Altoona Railroaders Museum

[Anonymous]

I just read the article about the Altoona railroaders museum falling into financial trouble. Could the reason be that it is more of an "Altoona History" museum then a railroad museum? Or could it be the $8.50 they charge per person to get in the door?
I visited for the first time in April, and was NOT impressed. It took me just over an hour to view the exhibits which were nice and informative, but definately not worth the price of admission. The rolling stock outside the museum was in sad shape, and most was covered with blue tarps, so viewing them was worthless.
On the other hand, the Horseshoe Curve park only cost about $3.50, included access to the top to watch trains, included a nice museum, a nice gift shop, and lots and lots of freights climbing and descending the mountain.
Does anyone else have good or bad things to say about either site?

[RudyRockvilleMD]

I haven't visited the Altoona Railroaders Museum, but I have visited the Horseshoe Curve Park. In the past access to the top was available at any time if you didn't want to use the funiculars; further, you didn't have to pay if you walked up to the top. This allowed photographers access to the curve early in the morning when it was lighted better. I understand access to the top is now only possible later in the morning when the lighting isn't as good. Has anybody else noticed this?

[Anonymous]

You're absolutely right about the access. I remember as a kid (the K4 was still on display), counting 198 steps to the top and my dad not having to pay a dime for us to climb the hill. Weren't those the days?
On the other hand, the new facility is nice in my mind and worth the $3.50. If only they opened earlier in the day or let you climb the hill whenever you wanted to take photos without paying the admission price.

[udohaubmann]

I have visited Horseshoe curve in early May this year. As I am from Europe this is quite a trip for me and I was really looking forward to the visit ( I included it in a US - trip ) since the last time I was there was in spring 1995. After paying the admission and taking the funicular up i was shocked. The trees were not cut and the only part where trains could be seen was the length of the fence. No view of the curve, the line on the other slope or even the signal bridge downhill from the park. But a sign asking for donations to cut the trees was well visible. I think it is outrageous to charge admission and ask for donations so that you can also see something!
On the other side Cresson has put up a nice viewing platform. I left Horseshoe curve after 10 minutes and one train. As long as the trees are not cut it is not worth going there. But there are many nice spots in the area.

Udo

[Anonymous]

I agree Udo. It is hard to get a look at the curve during the summer months, there are much better spots for viewing the action and taking pictures in the immeadiate area. Cresson has done a nice job on their park and it is apparently attracting lots of people, lodging is also close by. To charge admission to an attraction that you can not see is somewhat of a problem in my mind.

[Anonymous]

Cresson is absolutely awesome!!! The park and viewing platform is great. There is a bed and breakfast called the Station Inn about a block west of the park and accross the street. The price for a room is very reasonable, and there's a huge front porch to sit on all night long to watch the parade of trains. The helper terminal hosts alot of neat power, from SD40-2's to the 80MAC's used on mine runs. I haven't been able to catch RJ Corman though, anyone else have any luck in that department?