On April 24, 2004, the Potomac Division’s bus trip visited the Altoona Railroaders Museum, Horseshoe Curve, Gallitzin Tunnels, and Cresson’s west bound approaches to the Allegheny Mountains. We had a ball!! We started with guided tours of the Railroader’s Memorial Museum. Photo opportunities abounded out on museum property and its numerous railcars.
Onward to Horseshoe Curve! Most locomotives were in NS black, a few in Conrail blue, but the power short NS had several “primer specials,” complete with the stenciled markings.
At the Gallitzin Tunnels, everyone did see the light at the end of the tunnel as we watched on coming freight trains from the new bridge. The Tunnel Museum and resident tour guide provided for an informative history on all the bores through this Allegheny ridge.
Onward to Cresson, just a wee downgrade from Gallitzin --trains flying downgrade dropping off their pusher service and the long grinding action of the trains making their way eastward.
Mark Andersen
Pictures from several excursions follow. Click on picture for larger image. Click  for slide show. | |
