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The  Horseshoe Curve  was constructed entirely by men with picks, shovels, horses, and drags, and was opened to traffic, February 15, 1854.   Since then, countless numbers of people have visited the site "and have been thrilled by the sight of trains circling this great amphitheatre high in the Alleghenies."

1950's Postcard of the Horseshoe Curve.  Photographer unknown.  Collection of Chris Behe

 

Overview:  Altoona to the Horseshoe Curve

 

Horseshoe Curve Videos
	Interview with David Seidel regarding Horseshoe Curve kirkleidyassociates
	Cab ride with Nickel Plate 765 over Horseshoe Curve Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society
	Pennsy Steam at Horseshoe curve John LeBaron
	The Horseshoe Curve history WJACTV Johnstown
See Horseshoe Curve, PA, 1900 POV video Here!	Horseshoe Curve, Pennsylvania, 1900 POV from front of locomotive traveling through Horseshoe Curve at Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1900. To purchase a clean DVD or digital download of this film for personal home use or educational use contact questions@archivefarms.com. To license footage from this film for commercial use visit: www.travelfilmarchive.com travelfilmarchive
	March 1998 - Conrail East of Horseshoe Curve "We are still east of the curve by a couple of miles, and looking across the valley the grade up the hill can be seen.  Then we are perched on the east side of Horseshoe curve for a westbound intermodal train." Nysw3004
	March 1998 - Altoona, PA - MG tower - westbound "May 01, 2010 — We hiked from Horseshoe curve to Gallitzin and back again using 4-wheeler trails, shooting train video wherever we could get to the tracks. This was taken of a westbound at MG tower " Nysw3004

 

History of the Horseshoe Curve

Engineers had attempted to conquer the Alleghenies, the biggest obstacle for the Pennsylvania Railroad, for two decades.   The first attempt was the Allegheny Portage Railroad, built by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and opened in 1834. This was a series of steep inclines which the cars were hauled up by ropes connected to a stationary hoisting engine.

In 1839, the Commonwealth commissioned Col. Charles L. Schlatter, an engineer, to survey a direct route without inclined planes. He produced three plans-a northern, a southern, and a 'middle route, but the State took no action on his proposals. However, when J. Edgar Thompson was appointed chief engineer of the PRR in 1847,  he re-surveyed and improved the middle route, following the valley of the Juniata River.

This provided a good, level route all the way to the foot of the Alleghenies, to what is now Altoona.  The next goal was to find a route across the mountains that would not exceed a grade of 1.8%  (a rise of 1.8 feet in 100 feet of distance).  They crossed some low ridges southwest of Altoona, then came to a valley that ran westward. They followed the ridge that paralleled this valley, and found they could lay rails there with 1.75% grade.  But 5½ miles from Altoona they encountered trouble. The valley ran abruptly into a mountain side and split into two deep ravines.

On the other side of the valley, they saw another mountain ridge which they later found would carry their rails at a satisfactory 1.73% grade. It ran southward for a short distance and then westward again up the mountainside to a spot near Gallitizin, where they had determined to tunnel.

However, the question remained on how to get the tracks the other side.    To go directly across the valley would have meant building a bridge with a 4.37% grade, too steep for practical rail operations.  It was decided to  route the tracks directly westward to the first ravine (Kittanning Run) and build a huge fill to take the tracks across it.  Then they would slice off the face of the mountain so the tracks would make a big semi-circle.  Then, they would go across the second ravine (Burgoon's Run) via another fill in order to reach the ridge on the other side of the valley.    The big semi-circle  became known as the Horseshoe Curve.

(used with permission; copyright: Kirk Leidy of Photo Specialists, Altoona, PA)

On February 15, 1854, a single track was laid from Altoona to "Summit" and operations began.  Over time, it grew to 2 to 3 to 4 (and now back to 3) tracks. It is now part of Norfolk Southern's Pittsburgh Division.  

 

NEW BOOK ON PRR HISTORY: "The Wreck of the Red Arrow: An American Train Tragedy" Author Dennis P. McIlnay: Dr. McIlnay has penned another segment of local history chronicling this tragic event in Pennsylvania Railroad and Altoona Area history. While many students of Pennsylvania Railroad history are familiar with this event of February 18, 1947, and online informational reports are available about it, this major disaster has never been documented in literary form. The Wreck of the Red Arrow follows Dr. McIlnay’s previous work "The Horseshoe Curve – Sabotage and Subversion in the Railroad City", also chronicling a chapter in the Pennsylvania Railroads history associated with Altoona, PA. We recommend these two works by Dennis P. McIlnay as important studies of these two segments of the PRR’s history near Altoona, PA, a city founded by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The book follows the circumstances leading to this tragic accident as well as following up on factual reporting of the day, with detailed research on how the tragedy impacted the lives of those most affected, the passengers and their families. It’s a ‘must have’ for your railroad library. The book is available at all Altoona area book retailers for $24.95 and is also available via www.SevenOaksPress.com, and toll free: 866.695.5960. **Note: As of March 2017, the publisher reports both of these books are sold out.

September 12, 1970,  Freedom Train on Horseshoe Curve

"On this particular occasion, Horseshoe Curve Chapter members were aboard the rear observation car, not in view:  They were Raymond G. & Elizabeth Garvin, Paul W. Westbrook, Mary Jo. Wahl, and David Seidel.   The occasion was the "first" steam excursion through Altoona and Horseshoe Curve (9-12-1970) since the end of PRR steam in 1957.  The Altoona High School band welcomed the train at the station on the westward approach.  That's another slide show.  The train repeated the experience the following day (Sunday) under cloudy skies, but NKP # 759 handled 18 cars on the mountain unassisted, pulling its consist west through Bennington Curve without one slip of the wheel.  No assist from Penn Central."   Dave Seidel

	Freedom Train on Horseshoe Curve.  9-12-1970     NKP # 759 HIGH IRON CO arrives at Altoona. AHS BAND and local residents turn out.  Photo by David Seidel.		Freedom Train on Horseshoe Curve.  9-12-1970  kodachrome taken from Observation Car "Brothers Two", High Iron Co. Photo by David Seidel.
	9/13/1970.  On Bennington Curve.  NKP Berkshire #759.  David Seidel Photograph.		Freedom Train on Horseshoe Curve.  9-12-1970  kodachrome taken from Observation Car "Brothers Two", High Iron Co. Photo by David Seidel.
	Freedom Train on Horseshoe Curve.  9-12-1970  kodachrome taken from Observation Car "Brothers Two", High Iron Co. Photo by David Seidel.

 

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Technical Information on "The Curve"

Length of Curve:  2,375 feet
Degree of Curvature:  9 degrees, 15 minutes
Central Angle:  220 degrees
Elevation at east End:  1,594 feet above sea level
Elevation at west End:   1,716 feet above sea level
Grade:  91 feet per mile; 1.28% grade
The Curve itself is 1800 feet across.

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Village of Glen White

"Over the years, we have all heard about the early days at the Horseshoe Curve, specifically, that a village existed near each valley on opposite sites of the "Curve". The village of Glen White existed on the west side (left )valley (as you face the mountain at the apex of the "curve") and Kittanning Point on the right side valley. We all have heard of Kittanning Point station of course, a location on the east side of the "curve" where, at one time, coal tipple and water plugs and semaphore signals were located. This valley on the east side of the curve apex was also a spur to coal mines near Coupon, Pa.

A review of "Blair County's Post History & McGraw's Blair County Place Names" published by the Blair County Historical Society, 1947, reveals some interesting information:

Glen White Post Office

" Established as Glen White, February 24, 1871. The name was changed to Kittanning Point March 22, 1872. Discontinued July 8, 1875, and reestablished August 27, 1875. The name was again changed to Glen White November 15, 1890. The office was finally discontinued May 15, 1934, and the mail ordered to Altoona. The Glen White office was located about two miles west of Kittanning Point Station on the highway leading to Gallitzin. The office was established to provide postal service for this community which was engaged in coal mining and the production of coke. Postmasters serving these offices were as follows:

David McCoy..........Feb 24, 1871
David McCoy........Aug 27, 1875
Robert H. Guilliford Mar 22, 1872
Alban McDermitt Nov 15, 1890
David McCoy (Act) Sep 16, 1862
Lewis Donoghue Jun 28, 1893
Gustav A. Helsing Oct 24, 1913"

Addendum; Glen White no longer exists in any form. The only remains are ruins of old beehive coke ovens. Drive thru the road culvert under the mainline at Horseshoe Curve proceeding up the mountain. Ruins on right.

Kittanning Point Post Office

" The Post Office at Kittanning Point was established Jan 18, 1895. It was discontinued March 15, 1913 and the mail sent to Glen White, a post office on the Kittanning road about two miles west of the Horseshoe Curve. The Kittanning office was located on the famous Horse Shoe Bend of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The office supplied mail service for the community, consisting of railroad employees, and workmen in the coal and coke industries in the surrounding territory. Postmasters serving the Kittanning Point office are as follows:

Chas. J. Rhoads Appointed Jan 18, 1895
George W. Bowen Appointed March. 27, 1906
 Paul R. Linhard Appointed March. 26, 1910 "  

(by David Seidel; posted 9/23/00)

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The Kittanning Point Station

The Kittanning Point station was built in 1892 it remained open till 1935.  It was razed in 1941-42.  There were three branches from the curve. Two on either side of the Glenn White Run and one up the West side of Kittanning Run. The branch up Kittanning run ( Beside the freight station) ran to the town of Coupon. It was used mostly for coal. There was some passenger service. This branch also connected via switch back to the overhead coaling bridge. The branch was closed in 1917.  (by Mark Lehman; 8 Sep 2000)

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Historical Facts

• "Many presidents, celebrities, athletic teams and at least one prominent historic icon have traveled over Conrail's Horseshoe Curve.

From Americas heyday of passenger railroading when Horseshoe Curve was part of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and into later years, many U.S. presidents passed over the famous landmark, including Andrew Johnson, Ulysses Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, Warren Harding, Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter.

Numerous celebrities and other well-known citizens also passed around Horseshoe Curve. Industrialists Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford and George Gould traveled through the Alleghenies on rail via the Horseshoe Curve, as did inventors Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse. Celebrities such as aviatrix Amelia Earhart, boxer John Heenan, and entertainers Tom Thumb, Lionel Barrymore, Jack Benny and Jackie Gleason also traveled the Horseshoe Curve.

Many professional sports teams formerly traveled by rail to compete, and the Horseshoe Curve was directly on the route used by many ball clubs, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Brooklyn Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds. The Liberty Bell also traversed the "Curve" four times en route to displays or exhibitions in the West and South in 1885, 1893, 1904 and 1915." (Norfolk Southern Public Relations, 12/18/98)

• "Illustrating the importance the Pennsylvania Railroad to efforts in World War II is this tale of espionage: On the night of June 13, 1942, four spies came ashore on Long Island, and a few nights later, four more landed in Florida. Within two weeks, the FBI had seized all eight, along with large amounts of specialized explosives and $100,000 in cash. Among their 12 targets were aircraft and aluminum plants and key railroad elements such as bridges, tunnels and Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pa. With their strategic value uncovered, Horseshoe Curve and the nearby Gallitzin Tunnels were fenced off and placed under 24-hour armed guard. A military court tried the eight men. On August 8, 1942, six were executed and the other two were given long prison terms in exchange for testimony. "  (Norfolk Southern Public Relations)

 

	Circa...1948....The "T1" #5549 rounding the Horseshoe Curve.
	June. 3,1957...Workers prepare an extra set of tracks  for the K4 engine that will be put on display.

Visit Altoona Achieves, by Tom Lynam, for additional photos. (NOTE: Tom's pages have been taken off line but I'm keeping this as a place holder until I can see if something else can be worked out.)

 

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1954 "SYLVANIA Big Shot"

To mark the 100th Anniversary year of the opening of the Curve and the 75th Anniversary of the incandescent lamp, the Pennsylvania Railroad and Sylvania Electric Products Inc. cooperated to take the first night picture of the Curve as freight and passenger trains rounded it the night of October 20, 1954. The project to illuminate over 2,000,000 square feet required months of meticulous planning, 31 miles of wiring and more then 6,000 large photoflash bulbs. With a burst of skyrockets lending color to the scene, cameras atop a 150-foor tower recorded the historic flash - the biggest night photograph ever taken. (William Burkett)

The 1954, Sylvania Electric Company/PRR Flash Photograph.

From the December 1954 issue of "The Pennsy", here are some notes from the original event on October 20, 1954... "Executed at 10:53 p.m.   Setup began in September, including construction of a 157 foot tower for the camera. 6,000 six foot stakes were cut to hold the lights, and 12,000 pie pans were used as reflectors.  More than 100 state and local police were on hand in case of trouble, as were several fire departments.  Three trains were staged for inclusion in the picture. "At the east end on No. 2 track was a special freight train with a consist of newly-painted box cars. At the opposite end of the curve, directly below the camera tower on No. 1 track, was a three unit diesel. The center of the attraction, however, was the third train, No. 49 -- 'The Trail Blazer'. This New York-to-Chicago streamliner had been washed by the car-cleaning gang at Sunnyside Yard, N.Y. until it gleamed. Enroute toward the Curve PRR publicity men handed all the passengers a special leaflet explaining the picture-taking and inviting them to help celebrate the Horseshoe Curve's 100th birthday in the dining car where a huge cake, baked by the chefs at Sunnyside Commissary, was to be served." "In the publicity department's temporary press headquarters at the base of the Horseshoe more than a dozen reporters waited by telephones to relay results of the flash to newspapers and wire services." "TWENTY SECONDS!" "Two hundred and fifty feet above the track, atop the special camera tower, Mr. Mutschmann and four Sylvania photographers stopped shivering in the cold and began opening shutters on their black-and-white, color, stereo, and movie cameras." "TEN SECONDS!" "Hundreds of spectators on the ground below craned to peer over the huge area." "FIVE SECONDS!" "On the special platform near the tower Sgt. T.C. Ketenheim of the PRR police shouted out the count to the 150 guests as it came to him by telephone." "FOUR!" Radio listeners in Altoona heard the second-by-second 'count down' in a direct broadcast by station WFBG." "THREE!" "More camera shutters were opened as the 34 press photographers on the guest platform, who had come from all over the East and as far away as Seattle, Wash., prepared to take their own pictures." "TWO!" "Altoona's Mayor Walter H. Grove stood tensely beside a small red button which would set the whole thing off." "ONE!" "Mayor Grove raised his finger." "ZERO!" "The flashbulbs went off with a rippling wave of light. In just 1/15 of a second -- faster than the blink of an eye -- Horseshoe Curve was imprinted on film. The resulting photograph, now already see in hundreds of newspapers, on television, in LIFE magazine, and many other publications..."    submitted to PRR Talk, 4/2/04, by (unknown)

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	An Eastbound Intermodal Train traverses the curve.  Meanwhile, PRR GP-9 #7048 quietly watches on. 4/24/1998		An eastbound freight approaching the Kittanning Point Signal Bridge (Fall 1995)
	An westbound coal train has just passed under the Kittanning Point Signal Bridge  (Date:  ?)		A Fall view of the Reservoirs at the mouth of the Horseshoe Curve (11/29/1996)
	The Conrail Office Car Special (near McGinley's Curve) is Eastbound toward the Horseshoe Curve on 4/24/1998		Eastbound Helper Engines pass the watchman's shanty at the Horseshoe Curve Park on 4/24/1998

 

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Press Release from August 2003

THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE MODERN WORLD
THE WORLD FAMOUS HORSESHOE CURVE GETS READY TO CELEBRATE ITS 150TH BIRTHDAY

" In 1851 a brash young civil engineer by the name of J.Edgar Thomson set out to build the first railroad to scale the mighty Allegheny Mountains in Central Pennsylvania. When his boss balked at putting up the money for this seemingly impossible task, young J.Edgar got himself elected to the Presidency of the Pennsylvania Railroad one year later and raised the $3 million dollars it would take to get the job done.

Considered an engineering masterpiece even today, his 14.4 mile climb from Altoona up the face of the east slope of Allegheny Mountain, reverses itself at Kittanning Point into an amazing Horseshoe and ascends almost 2 feet every 100 feet, clinging to drop dead valley walls and ridges all the way to the summit. Within three short years J. Edgar Thomson had opened up an East-West corridor that made possible the industrialization of an entire nation. John Edgar Thomson is also credited with being the first to organize a corporation into line and staff management positions. For this significant achievement he is considered to be the father of the modern day global corporation. For this reason alone this event is expected to receive wide support from America's business community.

Taking the lead in celebrating these amazing and historic events the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona (the base for Thomson's assault on the Alleghenies) has planned a month-long series of commemorative events. With a kick-off planned for the Museum's annual Railfest event in October of this year, a special excursion train lead by the last remaining passenger locomotives of the once-mighty Pennsylvania railroad will travel from Philadelphia to Altoona for the occasion.

The actual February birthday will feature a dedication event sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers which had named the Horseshoe Curve one of the original Seven Wonders of the Modern World in the early 1900's. ASCE will designate the Curve as a National Civil engineering Landmark at the February event to be held in Pittsburgh.

In preparation for the June 2004 month-long celebration the Museum will release an RFP to assess the possibility of returning the last remaining K4 steam locomotive currently under restoration at Steamtown to Altoona in time for the celebration. Once the assessment is completed the Museum will seek a Corporate Sponsor to partner with the State's Department of Transportation to make it happen.

The centerpiece of the 150th Anniversary will be the dedication of the nation's first Railroaders Memorial Monument to be unveiled at the apex of the Horseshoe Curve on Memorial Day of 2004. The Memorial will commemorate those men and women who have given their lives in service of the Railroads of North America.

The Museum has issued an open invitation to all operators of classic locomotives in North America for them to participate in a Memorial Display of Motive Power that is expected to be the largest collection of vintage steam and diesel locomotives in the nation's history on July 4th.

The Railroaders Memorial Museum wants everyone to remember the men and women who gave their blood, sweat and lives to build "the Eighth Wonder of the Modern World," the 150 year old Horseshoe Curve and every other mile of track across this great nation. Museum President Dr. Andy Mulhollen puts it best, when he says, "These men, these women, they truly are the backbone of America. They cannot be forgotten. They will not be forgotten."

A press conference announcing the slate of events will be held will be held at 10AM on August 18 in the theater at the Railroaders Museum."  Contact: Harry Webber

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December 2003 - Replacement of Mile Post Marker 242 at Horseshoe Curve by Keystone Restoration and Preservation Society -  by Pat McKinney
 

(L to R) Frank Givler, KR&P Vice-President; and members Dave Seidel, Pat McKinney and son Patrick McKinney

 

February 15,1854 marked the day of the opening of a complete rail route of the Pennsylvania Railroad from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh by way of the newly completed Horseshoe Curve.  Approximately 100 feet west of the apex of Horseshoe Curve, is a marker designating the distance from Philadelphia, known as Milepost 242.  The former PRR style milepost disappeared sometime ago, replaced only by a pressed-steel post with scotchlite number-decals.  Originally made from cast iron, and probably cast in the PRR's South Altoona Foundry,  it may have deteriorated from the acid of the cinders from decades of steam engines, sent off to a scrap pile, or stolen by vandals.

Whatever the reason, as the celebration year marking the 150th anniversary of the opening of world famous Horseshoe Curve nears, Keystone Restoration & Preservation Inc., replaced the milepost on Saturday, December 13, 2003, with a new marker fabricated from steel, and made from the original PRR standard plan.  The fine craftsmen of the Norfolk Southern Juniata Shops fabricated a fitting replacement (weight approximately 400 lbs), to be positioned where the former had been, according to former Pennsylvania Railroad engineering valuation maps.

 Thank you to Ernie McClellan, Assistant Superintendent, and Boilermakers Rick Massaro, Joe Chirdon, Jeff Rupp, and Dan Woomer; Vince Laratonda, Gang Leader, and the Juniata Shops for manufacturing the new milepost.  Chris Carney, Assistant Division Engineer, Bill Little, Track Supervisor, Rick Rabish, Foreman, Bill Durbin, Machine Operator, of the Pittsburgh Division Maintenance Of Way & Structures Department for site preparation, and thanks to Nick Seman for computer graphic work for the numerals. A special thank you to Frank Givler for taking delivery of the milepost, providing a facility to store it during paint and finish work, and transporting it to the installation site.

 

Keystone Restoration and Preservation is a not-for-profit corporation for historical and educational purposes to restore, preserve, exhibit and operate historically significant railroad equipment and properties.  KR&P had a significant volunteer presence in the 1986-87 restoration of former PRR K-4s Class steam locomotive

 # 1361, and provides operational crew for that endeavor.  KR&P has also restored the amusement park steam locomotive for DelGrosso Park, Tipton, PA, owns historical railroad cars and equipment, and engages in various rail-heritage related projects, which often has included assisting the mission of Railroader's Memorial Museum, Altoona, PA.

 Installation of Mile Post Marker 242 was performed by Keystone Restoration and Preservation members
(L to R) Frank Givler, KR&P Vice-President; and members Dave Seidel, Pat McKinney and son Patrick McKinney.

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Spring 2004 - Cover of Westsylvania Magazine

 

 

Spring 2004 - Cover of Westsylvania Magazine honoring the 150th Anniversary of the Horseshoe Curve

 

 

 

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150th Anniversary Of "Horseshoe Curve" Features Major Fourth Of July Tribute March 11, 2004

Norfolk Southern and OSRAM SYLVANIA Engineer Lighting Extravaganza; This Year's Event Will Trump the 1954 "SYLVANIA Big Shot"

ALTOONA, PA - With the commemoration of Horseshoe Curve's 150th anniversary this year, the Railroaders Heritage Corporation today announced that it will "pull out all the stops" with a major evening spectacular on July 4th. This extraordinary event will be reminiscent of the famous 1954 "SYLVANIA Big Shot," which featured the simultaneous deployment of more than 6,500 SYLVANIA Blue Dot flashbulbs to light Horseshoe Curve. This time, OSRAM SYLVANIA and Norfolk Southern will provide technology, equipment and sizzle for the celebration of this major transportation and engineering milestone in American history.

"We are excited to once again help bring notice to such an important moment in American history," said Scott Cessna, executive director of the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona. "In 1854, an enterprising young civil engineer named J. Edgar Thomson opened the first railway to scale the mighty Allegheny Mountains in Central Pennsylvania. To avoid a sharp incline, which would be impossible for heavy steam trains to manage, Thomson routed the right-of-way in a horseshoe shape, so the rise would be gradual. The feat was considered a major engineering masterpiece at the time and was pivotal to opening commerce across the continental U.S."

The American Society of Civil Engineers recently recognized Horseshoe Curve as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark during a ceremony in Altoona.  "Horseshoe Curve is a vital component of Norfolk Southern's 22- state freight rail network," said David R. Goode, Norfolk Southern's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "The 150th year of operation of this American industrial and engineering landmark, its role in the westward expansion of the U.S. and its continuing importance to the national economy are certainly deserving of celebration."

Today, an average of 60 Norfolk Southern freight trains and four Amtrak passenger trains operate over Horseshoe Curve daily. This volume translates into more than 100 million gross tons of freight annually. Commodities coming through Horseshoe Curve include mail, consumer goods, coal, finished automobiles, construction material and agricultural products.

SYLVANIA technology continues to focus public awareness on the remarkable feat of engineering that Horseshoe Curve represents. In 1954, SYLVANIA and the Pennsylvania Railroad captured the imagination of children and adults alike with the illumination of Horseshoe Curve, which was the sixth in a series of 18 photographic achievements known as Big Shots. All 18 Big Shots were illuminated using SYLVANIA flashbulb technology. We recognize the historical significance of the anniversary of the construction of Horseshoe Curve and are pleased to support the recreation of the spectacle of the first lighting. As we did in the past, we will be using the most innovative products available on the market today," said Charlie Jerabek, president and CEO of OSRAM SYLVANIA. "Many of the lighting products available through OSRAM SYLVANIA today were developed within the last five years."

In order to provide the safest and most comfortable atmosphere for the celebration, the event will be ticketed. Entertainment will be provided the entire day both at the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona and Horseshoe Curve, culminating with the lighting of Horseshoe Curve and a display from Zambelli Fireworks Internationale - the "First Family of Fireworks." Ticket information is available by contacting the Railroaders Memorial Museum at 1-888-4ALTOONA."  Norfolk Southern Corporation; Thursday, March 11, 2004

(About OSRAM SYLVANIA; Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American lighting operation of OSRAM GmbH. Together we are the second- largest lighting and materials enterprise in the world, serving customers in more than 140 countries. We manufacture and market a wide range of lighting products, including automotive, electronic and magnetic ballasts, and precision materials and components for industrial and commercial users, original equipment manufacturers and consumers, sold primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, but also under the OSRAM brand. OSRAM SYLVANIA also offers lighting systems installation and maintenance services. For further information, please refer to our Web site at www.sylvania.com.)

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April 4, 2004 Update - NRHS Meets in Altoona to Recognize Horseshoe Curve

The National Railway Historical Society annual Spring Board of Directors Meeting was held in Altoona this weekend from April 2 - 4 at the Altoona Ramada Inn. Hosted by Altoona's Horseshoe Curve Chapter, the Spring meeting of the Society's Directors from across the United States met in Altoona to recognize the engineering significance of Horseshoe Curve as one of the most significant landmarks and geographical achievements which date from the earliest genesis of railroad technological development. The three-day event in the greater Altoona area included two days of touring regional historical sites. Friday included tours of the Allegheny Portage Railroad, Gallitzin Tunnel Park, Luncheon at Station Inn (Cresson) and a visit to the Cassandra railroad overlook. Friday evening included an informal reception at the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Site for refreshments and a slide presentation of Horseshoe Curve images. Saturday's activities included a rail-heritage tour and a cultural tour of the city for spouses. A tour of Juniata Locomotive Shop was provided by Norfolk Southern Corporation, followed by a tour of Railroader's Memorial Museum. An afternoon Excursion on the Everett Railroad from Hollidaysburg to Roaring Spring was provided by host Horseshoe Curve Chapter who operates passenger excursions on the Everett Railroad Line, formerly the PRR's Morrison Cove Secondary. The cultural tour included the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Mishler Theatre, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, lunch at Michaels Café, followed by a visit to The Wall That Heals at the Van Zandt VA Hospital, and Baker Mansion. The Society's Spring Banquet was held Saturday evening at the Ramada Inn for the formal recognition of Horseshoe Curve as an engineering landmark. Keynote speaker for the evening was Dan Cupper, author and historian, who's published HORSESHOE HERITAGE-The Story of a Great Railroad Landmark, is well known on local bookshelves.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation by National Railway Historical Society President Gregory Molloy, of a bronze tablet (see attached photo) recognizing the engineering achievement of Horseshoe Curve and its impact on transportation and the railroad industry. Opened February 15, 1854, Horseshoe Curve has continued to serve the needs of the commerce and defense of the United States, from inception to present time. Mr. Molloy presented the bronze tablet to Mr. Scott Cessna, Executive Director of Railroader's Memorial Museum for later installation on a granite base at the flagpole at Horseshoe Curve. Other honored guests at the head table included Mr. and Mrs. Francis X. Givler (President and Secretary of Horseshoe Curve Chapter, respectively), and Mr. (& Mrs) William Reindl, Supervisor of Contract Services, Norfolk Southern Corporation. Rich Neeley was Master of Ceremonies. The National Railway Historical Society was founded in 1935 and is incorporated as a non-profit historical and educational corporation under IRS rules 501 C 3. David W. Seidel, Chapter Historian

The Plaque Donated by the NRHS.  Installed at the Horseshoe Curve Visitors Center.  For Additional Details, See the Memorable Moments of the Past  Pages

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17 June Update - Horseshoe Curve 150th Anniversary Celebration Plans Continue

"Even though it has been covered in Trains Magazine, a full-page ad in Railpace for 2 months, the internet, and the Associated Press wire service, the AARP radio network and associated other local media outlets, here is an update on the Curve lighting.

 

This time the event will last for much more than the 1/15^th of a second that the 1954 experience lasted.  As a half-mile long train approaches an otherwise darkened Curve the beams from 45: 7,000 watt searchlights, some riding in TTX cars and some based on the ground at the visitor center, will pierce straight up into the nighttime sky. The surrounding hillside will begin to systematically illuminate as the locomotive begins to trace the arc of the Curve. Section by section the entire landscape will be revealed in a kinetic and dynamic show of lighting power turning the hillsides red, white and blue.   The interior of each railcar will be illuminated by Sylvania HPL Ultra Plus Halogen lamps. Additionally a string of 100 theatrically programmed strobe lights will suggest a 2,500 foot long shimmering necklace of light.

The synchronization of this event is a giant challenge of perfect timing and must be delicately choreographed as to appear effortless in its motion but will actually be the result of a team of well-rehearsed people working very hard to make every detail perfect.

The day’s agenda is a full one.  Both the Museum and Curve will be open for business as usual.  There is entertainment scheduled for the Museum yard all day including a visit from the Sylvania sponsored #29 GM Goodwrench NASCAR entry of Kevin Harvick.  Upon the Curve and Museum closing, bus transportation to the Curve will begin.  The Curve will be filled with food and entertainment all evening as well.  After remarks from dignitaries, it will be time for the show.  Our train-mounted computerized light show will be ushered into the Curve by the live sounds of Altoona’s own Paul Winter and we are thrilled to have Paul available to be with us for this occasion.  Over 33 million lumens of light will fill the property.  With your average hardware store flashlight pumping out a whopping 30 to 50 lumens, gather 750,000 of your closest friends and lets see if we can begin to approach the spectacle that will take place July 4.

 

And that’s not all!!  Our friends at Sylvania Lighting Services have been busy retrofitting the landscape and buildings at the Horseshoe Curve Visitor Center complex.  New technology will adorn the facility there making it more enjoyable not only on July 4^th but for years to come as Sylvania is graciously leaving all of those improvements behind permanently.

 

Then to cap the evening, a fireworks show from Zambelli Fireworks Internationale.  They have certainly earned their reputation as the First Family of Fireworks.  A proud Pennsylvania company that has lit the sky over the White House for President Kennedy, illuminated Mount Rushmore, and have been featured at celebrations for the Statue of Liberty and Washington Monument, they will fill the sky over Kittanning point reservoir with the most spectacular show to ever be seen in this area.

 

Many have said that because of the trees, the people at the Visitor Center level will not see anything.  That could not be farther from the truth.  This is not about being able to see the train.  There is not that much to see.  The 7000 watt searchlights are the same type of lights used at the World Trade Center memorial and will be pointed straight up.  The hillsides surrounding the Curve will be lit and certainly the fireworks can be seen from anywhere.  Also, If you haven't been to the Curve in a while then you would know that the statement about trees not being cut is untrue.  The bank on the east side has been clear-cut from the visitor center to the signal bridge and more of the trees on our property (the big pines) are coming down." (Comments from Scott Cessna)

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July 4, 2004:   Independence Day/Horseshoe Curve 150th Anniversary Celebration

(c) copyright 2004 by Dan Cupper

"The HSC (Horseshoe Curve)  light train was drawn, fore and aft, by freshly painted Norfolk Southern GE Dash 9's, 9822 and 9828, each with Horseshoe Curve commemorative 150th anniversary magnetic logos affixed to the sides of their noses.

The consist was 10 brand-new, never-used-in-revenue-service DTTX three-pack container well cars, spliced by a commemorative boxcar bearing the logos of all four owners of Horseshoe Curve -- PRR, PC, CR, and NS. The well cars held generators, strobe lights, detail lights, and spotlights, the latter of which were synchronized and choreographed for the light show with the multiple spotlights placed at parking-lot level and in the trackside park.

The downpour was predicted and most of the approximately 3,000 patrons were well prepared with ponchos, rain hats, umbrellas, etc. The Vice President did appear at the Altoona Curve minor-league baseball game in the evening but the rain was relentless (the game against the Harrisburg Senators was called after eight innings) and his appearance at the Horseshoe Curve 150th event was canceled. (Secret Service agents had been checking out Altoona and Horseshoe Curve for six weeks).

As dusk arrived, the westbound Amtrak 41 (Three Rivers) was about the last, if not the last, regular train to pass through the Curve before rail traffic was stopped for the festivities. NS Chairman David Goode and guests arrived aboard the NS business train on No. 1 track and disembarked, after which the business train moved out of sight. It was powered by two new SD70Ms.

The rain cleared about a half-hour before the light show began. The light train was held just out of range until the program began, when the train moved westward on No. 2 track at about 5 mph to the accompaniment of live music. The train stopped with the boxcar at the apex of the Curve. The engines and boxcar had their own individual side lighting, and the nose of the 9822 was also illuminated with lamps that changed brilliant colors. The light show, which lit up the mountainsides in all directions, continued for several minutes until a 30-minute fireworks show began. At the conclusion of the fireworks, the NS business train returned to gather its passengers, and the light train began to return down the mountain to Altoona.

As for the vegetation, the east side has been cleared to signal bridge 2416, opening that arc of the vista considerably, compared to what it had been. (i.e., from the parking lot, one can easily see the trains on No. 1 and No. 2 track now at that segment of the Curve). Much more remains to be done, and the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, administrator of the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, has plans to continue the clearing, but a caveat here: Anyone expecting to see the clear-cut conditions shown in the 1952 PRR calendar painting recreated will be disappointed.

The event was conducted in such a way that those visitors on the lower level saw most if not all of the light show and the vegetation wasn't an issue. Those on the upper level saw much more of the train, but aside from the engines and boxcar, the darkened well cars weren't much to look at since the real attraction of the evening was the light show and the fireworks. The only complaints I heard were about the rain, and even that was mild because people did come prepared.

A lot of things could have come unraveled or gone wrong, but they didn't. It was a worthwhile celebration that shows what's possible when cooperation occurs among a nonprofit (ARMM), a corporate sponsor (OSRAM Sylvania) and a common carrier (NS), along with many theatrical lighting consultants, rigging experts, and other subcontractors.

Congratulations to ARMM exec. director Scott Cessna and his board and staff for having the vision to propose this and carry it through. Daniel Burnham, architect of Washington Union Station and PRR's Union Station, Pittsburgh, once said: "Make no little plans. They have no power to stir men's blood."  

All rights reserved. For permission to copy or reprint, please contact Dan Cupper at cupper@att.net. Dan Cupper, Harrisburg, PA

 

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July 4, 2004:   Independence Day/Horseshoe Curve 150th Anniversary Celebration Photographs

(All Photos by David Seidel)

	The 1954, Sylvania Electric Company/PRR Flash Photograph.		150th Anniversary Activities at the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
	150th Anniversary Activities at the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum		150th Anniversary Activities at the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
	Left: Mr. David Goode, President, N.S.RR. and (unk) Back row: (long sleeve blue shirt: Rudy Husband, NS Public Relations		Left: Mr. David Goode, President, N.S.RR. and (unk) Back row: (long sleeve blue shirt: Rudy Husband, NS Public Relations
			Standing (L-R): Frank Givler; (Unk) Sitting Front (L-R): (unk), Virginia Seidel; Alice Sheller; Leroy Sheller
	WTAJ-TV 10, CBS Affiliate Reporter interviews Leroy Sheller.    7-4-2004		The 2004, ARMM/Sylvania/ Hite Company/Norfolk Southern RR - 150th Anniversary Light Show at Horseshoe Curve
	The 2004, ARMM/Sylvania/ Hite Company/Norfolk Southern RR - 150th Anniversary Light Show at Horseshoe Curve		The 2004, ARMM/Sylvania/ Hite Company/Norfolk Southern RR - 150th Anniversary Light Show at Horseshoe Curve
	The 2004, ARMM/Sylvania/ Hite Company/Norfolk Southern RR - 150th Anniversary Light Show at Horseshoe Curve

 

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Norfolk Southern and Sylvania Celebrate Horseshoe Curve's 150th Anniversary

Horseshoe Curve 150th Anniversary Celebration - July 4, 2004 Altoona, Pa.

(Norfolk Southern Photo)

"On behalf of the 28,000 people of Norfolk Southern, I thank all of you for coming out tonight and helping us celebrate the 150th anniversary of Horseshoe Curve.

We at Norfolk Southern have been delighted and honored be a part of the lighting of Horseshoe Curve, but we all owe our thanks to those who made it possible.

throughout the country. Scott Cessna, thank you for your leadership and commitment to preserve and interpret a glorious part of Norfolk Southern’s history. We are proud to be associated with you.

I commend Sylvania and the Hite Company for their investment of time, money, resources and incredible expertise for tonight’s event. Fran Piscatelli, there were more than a few times when I was struck – sometimes with disbelief – by the scope and magnitude of the project. I thank you, Lee Hite, and your teams for creating a new image of Horseshoe Curve that people will be talking about for generations.

Finally, since tonight is about anniversaries, I want to mark a significant milestone for Norfolk Southern. Five years ago last month, Norfolk Southern began operating through Horseshoe Curve, Altoona and central Pennsylvania. While we encountered challenges along the way, we are today on a key route for the nation’s premier transportation company. This is a piece of history – but for us it’s a very busy line and a key part of the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Congressman Bill Shuster, Sen. Bob Jubelirer, and Reps. Jerry Stern and Rick Geist for their guidance and support along the way and in the future.

Horseshoe Curve is the single most recognizable railroad landmark in North America, if not the world.

Over the years, Horseshoe Curve helped the United States expand west. It provided a means for families to find new opportunities during the Great Depression, and it was a vital link for military efforts during World War II in the Pacific and Europe – to the point that saboteurs were sent to destroy railroad operations in this area. It also allowed some of our most recognized companies grow their businesses.

Today, Horseshoe Curve continues to play a vital role not only in our national economy, but in the economies of Asia and Europe as well.

But an important part of Horseshoe Curve is the railroaders that have made and continue to make all this possible – beginning with the men who carved this landmark out with nothing more than picks, shovels, gun powder and mules.

I salute the past and present generations of railroaders who have had the opportunity to work on and over Horseshoe Curve:

* The track and signal forces that have kept the Curve open on beautiful days like today, as well as in some of the most miserable weather imaginable.

* The train crews that have coaxed their steam and diesel locomotives up – and nursed them down – the mountain.

* The operators of Alto, Slope, MG and AR towers, the yardmasters at Rose and the train dispatchers in Altoona and Pittsburgh who have kept the trains moving.

* And the craftsmen at the Juniata and Altoona shops who settled this area and continue to set the standard for equipment maintenance.

You all occupy a special place in the continuing story of railroading in America. I look forward to many more anniversaries for the Curve.

Thank you."

(Prepared remarks of David R. Goode Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Norfolk Southern Corporation; Used with permission from Norfolk Southern)

 

Directions from the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum to Horseshoe Curve

Turn right onto 9th Ave and proceed to 17th Street. Turn right at 17th Street, get into the left lane (DO NOT GO OVER THE BRIDGE) and take the first left (Margaret Avenue). Proceed straight, go over the grade crossing to the light. Continue to go straight (you are on Broad Avenue, a two lane - one way street). Stay in the right lane. When you reach the light at 31st street, proceed through the light and bear right (you are now on a two way street). Follow Broad Avenue to the stop sign at 40th street, which is PA-4008. Turn right and just keep going. After four miles you will reach the visitors center.

 

Directions to Gallitzin from Horseshoe Curve

Exit the parking lot and turn right. Go through the tunnel and proceed along Glen White Road (note the old Coke ovens to your right). When you get to the stop sign at the top of the mountain, turn left. This road turns into Tunnel Hill Street when you get to Tunnel Hill/Gallitzin, PA.

 

Directions to the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site from Gallitzin

To get to the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, follow Tunnel Hill Street south, and cross over Rt 22.

 

Directions to Cresson from Gallitzin

To get to Cresson, go South on Tunnel Hill Street to Rt 22 and turn right or go west on Chestnut St to PA Rt53 and turn left

 

Directions to Sugar Run Road from Altoona

Follow Broad Avenue to 40th Street / Kittanning Point Road. Turn Right. Take an immediate left onto Broad Avenue. Follow this road until it Merges with Oak Avenue. Follow Oak Avenue until it merges with Sugar Run Road.

Sugar Run Road will parallel the main line (as well as PA Rt 22) and will emerge on Tunnel Hill Street in Tunnelhill/Gallitzin.

Photographs are by Chris Behe unless otherwise noted.
"Eighth Wonder" Logo is a trademark of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Inc

NRHS and its logo are trademarks of the National Railway Historical Society
Railfest is a trademark of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Inc
"Eighth Wonder" Logo is a trademark of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Inc
The logos for the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Conrail, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Amtrak are trademarks of their respective organizations.