Altoona Railfest 2001, Photo Page 3 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.

More pictures of the restored PRR E8a locomotives
can be found on The Juniata Terminal Photo Pages.

Click on the thumbnail for a larger image.

3 Digital Images of PRR E8a's PRR # 5809 & # 5711 leading an " Allegheny Mountain Limited " Horseshoe Curve and Gallitzin Tunnels excursion train. The train is running from The Altoona Passenger Station up through the two percent grade on the 2,375 foot long curve. Altoona Railfest 2001, Altoona Penna. 10/6/01.

3 additional Digital Images showing PRR # 5809 & PRR # 5711 coming down the Horseshoe Curve with an " Allegheny Mountain Limited " Horseshoe Curve and Gallitzin Tunnels excursion train. The train has run around the "loop" track at Gallitzin that is normally used by helper engines, and will head back to the Altoona Passenger Station. All eyes are on the pair of restored Pennsylvania Railroad Locomotives as they proudly lead the train around The Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark. Altoona Pa. 10/6/01.

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