Just read a little while ago on an NS forum that brush cutting and clearing has started on the inside of the Curve. Great news for the rail fans 1!
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I did read last year that they were going to do that. In my opinion having the trees cut down on the inside of the curve is a great idea considering when all PRR Steam went around, most trees did not block the view. Only thing out of it will be hard and dangerous work to cut trees on the steep embankment. But considering certain areas around the world that get trees cut on embankments isn't that hard. But when and if they cut the whole curve, I will go back there. Can't wait to see that view of a Westbound climbing the grade from a mile away before the curve. Not a quarter mile. Sure will be a cool sight to see those westbound working hard climbing the grade. Also if they cut all the trees around the inside, people will be able to see the whole train around the curve. Not a quarter of it.
jim pastorius posted:Just read a little while ago on an NS forum that brush cutting and clearing has started on the inside of the Curve. Great news for the rail fans 1!
could you give us a link to that or any N S forums? thanks in advance.......
I don't like it now that access is so strongly controlled. The hours are limited and you can't walk up anymore or down. The last two times I was there in early May, it was drizzly and cloudy and at 10 in the morning it was closed and the gates locked.
In the old days you could go up at 6 am and watch the morning parade, or sit up there as it got dark and enjoy the views and sounds through the evening. Now I think the posted hours are something like 9 am to 8 pm or even less.
It is no longer a fun railfan spot. Maybe they (whoever runs the site) make some general tourist money, but in my opinion it is not worth it. Altoona is still a great spot and the RR museum is very nice.
The site is "Altoona Works.info. they have a daily report of what goes on at the Juniata Shops and the general Altoona area. Lots of good info. you can register and get more info but I haven't yet. I was there two years ago and walked up the steps but they do control access more but that is the way it goes today. The RR museum operates the place but not sure where the property lines are but they don't seem strict about it. Worth a trip but a lot more in the area. I have a desperate need to get back to those mountains and the railroad. The Curve, Gallitzin, Cresson, all the way through Cassandra and South Fork. love it.
prrjim posted:I don't like it now that access is so strongly controlled. The hours are limited and you can't walk up anymore or down. The last two times I was there in early May, it was drizzly and cloudy and at 10 in the morning it was closed and the gates locked.
In the old days you could go up at 6 am and watch the morning parade, or sit up there as it got dark and enjoy the views and sounds through the evening. Now I think the posted hours are something like 9 am to 8 pm or even less.
It is no longer a fun railfan spot. Maybe they (whoever runs the site) make some general tourist money, but in my opinion it is not worth it. Altoona is still a great spot and the RR museum is very nice.
Is the gift shop still operating ? I've been to the curve twice. Both times in the '90s. I suspect that 911 put a damper on rail fanning at certain places.
Three years ago, I had a friend from England visit us. He was in Washington DC for his job and took the train up to Philly to be with us. I picked him up from 30th Street and on the way home, stopped by the back of the Zoo Tower area. We pulled right into what I believe is the employee parking area. Got out of the truck and walked over to the tracks to watch some Amtrak trains coming from and going to 30th Street Station. He couldn't believe we could just walk amongst the tracks and take photographs as we pleased. "Nothing like this would happen at home", he said.
AS far as I know the gift shop is there. You buy your ticket there unless you paid at the museum. The 9/11 nonsense is pretty much over except they don't like trespassers. I do a lot of rail photography and no problems if you stay away from the tracks and their stuff. Some crews blow the horn and wave but not as many in the old days.
