National Read A Road Map Day – April 5
Annually, Read a Road Map Day is observed April 5.
The earliest road map, Britania Atlas, was drawn by cartographer John Ogilby in 1675.
Fast forward a few centuries, and my how things have changed! With satellites, GPS and voice commands do we really know how we get anywhere anymore?
National Read a Road Map Day reminds us to take some time to sharpen those map reading skills. Take notice of your surroundings. Do you know north from east? If not, it’s a good time to learn.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Put away the electronic devices and unfold a traditional road map. Familiarize yourself with it and take a little trip. Do you have a knack for using a map? Teach someone else to read a map. Use #NationalReadARoadMapDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Our research was unable to find the founder of National Read a Road Map Day.
Source: NATIONAL READ A ROAD MAP DAY – April 5 | National Day Calendar
While the Rest of the World Celebrates Pi Day…
This Old Cantilever Train Signal in Needles, California, was dedicated on Pi Day 2015 (i.e. 14 March 2015).
According to City of Needles Mayor Edward T. Paget, Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad donated the old railroad cantilever signal in early 2013, the Friends of the Needles Centennial raised money for the moving and placement project, and the City of Needles Public Works Department Crew Members removed the old railroad cantilever signal from its railroad side location on the west end of Needles, California in the spring of 2013.
Wreaths Out
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery (SAHNC) in Washington, D.C. will hold its annual removal of wreaths, known as Wreaths Out, on Saturday, Jan. 20 beginning at 8 a.m.
There will be no vehicular access permitted on cemetery grounds until 3 p.m. The Welcome Center Parking Garage will open to the public at 8 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
The high volume of visitors may create traffic congestion and delays on nearby streets and at the cemetery’s entrances. We recommend visitors use public transportation or a rideshare service for travel to and from the cemetery. The drop-off location for rideshare services is adjacent to the Arlington Cemetery Metro stop on Memorial Avenue.
The safety and security of our visitors and employees during this event is our top priority. Visitors should anticipate large crowds and difficulty driving vehicles in the vicinity of Arlington National Cemetery due to road closures. Visitors are encouraged to use all four entrances to access the cemetery, which include the Memorial Avenue Welcome Center, the Ord and Weitzel pedestrian-only gate, the Service Complex pedestrian only gate and, for DoD cardholders, the Old Post Chapel gate.
All visitors will be required to pass through the cemetery’s security screening process before entering the cemetery. Prohibited items include: large bags or backpacks, firearms and weapons of any type, laser pointers, aerosol containers, soda cans, coolers, picnic baskets, tripods, lighters, screwdrivers (or similar tools), air horns, personal protection sprays and insulated beverage containers. Clear plastic water bottles are permitted.
Guidance for Visitors
• Give vehicles and heavy equipment the right of way.
• Remove Wreaths Across America wreaths only. Leave all other wreaths/decorations in place.
• Place wreaths in dumpsters positioned throughout the cemetery.
• When dumpsters are filled, carry remaining wreaths to unfilled dumpsters. Please do not place wreaths outside of dumpsters or anywhere else in the cemetery.
• Please follow instructions from staff to ensure the safety of visitors.
Tom O’Connor: Appearances
Tom O’Connor is Vice-President of Snavely King Majoros O’Connor & Lee (Snavely King), an economic and management consulting company. He has been engaged in the business of economic analysis for more than thirty years, beginning in 1973 as an economist with the Interstate Commerce Commission (now the Surface Transportation Board) and later in economic consulting and management positions of increasing responsibility with the United States Railway Association, Conrail, the Association of American Railroads and, from 1982 through 1988 with DNS, Associates and since 1988 with Snavely King Majoros O’Connor & Lee, (Snavely King), an economic and management consulting company focusing on telecommunications and transportation. Mr. O’Connor was Vice President and principal at DNS Associates and has been Vice President and principal of Snavely King since joining the firm in 1988.
He has provided testimony in a number of proceedings before courts and regulatory commissions in the United States and Canada including:
- Interstate Commerce Commission,
- Surface Transportation Board,
- United States Railway Association,
- Regulatory Commission in Indiana,
- Regulatory Commission in New York,
- Regulatory Commission in Pennsylvania,
- State Court in Montana,
- State Court in Virginia,
- Arbitration Panel in New York
- Mediation Panel in Massachusetts
- Canadian Crown Commission.
- US District Court for Eastern District of Virginia,
- US District Court for Arizona
Tom O’Connor’s practice centers on transportation with specific focus on litigation, negotiations and infrastructure issues including rationalization and redesign of the railroad infrastructure in the US as well as rebuilding of the railway infrastructure in Eastern Europe.
Mr. O’Connor’s work in Eastern Europe focused on both transportation and telecommunications.
Tom O’Connor Testimony in Federal Regulatory Cases
- The comparative merits of the Interstate Commerce Commission’s Uniform Rail Costing System (URCS) and Cost Center Accounting submitted to the ICC on behalf of the US Railroad industry in February 1980 in Docket No. 37203.
- The economics and computer technology of the Light Density Line Methodology used to define Conrail, submitted to USRA before a special hearing in 1980.
- Computerized transportation database design and use. Verified statement was submitted to ICC on behalf of the US Railroad industry in Nov 1980 in Ex Parte No. 385.
- The comparative merits of two regulatory rail-costing systems, URCS and Rail Form A, submitted to the ICC on behalf of the US Railroad industry in March 1981, in Ex Parte 399.
- Testimony on the Preliminary 1979 Rail Cost Study as released by the ICC, calling for adopting and improving URCS. This was submitted to the ICC on behalf of the US Railroad industry in Docket No. 37203 in February 1982.
- Rail costing using Rail Form a costs applied to service units generated by a computerized rail network model. This verified statement was submitted to the ICC on behalf of a shipper located in Nevada in July 1985 in ICC Docket Nos. 37809 and 37815S.
- Rail costing, also using Rail Form A costs applied to service units generated by computerized network model. This verified statement was submitted to ICC on behalf of a shipper located in Nevada in November, 1986 in Docket No. 37809, 37815S.
- Stand Alone Rail Costing, for use in rate reasonableness, using service units developed with a series of computerized network model. This verified statement was submitted to the ICC on behalf of the Association of American Railroads in September, 1988 in Docket No. 38239S
- Rail merger conditions, developed using rail costs and a computerized network model. This verified statement was submitted to the ICC in March 1994 in Finance Docket No. 21215 (Sub. No. 5)
- The effects of computerized methods on rail operations and costs. This verified statement was submitted to the ICC on behalf of Coleto Creek Utility in July 1994 in Docket No. 41242.
- The cost of rail coal transportation using URCS costs and A Stand Alone Network. This verified statement was submitted to the ICC on behalf of West Texas Utilities in April 1995 in Docket No. 41191.
- Further testimony on the cost of rail coal transportation using URCS costs and a Stand Alone Network. This verified statement was submitted to the ICC on behalf of West Texas Utilities in July 1995 in Docket No. 41191.
- Oral Argument on the effects of the BN-SF merger on rail costs and service presented before the full Commission in August, 1995 on behalf of Universal Forest Products in Finance Docket No. 32549.
- The effects of the UP-SP merger on costs, infrastructure and operations. Verified statement was submitted to ICC on Behalf of Kansas City Southern Railroad in March 1996 in Finance Docket No. 32760.
- Competitive truck transportation market. Joint Verified Statement with James Wells was submitted to Surface Transportation Board (STB) on behalf of TJ MAXX on June 22, 1998 in Docket No. 41192
- The investment plans of UP-SP to remedy effects of the UP-SP merger. Verified statement was submitted to STB on Behalf of Kansas City Southern Railroad in June, 1998 in Finance Docket No. 32760 UP-SP Merger Oversight Proceeding
- The Arkansas and Missouri Railroad Request For Discontinuance Waiver Filed on Behalf of Kansas City Southern Railroad. Verified statement was submitted to Surface Transportation Board (STB) in November1998 in Finance Docket No. 32670.
- Further testimony on the competitive truck transportation market. Joint Verified Statement with James Wells was submitted to Surface Transportation Board (STB) on behalf of TJMAXX in January, 1999 in Docket No. 41192
- Rail Merger Guidelines to develop new and improved merger analysis processes. Verified statements were submitted to Surface Transportation Board (STB) on behalf of OxyChem, Oxy Vinyls, BASF and Williams Energy Services in May 2000 in Ex Parte 582.
- Reply Testimony on Rail Merger Guidelines to develop new and improved merger analysis processes. Reply Verified statements were submitted to Surface Transportation Board (STB) on behalf of OxyChem, Oxy Vinyls, BASF and Williams Energy Services in June 2000 in Ex Parte 582.
- Testimony on Rail Costs and Rates. Verified statement was submitted to Surface Transportation Board (STB) on behalf of Peabody Energy Company June 2003 in Docket 42077.
- Testimony on Rail Costs and Rates. Verified statement was submitted to Surface Transportation Board (STB) June 2004 in Ex Parte 646.
- Testimony on Rail Costs and Rates. Oral testimony was presented to Surface Transportation Board (STB) July 2004 in Ex Parte 646.
Tom O’Connor — State, Regional and Canadian Testimony
- Expert testimony centering on transportation rates and costs and the implications for antitrust matters. This testimony involved research and development of computerized cost and rate analyses for rail and truck service to Arizona and surrounding areas. The evidence is focuses on resolving antitrust allegations regarding certain construction materials. This evidence was developed and submitted on behalf of Solcon in May, 2003 with oral testimony at deposition in 2003. The case was under adjudication as Case No. CIV 01 01269 PHX ROS, United States District Court for the District of Arizona and has been settled.
- Expert testimony centering on commuter railroad operations and costs. This testimony involved design and development of computerized costing models of commuter rail operations. The evidence was central to arbitration to resolve subsidy disputes between New York and Connecticut. This evidence was developed and submitted on behalf of Metro North Commuter Railroad in August 1996 with oral testimony presented in February 1997. The case was decided successfully in favor of the client.
- Expert testimony centering on the effects of a series of explosions on transportation operations and costs. This was submitted on behalf of Washington Construction Company in a damages case filed by Burlington Northern Railroad in state court in Montana, First Judicial District Court, and Cause Number ADV 91-1885. The case went to a jury trial and was decided successfully in favor of the client in September 1993.
- Expert testimony centering on computerized network models. This was submitted in an antitrust case filed on behalf of Geoplex in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Geoplex Corporation v. CACI, Inc. Civil Action No. 89-610-A. This evidence was developed and submitted in November 1989.
- Expert testimony centering on transportation operations and costs. This was submitted on behalf of the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan before a Canadian Crown Commission in a series of hearings held in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Regina, Saskatchewan in 1976. This led to an historic change in Canadian transportation regulation.
In addition to these cases Mr. O’Connor has also submitted testimony on rail costs and operations before State regulatory commissions in Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York
Today in Transportation History: Air Florida Flight 90
Today, January 13, 1982, adapted from Anniversaries:
According to the TV news, an extremely cold Arctic outbreak had spread across the eastern half of the United States, dropping temperatures to -25°F in Chicago and near 0°F in Atlanta. There was a major freeze in the central Florida citrus groves. At National Airport, the temperature dropped to 2°F.
There was a one-hour period during the early afternoon when the snow dropped visibility at National Airport to a sixteenth of a mile. Approximately 2-to-3 inches of snow fell during that hour. Then, the snow ended abruptly in the mid-afternoon.
The Air Florida’s scheduled departure time was delayed about 1 hour and 45 minutes because of the temporary closing of Washington National Airport. Moderate snowfall continued and the air temperature was 24 °F.
From Wikipedia:
The plane had trouble leaving the gate when the ground services tow motor could not get traction on the ice. For approximately 30 to 90 seconds, the crew attempted to back away from the gate using the reverse thrust of the engines, which proved futile. Boeing operations bulletins had warned against using reverse thrust in those kinds of conditions.
Eventually, a tug ground unit properly equipped with snow chains was used to push the aircraft back from the gate. After leaving the gate, the aircraft waited in a taxi line with many other aircraft for 49 minutes before reaching the takeoff runway. The pilot apparently decided not to return to the gate for reapplication of deicing, fearing that the flight’s departure would be even further delayed. More snow and ice accumulated on the wings during that period, and the crew were aware of that fact when they decided to make the takeoff. Heavy snow was falling during their takeoff roll at 3:59 p.m.
…
At 4:01 p.m. EST, it crashed into the 14th Street Bridge across the Potomac River, 0.75 nautical miles (1,390 m) from the end of the runway. The plane hit six cars and a truck on the bridge, and tore away 97 feet (30 m) of the bridge’s rail and 41 feet (12 m) of the bridge’s wall. The aircraft then plunged into the freezing Potomac River. It fell between two of the three spans of the bridge, between the I-395 northbound span (the Rochambeau Bridge) and the HOV north- and southbound spans, about 200 feet (61 m) offshore. All but the tail section quickly became submerged.
Meanwhile, at 4:29, the subway system (Metro) suffered its first fatal crash at the Federal Triangle station.
From the description of the video above:
Air Florida Flight 90 was a scheduled U.S. domestic passenger flight from Washington National Airport to Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport with an intermediate stopover at Tampa International Airport. On January 13, 1982, the Boeing 737-200 registered as N62AF, crashed into the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River. The aircraft had originally been purchased by United Airlines in 1969 and flown with the registration number of N9050U. It was sold to Air Florida in 1980.
The aircraft struck the 14th Street Bridge, which carries Interstate 395 between Washington, D.C. and Arlington County. It crushed seven occupied vehicles on the bridge and destroyed 97 feet (30 m) of guard rail[3] before it plunged through the ice into the Potomac River. The crash occurred less than two miles (3 km) from the White House and within view of both the Jefferson Memorial and The Pentagon. The aircraft was carrying 74 passengers and five crewmembers. Four passengers and one flight attendant survived the crash. Four motorists from the bridge were killed. The survivors were rescued from the icy river by civilians and professionals. President Ronald Reagan commended these acts during his State of the Union speech a few days later.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the cause of the accident was pilot error. The pilots failed to switch on the engines’ internal ice protection systems, used reverse thrust in a snowstorm prior to takeoff, and failed to abort the takeoff even after detecting a power problem while taxiing and visually identifying ice and snow buildup on the wings.
Major real-life air disasters are depicted in this TV series. Each episode features a detailed dramatized reconstruction of the incident based on cockpit voice recorders and air traffic control transcripts, as well as eyewitnesses recounts and interviews with aviation experts. Sometimes, interviews with investigators who dealt with the disaster or even actual footage are featured. In Canada, where the series originated, the show is called ‘Mayday’. In the US it is ‘Air Emergency’. Everywhere else it is called ‘Air Crash Investigation’.
Tom O’Connor: Resume
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Snavely King Majoros & O’Connor, Inc. Mr. O’Connor has over twenty five years’ experience in the transportation industry. His experience includes key management and policy positions with government agencies and private industry. He has created and managed numerous computerized transport management and regulatory systems. Mr. O’Connor has provided expert testimony before state and federal courts and commissions in the U.S. and Canada on economic and policy issues. He has testified as an expert on computerized systems, economics, sampling and costing. He also has served as an impartial and expert monitor of data and processes at issue in litigation on costing. Mr. O’Connor directed SK’s work relating to the Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) in the Balkans. DNS Associates Inc., Mr. O’Connor directed and participated in numerous projects including merger analyses, transportation infra-structure plant and network rationalization and feasibility studies. He designed and implemented mainframe and microcomputer systems for analyzing rail, truck and barge logistics. The computerized cost systems Mr. O’Connor created are in widespread use throughout the United States and Canada. Association of American Railroads, Mr. O’Connor designed and managed major economic analysis projects. He helped formulate economic policy positions culminating in the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 and its implementation. He submitted expert testimony and appeared regularly in national forums on economic issues. He directed the most significant computerized industry Costing System project in 40 years and conducted seminars on related economic issues and systems. He also directed development and installation of a computerized economic and market analysis system now used by virtually all major railroads.
Consolidated Rail Corporation, PA Mr. O’Connor was responsible for all Conrail management and regulatory cost analyses. He implemented and managed computerized economic analysis systems used to guide transportation, pricing and management decisions. Mr. O’Connor also directed profit maximization and plant rationalization programs.
R.L. Banks & Associates Inc., Mr. O’Connor conducted and directed numerous transportation-related projects in the U.S. and Canada ranging from national logistics analyses to site-specific studies. He specialized in costing systems and appeared as an expert witness on such systems. U.S. Railway Association, Washington, DC Mr. O’Connor developed the computerized light density lines cost analysis system which defined Conrail. He served as liaison with congressional staffs and shipper groups, as well as federal, state, and local governments. The system he created was a major element in the design and implementation of the streamlined Midwest-Northeast regional rail system. Interstate Commerce Commission, Mr. O’Connor participated in a comprehensive review of ICC policy decisions and their economic basis. Education University of Massachusetts, B.A. in Economics Professional Organizations Transportation Research Board, Past Committee Chair Military US Army – Sergeant – Combat Engineers
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B&O Railroad Museum Opening 12 Historic Train Cars to Visitors for First Time Ever
Are you a fan of old-time railroad cars, or interested in locomotive history? Well, train your sights on the B&O Railroad Museum for some exciting news!
The museum has announced an immersive year-long program that will allow guests to explore 12 historic locomotives and railcars that up until now have been unavailable to the public. The “B&O Unlocked” series will allow visitors to step back into history on certain days each month.
Starting in January, each month the “B&O Unlocked” series “will present a wide array of iconic locomotives and railcars, each unveiled on specific dates, marking the only days when visitors can tour these cars,” according to the press release announcing the new program.
On the designated days each month, one new locomotive or car will be available for touring. Guests will also have the chance to get a limited-edition collector’s pin available each month a new railcar is unveiled, 12 in all.
“We are excited to open these locomotives and cars for the first time for guests to experience and immerse themselves” said Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “This is a true behind-the-scenes opportunity, and we are proud as an institution to make our collection even more accessible.”
The series kicks off with the No. CE-15 Tunnel Clearance Car, nicknamed “Porcupines.” Not because they’re small and cute, but because of their foldable quills and toughness. First unveiled in the early 1900s, these were used to clear tunnels and measure existing tunnels set to be expanded.
In October visitors will get to tour the No. 1083 Pullman Diner car, built in 1924, but remodeled in 1954 to reflect the more modern look management sought for their finest trains and first-class travelers. “For many years the B&O prided itself on its excellent food served on fine B&O china by its superb dining car staff, served in handsome, well-appointed cars such as the 1083,” according to the museum’s website.
These are just two of the 12 historic cars visitors will have the chance to see over the course of 2024 at the museum.
The full schedule for touring the newly available railcars is as follows:
- B&O No. CE-15 Tunnel Clearance Car: January 10, 13, and 14
- MARC No. 7100: February 14, 17, and 18
- SEH No. 4 “St. Elizabeth”: March 13, 16, and 17
- B&O No. 908 “John T. Collinson” Office Car: April 10, 13, 14
- PEPCO No. 43: May 8, 11, 12
- B&O No. 1961 Speedliner/BUDD Car: June 12, 15, and 16
- B&O No. C-1775 Wooden Bobber Caboose: July 10, 13, and 14
- B&O No. 7701 “Dreamland Sleeper”: August 14, 17, and 18
- PM No. 11 Diesel Switcher: September 11, 14, and 15
- B&O No. 1083 Pullman Diner: October 9, 12, and 13
- DOMINO NO. 50 “SWEET TOOT” SWITCHER: November 6, 9, and 10
- B&O NO. 4500 “MIKADO” in December
To see the full list of railcars, with links to their histories, please click here.
Guests will be able to tour the cars on these dates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The museum’s admission is $20 for adults, $12 for children, and $17 for seniors. Alternatively, memberships are available for purchase with the ability to apply the cost of admission to the membership. The B&O Railroad Museum offers free, onsite parking and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. To purchase tickets, please click this link.
The B&O Railroad Museum is located at 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD.
Happy New Year!
The Tom O’Connor Group wishes you and your family a happy, healthy new year.
When it comes to celebrating the New Year it seems that everyone has their own peculiar way of doing things. Some people throw bread, others burn scarecrows, and still others fist fight for good luck.
These are the 25 strangest New Year’s traditions from around the world.
Merry Christmas from the Tom O’Connor Group!
Merry Christmas to all our friends, families and clients
~ Tom
Christmas Trains
Embark on a magical journey this Christmas with the timeless charm of trains! Imagine the delight as these festive locomotives, adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant decorations, chug through a mesmerizing winter wonderland.
The air is filled with the joyous sounds of the holiday season, adding to the enchantment of these merry trains. Whether day or night, the sight of these Christmas trains in action is a spectacle to behold, bringing smiles and wonder to all who witness their festive journey.
It’s a classic combination that continues to captivate and fill hearts with the warmth of the holiday spirit. ✨
