My Brother and his Grandson are planning a trip to Gettysburg, PA July 7 thru 14.
His Grandson (a teenager) is a Railfan and wants to see the Union Pacific “Big Boy” 4014 in action. He would like to video it. It will be in Altoona, PA on public display July 9 -10. My first thought was to watch it on Horseshoe Curve on Saturday July 11 when it leaves Altoona. But viewing the “Big Boy” on the curve is a ticketed event [Railroader’s Memorial Museum in Altoona] which is sold out. No public access will be allowed to the curve for non-ticket holders. According to the UP Steam Schedule “Big Boy” will leave Enola yard (no public access) Wednesday July 8 and travel to Altoona. It will then be on public display in Altoona Thursday and Friday July 9 & 10. So, another option for seeing it in action might be on Wednesday between Harrisburg and Altoona.
My questions. Does anyone know the line between Harrisburg and Altoona? Are there good photo spots along this route and where? Roads paralleling the railroad for “pacing” the train? Not being from the area, I don’t think they want to get mixed up in a train chase on unfamiliar roads and highways. It looks like on Google Earth a good bit of this route follows the river. Any photogenic spots along the river? Any information about this route would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
There are going to be 5 million people out there chasing it . It’s going to be insane.
You aren’t going to be able to begin pacing it, and I have a feeling people are going to be camped out along any area next to the main the night before.
I haven’t been chasing trains from Altoona up past Tunnelhill/Gallitzin for over 30 years.
Then, all the roads in the area were fairly twisty two-lane blacktop roads with plenty of hidden driveways, and comparatively few of the roads were near track level (and when they were there were very limited places to stop and photograph). I don’t think much, if any, of that has changed since then.
When you consider the number of red-mist-addled railfans chasing their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… I’m waiting to watch the best of the drone footage from good curated sources.
My suggestions based on my own experiences watching steam locomotives (611, 3751, the Big Boy, and a few others):
As others have mentioned, there is likely to be very large crowds wanting to see the same thing. My suggestion is to find some location with a grade crossing or other relatively open area and get there early (2+ hours prior to expected arrival). Find the best (safe) spot you can, and plant yourself there to claim it as your own. Bring snacks and drinks, and chat with the others near you. Meeting people can be part of the fun, and it especially helps if you can befriend someone with a scanner so you have a better idea of the arrival time.
As others have also said, there will be an abundance of videos available for viewing after the trip. I recommend just watching and appreciating the locomotive in action rather that trying to get some particular photo/ video shot. If you have never seen a large mainline steam locomotive running at speed before it is truly an impressive thing to see, and trying to photograph is just becomes a distraction.
Forget chasing. The chasers are almost universally best described as “nuts”. You don’t want to turn the day into a accident report/ insurance claim.
Be respectful of any law enforcement/ railroad personnel that might be in the area.
I don’t have any knowledge of the line so I can’t suggest any particular location, but this would be my strategy, especially if I were taking a new railfan.
The great experience, in my opinion, is the UP-sponsored trip out of Steamtown. I have no idea if tickets are still available from www.upsteam.
A sad incident a day or two ago: one of the winners of the cab-ride auction lost his grip waiting to enter the cab and fell about 8 feet, damaging his spine. That may make UP less willing to continue the practice.
Some time back there was a video…4014…run from St. Louis, South to MO. and AR. The video had to be chase/taken along the corn fields of IL. It was awesome. FAST SPEED show off of the whistle, the WORKS. I could view it over and over again (and I’m NOT a steam buff) It is so nostalgic. Running time is not too short, just right to get a real taste of the beast. Anyone know the you tube label?..There must be thousands. …THAT ONE is the best. regards mike endmtrw0601261125
Found one. Not my favorite (shorter) BUT it is a great stop/slow start/highball great steady shot of those huge drivers.
Worlds Largest Steam Engine! Pacing Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 North On Valley Sub! (4/12/26)
BTW We are fortunate to have North bound mainline (Jonesboro Sub)UP in town, 14 miles away South bound mainline (Hoxie Sub) UP. We get to see UP 4014 stop overs often. Even if not a railfan this machine is something for everyone to see. endmrw0601261145
Some of the folks in those crowds are pretty much lacking in social skills, 35 y.o. dude running around in an engineer’s cap, shouting woo woo, and “sharing” statistics about Big Boy’s weight.
