Horseshoe Curve

[Anonymous]

I am planning to travel to Altoona, Pa , about 700 miles away from where I live, just to visit Horseshoe curve. I would be very grateful for ANY information I can get (i.e. what are usually the busiest days and how many trains usually go through during that time etc.) So, like I say just basically any info that would help me have a better time while visiting the curve. Thanks alot!

[TomDiehl]

The group that runs the visitor's center at the curve is the Railroader's Memorial museum in downtown Altoona. Their website:

http://www.railroadcity.com/index.php

They used to have aproximate schedules at the visitor's center, but I haven't been out there in several years.

The only passenger train scheduled through there is the Pennsylvanian, scheduled through at about 9:30 AM eastbound and about 4:15 PM westbound, Monday thru Saturday

[Anonymous]

Living just a few hours from the curve. I have been there many times. The most recent schedule I have seen for the Harrisburg-Pittsburgh district had a total of 65 trains a day around the curve. You can see just about every train you want there, from steel slab to double stack to amtrack and coal. But the only negative is every train requires and has a Norfolk Southern locomotive on the point due to the use of a Cab Signaling system on the line. You will enjoy your experience greatly. I would suggest you go and expect to see about 25-30 trains during day light. Also the scenery is like no other in the world (absolutely beautiful)[wow]. With the help of some railfans and the railroad a tree removal and shaving project has just been completed to better the view of the trains around the curve. Just put your walking legs on if you dont want to take the tram. Enjoy your trip and bring extra film and a bag lunch. [tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]

[Anonymous]

Where Could I see the most recent schedule? (Other than the Vistior's Center)

[Anonymous]

NS in the past has posted the schedule for the curve on their website nscorp.com or the best source I have seen is a back issue of trains magazine from August 2004(horsheshoe curve 150 years) special has a detailed description of the schedule including train symbols and train direction. Also I have just recieved the newest issue of the Apr. May. June TRP magazine and it also centers around the curves railfanning and history. I would suggest trying to get a copy of both magazines. I may also add, if you didnt mind taking the extra 2 hour drive to the East. You could check out the HUGE Enola freight yard and engine facility, Harrisburg Intermodal Yard, Harrisburg Terminal "Amtrack" and the beautiful Rockville Bridge Connecting the two yards. Rockville bridge sees about 85-90 train movements per day and sees almost every train that travels on the Harrisburg Division. It would be well worth it.

Sincerely,
upking

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for all of your help!

[Anonymous]

No problem, anytime and I hope you enjoy your trip to the Wonderful State of PA.