AALLLL AABOARDBOARD

Sept/October CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE Safety Always First Everywhere 2005 (S.A.F.E.): New Safety Rule Books inside this issue by Mark Turberville, Director of Safety By now, all ARRC employees should have received a The effort also created consistency. There are copy of S.A.F.E. — the new ARRC safety rule books. now craft-specific safety rule books that serve as safe Quite different from previous versions, these new work tools for ARRC employees’on-the-job use. Mileposts: books are the product of many hours and hard work Wherever possible, when the work is the same across 2New Hires, by dozens of dedicated ARRC employees. functions and/or departments, the safety requirements awards B are also the same. Old rules that were “gotchas” — PROJECT PURPOSE i.e. impossible to comply with or unenforceable — The ultimate goal of revising the safety rule were revised or eliminated altogether. books was to raise ARRC safety standards through a The S.A.F.E. books also introduce Recommended Through the considered, consistent process driven by full review Practices (RP). These outline methods of working Rai8l Line & of current safety rules by a cross-craft, cross-level, safely that have been endorsed by long-time ARRC History geographically diverse group of ARRC employees. railroaders. Recommended practices are not strictly The revision process also brought safety rules up to required the way a rule is; rather RPs allow employ- date and ensured their accuracy and clarity. It elimi- ees to use professional judgment in cases where the nate redundancy, ambiguity, and rules that could not task can be accomplished as safely as, or more safely Wye of It: be readily complied with and/or enforced. than, the Recommended Practice. 1Pas1senger (see “New Safe Book” on page 5) Season

THE WYE OF IT: OUR CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES Coal Connects Two Railroads PRojects: 12Public by Stephenie Wheeler, Public Involvement Officer Meetings We are not alone. There’s another freight-hauling railroad in Alaska, and it happens to start where the terminates — on Eielson Air Force Base. PRojects: The medium that brings the Alaska Railroad (ARRC) and 1Mai3ntenance Wthe Eielson Railroad (ERR) together is compacted carbon, FAcilities also known as coal. The Alaska Railroad hauls nearly 200,000 tons of the stuff to Eielson to fuel the base’s Central Heat and Power Plant (CH&PP). “If the annual supply of coal were delivered in one day, it would take a train in excess of 21 Crossings: miles long, pulling more than 2,350 coal cars carrying 80 tons S1pill4 DRill of coal per car,” said Bill Havard, CH&PP Operations and Maintenance Superintendent. Coal is a combustible, black Havard explained that nearly every system at the plant sedimentary rock composed has double or triple redundancy built in, to ensure the plant primarily of carbon. It formed will never go down. Coal is the primary heat and power 2006 Print from plant matter in swamps source, so the base cannot afford a halt in operations. 15 millions of years ago. (see “Common Coal” on page 9) ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT 2005 M NILeESwTO NHESires AUGUST NEW HIRES SEPTEMBER NEW HIRES Craig Stoker ...... Mechanical Bradley Porter ...... Maintenance of Way 22 William Van Ness ...... Mechanical Derrick Tremblay...... Maintenance of Way Skip Garrett ...... Warehouse Thomas Wagner ...... Maintenance of Way Darin Micheau ...... Transportation Cindy Matthias ...... Accounting Allen Kinne ...... Mechanical John Wing...... Mechanical Kenneth Remley ...... Maintenance of Way Benjiman Steward ...... Information Services Alan Riley ...... Maintenance of Way Yuliana Diryakhova...... Accounting Robby Hughes ...... Maintenance James Benson ...... Mechanical Daniel Gregory ...... Mechanical M SILpEPoOStTSlight Awards, 2nd Qtr 2005

Each quarter supervisors railroad-wide recognize fel- them to stop, Gary and Ron made a judgement call. low railroaders with spotlight awards. For the second By taking the initiative and staying alert, Gary and quarter, congratulations are in order for Gary Setten, Ron eliminated the possibility of a more serious inci- Conductor / Brakeman / Fireman / Engineer and Ron dent that could have severely impacted train traffic Setten, Conductor / Brakeman passing through the area. Gary and Ron listened to ARRC EThe duo stopped their train and conducted an their gut feeling, and resisted the pressure to keep Special inspection when they suspected a problem with the going at the busiest time of the day in the busiest Agent rail, even in the absence of obvious warning signals. corridor. It was a good call and the safe call. Good Even though there was not a railroad rule requiring job to both Gary and Ron! John Waychoff SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS is inter- Special Agent Arrests Fugitive viewed by It turns out that trespassing on railroad property is “wanted” flier with Hale’s photo just hours before the KTUU even riskier than you’d think. In the case of fugitive encounter. “He literally had the poster on the car Channel 2 John Hale – AKA Papa Pilgrim – trying to enter rail- seat next to him and knew who it was within five sec- News road property ended up cutting short his time on the onds,” Frerich said. “We’re pretty darn proud of him. Anchor lam. He’s an excellent agent and did everything right by IHale had slipped away before State Troopers the numbers.” Maria could arrest him following a September 22 indictment According to an ARRC Security Incident Report, Downey on 30 felony charges including sexual assault and Waychoff was just leaving gated railroad property shortly incest. Early afternoon on October 5 Hale was driving when he noticed a blue Dodge van. The driver after his blue camper van on Eklutna Park Drive in Eagle appeared to be waiting for Waychoff to leave so he arresting River, which dead-ends onto railroad property. could proceed through the gate. The area is off limits “Papa Alaska Railroad Special Agent John Waychoff to the public, so Waychoff motioned for the driver to crossed paths with Hale early in the afternoon during turn around. Pilgrim.” a routine check of railroad property in the area. As the special agent passed through the gate, he Although Hale had recognized the driver as Hale, did a U turn and acti- gained some vated the truck’s overhead emergency lights. When notoriety from his Hale did not reach to the lights and continued to turn high-profile dis- his van around, Waychoff pulled his truck in front of pute with the the van, blocking an escape. Speaking over his PA National Park system Waychoff ordered Hale to stop the van, and Service over the fugitive complied. Waychoff called Frerich for access to his land backup and then proceeded with the felony arrest, inside Wrangell- putting Hale in handcuffs, and seating him on the St. Elias National truck’s tailgate while waiting for Anchorage Police to Park, Waychoff arrive. had not heard of “Mr. Hale followed instructions and was coopera- Hale until his tive,” Waychoff said. “I’m pleased that we could play boss Dan Frerich a part in helping other law enforcement agencies track gave him a down Mr. Hale.” ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT M 2005 SILeEPrOvSTiSce Awards 1 Year Service Award (August) 35 Year Service Award (August) Kelsey Trimmer ...... Transportation Nancy Tjaden...... Accounting Jeremiah Osborne. . Signaling & Telecommunications 3 Sandra Holmes...... Project Control 1Year Service Award (September) Theodore Embs ...... Mechanical Allen Reynolds. . . . Signaling & Telecommunications Mark Lienhart ...... Supply Management Michael Weddell ...... Project Management Angelina Lott...... Passenger Operations Patrick Volmer ...... Transportation Ethan Henderson...... Transportation Tamara Schaut ...... Markets, Sales & Services Jonathan Valinske ...... Maintenance Rosezetta Proctor...... Operations Administration Jay Boggess ...... Mechanical Wayne Smith Jr...... Maintenance Alan Quinn Jr...... Mechanical Virginia Stein...... Passenger Operations 5 Year Service Award (September) Alicia Rosner ...... Passenger Operations Barbara Flotre ...... Accounting Matthew Hazlett ...... Transportation Douglas Behan ...... Bridges & Buildings Dake Clark...... Mechanical 5 Year Service Award (August) Johnny Garrett ...... Mechanical Travis Caraveau...... Maintenance Terence Williams ...... Transportation Daniel Ottenbreit ...... Engineering Services Douglas Price ...... Transportation 10 Year Service Award (September) Archie Card ...... Mechanical 10 Year Service Award (August) Kathy Schwalbe...... Accounting Scott Brown ...... Maintenance Carol Pulis ...... Information Services Katrina Martolano ...... Maintenance TOFC 15 Year Service Award (August) Christian Ryll...... Engineering Services 20 Year Service Award (September) Ri chard Colosso ...... Transportation 20 Year Service Award (August) Bob Gonzalez...... Supply Management 30 Year Service Award (September) Kris Kinney...... Maintenance Wayne Horine...... Maintenance Brian Laforge...... Signaling & Telecommunications Lloyd Thompson...... Mechanical 35 Year Service Award (September) James Trueblood ...... Mechanical 25 Year Service Award (August) Dave Kocher ...... P.E.T.S. 30 Year Service Award (August) Mike Maillet ...... Maintenance Grant Gerhart...... Maintenance

Pat Flynn, Birth Announcement Assistant VP of • Locomotive Mechanic/Machinist Apprentice Alan Szewczyk and wife Rosemarie welcomed son Alan Jr., Markets, born on October 20th. Sales and Service. M TIoLEPpO STFSorty Under 40 Award

The Alaska Railroad’s very own Patrick Flynn was served in a number of positions at the Railroad. recently honored with a“Top Forty Under 40” Award. The seventh-annual Award ceremony took place The annual award, given out by the Anchorage at the weekly Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Chamber of Commerce and the Alaska Journal of where Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich present- Commerce, honors the top 40 professionals through- ed the awards to each of the recipients. The Tout the State, who are younger than 40 years of age. luncheon was attended by fellow railroaders and Pat was recently promoted to Assistant Vice his family. Congratulations to Pat! President of Market, Sales and Service, after having ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT 2005 S : E H BIDaINcGSk MtPoLO YESE cAhPPoENoINlGS is no Picnic The annual Back-to-School Picnic at Government Hill ideal forum for the PTA to recruit members and pro- Elementary is a highlight for the Alaska Railroad mote the organization. 4 Corporation and its employees, not to mention all the Throughout the school year, Railroad volunteers kids who feast on hot dogs grilled “to perfection” by serve as judges at school science fairs and spelling their neighbors just down the hill. Each year, volun- bees. During the summer, they help with providing Tteers from the Railroad hand out more than 750 hot snacks for students in the summer program. If volun- dogs, chips, drinks, and smiles to returning students, teer participation is any indication, the Railroad and its employees take great pride in giving back to the students, families and com- munity. The Alaska Railroad-Government Hill Elementary partnership is clearly a success story inside the success story that is the Anchorage School District’s School Business Partnership program. Time and again, committed businesses and schools learn from each other. The result is a mutually better understanding of neighboring businesses, education and community. Partnership activities involve people from all walks and experiences — fami- lies, PTA’s, teachers, businesses, neigh- bors, and most gratifying of all, the stu- dents and employees. Anyone involved Students with a school partnership will agree that prepare teachers and families. The 2005 event was no excep- the hallmarks of a great partnership are dedication, tion to the grilling, chilling and fun. diligence and communication. It takes hard work and their hot The Back-to-School Picnic has been going on for commitment. The Back-to-School Picnic is proof. It’s dogs at several years, with the Railroad providing full-service fun, it’s crowded — it is pure mayhem! And yet, the Picnic. support. We donate the food, blow up a bunch of bal- hearty volunteers and hungry students turn out to be loons, offer prizes, and provide all the necessary vol- the perfect partners. unteers who set up, cook, engage, and clean up. It is safe to say that a School Business The picnic is just one way that the Alaska Partnership is certainly no “picnic.” It’s much better. Railroad works with the school to promote education, community and fellowship. As a School Business Partner, the Alaska Railroad supports and works with Government Hill Elementary in a variety of ways. The Railroad helps the Government Hill Parent Teacher Association (PTA) carry out its mission. For example, the PTA is actively engaged at the picnic, an

Rozetta Proctor,. left, and Quida Morrison accept balloon duty at (L to R) Rebecca Adams, Aliese the picnic. Gamble and Louise Blackmur prepare hot dogs for the stu- dents, teachers and families. ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT New S.A.F.E. Book... 2005

(Continued from Page 1) THE PROCESS across the organization, generated 181 comments for The Core Team, made up of people from all- further Core Team consideration and decision making. crafts, management and unions, and representative Core Team members also participated in craft- 5 geographic locations and job classifications, led the specific Satellite Teams that coordinated and led the cross-craft component of the revision process. Core writing of Craft-specific Safety Rules. This work was Team members negotiated the Core Safety Rules and done through analysis and discussion of prospective made key decisions about how the project engaged items for inclusion from all sources listed above with with the rest of ARRC. A Shopping Process, during help from other ARRC subject matter experts. which the draft rule books were reviewed broadly

What’s Changed: Old vs. New

Primarily “top down” support for, and own- Labor and Management joint ownership and ership of, the rules support of the rules

Perceived as “hanging book” by workforce An understanding that it is a “help book”

Lacks desired level of credibility Safety rules that are realistic, accurate, and up-to-date

Inconsistency about what constitutes a rule Clarity and consistency regarding “required” versus “recommended”

PPE requirements need update and definition Updated PPE requirements updated and clearly spelled out in table format

Safety rules that separate safety from contin- Safety rules that link safety with continuous uous learning learning

Incidental connection with at-home safety Strategic connection with at-home safety

Using the New S.A.F.E. Book

ORGANIZATION ADDITIONAL FEATURES • Section I: Introduction — Includes a letter from • “See Also” References — Cite extra sources of the revision project team and guidelines for using information. the book. • Icons — Indicate a special connection between • Section II: Core Rules — Features safety rules to the specific safety concerns and the safety topic be followed 100% of the time by 100% of ARRC to which they are attached. Safety concerns employees. include: electrical safety, safety at home, move- • Section III: Craft-specific Rules, Recommended ment safety guidelines, personal protective equip- Practices, and PPE — Features safety rules to be ment (PPE), pinch points, red zone, and three- followed 100% of the time by that craft, recom- point contact. mended practices to be followed unless we know • Glossary — Provided at end of Section III. of an equally safe or safer practice, and charts MAKING SUGGESTIONS FOR detailing PPE requirements. IMPROVEMENT • Section IV: Resources — Provides a glossary Use the Section IV Suggestion Form to offer and a Suggestion Form to be used by ARRC feedback and suggestions on the book. Simply fill out employees in offering recommendations for the form and return it to the Safety Department. Make improvement to S.A.F.E. additional copies of the form if needed. (see “S.A.F.E. : Key People” on page 6) ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT 2005 C : N Y C U ARrOSeSI NGYSouEW SWOinU tAeNr SEPrepared?

by Greg Lotakis, Central Safety Committee Windshield wipers and fluid, get winter wiper 6 The folks in the Central Safety group wanted to take a blades and keep an extra set handy. Windshield quick moment to remind everyone of some basic win- wiper fluid is critical. ter preparedness involving you and your vehicle. We realize that many of you are seasoned Alaskan driv- INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE: ers, but everyone can benefit from a few friendly Ice scraper / snow brush Treminders, including the following simple checks and Jumper cables tips. Please take a look at this information and see how you can improve your winter preparedness. Flashlight, flares Survival kit; first aid kit, matches or lighter, food, CHECK THE VEHICLE: blanket Antifreeze, battery, breaks, defroster, heater, ther- Sand / kitty litter, a small shovel, and a tow rope mostat, oil Exhaust system — a leaky exhaust system can DRIVING: lead to carbon monoxide in the passenger com- First and foremost, SLOW DOWN. partment of the vehicle. Carbon monoxide (CO) Don’t tailgate, increase your following distances. poisoning can kill you. Headaches and drowsi- ness are symptoms of CO poisoning. Break early and often. Slow steady pressure for anti-lock brakes. Gas — Try to maintain at least a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle all winter. This helps to pre- Slow down. vent gas line freeze up, gives the vehicle extra Drive with your headlights on. weight for more stability, and fuel to run the Avoid quick movements with the wheel, no quick vehicle to stay warm if the car breaks down. lane changes or fast breaking. Windshields, mirrors, and lights kept clean of Intersections are usually icy and dangerous, so snow and ice. take your time and leave extra room. Block heater, make sure it works; If you feel yourself sliding out of control, take Make sure your tires have plenty of tread and your foot off the brake and steer into the skid. winter studs, or studless winter tires. Slow down. S.A.F.E.: Key People...

(Continued from Page 5) The following people were key to the new S.A.F.E. Handbook effort, and they welcome your input.

• Key HSE Contact Transportation: Engineering: — Lynn Reitz — Mark Turberville: — James Cuff — Arlene Rhodes Director of Safety — Wayne Horine • Project Core — Rocky Murril • Craft-Specific Development — Jay Ruckman Writing Group — Kevin Wood Team/Writing Group Operations Support: Members Transportation: — Lorraine Risch — Dennis Bouwens — Nicole Clark Clerical: — Jason Dennis Engineering: — Shawnessy Deslauriers — John Fleming — Kevin Aleshire — Mary Dianoski — Doug Johnson — Jeff Davies — Dustin Kincaid — Jeff Rognes — Dwight West — John Leis — Frank Sheppard — Pat Thibodeaux Mechanical: — Mike Tritz — Rich Carter Mechanical: — Rodney Schumacher — Richard Surakus — Doug Engebretson — Lawrence Sullivan — Don Freestone — Bob Focht — Greg Wyatt ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT O T W T 2005 CNoRlAlCKisiIToH nE CAHNvOLoOGiYdance System: Pt 5 Direct Traffic Control is Coming Direct Traffic Control (DTC) is a very simple method the train or maintenance employee, and the limits that 7 of operation similar in concept and application to are used in the authority. DTC is a short exchange of Track Warrant Control (TWC). DTC operation will be information, and metal signs posted at the beginning Dused in non-signal territory. Two differences between and ending limits define the limits in the field. An DTC and TWC are how the authority is conveyed to example of the signage follows:

ANNA BESS CLOY DORA ECHO BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK

BE BE END GIN END BEGIN END GIN END BEGIN B D ANNA ESS BESS CLOY CLOY ORA DORA ECHO

MP 5 MP 7 MP 8 MP 9 MP 10

SSS BESS-2 NSS SSS DORA-2 NSS BESS BLOCK BESS BESS BLOCK BESS

DIRECT TRAFFIC CONTROL HOW DIRECT TRAFFIC CONTROL OVERVIEW BLOCKS (DTC) ARE IDENTIFIED Direct Traffic Control will be used on the railroad • DTC Block limits are designated in the to authorize controlled track occupancy in non-sig- Timetable. naled territory. The railroad is divided into DTC blocks. Trains are authorized to enter these blocks • Block Name and Block Limits may be marked by directly by the train dispatcher. Sidings are main track wayside signs, or by Mile Post Markers. in the Collision Avoidance System (CAS); conse- Northward and Southward views of block signs quently, DTC authority is required to occupy a siding. are shown below. Trains and OTE may enter a DTC block only after receiving authority from the train dispatcher.

ANNA BESS CLOY BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK BE END GIN END BEGIN A B NNA ESS BESS CLOY

BESS-2 BLOCK

Northward View of Block Signs

ANNA BESS CLOY BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK BEGIN END BEGIN END ANNA BESS BESS CLOY

BESS-2 BLOCK

Southward View of Block Signs

Editors note: Over the next two years the “All Aboard” newsletter and “Dispatch” bulletin will include updates on the evolving CAS technology being implemented at the Alaska Railroad. Next Issue: Direct Traffic Control (DTC) authorities. ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT 2005 I H T R L PaEAtRD GIT aHmRObUGlHeTH EanAIsL wINeE rs questions

How did Passenger Operations go this year? constant interaction with our customers provided all As I reflect overall on a very with a sense of assurance in an other- 8 wise highly stressful circumstance, and prosperous 2005 passenger train season, I am reminded of the they did it without regard for their per- many successes we experienced sonal feelings. They took charge and Halong the way. It was a first-rate exhibited pure old fashioned leadership. Have a passenger service year. But there I am very proud of them for their quick question? were any number of very chal- thinking, self control and professional Send it via lenging individual situations that handling of this difficult situation. Their snail mail occurred which could have sent actions speak highly of the Alaska to “I Heard things spinning in the other direc- Railroad’s ability to take care of our customers and each other during an it Through tion. They didn’t because our peo- ple stayed in control. emergency, and that includes our Peer the Rail The one that comes foremost Support volunteer’s role as well. Line” to mind was the tragic fatality As a letter from one of our passen- (PO Box encountered by the train crew and gers that day said so well, “Your staff 107500, portrayed themselves as being very The train team’s well-prepared... I would like to thank you Anchorage, response should make us for having great employees that kept an unthinkable 99510), situation under control.” internal all stop and think… The train team’s response should make us all stop mail, phone “What will I do when the and think… “What will I do when the time comes for (x2589) me to step in and take charge? Will I be up to the time comes for me to task? Will I make the right decision? Will I keep my or email step in and take charge? courage up?” The response lies somewhere deep with- askpat@ in each of us. But with top-quality people like we akrr.com. passenger service crew of the on July have working for the railroad today, and with good 15th. They acted with incredible sensitivity, diploma- discipline and training, I have no doubt about the cy and tact while reacting to the accident and then answer. It’s the same one we saw on July 15th. again while communicating information to our con- cerned guests about the unpleasant incident. Their

L : S L O H LAoNTcERoN mHoEAtDiINvGe IG8HT0O1N SURtiIlSTlO RYthe largest

by Pat Durand, Special to All Aboard 472,800 lbs weight of the locomotive with tender. Total train length was 86’2” over the cou- Meet No. 801, the largest locomotive ever plers. No. 801 was one of a kind until joined to operate on the Alaska Railroad. The by No. 802 in 1942. These Mountains usually largest locomotives that operated on the worked the North end of the Alaska Railroad Alaska Railroad were 4-8-2 Mountains from Healy to Fairbanks because they were too No. 801 and No. 802. Both these steam heavy for the bridges in the old loop district Mlocomotives were purchased new. The South of Portage. engines were separated by 10 years and By comparison, an SD70-MAC weighs in at differed in a few appliances and acces- 415,000 pounds, and generates 175,500 pounds sories. starting tractive effort applied by 12 wheels. Total Baldwin construction number 61736 was turned train length is 74 feet. These state of the art EMD out by Baldwin in May of 1932 and became ARR locomotives provide over four times the continuous 801. She was the first locomotive on the railroad power of the steamers, applied with less tare weight. with a coal stoker. The booster on the Delta trailing Thus the Mountains, No. 801 and No. 802, were the truck added 11800 pounds of tractive effort to the largest locomotives to operate over the line but could rated 43,100 pounds tractive effort exerted by the in no way compare with the efficiency of today’s eight 63” drivers. main line power on the Alaska Railroad. This was developed with steam pressure of 220 PSI applied by 22”X30” cylinders to move the ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT Common Coal... 2005

(continued from page 1) staff and Eielson is very good as well,” he said. “They tend to understand the problems that the railroad has ... the relationship in the winter in cold weather operations in particular.” between my staff and Cold weather just slows the railroad down, said 9 Eielson is very good... Olson. “It’s harder for the locomotive’s compressors to push air to the back of the train to operate the air They tend to understand brakes. Extreme cold the problems that the tends to cause small leaks in the railroad has in the air hoses that carry winter in cold weather the air. Although operations in particular. the leaks are very small, if there are “We make every effort to ensure that they never many leaks too run out of coal,” said Mike Olson, Fairbanks Terminal much air escapes Superintendent. “That is the bottom line; that is what and the compres- matters.” sors can’t keep up “I have an excellent rapport with the railroad. If a the pressure in the problem crops up, Mike and I settle it. The railroad rear of the train. works with me on everything I need,” Havard said. That means some cars “If there is something special that I want, I talk to need to be cut off, Lyle (Madsen) or Steve (Silverstein). For example, a and the railroad is couple of years ago, the Alaska Railroad was looking left with a shorter at disposing of some of their aging 70-ton coal cars. I train. Shorter trains bought eight of them. If there is an emergency, and I mean more trips to have to move coal from the stockpile, it’s going to be meet demand. a lot easier with the rail cars.” Customers typical- “I’m an advocate for the railroad, because I have ly prefer to receive the whole picture,” said Havard. “I know the chal- their shipment all lenges the railroad faces and I know they are doing at once, but it can’t the best they can, given factors beyond their control. I always happen that think I’m a pretty low maintenance customer.” way. Sometimes the load has to be Mike Olson agrees that Havard has a good grasp Top: of railroad challenges. “The relationship that I have split into more than one trip.” with Bill is excellent and the relationship between my In extreme cold, the cars just don’t want to move, Eielson’s creaking in protest as grease frozen nearly solid falls coal thaw short of its job as a lubricant. Switches and air hoses shed can get stiff as well. Ice fog is another cold-weather fac- tor. It helps the cold to permeate even the heaviest hold up arctic clothing, sapping the strength of train crews to 14 who work on the rail and who operate the switches. “I coal cars need to make sure that these men and women warm at a time. up often, and that too, slows down our operations,” Olson noted. “Bottom line: the colder the weather, the harder it Bottom: is to move cars, and the folks at Eielson understand Tempera- that,” said Olson. tures in Undoubtedly, much of that empathy stems from the plant running a little railroad in support of the coal-fired boilers, power plant. About 10 miles of track need to be main- tained, along with two GP-40 locomotives and a where handful of coal cars. coal is The Eielson Power Plant uses “The Air Force wants me to run the plant like a burned, recycled paper pellets, which are business,” said Havard. “My annual budget is 185,000 reach mixed with the coal prior to tons of coal.” 2,000 + burning in the boilers. (see “Common Coal” on page 10) degrees. ALL ABOARD SEPT//OCT 2005 Common Coal... a couple of years ago, the Alaska Railroad was (continued from page 9) The BTU of the coal can range from 6900 to looking at disposing of 10 8000, with the average about 7500, Havard explained. some of their aging 70- “The higher the BTU, the better the quality and the ton coal cars. I bought less coal I need to burn.” eight of them. If... I have to move coal from the stockpile, it’s going to be a lot easier with the rail cars

coal as it is dumped from below the coal cars. Once the coal cars are emptied, Bill’s crew moves them to a spur, where they are picked up the next time a full coal load rolls in. Occasionally, the coal train can include a freight car, which is typically carrying goods for a contractor on the base. Bill’s crew separates the freight car and notifies the contractor that the supplies are in. After the contractor empties the freight car, Bill’s crew moves it back with the empty coal cars for pick up. Even though the Eielson railroad is operated pri- marily for freight, there are occasions when “passen- gers” are invited onboard. Eielson’s power plant is In the summer, unique in the Air Force structure, because very few the plant uses 28-30 military bases have their own rail system. “I do a lot cars a week. The of VIP tours of this plant,” said Havard. “Folks are railroad brings 14-15 really interested, plus everyone just likes trains. I see cars out twice a full-bird colonels who pilot fighter jets get really week. In the winter, excited about riding the train.” the railroad brings While Havard is responsible for the overall 18-20 cars per visit, upkeep and operation of the ERR, he occasionally for a total of about calls on the Alaska Railroad for some specialized 56 per week. assistance. “If one of my locomotives needs some The railroad maintenance work done, I may send it to the Alaska drops the cars off in Railroad’s depot in Anchorage, and I send my loco- the power plant’s main motive mechanic with it. That way, he gets the train- Top: yard. This is where the ERR crew picks up, moving ing he needs to remain certified.” ARRC’s the cars to a staging area. This is the rail closest to the In total, the power plant employs 55 civil- Coal train plant, called “the hill.” Cars are then moved inside the ians. These include four locomotive engineers who leaves the unloading facility; 14 coal cars can fit into the long must maintain their certification through ongoing thaw shed. In the shed’s underground level, below the Eielson training and annual certification by the Army. There’s rail, are “grizzlies” – hopper-like cars that catch the also the locomotive mechanic, who is responsible for Power keeping the GP-40 locomotives running. Other mem- Plant. I do a lot of VIP tours bers of Bill’s crew are multi-tasked as heavy equip- of this plant. Folks are ment operators, coal conveyor operators and brake- Bottom: really interested, plus men - a combined skill set that is not easy to find. The plant Together, they keep the base warm and powered. everyone just likes Certainly getting coal to the Eielson Power Plant maintains trains. I see full-bird is critical to the base populace, but how important is an 80-day the coal movement to the Alaska Railroad? In a word, stockpile colonels who pilot “very,” said Olson. “The coal contracts on this end of — 60,000 fighter jets get really the line provide a solid, steady, year-round revenue tons — excited about riding the flow. In addition to Eielson, the railroad supplies Ft. Wainwright’s power plant, and Fairbanks Aurora city of coal. train. power plant.” ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT T W I : O C 2005 AHERRYECOF PT asURseUnSTOgMeERrS Business Booms The 2005 passenger rail season was one of the rail- With the summer passenger season wrapped up, road’s best in terms of passenger volume and revenue. the charter season begins in earnest. More than a Ridership on daily trains — the Denali Star dozen charters were scheduled in September and 11 (Anchorage-Fairbanks), (Anchorage- October, including a new “Blues Train” featuring an Seward) and (Anchorage-Whittier- overnight stay in Seward. During the winter months, TSpencer Glacier-Grandview) — increased by nearly the railroad offers once-weekly passenger service 8,000 segments over 2004. Revenue for 2005 from between Anchorage and Fairbanks, and the once- ARRC’s own railcar/package sales was up about $1.7 monthly Hurricane Turn. million over 2004. About half of the Alaska Railroad’s total passen- ger revenues come from pulling rail cars belonging to cruise companies. The successful new Princess “Direct to Wilderness” program is one example of growth in this segment of the passenger business. In total, passenger revenue increased about $3 million over 2004. The advent of the first class Gold Star service aboard the ARRC’s new double-decker dome cars was partly responsible for the boost in passenger rev- enues. The Gold Star service – offered as part of the Denali Star — was clearly a popular option for inde- pendent travelers who booked rail packages in partic- ular. The railroad sold more than 14,500 Gold Star upgrades, beating the budget by 2,000 segments. The passenger season was also remarkable in terms of sticking to schedule. This year’s on-time arrivals and departure num- bers were some of the best in recent history. On-time arrivals and departures for Glacier Discovery aver- aged 95.5 %, for Coastal Classic 95.2 %, and for the Denali Star northbound, 87% and Denali Star south- The bound 74%. notably taller SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS double Fleming’s family gives thanks decker dome cars Editor’s Note: The following was submitted many of you in attendance at Jim’s cele- by the family of James Fleming, a long- bration of life on August 31 and provide a time veteran employee, and retiree, of the September 1. perfect Alaska Railroad. James died recently at the As we all know, Jim was a true rail- setting Eage of 68, and many Railroaders responded roader through and through. He loved for Gold to support the family in their time of grief. working on the ARR and he remem- Star first bered everyone he had ever worked A message from Pat with. He loved railroad talk and could class Fleming and family talk for hours about railroad life, history service We wish we could individually thank and the many stories about the hard this each and every one of you for your out- times as well as the good times. summer. pouring of kindness and sympathy in our Jim Fleming Every time our girls and I hear the (photo time of deep sorrow and shock at the loss of train whistle we will recall how Jim Jim. loved the sound and how his fellow railroaders hon- by Tim We deeply appreciated the basket of beauti- ored him by showing his family and abundance of Thompson) ful flowers, and we will never forget your kind deed, sincere sympathy. sympathy cards, words of encouragement and the sharing of railroad and personal memories. Sincerely, I personally received great comfort from the Pat Fleming and family. many warm and meaningful hugs and by seeing so ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT 2005 C : N Y C U ARROSSRNGCS PEWrSoOjUecANtsS Eoffer face time Several Alaska Railroad projects are moving into MAT-SU VALLEY phases that call for public awareness and input. In The railroad invited Mat-Su Valley residents to a 12 response, ARRC project teams have organized recent public meeting October 18 to discuss the findings of meetings that offer one-on-one interaction with citi- an environmental assessment (EA) of the railroad’s zens most likely to be interested. South Wasilla Track Realignment. The project would S improve safety and efficiency of railroad operations INTERIOR ALASKA by straightening about four miles of mainline track in ARRC’s proposed Northern Rail Extension from the southeast portion of Wasilla. About 30 resi- Eielson to Delta Junction is expected to move into an dents showed up to discuss the findings of the EA, Below: environmental analysis and preliminary engineering which describes the alternatives considered, and the Northern phase that will be overseen by the Surface related environmental, social and economic impacts Transportation Board (STB). In the meantime, the Rail of the proposed project. Public comment will be railroad has accomplished some aerial photography accepted through November 2. Extension and preliminary land surveys to help delineate exten- Project sion route alternatives. This activity has spurred inter- Manager est from communities along the extension corridor. Brett Flint, On September 19-20, the railroad visited Salcha, North Pole and Delta Junction to talk with local gov- second from ernment and private landowners who may be affected left, and by various route alternatives. The meetings were well- ARRC Public attended, allowing residents to ask questions, while Involvement the railroad gleaned valuable local insight. Officer ANCHORAGE Stephenie The Ship Creek Intermodal Transportation Center Wheeler, far project has moved into the final design phase. In right, August, the ARRC Board of Directors approved a design concept that preserves the historic depot as a discuss ARRC’s Land & Right-of-Way real centerpiece, and provides for safer, smoother pedestri- potential estate expert Chris Anderson dis- an traffic flow between downtown and Ship Creek cusses the proposed alternatives routes with recreational opportunities. The project team organized for straightening track in South landowners an open house October 6 to unveil the design via pre- Wasilla during a Public Meeting on sentations. Nearly 100 people showed up for the pre- in Delta October 18. Junction sentations, to ask questions of the project manager Sept. 20. and architect, and to view display boards as well as a scaled model.

Ship Creek Intermodal Center Project Manger Deb Allen explains a scale model during an Open House October 6. ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT C : N Y C U 2005 ARROSSRINCGS bEuWSildOUs AmN aSiEntenance Sheds The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) proposes to PROJECT BENEFITS build up to six section maintenance facilities (SMF) along the mainline track. The prototype will be con- • The Alaska Railroad Facilities and Engineering 13 structed in Cantwell, with Division designed the facilities to be simple, easy additional facilities to construct, expandable Tplanned for and readily adaptable to Planned Hurricane, Portage, many uses. The purpose is to support continuing facility Talkeetna, Wasilla locations. and Nenana. growth and develop- Each of these ment through modern, locations is known as uniform infrastructure. a “section,” which, as • During the winter the name suggests employees spend signif- correlates to a section icant time clearing of track. Currently, uncovered trucks of ARRC sections are snow and ice. Providing located at Moose truck shelter will Pass, Portage, decrease the likelihood of Whittier, Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Hurricane, injuries and improve response times to rail and Cantwell, Healy, Nenana and Fairbanks. Sections typ- track maintenance needs. ically have at least three people assigned, including a • The SMF provides a safe, secure place to protect supervisor, track laborers and equipment operators. Alaska Railroad investments in vehicles and These employees are tasked with keeping their sec- tools. Railroad trucks, and tools stored in truck tion of track in good operating order. To support this beds, are often stored outside, subjected to the tasking, sections are outfitted with a maintenance weather, and in some cases, vulnerable to vandal- shelter, ranging from a heavy-duty tent to an aging ism and theft. building. More remote sections also provide housing, • The SMF will replace aging, non-uniform facili- ranging from a nearby hotel to trailer to a temporary ties that are costly to maintain. The new facilities structure. There is no consistency among the section will lower the cost of operating and maintaining facilities. sanitation and heating components. The SMF project will bring some uniformity to the section infrastructure. Five of these steel-framed • The SMF represents a significant first step heated maintenance facilities will be 45-by-62 feet in toward improving employee conditions in dimension, with 2,800 square feet of space. Each will semi-remote areas. Future infra- house a small second-level office, small restroom, structure upgrades call for construction of ameni- small utility room, and a two-bay open shop area that ties buildings to replace existing old trailers. will accommodate one piece of rail maintenance Amenities buildings will include showers, laundry equipment (typically a ballast regulator, which dou- room and a kitchen/breakroom bles as a snow plow), and one to two trucks. The PROJECT STATUS Talkeetna facility may be slightly larger to accommo- date a larger piece of rail equipment (possibly a self- • Anchorage-based F&W Construction has been propelled passenger rail car) in the future. hired as the general contractor for facility con- Situated on a concrete foundation, the facility’s struction. Cantwell-based CLI Construction is the exterior is consistent with the railroad’s new building subcontractor. Construction on the SMF in image. It includes lap siding (overlapping horizontal Cantwell, the prototype, began in late summer siding) and split face block design (brick veneer 2005, and will be complete by June 2006. halfway up the sides) aluminum insulated windows • Current plans call for construction of new section and metal roofing. A decorative timber truss, which maintenance facilities at Hurricane in 2006, mimics the Hurricane Gulch Bridge, will accent each Portage and Talkeetna in 2007, Wasilla in 2008, side of the building, providing a distinctive, unifying and Nenana in 2009 design element. Located entirely within the Alaska Railroad right- PROJECT COSTS of-way, facility sites will include a small graded approach and parking area. A single track will run Each facility will cost approximately $750,000, from the mainline track to the facility, and continue, with the exception of Talkeetna, which will cost near- embedded in the concrete, through the entire length of ly $1 million due to its larger size. Funding is 100% the building Alaska Railroad. ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT 2005 T W I : O C RHEesYpE oOFnTseU RtoUS TOSMEpRiSll Drill: Good! The Alaska Railroad received high marks during its Anchorage Operations Center (AOC)’s layout and annual spill drill October 6. Both the Environmental technology, the expertise of our Incident Management 14 Protection Agency (EPA) and Alaska Dept. of Team, and the commitment the railroad has obviously Environmental Conservation (ADEC) observed and made to spill response capability.” participated in the drill, which is required by the rail- Peterson and Glynn noted that representatives Troad’s spill contingency plan. from EPA and ADEC offered excellent suggestions The drill scenario involved a southbound fuel and coaching, providing the railroad with good direc- train that hit a broken rail and derailed at Billion tion and ideas for improvement. “We gave the agency Slew, located just north of Talkeetna (ARRC Milepost people tours of the entire AOC facility, and showed them our locomotive fleet tracking capability, includ- ing fuel level monitoring,” said Glynn. Nearly 40 railroad people were involved in the drill, gaining valuable experience. The Incident Command System (ICS) and employees taking roles on Incident Management Team (IMT) have definitely become an integral part of our culture here at the ARRC and we get more competent with every drill and incident where we use this structure. .The teamwork between the agencies and the railroad was the best it has ever been. EPA and DEC responders were visibly pleased and impressed with our new Anchorage Operations Center (AOC)’s layout Above and 220.7). While the locomotives remained in the right- and technology, the Right: of-way, the drill simulated two of the fuel cars falling Fast water into Birch Creek. Tank car “damage” resulted in a expertise of our Incident boom is simulated release of oil into the creek, requiring Management Team, and deplyed to employment of fast water boom and oil collection the commitment we have confine the systems to bring the situation under control. As with any real world situation, the drill pre- made to spill response simulated sented challenges that required flexibility and quick capability. spill. thinking, For example the actual late season’s extreme low water level forced relocation of the response site. EPA and ADEC feedback empha- sized the ARRC response team’s adaptability, a strong mobilization effort, and productive commu- nications between on-site and command center responders. “The ARRC team learned from the drill and we are all better prepared to respond to an incident should we have to do so.” said ARRC Spill Response Manager Marc Peterson, who also acted as the on-scene commander. ARRC COO Matt Glynn, the Incident com- mander, concurred, adding, “The teamwork between the agencies and the railroad was the best it has ever been. EPA and DEC responders were visibly pleased and impressed with our new ALL ABOARD SEPT/OCT CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE 2005 2006 Print is Lighting The Way Alaskan artist Kurt Jacobson was born and raised in Alaska. Kurt has always drawn as long as he 15 can remember. With no formal Art school Atraining, he has taken lessons from other Alaskan artists such as Teresa Ascone in watercolors, and from Bill Cross in Acrylic painting classes. After shattering his wrist in 1995 and having it rebuilt, his family convinced him to get seri- ous about his art. In 1998, he founded Snowbound Art Studios, and started selling his art at the Anchorage, downtown market. Today, his originals are sold in Art galleries in South Central Alaska as well as the larger Arts & Craft shows in Anchorage. For “Lighting The Way” Kurt decided to create a painting in the “Lighting wintertime, even though most people have images of toward the viewer, impacting its powerful presence in The Way” the Alaska Railroad in the summer. Alaska. The painting was done in Acrylic Paint on by Kurt “The Alaska Railroad is an important mode of Canvas. This was Kurt’s first submission to the Jacobso transportation for Alaska in the winter as well as the Alaska Railroad Art competition. n is the summer,” says Kurt. “So the painting shows how “I am overjoyed that it was selected this year,” beautiful Alaska is, in a winter snowfall, and how the Kurt added. “I have seen the previous artwork that ARRC railroad “Lights The Way” through a snowfall provid- has been selected as the Alaska Railroad prints over 2006 ing its service throughout Alaska.” the last 20 years and have been impressed with the Print. The scene has Mt McKinley in the background, a quality of art and artists; I am thrilled to have one of classic Alaska Symbol, and the railroad coming my creations included among them now.” 2006 ARRC Print Reservation Form To reserve your 2006 signed and numbered print, complete this form and return it to: Tim Thompson, Corporate Communications, By December 16, 2005. Please ensure the form is returned on time. Late number you get, or only want posters and pins, you reservations may result in your print number being do not need to return this form. The artist, Kurt sold to someone else! If you haven’t reserved a print Jacobson, will sign prints and psoters in Anchorage in the past, keep in mind that most number between 1 on Saturday, January 7 and in Fairbanks on Saturday , and 150 have been spoken for. If you don’t care what January 14. Name Phone Number

Department Anchorage Fairbanks

Reserve Print #: Second Choice #: Return your completed form by railroad mail or fax it to 265-2312 The United Way Train makes a Thes tnoepw o Avenrc hino Fraaigrbea Onkpse rraetcieonntsly Cen(Lt etro nRe) aRross eczoemttpal ePtriocnt.o (rp,hoto by CThimu cTkh Coomwpasno,n K) evin Bergsrud, Kathleen Rogge, Pat Gamble, Ben King. (Photo courtesy of Mike Olson)

P W GHOrTOeOaFtTH EShEEoK t

This photo was taken during a recent tour by the United Way Express which began in Anchorage and stopped to servce lunch to all the crews along the way to Fairbanks. tThe Express stopped to greet workcrews along the rails and overnighted in Healy. The UW Crew then moved on to Fairbanks where they spent time with employees over lunch talking about the benefits of the United Way Campaign. As of the last week in October, employees had donated over $55,000 towards this year’s drive. The ARRC submit, send it to [email protected] or [email protected]. will match employee’s pledges dollar-for-dollar. Last year We will also provide tips to help your photos shine. This ARRC employees raised $84,000 in pledges. This year the issue’s tip is: Use Proportion — The beauty of an image is United Way team is looking to meet or beat last year’s dona- often in its proportions. A popular technique with artists is tions. called the Rule of Thirds. Imagine the frame divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, like a Tic-Tac-Toe board. Now PHOTOS TIPS place your subject on one of the lines or intersections. Always All Aboard is looking for your photos to grace the back of centering your subject can get dull. Use the Rule of Thirds to

this publication. If you have a photo that you would like to add variety and interest.

www.alaskarailroad.com

Anchorage, AK 99510-7500 AK Anchorage,

P.O. Box 107500 Box P.O.

Alaska Railroad Corporation Railroad Alaska

BOARD A LL A BOARD A LL A PERMIT NO. 500 NO. PERMIT

ANCHORAGE, AK ANCHORAGE,

U.S. POSTAGE PAID POSTAGE U.S. PRSRT STD PRSRT