Steam-powered train to mark end of Florida sugar cane harvest
The public is invited Monday to see U.S. Sugar’s Sugar Express steam locomotive, 4-6-2 No. 148, operate on the last cane train of the season, signaling the end of the sugar cane harvest. The train is slated to depart the Sugarton Elevator west of Clewiston, Fla., at approximately 10 a.m., then head south through Clewiston. Later in the day, the locomotive will be on display at 235 W. Aztec Avenue in Clewiston. Those interested in seeing the train in action can watch from any public roadway and are asked to stay at least 25 feet from the tracks at all times. Times and routing are subject to change. Visit the Sugar Express Facebook page for up-to-date information.
STB asks Class I railroads for continued reporting of demurrage, other charges
The Surface Transportation Board is asking Class I railroads to continue reporting revenues from demurrage and accessorial charges, saying the information has allowed the board to monitor trends in such revenues. “In light of the Board’s close oversight of Class I railroad rules and practices related to demurrage and accessorial charges, including our policy statement and final rules related to warehouseman liability and minimum requirements for demurrage bills, it is important for us to continue to receive quarterly updates on these revenue streams,” board chairman Martin Oberman said in a press release. The board began requesting such information in 2018. The letters to the railroads making the request are available here.
Western Maryland Scenic returns with two excursions
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is set to resume operations after being idled for more than a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, running trains on Saturday and Sunday. The Cumberland Times-News reports the 90-minute excursions each day will include a new open-air car as part of the five-car consist. Later this year, the railroad will add a dome car to excursions. The trips will be powered by a diesel locomotive. Dates featuring steam locomotive No. 1309 will be announced at a later date. Saturday’s excursion will depart Cumberland, Md., at 11:30 a.m., with Sunday’s trip at 1:30 p.m. Capacity for each of the trips is about 250 people. Visit the railroad website for more information.
