What did I see near Horseshoe Curve?

[SpaceMouse]

On my way to a trainshow in Altoona PA, I saw a long coal train heading west up grade to Horseshoe Curve. About a mile behind the coal train were two engines following but going so slow that I doubt they would catch the train at that speed before it reached the summit.

What were the engines doing?

[Anonymous]

If they were SD40-2's, they were helpers (I assume, having been to Altoona almost a dozen times [:)]). The NS Pittsburgh Line (which Horseshoe is on) is one of the few places in the country today that uses manned helpers.

[SpaceMouse]

They certainly could have been SD-40s. Like I said it didn't look like they were trying to catch the train.

I guess they could have been done, but htey were still several miles from the top.

[johncolley]

Maybe they were "Just in case" units If the train bogged down on the hill they would be there, Or maybe just light units going to Pittsburgh?

[cnw4001]

They were undoubtedly helpers being repositioned. It is not unusual to see light power moving in that area. There is a helper base at Cresson others get added at Johnstown and some even get all the way to Altoona from Pittsburgh and then they have to go back.

[tigerstripe]

Chances are they were a helper set. What some people fail to realize is that it
is just as important to use helpers for the added dynamic braking ability on the downhill run. And I have seem them run "light" uphill to be added on a heavy train to control the
descent.