I was told about a special type of train running through my area that NS operates, and after some research, I discovered it was the NS OCS special. I am trying to locate more information on it, what it is and what it does.
I’ve done a basic google search of it, that’s how I discovered WHAT it was called. I’ve searched google and haven’t found much; I’ve also looked on NS’ website and didn’t find too much their either.
Ideally what I like to find out is when it’s supposed to be travelling through town so I could go see it. From what it looks like it has a couple of old F units attached to some passenger cars left over from the steam program (which on another note is sad that is no longer in existance.)
Anyone with any ideas would be greatly appreicated.
The NS Business Train (a.k.a. Office Car Special) performs various functions. Actually, most bigger railroads have some sort of special equipment that they use for such trains. These trains are used for public relations and inspection trips. They carry shippers, railroad officials and investors over the railroads so they can see the physical plant. (a.k.a. their railroad). Have you ever taken visitors around your house or your company’s facilities to show them off? Office cars are usually specially built cars or rebuilt older passenger cars. They normally have kitchens and dining areas for meals, sleeping accomodations for longer trips, tv screens for various presentations, etc. They are also used to transport railroad execs and other execs to special events. The Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby come to mind.
As for the locomotives, most larger railroads (NS, CSX, UP,etc) have specific locomotives assigned to business trains. They are equipped (usually) with head-end power for heating, cooling and lighting the cars. They are usually kept very clean and ready to go. They pass on to viewers that the railroad is prosperous and that it would be good for your company to do business with us. Think of a business train as a corporate jet or limo. Business trains have been around almost as long as railroads themselves. If you ever get to see a business train go by you won’t forget it any time soon. That is the whole idea.
Here are some pics from August 2004 when I caught Norfolk Southern’s business train heading around Horseshoe Curve.
Before the train even came into view of the Curve, the engineer began blowing the horn like he was approaching a grade crossing, so everybody in the park at the time knew it wasn’t a usual freight approaching.
