On Track | 2025 Third Quarter

During this year’s Little League World Series, NSHR 2017 made a new friend (the Goodyear Blimp - Wingfoot One airship in a Goodyear heritage color scheme) near the Williamsport Regional Airport. Goodyear is making 100 blimp appearances this year to celebrate their 100th anniversary!

Feature from the President
All Hands on Deck!

“All hands on deck!” That’s a phrase you just might hear around our company, and if you do, it is probably a strong indicator that we are coming down to the wire on finishing a project. For most folks, that’s typically the time to get nervous, but around here, it’s the time that I get excited.

I love seeing people from all crafts pitching in to finish a project that is not necessarily a part of their regular, daily work or in their wheelhouse. There’s a beautiful spirit of comradery and cooperation that is exhibited whenever we are all working together - shoulder to shoulder. And the results, well, in my estimation, they are nothing short of extraordinary.

When a member of T&E has a question on something new, someone from Communications & Signals might step in to answer and help. The next time, it might be a guy from Maintenance of Way willing to step in to make a huge delivery happen, so the next department over isn’t be hurting to meet a deadline… Or the Locomotive Shop, shifting things around to make sure the preferred engine is at a certain location for a special reason (yes - this is a teaser for things to come).

Honestly, we see this all of the time with our team. One department assisting another. It is when we have a special project in the works, that it is really evident, and that makes me proud.

Truthfully, our employees are award winning in their day to day efforts, but if you take them out of their comfort zone, they excel there, as well.

This year, the results of one of these examples of teamwork will be exhibited when you ride our passenger train in Lewisburg. Our folks have gone to great lengths to make the train set, that we will be using for these rides, something to be proud of, and even more importantly, something that can be utilized to raise funds to help and honor our Veterans.

We hope to see everyone at our Veterans Benefit Voyage on November 1st. It will be a wonderful opportunity for you to help out a couple of great causes, and to see the results of our team’s efforts.

Jeb Stotter
President & CEO

Notes from Marketing
Transportation Person of the Year

From the Editor:

Typically, for On Track, Todd Hunter takes the opportunity to brag about things happening with our customers and partners. We made Todd step outside of his comfort zone and asked him to write about himself. Todd is pretty well known in the rail industry, but he had to work to become the award-winning champion he is today. We wanted to give Todd this opportunity to talk about where he started and give everyone an inside glimpse of who Todd Hunter is. So, with no further ado, please “meet” our Chief Marketing Officer, and Northeast Association of Rail Shippers (NEARS) Transportation Person of the Year, TODD HUNTER.

From the man, the myth, and the legend himself, Todd Hunter:

I was honored to receive the “Transportation Person of the Year” award from the Northeast Association of Rail Shippers at the Fall NEARS meeting in Mystic, CT, on Thursday, September 18th. Based on the caliber of past recipients, I am in great company.

As a shipper organization, NEARS is a great place to meet and connect with customers, other railroads, and suppliers all at one location. I have served on the board of Directors of NEARS for over 13 years, and I have attended NEARS conferences for much longer.

This Transportation Person of the Year Award is a career highlight for me.

I have been in the rail industry for 29 years and how I got here was a matter of luck and timing. My path into the railroad industry started as a kid - listening to my grandfather talk about his life growing up with- and then his time working for the Pennsylvania Railroad - where he worked for his entire adult life. “Pap” started in the Bellwood Roundhouse in May of 1923, and retired in 1969. He got his job with help from his father, William, who worked in both Tyrone and Bellwood shops. Pap’s stories always had me enthralled with railroading, and growing up and around the PRR/PC/Conrail main line (in my hometown of Bellwood) provided a front porch view of railroading for me - as a kid.

I devoured books on railroading, and I still collect railroad books to this day. In 1984, I got to know a young entrepreneur, Alan Maples, and his (then) small, start-up - the Everett Railroad Company. I would often ride Alan’s freight trains for fun with his train crews, but despite me asking - I was never hired by Alan (something we joke about to this day).

I had always wanted to work for a railroad, but my career path led me into the grocery business. I started working in grocery stores at 16. I found myself rising to management level in stores in Tyrone and Williamsport, but I wanted to be on the road. That led me to jobs in traveling sales and merchandising.

First, I worked for a Pittsburgh-based food broker, Blackwell Stevenson, and then I moved to Williamsport to work for Campbell’s Soups - based out of the Philadelphia region office. These jobs took me all over PA, NY, and WV. My territory included our PA coal region. This gave me a unique opportunity to railfan. I am not a railfan in the sense that I wait for trains to take photos, but I am a railfan in the sense that when I see railbed, I want to know who runs on that line, what they are carrying, who they are serving, and how their industries work together. When given the choice to travel by highway or travel the scenic route (which would follow different rail lines), I picked the latter. I love learning about all railroads and also about railroad history. My library of 400+ railroad history books (which I have read each one) is a reflection of how I railfan.

In my spare time I got involved with the restoration of the PRR K4 1361 steam locomotive in Altoona, PA, at the Altoona shops. I rode behind it on its very first run after restoration on the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad (NBER) in 1987 - not knowing at the time I would be soon be working there.

In 1996, due to the company downsizing, I found myself laid off from Campbell’s Soups, so using contacts I made while working on the K4, I sent a resume into the North Shore Railroad. My timing was good, as the owner at the time, Dick Robey, was just preparing the addition of the Juniata Valley Railroad and Lycoming Valley Railroads to his collection of short lines. I got the job. Soon after, we added Tyrone and Lock Haven to each end of the NBER.

I started in Customer Service and soon was assisting the Marketing Manager with marketing our short lines. My work with Campbell’s made me a perfect fit for the work. After the departure of my then-boss, I assumed the main marketing position and have been here ever since.

It has been quite a ride, but I always say, “Every car we handle is a decision,” and I’m glad to have had a small part in those decisions and watching the growth and all of the changes over the (almost) past three decades.

I have to take a moment to recognize my amazing wife and daughters. This job has required a lot of my time for traveling, meetings, conferences, etc. They have been supportive and patient at all turns. I cannot express how much I love and appreciate them.

It is funny how things come around in a full circle. I now serve on the board of Directors of the Altoona Railroader Memorial Museum - who owns and is again restoring the K4 1361 that led me here to NSHR. My family connection to railroading continues as my oldest daughter Kira is now “Railroad Sales Support Specialist” in Bradford, PA for American Refining Group, and her fiancé is an engineer with the G&W. I have confidence they will be keeping the rail industry in the bloodline for another generation.

It has been an amazing career. And it’s not quite over yet…..

Todd Hunter
Chief Marketing Officer
570.274.4484
toddh@nshr.com

Joe Kantz
Business & Development Manager
570.898.4910
jkantz@nshr.com

More Notes from Marketing
Partners & Customers

This past August, we had a great day touring representatives from Norfolk Southern around our Northumberland Car Wash Yard, Union County Industrial Railroad, and Lycoming Valley Railroad.

We are lucky to have partners that take time to learn more because they care about business.

We welcome Pine Creek Seed Farm’s first ever inbound boxcar shipment or various seeds. (www.pinecreekseed.com) This is a perfect example of a customer that does not yet have their own rail spur, so we worked with them to allow usage of the public team track dock on LVRR at Faxon Street. Team tracks-named after the teams of horses that used to meet rail shipments at a public siding were once common in every town, and we are blessed with several remaining on our network that can be similarly used by any customer that is interested in rail but does not have their own facility. If you want to try rail and don’t have a facility, can we help you too?

Notes from Maintenance of Way
Concrete to Asphalt

How do you know when concrete is lying?
… It has too many cracks in its story …

Our Maintenance of Way (MoW) team is always super busy with the regular maintenance of our more than 250 miles of railroad. But, they are also pretty amazing at what they do, so in addition to routine work, they manage to tackle bigger projects.

In the past quarter alone, the MoW guys proactively upgraded three crossings - replacing concrete panels with asphalt. These upgrades eliminate the risk of failing panels (loose metal, loose lags, flopping panels, etc) - making these replacements a big safety improvement.

Great job, guys! Keep up the good work!

Howard Street (LVRR)

High Street (NBER)

Locust Street (JVRR)

Zac Mahaffey
Director of Maintenance of Way

Upcoming Passenger Excursions

2nd Annual Veterans Benefit Voyage

Last year, we unveiled LVRR 9050 & LVRR 9052, our Military Units, with a goal to use the locomotives to help raise money for nonprofit organizations that support and help Veterans. We are excited to announce that on November 1st of this year, LVRR 9050 and LVRR 9052 will, again, be providing passenger rides from Hufnagle Park in Lewisburg, PA. 100% of the ticket sales from the rides will go to Central PA Wreaths Across America (50%) and Heroes & Horses (50%).

Central PA Wreaths Across America (WAA)

Several years ago, a small group of Central Pennsylvania individuals formed a consortium of like-minded people to HONOR, REMEMBER, and TEACH future generations about the brave men and women that signed their name on the dotted line to protect and defend our freedoms. Each December, through Wreaths Across America, 30 local communities gather to lay wreaths and say the name of each Veteran buried in participating cemeteries. The mission is growing each year! Together, they work as one to raise funds for this endeavor, promoting the vision to include more communities as we draw the region together to pay tribute to Central PA heroes. WAA’s main goal is to ensure that veterans buried in cemeteries that have joined their consortium receive wreaths during the nationwide Wreaths Across America Day. They also promote the national campaign of REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those who serve, and TEACH our children the value of freedom.

Heroes & Horses (H&H)

Heroes & Horses was developed to serve our Veterans. They work to help improve lives of our Nation’s heroes through connection with horses. Whether it’s through riding (which is optional) or just hanging out and grooming, H&H has developed this program to assist Veterans and show just what horses have to offer - in ways of healing the mind, body, and soul. H&H uses their horses to help Veterans identify their anxiety (sometimes when they don't know they have it). 2025 is H&H’s 10-Year Anniversary. In those ten years, their program has saved nine Veterans' lives. No Veteran is charged for their services and the H&H’s horse farm sets aside funds for meals for Veterans.

New Passenger Equipment & More

This year, North Shore will be introducing NEW (to the area) and completely renovated passenger equipment. Follow their social media accounts to learn more about this, as details become available.

In addition to the train rides, we will be selling merchandise featuring our Military Units. 100% of the profits from these sales will be added to the train ride proceeds for the nonprofits' benefit.

Come out to Lewisburg, PA, on Saturday, November 1st, to show support for these amazing organizations!

For other nonprofits, who support the Military Members and Veterans, there is an open application process (which is open for future fundraising consideration). Learn more at www.nshr.com/usa.

Learn more about our different pieces of passenger equipment at: www.nshr.com/passenger-equipment.

Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society (BHRS)

BHRS is gearing up for a season full of scenery, festivities, and family fun! From apple festivals and Halloween specials to relaxing foliage rides and tasty treats, there’s something for everyone.

Sat, Oct 18 – Apple Festival Special & Kid’s Halloween Special
Sun, Oct 19 – Bald Eagle Flyer & Bingo on the Bald Eagle
Sat, Oct 25 – Bellefonte Limited
Sun, Oct 26 – Mountain’s End

Get your tickets at https://bellefontetrain.org/train.

Joint Rail Authority Train Rides

Below is a list of passenger rides we are providing services for in Central PA, in conjunction with the Joint Rail Authority.

October 18, 2025 - 10am, 12pm, 2pm - Bloomsburg
November 29, 2025 - 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm - Bloomsburg
November 30, 2025 - 12pm, 2pm, 4pm - Bloomsburg
December 6, 2025 - 12pm, 2pm, 4pm - Sunbury
December 7, 2025 - 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm - Sunbury
December 13, 2025 - 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm - Williamsport
December 14, 2025 - 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm - Williamsport
December 20, 2025 - 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm - Williamsport
December 21, 2025 - 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm - Williamsport

In the Community

GSVCC Transportation Summit

On July 11th, we were honored to host the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce on our dining car - to conclude their Transportation Summit. It was great to fill this car with valley leaders and elected officials. Thank you to the News-Item for covering the event!

Northumberland County Fair

Congratulations to the Northumberland County Fair on celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year. We are honored to have our logo featured on their little tractor… we mean, train rides for “The Best Little Fair in PA!”

Rail Safety | Nation Night Out(s)

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, we divided and conquered for another successful National Night Out. We worked with staff of the Joint Rail Authority to share the message of rail safety at six different events:

Bloomsburg (Kyle Postupack)
Lewisburg (Steven Beattie)
Muncy (John Metz)
Sunbury (Diana Williams)
Williamsport (Loni Martz Briner)
Snyder County (Loni Martz Briner) - held on Tuesday, August 12th

We are so proud of the hundreds of kids who signed the pledge to Stay Off Railroad Tracks and Stay Safe!

Rail Safety | See Tracks? Think Train® Week

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) hosted another very successful week of educating and bringing awareness of public, rail safety for See Tracks? Think Train® Week.

This year, our efforts included:

Mailing rail safety information to more than 160 schools in our operating area/region.
Working with elected officials to bring awareness from the state capitol and beyond.
- Thank you so much to Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver for getting Senate Resolution 148 - “Rail Safety Week in Pennsylvania” over the finish line! Our PR & Media Manager, Loni Martz Briner, was able to hear Senator Culver present from the Senate Floor.
- Also thank you to Representative Representative Kerry Benninghoff for writing a House Memo: “Rail Safety Week in PA - September 15-21, 2025.”
Doing interviews with area radio stations, so listeners can hear the rail safety message.
Posting rail safety memes and creating a contest to encourage the public to share the posts (spreading more awareness).
- Congratulations to this year’s contest winner: Kyle Schu!

To be honest, we celebrate See Tracks? Think Train® Week all year long, but it is great to see so many people in the industry working together throughout the week for the advancement of this message!

Thank you for organizing this event each year, OLI!

Tartaglia Railroad Services
Keep it Going, Fellas!

As the third quarter comes to a close, just like Jeb said, it is all hands on deck for the final push to get our projects wrapped up before the snow starts flying.

This is a critical time of year for our production tie gang. Comprised of 13 men, seven pieces of on track machinery, and numerous trucks, this is Tartaglia’s largest gang. Production tie replacement is a very competitive market. It is critical that this crew runs like a well-oiled machine.

Since coming on board one year ago, I have been super impressed with many of our field supervisors, skilled operators, and laborers - and this crew is no exception.

A major component of a successful tie gang is having good leadership. Supervisor Dan Strickland, supported by assistant supervisor Dillon Vallance, do a fantastic job keeping this group productive. Supported by skilled operators, a mechanic, and a team of laborers - they do an excellent job at planning three steps ahead, working around breakdowns and/or track delays, and keeping everyone moving and on task. This crew works extremely hard from March to mid-November with a well deserved break for 2-3 winter months. To date, this crew has replaced (just shy of) 30,000 ties with a goal of exceeding 40,000 by the end of the season. Keep it going, fellas!