Altoona & Horseshoe Curve info

[oltmannd]

Horseshoe curve is not a bottleneck on NS, so I wouldn't expect to see the 4th track come back any time soon.

[edbenton]

The 4th track would be great if and when it is relayed that one could give the helpers adedicated way to move light wherever they are needed. Also would allow the NS to keep 2 tracks in service when they need to do maintance on switches and other repairs as needed.

[Modelcar]

...Just for thoughts in our conversation....Do any of our posters think the 4th track up and over the Alleghenies will be installed anytime in the foreseeable future....? To insert my opinion, I'd say with modern signaling and dispatching, etc....It won't be necessary. Probably now can handle almost as much as 50 years ago with 4 tracks.

[Modelcar]

...Just talked to a friend of mine yesterday and he informed me he just visited the Curve recently and really enjoyed it...Trees have been trimmed back so one gets a better view of both ends of the Curve now while up at trackside....The upcoming few weeks will be bathed in leaves turning into great colors presenting a beautiful sight.....And yes the 4th track that was removed was an inside one and one would imagine could be relayed without major troubles....

[edbenton]

Great place to go to how often do we get a place to go trackside to one of the greatest engineering marvals of the 19th century. One nice thing is if NS needs to increase capacity over that line all the have to do is put the 4th track back in no having to buy ROW they already have it. Would love to get back there again but with gas prices is a very expensive trip maybe I can get the wife to agree to see her mom I maybe can get a day in at the Curve. A little trade for visiting the monster in law.

[cnw4001]

I'm certain you're going to be inundated with suggestions but here's the link to the Railroader's Museum/Curve operator.

http://www.railroadcity.com/

Lots of places to stay including two bed & breakfasts right at trackside. Station Inn at Cresson and Tunnel Inn (I think that's the name) in Gallitizin (SP?).

[streettrains]

I would like to plan a trip to Altoona, where, who can I contact to get info on the area and all the train stuff....

thanks
Mike