It's in the Alleghenys, around the Maryland border with Pennsylvania. It's just a stretch of up and down railroading that has that Americana feel. The archetype of railroads at work in difficult, but doable, situations, by men who know how to get it done. When it got its reputation, it was already old. B&O old. There was a Civil-War-era tunnel close to a mile long (I don't think it's still there, but may be in ruins), and it has a lot of steep grades, 2% not uncommon, and long curves. It's one of those places whose railroaders could probably run any trains in the country, because of the variety of situations they learn to face. Some of the more challenging routes in the Eastern USA, though certainly not the worst, but for heavily trafficked railroads, this would be your eastern equivalent to the D&RGW. I mean... at least for its 100 miles. Yeah, I know... the D&RGW would snicker. But I'm just trying to describe it.
Shooshie
Don't expect much in the way of cell phone access in and around Sand Patch and Manila.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
North, probably railroad west, of Cumberland MD and barely into PA. If flying, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh would be reasonable major airports.
Mac
Here's a good place to start:
http://www.ihavideo.com/HIedscorn1.html
There are multiple posts about 'fanning Sand Patch on Trainorders -- many of which have helpful information even if you're not a subscribing member.
There doesn't appear to be much in the Trackside Guides that's current -- but there is this thread from 2005 that you might find helpful.
Heard of it but its seems that multible locations may use that name.
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