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Tag: railroad

  • HAZON Passes Major Bridge Inspection Milestone

    HAZON Passes Major Bridge Inspection Milestone

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    Press Release
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    updated: Aug 22, 2017


    VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., August 22, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
     HAZON Solutions (“HAZON”), the national leader in drone inspection services, announced today that the company has recently surpassed the inspection of more than 100,000 linear feet of railway bridges.  Since early 2016, Norfolk Southern has commissioned HAZON to conduct the most comprehensive drone-based inspections in the industry.

    “We’re very proud to announce this remarkable milestone,” said CEO and co-founder David A. Culler, Jr. CAPT USN (ret). “We are absolutely the industry leader for the inspection of critical infrastructure and Norfolk Southern is leading the rail industry with the safe and practical integration of unmanned systems into their operations.”

    We’re not just getting exterior shots, we’re flying underneath and inside the voids of bridges to make sure critical load bearing areas are covered from every possible angle.

    Sean Cushing, Co-Founder and COO

    In just 18 months, HAZON has conducted over 64 complete bridge inspections across the eastern United States. HAZON’s inspections include complete coverage of the entire bridge using high definition (HD) still frame, video and thermal imaging cameras. HAZON inspection teams fly within 15 feet of the rail bridges to capture the highest quality pictures possible. Additionally, HAZON inspection teams utilize proprietary techniques to fly under and inside bridge spans, collecting imagery from angles previously unavailable.

    “When we say comprehensive, we truly mean it,” said COO and co-founder Sean Cushing, CDR USN (ret). “We’re not just getting exterior shots, we’re flying underneath and inside the voids of bridges to make sure critical load bearing areas are covered from every possible angle. We also capture shots of every single bottom lateral and gusset plate; best of all, we don’t consume any track time. We collect actionable information and trains keep moving.”

    HAZON has also made a name for itself inspecting power transmission lines in the energy sector and launched the drone fleet management software known as the HAZON DMS. HAZON has a third vertical in providing training and consulting services to large enterprises helping them to build organic drone programs.

    “This milestone is great for HAZON, but also great for the entire drone industry,” said Culler. “Norfolk Southern has proven that UAS technology is a safe and effective tool for critical infrastructure inspections. The experience and expertise that HAZON has gained on the UAS inspection front have been invaluable; it has allowed us to move beyond proof-of-concept and into the transition period of integrating drones into the daily workflow. It’s a very exciting time for the entire drone ecosystem and the customers we serve.”

    About HAZON Solutions
    Based in Virginia Beach, HAZON Solutions is the leading U.S. developer of small unmanned systems operations, capability development, training, safety and testing programs. The mission of HAZON Solutions is to conduct, support, develop and validate small unmanned systems operations. Our goal is to provide unmatched quality, safety and value to our customers.

    HAZON has deep roots in naval carrier aviation and intelligence systems. The company’s leadership team has more than 100 years of cumulative command and operations experience in the most challenging and hostile aerial environments in the world. Its members share a common background of flying fighter jets from aircraft carriers. HAZON CEO David Culler, Jr., spent 26 years flying for the United States Navy, capping off his career as the Commanding Officer of Norfolk Naval Station, the world’s largest naval base. For more information visit www.hazonsolutions.com.

    ###

    Media Contact:
    Ed Hine
    Vice President – Marketing and BD
    ed@hazonsolutions.com
    757-962-9000 o

    Source: HAZON Solutions, LLC

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  • The Western Group is Expanding Transportation Outreach With New Business Development Associate

    The Western Group is Expanding Transportation Outreach With New Business Development Associate

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    Ogden, Utah, June 30, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     The Western Group of Ogden, Utah, a railroad industry consortium, welcomes Ed Pajor as Vice President of Business Development. He will be responsible for identifying, securing, and managing business development opportunities in railroad transportation and related activities. Pajor comes to The Western Group with over 30 years of experience in logistics & transportation (rail, marine and trucking,) with a heavy focus on business development. 

    Railroading runs in the Pajor family. Ed’s mom worked for the Illinois Central Railroad (IC) and his great uncle headed up the IC accounting department at that same time. After graduating from college, Ed sent out over 100 resumes and had various interviews. Railroading sparked the most interest to Ed. Through most of the positions and companies Pajor has worked for, the majority were involved in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate reorganizations.

    “Ed’s role with the Western Group will be to assist each of our trade partners in advancing growth. He will support all of our business affiliates in galvanizing transportation potential with existing and new customers.”

    Bruce Carswell, Senior Vice President of the Western Group

    “Ed’s role with the Western Group will be to assist each of our trade partners in advancing growth,” said Bruce Carswell, senior vice president, “He will support all of our business affiliates in galvanizing transportation potential with existing and new customers.”   

    The Western Group is a collection of short line railroads and rail-related entities serving businesses throughout the western and mid-western United States. Affiliates comprising the Western Group include Western Railroad Builders, Inc.; Wyoming Colorado Railroad, Inc. (Oregon Eastern Branch); Clarkdale Arizona Central Railroad, LC; Verde Canyon Railroad, LC; Southwestern Railroad, Inc.; Texas & Eastern Railroad, LC, Texas State Railroad and Cimarron Valley Railroad, LC.

    The Western Group consortium continues to expand by developing each segment of its present business, improving sales and profitability of each company, and investing in fresh business opportunities and strategic acquisitions.

                                                      

    Media Contact: Teresa Propeck
    Phone: 623-374-3185
    tpropeck@thewesterngroup.net

    Source: The Western Group

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  • Summer Outside the City at Verde Canyon Railroad

    Summer Outside the City at Verde Canyon Railroad

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    Clarkdale Sedona Verde Valley, AZ, June 8, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    Miles from hot pavement and city concrete, Verde Canyon Railroad offers an Arizona summer experience as it was meant to be. Disconnected from technology, traffic and congestion, the wild canyon country of this Sedona-area adventure follows the cool green ribbon of the Verde River, nestled under towering red rock cliffs. Awe-inspiring scenery, soaring raptors and well-appointed accommodations make the perfect antidote to summer in the city.

    A treasured bit of history traversing a rare and scenic Arizona wilderness, Verde Canyon Railroad is a fresh view into the unspoiled heart of the West. Summer outside the city means there are no streets full of stop lights — instead, a sky full of stars.

    On select Saturdays June through September, Verde Canyon Railroad adds an evening option to the usual daytime roster of rail trips with its popular Starlight tour. Departing at 5:30 p.m. during the cooler air of late afternoon, the Starlight trip encompasses a dramatic range of light and color through daylight, sunset, and moonlight. This season’s Saturday Starlight rides are scheduled for June 10, July 8, August 5, and September 9. 

    Sandwiched between two protected national forests adjacent to the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, this historic train offers a great alternative to a hot afternoon hike during the summer, providing a wealth of wild scenery to be viewed while riding along in climate-controlled comfort. Cool river breezes, the sun-shaded open-air viewing cars and an ice cold Prickly Pear Margarita (or any of the signature cocktails), specialty craft beers or private-labeled wine in hand highlights the passenger experience. Monsoon season in late summer adds another layer of drama to the route, with seasonal waterfalls cascading into the canyon and rainbows filling the afternoon skies.

    The caboose is a luxurious, private car for six. First-class cars boast plush seating, complimentary appetizers and a full-service bar. Coach offers vintage Pullman-style seating, panoramic windows and a snack bar. Everyone has access to open-air viewing cars offering 360-degree views and spectacular photographic opportunities.

    A stone’s throw from the hillside mining town of Jerome, Verde Canyon Railroad’s Clarkdale depot is in the heart of the Verde Valley, a diverse crossroads featuring amazing adventures in every direction. Only two hours from Phoenix and 25 minutes from Sedona, Verde Canyon Railroad is the perfect Arizona day-trip. Reservations are accepted online at verdecanyonrr.com or at 800-293-7245.

    It’s not the destination; it’s the journey

    # # #

    Contact: Teresa Propeck​
    Reservations: 800-293-7245
    ​Phone: 623-374-3185
    ​www.VerdeCanyonRR.com
    ​tpropeck@verdecanyonrr.net

    Source: Verde Canyon Railroad

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  • Hey Texas, Have You Ridden YOUR Railroad Lately?

    Hey Texas, Have You Ridden YOUR Railroad Lately?

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    Palestine, Texas, May 19, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    Traveling between Palestine and Rusk, the Texas State Railroad may only cover a 25-mile-long track, but it runs deep: a deep connection of pride, scenery, friendship, and history linking the two communities. On Thursday, May 4, 2017, The Western Group, an association of railroads headquartered in Ogden, Utah, took over the operation of the Official Railroad of Texas. Awarded the operating contract by the Texas State Railroad Authority due to their vast knowledge and experience in passenger and rail service, The Western Group is proud to expand into the Lone Star State.

    “We don’t want to just be known as the new operator with new ideas,” commented Teresa Propeck, Vice President of Passenger Train Services, “but rather as the right operator with determination to give this railroad the exposure and recognition it deserves.”

    One of Western Group’s affiliates is Verde Canyon Railroad, a successful excursion operation in the Verde Valley of Arizona, operating on a historic line built in 1912. Since 1990, Verde Canyon Railroad has built an award-winning foundation in tourism with this heritage rail line, and many of their successful methods and concepts will be implemented on the Texas line, ensuring its longevity and superiority as one of the nation’s esteemed rail experiences. “The bones of a great railroad are here,” says Propeck, “Our goal is to make Texans excited about their Official State Railroad when they come to ride.”

    Dating back to 1884, inmates incarcerated in the East Texas Penitentiary in Rusk started to lay rails to transport fuel for the prison’s iron industry. By 1909, the railroad had reached its final destination of Palestine, 25 miles from where it began. Operating as a freight line until 1969, the railroad was turned over to the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife through legislative enactment. With its historic locomotives, vintage rail cars and handsome heritage depots, the Texas State Railroad was christened anew as a tourist train, first welcoming passengers aboard on the date of the United States Bicentennial, July 4, 1976. Designated the “Official Railroad of Texas” by decree of the 78th Texas Legislature in 2003, the line was transferred to the Texas State Railroad Authority by the 80th Texas Legislature in 2006.

    For the past 10 years, operators have focused heavily on special event trains. The goal of The Western Group is to build upon this foundation and bring even more passengers to ride through the picturesque Piney Woods. Some will come for the pure thrill and enjoyment of riding in antique rail cars, others to see the vintage steam and diesel engines, but all will be impressed by the railroad associates who pamper travelers from the first moment they arrive on property, through the unparalleled on-board service, to the last wave goodbye upon arrival back at the depot.

    Food service and shopping options will be available at both Rusk and Palestine depots, as well as fascinating storyboards detailing the railroad’s and the region’s rich history. Rail fans nationwide recognize the significance of the Texas State Railroad’s celebrated rolling stock.

    “The Texas State Railroad Authority has done an unbelievable job of making sure that these classic locomotives and passenger cars maintain historic authenticity,” commented Propeck, “and it is our goal to improve this railroad by adding more comforts and amenities expected by riders in the 21st century. We will still be operating trains for special occasions, including Polar Express, but we will be enhancing the experience for passengers each and every day.”

    The Western Group plans to have improvements well underway by the middle of May and completed by mid-June, with the exception of the new rolling stock museum located in Palestine. “This project may take a little more time,” said Propeck, “but the ability to stand right next to these mammoth steam locomotives and tour a late-1890 wooden-frame presidential car in mint condition will be worth the wait.”

    Original locomotive mechanical drawings will be incorporated into the exhibit with other museum-quality memorabilia. Included in the planned upgrades are coach car renovations, new interiors for cabooses and the makeover of unique parlor observation car #1511, which has seated Texas governors and U.S. presidents dating back to Lyndon Johnson.

    A beautiful campground located on Lake Cherokee near Rusk is included in the improvement of the railroad facilities. This feature is a rare bonus as it’s a very special opportunity to camp overnight next to a historic railroad in the beautiful Piney Woods. Everything great about Texas State Railroad’s storied past will remain treasured, while new ideas on the horizon will bring this heritage railroad more passengers and enthusiasm than in past years.

    The Western Group will also be working with the communities of Rusk and Palestine to aggressively market and develop rail freight opportunities along the line through its freight rail carrier, Texas & Eastern Railroad. “Texas & Eastern is uniquely positioned to help lower the cost of transportation for businesses in the area,” says Bruce Carswell, Senior Vice President of The Western Group. “The rail line already has available transload options and has developable rail-served property parcels available at multiple locations along the rail line.”

    Please note the new website address and toll-free reservation number: www.TexasStateRailroad.net and 855-632-7729. Call today to take a ride on Texas’ very own railroad and witness the renovations firsthand.
                                                                 ###                                                                                    It’s Always A Good Day When You Are On A Train!

    Source: Texas State Railroad

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  • NBC’s Click 2 Houston Inquires Upon ATA Associates’ Expertise

    NBC’s Click 2 Houston Inquires Upon ATA Associates’ Expertise

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    Press Release
    •


    updated: May 19, 2017


    Houston, TX, May 19, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
     Bob Swint was called upon by the media as an expert in a feature story they were running: Deadliest railroad crossings around Houston, interviewed by Joel Eisenbaum – Investigative Reporter.  The story aired May 3, 2017.

    ATA has performed railroad accident reconstruction and has been closely involved with the railroad industry for over 45 years. While being at the forefront in the practices of railroad accident investigation and railroad accident analysis, ATA has also been heavily involved in the study of railroad safety issues. They have been focused on how improvements can be made to this critical area of public interest and have supported and developed a strong relationship with the “Operation Lifesaver” program in their work to promote accident prevention efforts.

    Railroad accident investigation scenarios involving issues of line-of-sight, conspicuity, quiet zones, event recorder data analysis, signage and barriers are all areas in which ATA has expertise to support clients’ accident reconstruction needs.

    Source: ATA Associates, Inc.

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