Horseshoe Curve (Pennsylvania) - Current Operations

Current Operations

Traffic on Horseshoe Curve reached its peak in the 1940s with over 50 passenger trains per day along with many freight and military trains. Demand for train travel dropped greatly through the post-World War II years as highway and air travel became increasingly popular. The curve is still busy as part of Norfolk Southern's Pittsburgh Line and, as of 2008, was traversed by 51 scheduled freight trains every day, not including locals and the movements of helper engines which can double the number. The 3,000-horsepower (2,200 kW), EMD SD40-2 and SD40E helpers are coupled to the rear of long trains, providing the additional power necessary to ascend to the summit and assisting in braking during the descent. Amtrak's Pennsylvanian rounds the curve once in each direction daily on its journey between Pittsburgh and New York City.

The Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona manages a visitor center at the base of the curve which is open annually from April to October. The 6,800-square-foot (632 m2) center contains various historical artifacts and memorabilia relating to the curve, as well as a raised-relief map of the Altoona–Johnstown area. Access to the curve is enabled by either a 288-foot (88 m) funicular or a 194-step stairway, the equivalent of a 10-story building. The funicular is single-tracked, with the cars passing each other halfway up the slope; the cars are painted to resemble Pennsylvania Railroad passenger cars. In addition to the locomotive on display, a former "watchman's shanty" is located in the park. Horseshoe Curve is popular with railfans; train watchers can sometimes see three trains traversing the curve at the same time.