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3/28/2024
 
 
 
 
 
By:Thomas C. Ayers
Dates:1/3/1900 - 12/31/1999
Album Info:Here are digital scans of numerous postal cards depicting the "World Famous Horseshoe Curve" that's located six railroad-miles West of Altoona, Pennsylvania.
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PRR "Horse Shoe Curve," c. 1895
Title:  PRR "Horse Shoe Curve," c. 1895
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horse Shoe Curve on P. & N.W.R.R Near Altoona, Pa." No Postmark. The artist is not identified. Note that there are only two tracks present in this depiction; the third and fourth tracks were added in 1898 and 1900 respectively. The ancient Kittanning Indian Trail followed the valley at the far right.
Photo Date:  1/1/1900  Upload Date: 9/24/2022 11:08:33 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  59   Comments: 0
PRR "Horse Shoe Curve," c. 1895
Title:  PRR "Horse Shoe Curve," c. 1895
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horse Shoe Curve on P. & N.W.R.R., Altoona, Pa." No Postmark. The artist is not identified. Caption On Reverse: "Horse-Shoe Curve on P. & N. W. R. R., Altoona, Pa. ~ The city of Altoona is located at the east base of the Allegheny Mountains at an elevation of 1,180 feet above sea level, where the railroad begins to ascend the mountains at a grade of 90 feet to the mile. Horse-Shoe Curve is the most picturesque spot in the Alleghenies, and is located about a mile from Altoona. Population about 55,000." Note that there are only two tracks present in this depiction; the third and fourth tracks were added in 1898 and 1900 respectively.
Photo Date:  8/15/1900  Upload Date: 10/14/2017 12:46:11 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  607   Comments: 0
PRR "Mountain Scene," 1907
Title:  PRR "Mountain Scene," 1907
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Mountain Scene." Postmarked: 01 May 1907. Front Caption: "Mountain Scene on P.R.R. showing part of Horse Shoe Curve near Altoona, Pa." Visible on the left is the Glen White wye; visible on the right are the freight and passenger stations at Kittanning Point.
Photo Date:  5/1/1907  Upload Date: 3/9/2019 10:20:02 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Station,Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  308   Comments: 0
PRR "Horse Shoe Curve," 1907
Title:  PRR "Horse Shoe Curve," 1907
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horse Shoe Curve ~ Penna. R.R." Postmarked: 23 May 1907. The photographer is not identified. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #348, an H-6 (2-8-0) "Consolidated" built in the Altoona Machine Shops during September of 1899, renumbered "2004" in March of 1924, and retired in July of 1926 after 27 years of faithful service. It's hauling a mixed-cargo freight train around the Curve and down the Allegheny Mountains to the Eastbound Receiving Yards in Altoona.
Photo Date:  5/23/1907  Upload Date: 12/15/2018 2:40:07 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 348(2-8-0)
Views:  492   Comments: 1
PRR "Horse Shoe Curve," 1908
Title:  PRR "Horse Shoe Curve," 1908
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horse Shoe Curve, Kittaning Point, near Altoona, Pa." Postmarked: 29 May 1908. The artist is not identified. Visible at the left (L to R) are the freight station, a four-track signal bridge, the Kittanning Point Passenger Station, and the four-track coaling station.
Photo Date:  5/29/1908  Upload Date: 12/11/2020 9:18:07 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic
Locomotives: 
Views:  68   Comments: 0
PRR "Kittanning Point in the Alleghenies," 1910
Title:  PRR "Kittanning Point in the Alleghenies," 1910
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Kittanning Point in the Alleghenies." Postmarked: 30 May 1910. Caption On Reverse: "At an altitude of 1626 feet above tide, this famous point in the heart of the Appalachian system recalls to mind the famous Kittanning War Path used by trader, pioneer, and warrior. The Path passed immediately in front of the present station. The view here is one of unequalled beauty." Visible at the left are the Pennsylvania Railroad's four-track coaling station and the two-spout watering point.
Photo Date:  5/30/1910  Upload Date: 3/17/2020 9:51:26 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Station,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  212   Comments: 0
PRR "Kittanning Point, Looking East," c. 1910
Title:  PRR "Kittanning Point, Looking East," c. 1910
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Kittanning Point, Looking East toward Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. The artist is not identified. Situated here (L to R) are the Pennsylvania Railroad's Freight Station, the four-track Signal Bridge with semaphores, the Kittanning Point Passenger Station, as well as the four-track coaling station.
Photo Date:  5/31/1910  Upload Date: 3/18/2020 10:36:38 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Station,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  260   Comments: 0
PRR "Kittanning Point," c. 1910
Title:  PRR "Kittanning Point," c. 1910
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Kittanning Point, Showing Signal Tower, Altoona, Pa." No Postmark. The artist is not identified. Depicted here is a Pennsylvania Railroad passenger train blasting past the Kittanning Point Passenger Station on its way up the Allegheny Mountains from Altoona to Gallitzin and points West. The "Signal Tower" shown here is #2418, while the turnout on the left connects with the Kittanning Run Railroad and terminates at the Baker Mine.
Photo Date:  6/1/1910  Upload Date: 11/3/2018 2:51:39 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Station,Steam,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  448   Comments: 0
PRR "Horse Shoe Curve," 1910
Title:  PRR "Horse Shoe Curve," 1910
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horse Shoe Curve on Pennsylvania R.R., Altoona, Pa." Postmarked: 1 July 1910. The artist is not identified. Visible in the center (L to R) are the freight station, the Kittanning Point Passenger Station, and the four-track coaling station. "Red sky in the morning, Railroaders' warning!"
Photo Date:  7/1/1910  Upload Date: 12/11/2020 7:36:53 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic,Signal
Locomotives: 
Views:  80   Comments: 0
PRR "Kittaning Point," 1911
Title:  PRR "Kittaning Point," 1911
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Kittaning Point, Looking West, Altoona, Pa." Postmarked: 18 August 1911. The artist is not identified. Note the tiny train depicted on the fill over Burgoon Run. Kittaning Point Station is partially visible at the lower left.
Photo Date:  8/18/1911  Upload Date: 12/9/2018 6:31:54 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Station,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  296   Comments: 0
PRR "Horseshoe Curve," c. 1911
Title:  PRR "Horseshoe Curve," c. 1911
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horseshoe Curve, P.R.R., near Altoona, Pa." No postmark. The artist is not identified. Depicted in the foreground is a Pennsylvania Railroad passenger train powered by two locomotives rounding the Curve on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona and points East. Also of note (in the center) are several freight cars parked on the siding leading to the Glen White Mines.
Photo Date:  8/19/1911  Upload Date: 1/5/2019 5:15:01 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam,Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  316   Comments: 1
PRR "Kittanning Point," c. 1911
Title:  PRR "Kittanning Point," c. 1911
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Kittanning Point, showing Horseshoe Curve, near Altoona, Pa." No postmark. The artist is not identified. Visible in the distance (L to R) are the Freight Station, the Passenger Station, and the trusty Water Tank. In the foreground is a turnout for the wye servicing Glen White's mines and coke ovens.
Photo Date:  8/20/1911  Upload Date: 11/24/2020 8:54:42 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic,Station,Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  116   Comments: 0
PRR "Altoona's Reservoirs," c. 1911
Title:  PRR "Altoona's Reservoirs," c. 1911
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Altoona's Reservoirs, Kittaning Point, near Altoona, Pa." No postmark. The artist is not identified. Note the presence of Iron Horses at both ends of the Horseshoe Curve. Kittanning Point Station is partially visible at the far left, along with the mid-mountain coaling station and water plugs.
Photo Date:  8/21/1911  Upload Date: 12/9/2018 6:33:09 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Station,Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  243   Comments: 0
PRR "Kittanning Point," 1913
Title:  PRR "Kittanning Point," 1913
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Kittanning Point, Showing Signal Tower, Altoona, Pa." Postmarked: 22 September 1913. The artist is not identified. Depicted here is a Pennsylvania Railroad passenger train passing the Kittanning Point Passenger Station on its way up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points West.
Photo Date:  9/22/1913  Upload Date: 1/12/2023 6:24:40 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Station,Steam,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  48   Comments: 0
PRR "Famous Horse Shoe Curve," c. 1915
Title:  PRR "Famous Horse Shoe Curve," c. 1915
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Famous Horse Shoe Curve, on Main Line Pennsylvania Railroad." No Postmark. The artist is not identified. Visible in the center (L to R) are the freight station, the Kittanning Point Passenger Station, and the four-track coaling station.
Photo Date:  8/15/1915  Upload Date: 12/10/2020 7:54:41 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic,Signal
Locomotives: 
Views:  84   Comments: 0
PRR "Horseshoe Curve," c. 1936
Title:  PRR "Horseshoe Curve," c. 1936
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horseshoe Curve, Main Line Pennsylvania Railroad, near Altoona, Pa." No Postmark. The artist is not identified. Caption On Reverse: "Built in 1852, the Curve, even today, is considered an outstanding engineering feat. Length of curve, 2375 feet; elevation at east end, 1594 feet; grade, 91 feet per mile. Motorists may now reach the curve over State roads, and to see the Pennsy's giant locomotives and long trains climbing up the Allegheny Mountains is well worth the trip."
Photo Date:  10/14/1936  Upload Date: 12/10/2020 7:53:13 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic
Locomotives: 
Views:  70   Comments: 0
PRR "Horse-Shoe Curve at Kittanning Point," c. 1938
Title:  PRR "Horse-Shoe Curve at Kittanning Point," c. 1938
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horse-Shoe Curve at Kittanning Point, Altoona, Pa." No Postmark. The artist is not identified. Visible at the left is a westbound Pennsylvania Railroad steam-powered train approaching the Kittanning Point Passenger Station. Also visible in the center are two of Altoona's reservoirs on a frigid Winter's day.
Photo Date:  2/2/1938  Upload Date: 12/10/2020 9:55:33 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic,Winter,Steam
Locomotives: 
Views:  89   Comments: 0
PRR "Scenic View," c. 1938
Title:  PRR "Scenic View," c. 1938
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Scenic View Inside of Horseshoe Curve on Main Line Pennsylvania Railroad." No Postmark. The artist is not identified. Caption On Reverse: "Some of Pennsylvania's grandest natural mountain scenery awards the motorist who views the Horseshoe Curve from the inside. Three reservoirs of the Altoona water supply are in or below the Curve at an elevation of 1300 to 1500 feet above sea level." The second-highest reservoir is depicted here; the Horseshoe Curve proper is situated upon Kittanning Mountain, visible in the middle distance.
Photo Date:  8/9/1938  Upload Date: 10/10/2018 1:39:46 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic
Locomotives: 
Views:  182   Comments: 0
PRR "Horseshoe Curve," c. 1946
Title:  PRR "Horseshoe Curve," c. 1946
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. The photographer is not identified. Caption On Reverse: "Horseshoe Curve on the Pennsylvania Railroad west of Altoona is an attraction for many tourists." Note the absence of any fence separating the tracks and the trains from the tourists.
Photo Date:  8/15/1946  Upload Date: 12/27/2019 12:36:22 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic
Locomotives: 
Views:  161   Comments: 0
PRR "Pennsylvania 6407," J-1A, 1952
Title:  PRR "Pennsylvania 6407," J-1A, 1952
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Pennsylvania 6407." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Class J-1A, a 2-10-4, is down on its knees attacking the westbound slope west of Altoona, Penna. October [12th,] 1952. Horseshoe Curve is just ahead. An example of Pennsy's modern steam power, 6407 was built in the company's nearby Juniata Shops, June 1943. Photo by Robert F. Collins." #6407 was built in Juniata during June of 1943 and retired in August of 1958 after just 15 years of revenue service.
Photo Date:  10/12/1952  Upload Date: 12/24/2018 7:49:17 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 6407(2-10-4)
Views:  369   Comments: 0
PRR "Pennsylvania J-1," c. 1952
Title:  PRR "Pennsylvania J-1," c. 1952
Description:  Here is a postal card that could be entitled "Pennsylvania J-1." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Scenic view of the 'Horseshoe Curve,' Altoona, Pa., showing the J-1 engine pulling freight around the west bend of the curve." The photographer is not identified.
Photo Date:  10/13/1952  Upload Date: 5/6/2022 10:43:47 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives: 
Views:  52   Comments: 0
PRR "A Night Photo," #1 of 2, 1954
Title:  PRR "A Night Photo," #1 of 2, 1954
Description:  Here is the front side a postal card entitled "A Night Photo taken of World Famous Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. Photo by Ben Claar. (See #2 of 2 for Caption On Reverse.) Published by Claar Studio; 415 Montgomery Street; Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. In the foreground is a westbound passenger train headed by Pennsylvania Railroad engine #5862, an EP-20 built by GM-EMD in February of 1948 and retired in September of 1967 after just 19 years of revenue service.
Photo Date:  10/20/1954  Upload Date: 8/31/2018 4:05:30 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic,Night
Locomotives:  PRR 5862(E7A)
Views:  279   Comments: 0
PRR "A Night Photo," #2 of 2, 1954
Title:  PRR "A Night Photo," #2 of 2, 1954
Description:  Here is the back side of a postal card entitled "A Night Photo taken of World Famous Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. (See #1 of 2 for Photo.) Published by Claar Studio; 415 Montgomery Street; Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
Photo Date:  10/20/1954  Upload Date: 8/31/2018 4:06:41 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic,Night
Locomotives: 
Views:  187   Comments: 0
PRR "Memorial K-4S Locomotive," c. 1957
Title:  PRR "Memorial K-4S Locomotive," c. 1957
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Memorial K-4S Locomotive." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "K-4S Locomotive presented to the City of Altoona by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in memory of the 'Old Iron Horse.' Retired in May of 1955 after 2,490,000 miles. Photo by Sheldon L. Burns." #1361 is a K-4S (4-6-2) "Pacific" built in Juniata during May of 1918, retired in May of 1956, enshrined at the Horseshoe Curve on 08 June 1957, restored for excursion service during 1987-1988, withdrawn from service and disassembled because of safety concerns, and still not reassembled/restored/resurrected.
Photo Date:  8/15/1957  Upload Date: 1/5/2021 9:08:00 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 1361(4-6-2)
Views:  524   Comments: 0
PRR "Steps Leading To Top," c. 1961
Title:  PRR "Steps Leading To Top," c. 1961
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Steps Leading To Top." No Postmark. The photographer is not identified. Caption On Reverse: "A typical Sunday afternoon shows this family descending the steps, leading to the top, of the World Famous Horseshoe Curve." A scene from the good ol' step-climbin' days before the funicular!
Photo Date:  8/15/1961  Upload Date: 10/10/2022 11:00:45 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  39   Comments: 0
PRR "Autumn Scene," c. 1962
Title:  PRR "Autumn Scene," c. 1962
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Autumn Scene At The Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. The photographer is not identified. Caption On Reverse: "World Famous Horseshoe Curve, showing parking area visited by hundreds of tourists each year. Altoona, Pa." A scene from the good ol' step-climbin' days before the funicular!
Photo Date:  9/22/1962  Upload Date: 6/29/2023 10:40:49 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 1361(4-6-2)
Views:  82   Comments: 0
PRR "Altoona, Pennsylvania," c. 1963
Title:  PRR "Altoona, Pennsylvania," c. 1963
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Altoona, Pennsylvania." No Postmark. The photographer is not identified. Caption On Reverse: "Altoona, Pennsylvania. An aerial View of the world famous Horseshoe Curve." Visible near the apex of the Curve is Pennsylvania Railroad K-4S (4-6-2) "Pacific" steam locomotive #1361. Also visible at the right is four-track Signal Bridge #2416/7, near where the Kittanning Point Passenger Station was once situated.
Photo Date:  8/15/1963  Upload Date: 12/10/2020 9:52:32 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Signal
Locomotives:  PRR 1361(4-6-2)
Views:  312   Comments: 0
PRR "Aerial View of Horseshoe Curve," c. 1965
Title:  PRR "Aerial View of Horseshoe Curve," c. 1965
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Aerial View of Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Aerial View of Horseshoe Curve. Altoona, PA. Looking North. Photo by Sheldon L. Burns." Visible near the apex of the Curve is Pennsylvania Railroad K-4S (4-6-2) "Pacific" steam locomotive #1361. The date is an approximation.
Photo Date:  8/15/1965  Upload Date: 12/9/2020 4:54:13 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Scenic,Steam,Signal
Locomotives:  PRR 1361(4-6-2)
Views:  273   Comments: 0
PRR "Diesels on West Slope," c. 1965
Title:  PRR "Diesels on West Slope," c. 1965
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Diesels on West Slope of Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Diesel freight descending the West Slope of the Horseshoe Curve just west of Altoona, Pa. Photo by Sheldon L. Burns." The numbers of these three Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives are not recorded, but all of them were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. The date is an approximation.
Photo Date:  8/16/1965  Upload Date: 9/11/2018 3:01:33 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  188   Comments: 1
PRR "East Bound Freight, " c. 1965
Title:  PRR "East Bound Freight, " c. 1965
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "East Bound Freight on Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Here we have a Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Train rounding world famous Horseshoe Curve prior to entering the Railroad Yards in Altoona, Pa. Photo by Sheldon L. Burns." Shown here (L to R) are PRR engines #9654 and at least two more "EF" Class units whose numbers are not recorded. All were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9654 is an EF-15A built as an EH-15 in February of 1950, and later regeared and reclassified as an EF-15A. The date is not recorded.
Photo Date:  8/17/1965  Upload Date: 8/31/2018 4:09:22 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  PRR 9654(F7A)
Views:  430   Comments: 1
PRR "Diesel Helpers," c. 1965
Title:  PRR "Diesel Helpers," c. 1965
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Diesel Helpers." No Postmark. Revised Caption On Reverse: "'Diesel Helpers' descending the mountain after helping a [freight] train over the Horseshoe Curve, Altoona, Pa. Photo by Sheldon L. Burns." Shown here (L to R) are Pennsylvania Railroad engine #7132 and two more "Geeps" whose road numbers are not recorded. All are EFS-17M's built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,750 horsepower each. #7132 was built in June of 1957. The date is an approximation.
Photo Date:  8/18/1965  Upload Date: 9/11/2018 3:00:10 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 7132(GP9)
Views:  284   Comments: 1
PRR "Diesel Helpers," c. 1965
Title:  PRR "Diesel Helpers," c. 1965
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Diesel Helpers." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Diesel locomotives helping a westbound freight train around the world famous Horseshoe Curve, located about 5 miles west of Altoona, Pa. Photo by Sheldon L. Burns." The numbers of these ALCo AS-18AM locomotives and the N-8 cabin car, as well as the exact date, are not recorded.
Photo Date:  8/19/1965  Upload Date: 2/27/2020 3:59:15 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  180   Comments: 0
PRR "Pennsylvania Railroad Caboose," c. 1966
Title:  PRR "Pennsylvania Railroad Caboose," c. 1966
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Pennsylvania Railroad Caboose." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Pennsylvania Railroad Caboose. Purchased by the Altoona Tourist Committee. On display at Horseshoe Curve. Photo by Sheldon L. Burns." Shown here is PRR N-6B cabin car #980901 built in the Altoona Car Shops in August, 1916.
Photo Date:  8/15/1967  Upload Date: 1/19/2021 5:43:35 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  RollingStock
Locomotives: 
Views:  183   Comments: 0
PRR "Sleeping Giants," c. 1968
Title:  PRR "Sleeping Giants," c. 1968
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Sleeping Giants." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Sleeping Giants. A view of World Famous Horseshoe Curve on the former Pennsylvania Railroad's 4-Track Mainline, 5 miles West of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Railroad's K-4 locomotive #1361 sleeps, as does the East Slope of the Allegheny Mountains. (K-4 #1361 has since been moved to the Railroaders Memorial Museum, Altoona, Pennsylvania.) Photo courtesy of David W. Seidel."
Photo Date:  1/23/1968  Upload Date: 8/31/2018 4:12:56 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Winter,Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 1361(4-6-2)
Views:  572   Comments: 0
PC "Horseshoe Curve," c. 1969
Title:  PC "Horseshoe Curve," c. 1969
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Eastbound locomotives passing the Pride & Joy of the P.R.R. K-4s #1361 on the world famous Horseshoe Curve." Pictured on the left is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #1361, a K-4S (4-6-2) "Pacific" built in Juniata during May of 1918 and retired in May of 1956 after 38 years of faithful service. Pictured on the right are Penn Central Railroad engines #6040 and perhaps two other units whose numbers are not recorded. #6040 is an SD-40 built (for the PRR) in February of 1966 and rated at 3,000 horsepower. The photographer's name and the date are not recorded.
Photo Date:  8/15/1969  Upload Date: 10/27/2018 12:29:50 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PC 6040(SD40) PRR 1361(4-6-2)
Views:  606   Comments: 0
PC "Penn Central Freight Train," c. 1970
Title:  PC "Penn Central Freight Train," c. 1970
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Penn Central Freight Train." No Postmark. Shown here (L to R) are PC engines #6076, #6125, #2432, and another unit whose road number is not recorded. #6076 is an SD-40 built by GM-EMD in February of 1966 for the PRR and rated at 3,000 horsepower. #6125 is an SD-45 constructed by GM-EMD in November of 1966 for the PRR and rated at 3,600 horsepower. And #2432 is a C425 built by the American Locomotive Company in March of 1965 for the PRR and rated at 2,500 horsepower. In this context, they're pulling a maifest freight train around the Horseshoe Curve and up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points West. The photographer's name and the exact date are not recorded. (#10,700)
Photo Date:  4/16/1970  Upload Date: 7/10/2023 11:43:33 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PC 6076(SD40) PC 6125(SD45) PC 2432(C425)
Views:  125   Comments: 0
PC "Penn Central Passenger Train," 1970
Title:  PC "Penn Central Passenger Train," 1970
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Penn Central Passenger Train." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "On September 13, 1970, a swift Penn Central westbound passenger train is nearing Horseshoe Curve behind two E-8A's. The train is passing a C-630/SD-45 helper set. Photo by David P. Oroszi." PC #4303 is ex-PRR #5903, an EP-22 built by GM-EMD in March of 1951 and rated at 2,250 horsepower. PC #6319 is ex-PRR #6319, an AF-30 built by the American Locomotive Company in October of 1966 and rated at 3,000 horsepower.
Photo Date:  9/13/1970  Upload Date: 8/28/2018 12:46:59 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Passenger
Locomotives:  PC 4303(E8A) PC 6319(C630)
Views:  959   Comments: 2
PC "Horseshoe Curve," 1970
Title:  PC "Horseshoe Curve," 1970
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Penn Central GP35 2309 growls up Pennsylvania's famous Horseshoe Curve westbound with a merchandise freight. The curve, located west of Altoona on the former Pennsylvania RR mainline to Pittsburgh, was opened to traffic in February 1854. This scene was taken during the Penn Central era, September 1970. Photo: Carl H. Sturner Collection." Shown here (R to L) are Penn Central engines #2309 and #2387. Both are GP35's built by GM-EMD and rated at 2,500 horsepower each. Also visible is four-track Signal Bridge #2416.
Photo Date:  9/22/1970  Upload Date: 5/6/2022 10:46:56 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Signal
Locomotives:  PC 2309(GP35) PC 2387(GP35)
Views:  96   Comments: 0
"World Famous Horseshoe Curve," c. 1971
Title:  "World Famous Horseshoe Curve," c. 1971
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "World Famous Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "This wide angle view provides a lovely autumn picture of an amazing feat. Built by hand and completed in February, 1854, this accomplishment has been recognized world wide." The photographer's name is not recorded.
Photo Date:  9/22/1971  Upload Date: 1/25/2024 9:59:30 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  17   Comments: 0
AMTK "The National Limited," 1977
Title:  AMTK "The National Limited," 1977
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "The National Limited." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Amtrak E8A 447 and E9B 457 drift downgrade around Horseshoe Curve, west of Altoona, Pa., with train No. 30, the eastbound 'National Limited,' May 21, 1977. Photo Carl H. Sturner Collection." AMTK #447 is an E8A built by GM-EMD as Pennsylvania Railroad number "5790" in May of 1952 and rated at 2,250 horsepower. I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that it's rounded the Curve more than a few times in its career!
Photo Date:  5/21/1977  Upload Date: 5/25/2021 9:43:32 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Passenger
Locomotives:  AMTK 447(E8A) AMTK 457(E9B)
Views:  198   Comments: 0
AMTK "Broadway Limited," 1977
Title:  AMTK "Broadway Limited," 1977
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Broadway Limited." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "One of Amtrak's flagship trains, the Chicago to New York "Broadway Limited," descends the world famous Horseshoe Curve just minutes west of Altoona, PA. Pennsylvania Railroad K4 No. 1361 is on display on the inside of the Curve. August 22, 1977. Photo by Ronald N. Johnson." Unfortunately, the road numbers of the three Amtrak GM-EMD E8A diesel-electric locomotives pictured here are not recorded.
Photo Date:  8/22/1977  Upload Date: 10/7/2021 7:03:54 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Passenger
Locomotives:  PRR 1361(4-6-2)
Views:  131   Comments: 0
AMTK "Broadway Limited," c. 1979
Title:  AMTK "Broadway Limited," c. 1979
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Broadway Limited." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "Just west of Altoona, PA, Amtrak's 'Broadway Limited' enters the legendary Horseshoe Curve, which measures about 1,400 feet across and nearly a mile around. Opened in 1854, it is one of the great wonders of railroad building." The photographer's name, the locomotive road numbers, as well as the exact date, are not recorded.
Photo Date:  9/22/1979  Upload Date: 3/7/2024 4:40:46 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  8   Comments: 0
AMTK "Horseshoe Curve," 1981
Title:  AMTK "Horseshoe Curve," 1981
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "Horseshoe Curve; Altoona, Pa." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "AMTRAK #40, the 'Broadway Limited,' eastbound around Horseshoe Curve. The Gift Shop and rest area located at base of embankment. Summer 1981. Photo taken and published by James J. Kelly." The locomotive road numbers and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:  8/15/1981  Upload Date: 1/3/2020 12:50:12 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  172   Comments: 0
CR "World Famous Horseshoe Curve," c. 1997
Title:  CR "World Famous Horseshoe Curve," c. 1997
Description:  Here is a postal card entitled "World Famous Horseshoe Curve." No Postmark. Caption On Reverse: "World Famous Horseshoe Curve, West of Altoona PA, seen in this Autumn aerial view. Conrail moves 50-60 trains per day over this important East-West rail link that has served continuously since 1854. The Railroaders Memorial Museum operates a year-round Visitor Center, Gift Shop, and Funicular at the site. Photo by H. Mark Weidman." Kittanning Mountain embraces the Curve's apex. At the right of the Mountain is Kittanning Run, route of the ancient Kittanning Indian Trail and headwaters of the Juniata River which flow eventually into Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic.
Photo Date:  8/15/1997  Upload Date: 2/1/2022 8:53:32 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 7048(GP9)
Views:  148   Comments: 0


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