Altoona Railfest 2001, Photo Page 1 of 3; Stan's RailPix
Altoona Railfest 2001, Photo Page 1 of 3.
The most dramatic part of Altoona Railfest 2001 was the sight of the 1950’s vintage PRR diesel
locomotives, recently returned to their PRR tuscan red paint scheme, pulling the excursion trains
around the Horseshoe Curve and through the Gallitzin Tunnels.
The E8 classification locomotives
were often seen in their Pullman green paint while assigned to the Juniata based Conrail Business
Train. These locomotives also served Amtrak and the Penn Central. They did appear at Railfest as PRR 5809 and 5711, their original designations.
The former Conrail and ex-Pennsylvania Railroad 1950's passenger locomotives are owned by Bennett Levin and were restored at
his Juniata Terminal facility in Philadelphia, under the supervision of Juniata Terminal Chief Mechanical Officer Eric B Levin.
Bennett Levin, a Professional Engineer, is a noted railroad historian. He serves as a
member of the Board of Director's of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. He is also a member of the Advisory board of the
Friends of the Railroad Museum of the State of Pennsylvania, has served as President of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and
Historical Society, as well as President of the Private Car Owner's Association. Norfolk Southern Corporation and Amtrak agreed to
cooperate and allow the historic engines to be part of Altoona Railfest 2001.
3 Digital Images of PRR E8a's # 5711 & PRR # 5809 preparing to leave The Altoona Passenger Station with an " Allegheny Mountain Limited " Horseshoe Curve and Gallitzin Tunnels excursion train. The hour and fifteen minute ride will gain over 1000 feet in elevation over a distance of 12 miles. Altoona Railfest 2001. 10/6/01.
3 Digital Images showing, MARC Commuter Coaches on an " Allegheny Mountain Limited " across from the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, PRR Business Car # 120, and Norfolk Southern SD60I # 6740 still in Conrail blue, passing the Special Train. PRR # 120 was built in 1928 by the PRR in Altoona Penna. It was used by President John F. Kennedy to travel to the Army - Navy Game in Phila. Pa. The open platform observation car is now owned by Juniata Terminal Company CEO Bennett Levin. Altoona Railfest 2001. 10/6/01.
3 Digital Images of the interior of The Kitchi Gammi Club Car, showing the rear lounge, and the 5 berth sections. The car was built by The Pullman Company in 1923, was called "The Mountain View". It was purchased from Norfolk Southern by Virginia Rail Investment (VRIC) in 1989 and restored. As the car makes it way toward Horseshoe Curve, PRR # 5809 can be seen through the lounge windows. Altoona Railfest 2001. 10/6/01.
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