Altoona May 2001
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I've seen many pictures of this spot, but this was the first time I've seen it "in the flesh". We're looking east toward Horseshoe Curve at Tunnelhill, PA as a westbound general merchandise struggles up the hill. The track on the right is called "The Slide" and is typically used only by eastbounds due to its extreme grade. In just a few seconds this train will enter Allegheny Tunnel. "The Slide" uses the adjacent New Portage Tunnel. This would have been a stunning picture on a clear day, but the haze is definitely a factor on this day.
May 18, 2001
A westbound intermodal led by C40-8W 8372 exits Allegheny Tunnel in Gallitzin, PA on Track 3. This spot provided a unique opportunity on this trip, as there is normally a bridge spanning the spot where the lead unit is passing - you can see the abutment to the left of the train. The bridge has been taken out for construction, but will be replaced in the near future. In the meantime, nice shots of the west portal are to be had.
May 19, 2001
Conrail blue is still very common on the Pittsburgh Line, even two years after the split. Here a wesbound prepares to attack the hill in downtown Altoona. C40-8W 8327 is on the point.
May 18,2001
We decided to check out Johnstown, PA on this trip. Johnstown has frankly seen better days, and we didn't see much rail activity, but I did manage to snag a picture of Conemaugh & Black Lick's Y2K commemorative switcher. This is a 1949-vintage NW2.
May 19, 2001
In my mind, nothing reeks of the Pennsylvania Railroad quite like a position light signal. More and more of these classics are being replaced by the ubiquitous triangular 3-light signals, but we found a surprising number of them still in use on the west slope. This one is attached to a road bridge at CP-BC in Portage, PA.
May 19, 2001
