Railroad Crossing Systems Manufacturer Safetran Planning $2.8 Million Expansion in Marion, Kentucky – The company, which manufactures crossing components and systems for the railroad industry, plans to make the improvements to its 110,000 square-foot facility on Industrial Drive in Marion, according to an announcement from the office of Governor Steve Beshear. The 24-acre site is a short distance from Safetran’s corporate headquarters in Louisville.

Established in 1920, Safetran has five facilities. In addition to the two in Kentucky, Safetran has operations in California, New York and Florida. The company’s products include electro-mechanical signal devices and the control systems that activate them; communications systems; and complete signal system design and construction.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority gave preliminarily approval for more than $2.2 million in tax incentives for the project as well as a $525,000 economic development bond to assist Safetran in the expansion.  – Submitted by Chuck Hinrichs

Scanner Chatter…
Today while listening to my scanner I heard a dispatcher and conductor having a conversation about when the CSX dispatchers will be relocated. The dispatcher told him that they would be moved and working in Nashville by Monday, June 29th. That just a couple weeks away. Looks like we will be hearing “SD Dispatcher Nashville” instead of “SD Dispatcher Jacksonville” on our scanners in the very near future. – David Porter

I think the move will effect the Henderson Sub as well,  “SA Dispatcher”   – Chuck Hinrichs

As you may have heard, for the past few months a new, larger museum has been under construction at the Casey Jones Village in Jackson, TN. It replaces the old gift shop/theatre/museum and is sandwiched between the steamer and the Jones house (both of which are still there). A grand opening for the new museum is scheduled for June 19. I drove by the area last week and crews are still scrambling outside to finish.

Also, out in the parking lot, restoration of the “Judge Milton Brown” passenger car is well under way. It has been painted in GM&O colors, but not yet lettered. The car will house offices and studio for the local American Family Radio affiliate. More info about AFR and a video of moving the car can be found at http://wamp.afr.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=106&Itemid=148
– Cliff Downey