier of transportation equipment and services to the railroad industry, said the cause was weaker-than-anticipated results in the company's North American new railcar manufacturing units.

Greenbrier expects to report operating earnings for its first quarter ended Nov. 30 of 10 cents to 12 cents per share. Greenbrier plans to release its first-quarter results Jan. 9.

A number of other factors adversely impacted results for the quarter, including: lower-than-anticipated gains on equipment sales; a delay in the timing of revenue recognition on a marine barge order; and a lesser number of business days included in actual first-quarter results from the Meridian Rail Services and RailCar America acquisitions than previously anticipated.

Greenbrier will also reconsider earnings guidance for the year, as a result of events in the first quarter and outlook for the remainder of the year. It does not expect to meet earnings of $3.10 to $3.40 per share provided in earlier guidance for the year issued on Oct. 31. - Portland Business Journal

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COUNCIL APPROVES CONDO PLAN FOR FORMER UNION PACIFIC HEADQUARTERS SITE

OMAHA, NE -- A $122.5 million downtown condominium project was given the green light by the Omaha City Council on Tuesday.

The council approved a redevelopment agreement for WallStreet Tower Omaha, which will be built on the site of the former Union Pacific headquarters at 14th and Dodge Streets.

As part of the agreement, the city will provide $15.6 million in tax increment financing to the developer, Kansas-based Townsend Inc. The TIF will allow property tax revenue generated by the new project to help pay the cost of demolition, public improvements and other costs, according to the redevelopment agreement.

In addition to the TIF funds, the agreement calls for the city to hand the property over to the developer for $1.

That probably will happen in January or February, said City Attorney Paul Kratz.

"Today is a milestone," said Troy Strawhecker, with Townsend Inc. "We're going to celebrate and then get back to work.

Ken Johnson, economic development manager for Omaha, said the redevelopment plan is a good deal.

"The city doesn't have to pay for the cost of demolition, and we get a $122 million project at a critical site downtown," Johnson said. "This is a positive thing."

Demolition costs have been estimated at about $4 million.

Once the property changes hands, the developer will have 18 months to complete the demolition of the old Union Pacific building.

The development agreement also sets a goal of early 2011 for completion of the construction.
Strawhecker said removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos from the interior of the building will begin soon after the property changes hands. The actual demolition of the building probably will happen within a year, he said.

The planned 32-story glass tower will have 275 units. The bottom floor will be retail space.

Condominium prices range from $195,000 to $650,000, and about a quarter of the units are reserved, Strawhecker said. The tower will include a rooftop pool, a parking garage, a business center with a conference room, a theater room, a party room, a gym and climate-controlled storage.

The first residents could move in as early as the fall of 2009. - Karen Sloan, The Omaha World-Herald

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BROKEN RAIL BLAMED FOR ILLINOIS TRAIN DERAILMENT

BENTON, IL -- A broken rail is being blamed for a Dec. 4 train derailment that caused three locomotives and nearly two dozen cars from a Union Pacific freight train to leave the tracks in rural Franklin County, Illinois.

The incident occurred around 02:45 that day and caused the evacuation of around 100 people in the Mitchell Lake area southeast of Christopher. Three tanker cars overturned and spilled a non-hazardous chemical onto the ground.

"A fracture on the rails cause the wheels (of the train) to come off the tracks," said James Barnes, Union Pacific's director of media and community relations.

Following the derailment, Union Pacific mobilized first responders to help with the chemical spill and work crews to repair the tracks and get the train operational.

Environmental Protection Agency officials were also present since the derailment involved a chemical spill.

Residents in the affected area were allowed to return to their homes late in the afternoon Dec. 4 and the track was reopened the following day, although some workers remain at the site.
Ryan Buckingham, director of the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency, was quick to credit first responders and the railroad for their efforts.

"We were extremely happy with what transpired (in the aftermath)," he said. "The railroad did a good job getting the line back in service."

Buckingham said some work continues and he plans a follow-up visit to the rural location to see how work is progressing.

Several agencies will be submitting bills to the railroad for costs incurred during the incident.

The West Frankfort Fire Department reportedly will submit a bill in excess of $27, 000 for costs incurred in the operation.

The department had five engines and several firefighters at the scene for most of the day.
Buckingham said his agency incurred costs estimated at $16,000 and will seek reimbursement from the railroad.

Other agencies that are expected to submit bills include the Franklin County Highway Department, for road damage, and the Franklin County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Bill Wilson said his department had some expenses.

"It will be very, very little," Wilson said. The sheriff also had praise for the railroad. "They did an excellent job with the cleanup," he said. - Danny Malkovich, The Benton Evening News

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AMTRAK OFFERS AAA MEMBERS 50% OFF COMPANION FARES ON SEVERAL TRAINS

WASHINGTON, DC -- Beginning January 3, 2007, Amtrak is offering AAA members the chance to bring along a companion for half off the full rail fare on many trains. Tickets are on sale now through February 28 for travel between January 3 and March 15, 2007.

With the companion fare, one person may travel for 50 percent off the rail fare with the purchase of a AAA member Adult Amtrak Ticket (maximum of one companion per paid AAA adult.) In addition, when sleeper cars or Business class is available, companions receive 25 percent off the best available accommodation fare.

The 50% Off Companion Fare offer is valid on board the following trains: Ann Rutledge, Blue Water, California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, Capitols, Cardinal, Carl Sandburg, Carolinian, Cascades, City of New Orleans, Crescent, Coast Starlight, Illini, Illinois Zephyr, Kansas City/St. Louis Mules, Lake Shore Limited, Lincoln Service, Maple Leaf, Pacific Surfliner, Palmetto, Pennsylvanian, Pere Marquette, Piedmont, Saluki, San Joaquins, Southwest Chief, State House, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle and Wolverine. Amtrak’s everyday 50% discount for children ages 2-15 traveling with a fare paying adult also applies to these trains.

To take advantage of 50% Off Companion Fare offer, visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL and use the code H644. Some blackout dates apply. Reservations must be made at least three days in advance of travel. This offer is not valid in conjunction with any other discounts, including but not limited to: travel agency fares, convention fares, government fares, group escorts, interline fares, military fares, touring passes, multi-ride fares, partnership programs (i.e. Student Advantage); with the exception of the AAA 10 percent discount off the first ticket purchase. Routes and offers subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. - Amtrak News Release

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BNSF AND CSX CREATE THE ONLY SINGLE-LINE CONTAINER SERVICE CONNECTING CALIFORNIA AND THE SOUTHEAST

BNSF Railway Company and CSX Corporation’s rail and intermodal companies are creating a rail corridor for seamless intermodal doublestack service connecting California with Atlanta and key markets within the fast-growing Southeast region. Intermodal service will initially be offered five days a week, and additional service will be added as the West Coast to Southeast intermodal market continues to grow.

The new service, to be launched February 26, 2007, will provide customers with the following service options:

· Single-line container service between Atlanta and California, with reduction in transit times of up to a day compared with existing alternate services. The new service also provides a single point of contact and the ability to ship with one bill of lading with BNSF. The new service will provide a sixth morning availability between Southern California and Atlanta.

· Enhanced interline service options between Southern California and the Memphis gateway to the following CSX locations: Charlotte, Charleston, Savannah and Florida points. For Charleston, Savannah and Florida points, this service will be available in any lane where BNSF currently offers service to or from Memphis.

To support the new service, both BNSF and CSX are investing in line and facility expansions. Line capacity improvements, such as construction of additional double track, extension of sidings and upgrading of sidings to accommodate intermodal trains, are already underway and will continue through 2008. Also, facility improvements--such as additional lift capacity, strip tracks and more parking spaces--are currently being developed. - BNSF Marketing News

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BNSF ISSUES WEEKLY PRB COAL UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 19, 2006

BNSF Coal Train Loadings at Historic Highs

Systemwide, the BNSF Railway Company has loaded an average of 57.12 coal trains per day during the first 17 days of December. Average loadings so far this month exceed those of both November 2006 and December 2005. As we approach the end of the year, loadings may be affected as specific 2006 utility/mine tonnage commitments are filled. Year-to-date, BNSF has loaded a total of 275.9 million tons of coal through December 17, 2006, up 10.8 percent from the 2005 year-to-date total of 249.0 million tons.

Average BNSF daily train loadings for the Powder River Basin (PRB), including Wyoming and Montana mines, totaled 53.0 trains per day the week ended December 17, 2006, compared with an average of 44.0 trains per day for the week ended December 18, 2005. Year-to-date through December 17, 2006, BNSF has loaded a total daily average of 49.6 trains in the PRB, up 10.2 percent from the 45.0 trains loaded through the same period in 2005. Various mine loading issues reduced loadings an average of 1.9 trains per day for the week ended December 17, 2006. - BNSF Service Advisory

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ROUTINE CALL LEAVES LASTING IMPRESSION AND EARNS A BNSF ALL-STAR NOMINATION

It was a strictly routine call. The communications supervisor for the City of Derby, Kansas, called the BNSF Railway Company’s emergency hotline to report malfunctioning crossing gates near Derby.

What wasn’t routine for the reporting supervisor Peppi Schroeder, however, was the interaction with Bob Overton, a senior technical analyst in BNSF’s Network Control Systems group at Fort Worth.

"Having been in Emergency Communications over 30 years, I have had my share of dealings with customer service reps," Schroeder wrote in a letter to Mike Bratcher, senior director, Train Control Systems. "I have to say Mr. Overton was one of the best I have had the pleasure of dealing with. He was not only professional, but was upbeat, friendly and helpful."

The issue with the crossing gates was quickly resolved, but what remained was a better working relationship with one of the communities BNSF serves and a lasting impression of BNSF and its people.

"Mr. Overton’s simple and friendly demeanor made my day," Schroeder wrote. "I only wish that all customer service representatives were like him! Great employees tend to reflect the company and people they work for. If his demeanor is any indication, BNSF must be a great place to work!"

For Overton’s efforts, he has been nominated as a BNSF All-Star. - BNSF Today

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RAILROAD TEN-YEAR TRENDS AVAILABLE

Did you know that freight railroad employment in the United States reached its highest level in four years during 2005? Or that a total of 560 freight railroads operated in the United States? Or that the average freight rates were lower than they were 10 years earlier on an inflation-adjusted basis?

All of this information and more is included in the 23rd annual edition of Railroad Ten-Year Trends, which is now available from the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

Railroad Ten-Year Trends provides tables and graphs which present an economic overview of the U.S. freight railroad industry, including Class I industry performance, traffic, financial statistics, employment, plant and equipment and operations.

In addition, the publication includes selected information on regional and local railroads as well as the Web sites of more than 250 Canadian, Mexican and U.S. railroads. It also lists all U.S. freight railroads and offers profiles of rail-related organizations.

Copies of Railroad Ten-Year Trends are available for $100 each for non-members and $50 each for AAR members. Domestic shipping and handling fees are $6 per order.

To order copies of the book, visit the AAR Web site at [www.aar.org]. - BNSF Today

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CPR HOLIDAY TRAIN BREAKS THREE MILLION DOLLARS FOR FOOD BANKS

CALGARY, ALBERTA -- The Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train, which has been rolling across Canada, the Northeastern and Midwestern United States since December 1, raising food, money and awareness for food banks in more than 110 towns, cities and First Nations ended its run on Tuesday evening with final shows in Agassiz, Haney-Maple Ridge and Port Moody, British Columbia.

Official totals are still being tallied but an estimated 230,000 pounds of food and more than $400,000 (Cdn) have been donated to local food banks at over 70 communities in Canada this year and, 76,000 pounds of food and more than $190,000 have been donated to local shelves in the U.S. Northeast and Midwest. In its eight years the Holiday Train program has played an important role in collecting more than three million dollars and over 1.6 million pounds of food to help feed North America’s hungry.

This year’s performers on the Holiday Train were Canadian rock band Wide Mouth Mason and singing star Lisa Brokop. Their mix of upbeat songs, rocking Christmas tunes and special moments with children at each stop made for glowing reviews from more than 150,000 people between Montreal, Quebec and Port Moody, British Columbia.

A second Holiday Train visited 40 communities in the Northeast and Midwest United States in support of hunger relief in America. U.S. Holiday Train entertainers included: Tracey Brown, Willy Porter and Kelly Prescott. An estimated 80,000 Americans took in the spirit and magic of the fundraising events as the train with its hundreds of thousands of lights rolled through the U.S.

Since launching in 1999, the Holiday Train magic, with its two trains that are each decked out with hundreds of thousands of bright lights and decorations, continues to grow as more communities request it to stop and perform. Final numbers for 2006 for both countries should be confirmed in early January. - Ed Greenberg, CPR News Release

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TRUCKER KILLED IN ARKANSAS TRAIN CRASH

EMMET, AR -- A truck driver was killed Wednesday morning when the truck he was driving apparently pulled onto the path of an oncoming train at Emmet, Arkansas.

According to Nevada County Coroner William Mullins, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene at 09:19. The identity of the man has not been released, pending notification of family.

The truck was an 18-wheeler pulling a load of large spools. The train, according to information from Union-Pacific Railroad spokesman Joe Arbona, was pulling 111 cars. Arbona said 44 of those cars were loaded with automobiles.

The truck appeared to have been turning from U.S. Highway 67 with the intention of crossing the tracks. The cab of the truck appeared to have taken the brunt of the collision.

According to Mullins, the truck driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The driver's body was some 30 to 40 yards from the impact site, Mullins said.

Arbona said his information indicated that the wreck happened at 8:47 a.m. He said that engineers have an emergency procedure they follow when a vehicle is on the tracks, but the train simply wasn't able to stop in time to avoid a collision with the truck Wednesday morning.

"It can take a half mile to a mile to stop," Arbona said, citing the weight of the train cars and the time it takes to slow the entire train to a stop. "Unfortunately, there's nothing else they can do at that time."

Arbona said the train was on its way from Eagle Pass, Texas, to North Little Rock when the accident occurred. None of the train cars derailed and there was no indication whether damage had been done to any of the train cars themselves.

At press time, the investigation was ongoing regarding the details of the collision, including the cause. Nevada County sheriff's deputies and officers from the Arkansas State Police were still on the scene at press time Wednesday. - Wendy Ledbetter, The Nevada County Picayune, The Hope Star

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ALL ABOARD! IT'S TURLOCK'S SANTA EXPRESS

TURLOCK, CA -- It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on Oxford Court, Turlock, California's answer to the North Pole.

There's something about Christmas lights that sets the tone for the season, said Michelle Jaggers who has been decorating her home at Oxford Court for nine years.

Turlock is a town filled with love and the Christmas spirit especially on Oxford Court. Not only are the homes all magnificently decorated, yet have another specialty that beautifies the street even more giving it one last touch: The 'true' hit of the cul-de-sac - the "Oxford Train".

The Oxford Court Christmas Train is operated by the residents of Oxford Court. It provides residents with the opportunity to offer a conduit to charitable organizations, such as Turlock Together, for the presents and food donated by many of the thousands of people that visit Oxford Court each Christmas season.

"Christmas is our life and joy," said Jaggers. "We look forward to bringing the community together and putting a smile on everyone's face."

And, of course, the reason for the season is prominent with a nativity scene. Traditional carols are played through a speaker from a stereo system.

The residents behind the big blinking displays say setting up the lights takes patience and time.

But neighborhood residents say the work was worth it.

"This is quite honestly a celebration of the greatest birth in the history of history itself,

Jaggers said. The birth of Jesus Christ. This is just one small thing we can do."

Each year they collect donations of food and presents for children from many of the thousands of visitors that visit Oxford Court. These donations are given to Turlock Together which is an association of non-profit organizations including schools, charities, service clubs, businesses and individuals working together to effectively meet the needs of families, children and the elderly in the greater Turlock area.

During 2005 several hundreds of pounds of food and enough toys to fill four full pick-up truck loads were donated by the Oxford Court visitors.

"If you wish to make a donation during this season, please bring canned food or an unwrapped toy and place your donation in one of the blue barrels located in the court," said Jaggers. "To donate a present to a needy child you may also elect to pull a tag from our Angel Tree. These tags identify the age and sex of a needy boy or girl as determined by Turlock Together. All donations are given to Turlock Together. During 2005 we also had a specially-marked collection barrel for those wishing to donate socks for our troops in Iraq."

The idea for the Christmas train started long ago in 1991. After touring Turlock's Christmas Tree Lane, city resident Randy Songster was impressed with the way that one homeowner placed his Santa sleigh and reindeer on the roof. The sleigh was on the roof and the reindeer were placed in a tree so as to make it appear that the reindeer were flying or taking off from the rooftop.

Sangster thought to himself "it would be neat if you could make the reindeer and sleigh fly around in a circle on the roof".

So early in the next Christmas season of 1992, Sangster began this adventure by building the Flying Santa.

The Flying Santa circled over Sangster's house for several years until he had a new idea, to make the Santa fly over the street to his neighbor's house. In 1995 Sangster put the idea to his neighbor, Carl Thornton who was skeptical for liability and insurance reasons. Sangster brought it up again in 1996 and Thornton had a change of heart and said "lets do it".

Sangster and Thornton then built The Flying Santa-Across the Street. The Flying Santa-Across the Street never quite got off the ground.

Fortunately, during the next summer, Sangster thought to himself "if I can't fly across the street maybe I can take the train". Sangster ran it by Thornton who once again fell for one of Sangster's hair brained ideas.

This would be an even bigger project costing a lot more money. The appeal of a Christmas train was too great though. The plans called for an elevated train track which would start at Sangster's house and cross 10 properties, winding around the cul-de-sac and ending at Thornton's house across the street. When the plans were done Sangster and Thornton sold the idea to all the neighbors and obtained their financial support. Sangster and Thornton then became S&T Railroad.

The men worked for months cementing poles and building sections of track out of electrical conduit and PVC pipe. Elaborate trusses were constructed to span the driveways. Locomotive Engine No. 1 was built with PVC pipe and florescent light panels. The engine was driven by a Power Wheels toy car motor gear box which was powered by a 6 volt battery.

The track and engine were decorated with lights and the moving display became a huge hit with everyone. When the press pictured the train in color on the front page, the train became popular with the neighboring cities as well. The project cost at the end of 1997 was $ 3,285.

For Christmas 1998, the train was improved upon. The original train in 1997 had no way to turn around at the end of the track. Once the train reached the end, it would go backwards all the way to the start. So roundhouse style turn-a-rounds were built and added to the ends. The Santa Sleigh Car was added behind the locomotive, giving birth to the "Santa Express". The track was electrified with 12 volts and the locomotive gave up its battery.

On an average night, 500 cars come through the cul-de-sac to see the train during the Christmas season. In 1998 it was estimated that there were 15,000 visitors. The total project cost climbed to over $4,000 at the end of 1998.

In 2000, Locomotive No. 2 was retired to make way for Locomotive No. 3.

The Ferris Wheel Car was added lengthening the train to 3 cars. The turnarounds were modified to accept the longer train and more power was added to the track for the train's lights. A sound system was installed to play Christmas music for the many thousands of visitors.

Sangster and Thornton are proud of their creation. Both have now moved from Oxford Court. They will be greatly missed by the Oxford Court residents who continue to operate the train as the Oxford Court Christmas Train.

The Oxford Court has many outstanding organizations that donate primarily to help the community and spread love all around the town. Some

organizations include, The Modesto Harley Davidson Club, JS West for its donation of propane used to run the exterior heaters on the court, the Oxford Court's own Santa Claus who donates his time for free, and Kat Country 103.

The train is scheduled to run nightly during the Christmas season from the hours of 18:00 to 21:00 until the night of Dec. 26.

Individuals interested in experiencing a priceless extravaganza, contact the court at 209-668-8861 or 209-634-8839 or better yet, stop by and live it up. Driving directions are: Drive east on Monte Vista, turn right on Crowell Road and left on Minnesota Avenue. From Minnesota turn left onto Oxford Court. It will be the second street. - Serena Essapour, The Turlock Journal

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TRANSIT NEWS

NEW ORLEANS STREETCAR LINE REOPENS; TROLLEYS RUN AGAIN ALONG ST. CHARLES AVENUE

Associated Press photo by Alex Bran at this link:

[media.2theadvocate.com]

NEW ORLEANS, LA -- Yes, New Orleans, there is a St. Charles Avenue streetcar line.

Nearly 16 months after Hurricane Katrina derailed the venerable St. Charles line entirely from Canal Street to South Carrollton and South Claiborne avenues, a portion of the line from Canal to Lee Circle reopened Tuesday -- just in the nick of time for Christmas.

Local and federal officials on hand for the return of the St. Charles/Lee Circle Loop could not contain their enthusiasm.

"We have another one of our cultural icons back up and operating,'' New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said during a ceremony on Howard Avenue between Lee Circle and Carondelet Street.

"This empowers our community because it gives us hope for the future. Merry Christmas, New Orleans!'' New Orleans Regional Transit Authority Chairman Cesar Burgos added.

"This is a wonderful Christmas present for the people of New Orleans,'' Democratic U.S. Rep. William Jefferson chimed in.

Two green Perley Thomas Car Co. streetcars adorned with green garland and red bows opened to the public around 12:00. They will run from 09:00 to 18:00 seven days a week, every 13 to 26 minutes. The pre-Katrina fare of $1.25 will be charged. As before the storm, the main boarding point will be on Carondelet at Canal.

The RTA hopes to open a second leg of the historic St. Charles line, between Lee Circle and Napoleon Avenue, by mid- to late summer 2007. The final segment, from Napoleon to the terminus on Carrollton Avenue, will not be completed until late next year or early 2008, said RTA General Manager Mark Major, who called Tuesday's event a "historic moment.''

James Simpson, administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, said the reopening of the St. Charles/Lee Circle Loop is a "major milestone in the Crescent City's recovery.'' The St. Charles line is a "priceless piece of American culture,'' he added, calling the line "a streetcar named revival.''

U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., spoke of the "practical transportation value'' of the line and the "psychological, symbolic impact'' that its reopening will have on the city.

The 35 vintage St. Charles line streetcars were not flooded by Katrina, but the storm heavily damaged the line's overhead electrical system. For now, RTA buses will continue to run the complete St. Charles line. Contractors have replaced more than 150 of the 560 power poles along the route.

The RTA had planned to begin a gradual replacement of the electrical system in September 2005, but Katrina hit the previous month, ripping down the lines and destroying the substation that supplied them.

A portable power plant on loan from the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority has been running the Canal Street line and will be used to drive the Lee Circle extension while the single old station is replaced with three new ones. The Riverfront line has its own power source.

The green St. Charles streetcars also are running on the Canal and Riverfront lines because all 24 red Canal streetcars and six of the seven red Riverfront cars were flooded.

The St. Charles line was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and in 1984 the line was declared a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. The St. Charles line was historically RTA's busiest route, with more than 3.5 million boardings a year. - Joe Gyan, Jr., The Baton Rouge Advocate

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THE EASTSIDE MUST BE PART OF REGION'S LIGHT-RAIL SYSTEM

SEATTLE, WA -- This region stands on the brink of historic action that will shape the future of our region for decades. Sound Transit, the regional transit agency already building light rail from downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport, recently reported on the extensive public support for taking decisive action. It comes to this: The Sound Transit board must choose regional mass-transit investments that include a major expansion of light rail.

Specifically, board members need to do everything they can to extend light rail to Redmond.
That may represent a financial stretch, and it certainly requires Eastside policy-makers to maintain a regional vision and advocate for smart and affordable investments. The bottom line is that Redmond must be part of the regional system. Voters will want to see that as part of a balanced "roads and transit" ballot measure in November 2007.

The Eastside is ready for a real, comprehensive and balanced solution. We have been waiting a long time.

The region's quest for a functioning regional transit system began in 1976, when the leaders of that time agreed on the way the "new" part of the Interstate 90 floating bridge would be built and operated. The center lanes would start out as reversible HOV lanes, but would be converted to a dedicated rail system as the region continued to grow.

This digitally manipulated photo shows a Sound Transit light-rail train crossing the I-90 floating bridge:

[seattletimes.nwsource.com]

This approach made sense. In the '70s, Seattle still dominated the region's economy while Bellevue and other Eastside cities served as something closer to bedroom communities.

Reversible lanes brought suburban commuters into the big city in the morning and took them home at night.

How times change. Today, the Eastside hums along as a home to major global corporations, an economic engine on a par with Seattle. The old bedroom-community paradigm belongs to the past.
The "reverse commute" no longer exists. We must now use the center lanes for their originally intended purpose and build a high-speed, high-capacity and high-reliability light-rail system that moves more people — in both directions!

A light-rail connection to the Eastside will join the major commercial and technical centers of Bellevue, Redmond and Seattle with our universities and international airport. It balances the east/west capacity for moving people across our region. Additionally, it will connect Eastside cities with one another, providing more transportation options for people who live, work and shop on the Eastside.

As the Eastside and the central Puget Sound region continue to compete in a global economy, light rail will contribute to the effort as a solid public investment. Here's why:

Instead of enduring a commute that fluctuates every day depending on weather, accidents and congestion, light rail provides a smooth ride that travels in its own right of way and arrives on time, every time. That consistency makes it more efficient to do business while it attracts new employees and business customers to the Eastside.

There are people out there who will tell you that the Eastside doesn't want or need light rail — that we can invest on the cheap and put more buses on the road. These arguments don't make sense, and the people know it.

Recent surveys done by Sound Transit and the Washington State Department of Transportation make it clear that the vast majority of people in the region and on the Eastside want light rail and don't see buses as the centerpiece of a comprehensive transportation fix ... and they are willing to make the investments needed. For example:

• When asked to choose between a mass-transit system featuring light rail versus a less-expensive express bus alternative that used the HOV system, Eastside respondents chose light rail by a margin of 65 percent to 24 percent.

• When asked whether they would support a major investment in both roads and transit, Eastside respondents said "yes" by a margin of 77 percent to 16 percent.

Sound Transit needs to push light rail as far as it can go. Imagine a system that would connect Redmond with Seattle with a 38-minute ride, day or night, with trains that came every six to 10 minutes. By 2030, that same system would move more than 350,000 riders every weekday, taking hundreds of thousands of cars off the road.

In the past 30 years, we have never stood this close to a comprehensive transportation solution and investments that will truly make a difference in the way our region lives and works in the years and decades ahead. We can shape the future for our children and ourselves.
Let's clear the last few hurdles.

This challenge of our time has come to us, the people and the businesses of this region — we must make it happen. The people of this region are ready. Let's get it done. - Jim Long, Gordon Lee Stubbe and Tom Woodworth, The Seattle Times (Jim Long is managing director of Equity Office Properties, the largest office owner and manager in Seattle and Bellevue; Gordon Lee Stubbe is vice president of Wasatch Development Associates, developer of Washington Square in downtown Bellevue; Tom Woodworth is senior investment director of Schnitzer Northwest, developer of The Bravern in downtown Bellevue.)

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