My son and I got tickets to the Altoona Curve (AA) baseball game and I thought we’d go watch some trains before the game. I know of a foot bridge over the tracks near the museum, but all we’ve ever seen together is mainline trains Although it is neat to stand and watch the trains run under you, he’s never seen switching. Is there somewhere near the yard where we can see some yard action without landing in the pokey.
Try the overpass at Rose Yard (east of roundhouse). Just keep parallel to the tracks from the museum and you’ll easily find it.
Sounds good
thanks
Last Sunday I past the Altoona area on route 80 while driving to Chicago from New York. I was anticipating a visit to the Museum. I was disappointed to find that it was closed until May despite the fact that their recored meassage said it was open.
Peter Smith, Memphis
I’ve been to the Altoona area three times and have pages up on all three trips at http://chatanuga.org/RailPage.html.
Kevin
Chip,
When are you coming? I’ll give you my cell number and can show you some great train spots were you can be right by he mainlines or watching some yard moves (legally).
Mike
You can never beat horseshoe curve, but rose yard is good too
Thanks everyone. I ended up on the bridge above the Rose Yard. I thought the view was pretty good, although the trains ran from can see to can’t see. I’m not sure there could be a better spot, the moves covered such distance I don’t believe you can see it all form one spot.
Mike,
Next time I’ll take you up on it.
This is why I love these forums. I have been to the Railroaders Museum and Horseshoe Curve twice in the last three years, but never thought about driving east of the museum. Now I’m planning another trip in May especially to see Rose Yard and spend more time around the Amtrak Station. A couple of years ago, a fellow on another forum mentioned the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad in North Carolina. Well, the wife and I have been back there twice as well. I think with the price of gas, I might have to stop reading these threads.
Tom
tc - If you’re driving in from Steel City, don’t pass up great railfan spots in Cresson and Gallitzin.
Thanks Fifedog. They will surely be scheduled in. We will sometimes just drive up to Cresson and spend a couple of hours, then come home. Cresson is about one of the nicest places to just watch trains.
Tom
Here’s a Gallitzin/Tunnel Hill preview…
Another great spot is the roundhouse, you can see some good action from the fence. But by far the COBURN crossing is the spot. The engines are working HARD coming up and the smell is strong from the burning breaks when they are coming down. Below is the crossing up and down. You can get close there.
I am heading to Altoona on Sunday and will spend time at Horseshoe Curve. How much access, if any, is there to the Juniata facility ? I heard there was a museum or visitor’s station. I plan to be in the area two days, so I am looking for any other suggestions on things to see and do.
South Fork, the Wye and the cruve around the mountain are great. here is a sd80mac sitting on the wye, taken by me 