6/1/2024
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Viewing Album: PRR: Old-Time PRR at Horseshoe Curve
By:
Thomas C. Ayers
Dates:
2/15/1854 - 2/15/1854
Album Info:
Here are several photos that were taken at the Pennsylvania Railroad's Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania. Almost all of these images have been "borrowed" from the internet. Pedigrees are provided when available.
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Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1854
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1854. Prominent here (R to L) are Tracks 1 and 2 of the Pennsylvania Railroad's mainline that was opened to traffic on Wednesday, 15 February 1854. Ascending the Allegheny Mountains and rounding the Curve is a wood-burning steam locomotive that's pulling a six-car passenger train on its way from Altoona to Johnstown and points West. Note that all of the hardwood trees have been harvested on the opposing hill. The photographer's name, the locomotive's road number, and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
1/1/1900
Upload Date:
8/16/2020 7:32:24 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
289
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1854
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1854. Prominent here (R to L) are Tracks 1 and 2 of the Pennsylvania Railroad's "Horseshoe Curve" that was opened to traffic on Wednesday, 15 February 1854. Ascending the Allegheny Mountains and rounding the Curve is a wood-burning steam locomotive that's pulling a passenger train on its way from Altoona to Johnstown and points West. Note the tunnel under to Kittanning Run fill, built to permit passage of a stream by that name. The photographer's name, the locomotive's road number, and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
1/1/1900
Upload Date:
8/16/2020 7:32:55 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Tunnel,Steam,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
208
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1880
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1880. Shown here is the crew of a Pennsylvania Railroad wood-burning steam locomotive that's stopped on the Curve for the sake of posterity. The names of the crew members and of the photographer, the locomotive's road number, as well as the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
1/1/1900
Upload Date:
8/16/2020 7:33:20 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam
Locomotives:
Views:
210
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1890
Description:
iCurve. Here is a duplicate B&W Super Slide entitled "1890 Woodburner, Horseshoe Curve." It's part of a series called "Trains Of Yesteryear," HC-1102. Note the head-end Brakeman, sitting atop the first car of this train that's rounding the Curve on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona and points East. The photographer's name, the locomotive's road number, and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
1/1/1900
Upload Date:
5/4/2021 8:29:31 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam
Locomotives:
Views:
96
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1900
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1900. Prominent here (L to R) are Tracks 1 through 4 of the Pennsylvania Railroad's "Horseshoe Curve." The third track was completed in 1898, while the fourth track was opened in 1900. Descending the Allegheny Mountains and rounding the Curve is a coal-burning steam locomotive that's pulling a freight train on its way from Pitcairn to the Altoona Yards. Note that an early version of the famous stone "Horseshoe" has already been created. The photographer's name, the locomotive's road number, and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
1/1/1900
Upload Date:
8/16/2020 7:33:57 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam
Locomotives:
Views:
206
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1910
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image of an official photo that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1910. Shown here is a pair Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotives rounding the Curve on their way up the Allegheny Mountains with a ten-car passenger train bound for Johnstown and points West. In this context, it's paused momentarily to have its portrait taken! The locomotive road numbers and the exact date are not recorded. William E. Burket Collection.
Photo Date:
8/15/1910
Upload Date:
7/30/2022 7:29:01 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
59
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1911
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image of an official photo that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1911. Shown here is the sweep of the Curve, as seen from the vicinity of the Pennsylvania Railroad's IA Tower. Kittanning Mountain dominates the distance. The exact date is not recorded. William E. Burket Collection.
Photo Date:
8/15/1911
Upload Date:
7/30/2022 7:29:51 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Signal
Locomotives:
Views:
40
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1914
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1914. Shown here is a Pennsylvania Railroad Class "K" (4-6-2) "Pacific" steam locomotive rounding the Curve on its way down the Allegheny Mountains with an eight-car passenger train bound for Altoona and points East. In this context, it's paused momentarily to have its portrait taken! The photographer's name, the locomotive's road number, and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
7/28/1914
Upload Date:
12/26/2020 10:23:45 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
140
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1920
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1920. Visible across the valley (L to R) are the famous whitewashed stone "horseshoe," the watercourse tunnel for Kittanning Run, the Kittanning Point Freight and Passenger Stations, a string of loaded coal cars marshalled for the Coaling Station, as well as the four-tracked overhead Coaling Station. The photographer's name and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
8/15/1920
Upload Date:
2/15/2021 9:46:46 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Tunnel,Station,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
123
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1920
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1920. Shown here is a Pennsylvania Railroad Class "H" (2-8-0) "Consolidated" steam locomotive rounding the Curve on its way up the Allegheny Mountains with a string of empty hoppers bound for the coal mines of Western Pennsylvania. Visible at the right is the Kittanning Point Freight Station. The photographer's name, the locomotive's road number, and the date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
8/15/1920
Upload Date:
2/15/2021 9:47:35 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Station,Steam,Signal
Locomotives:
Views:
140
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1920
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1920. Shown here is a pair of Pennsylvania Railroad Class "H" (2-8-0) "Consolidated" steam locomotives rounding the Curve on their way up the Allegheny Mountains with a freight train bound for Gallitzin and points West. In this context, they're about to pass another locomotive pushing another freight around the Curve. Partially visible at the right is the Kittanning Point Freight Station. The photographer's name, the locomotive road numbers, and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
8/15/1920
Upload Date:
2/15/2021 9:48:45 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Station,Steam,Signal
Locomotives:
Views:
124
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Kittanning Point Coaling Station, c. 1920
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1920. In the foreground (L to R) are the Pennsylvania Railroad's four-track overhead Coaling Station (with semaphore signals), the Water Tank, and the trestle with marshalled coal cars. Beyond them are two water plugs and the Kittanning Point Passenger Station. Kittanning Mountain dominates the hazy distance. The photographer's name and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
8/15/1920
Upload Date:
2/16/2021 8:13:04 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Station,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
262
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Kittanning Point Passenger Station, c. 1920
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1920. In the left foreground is the turnout for the Kittanning Run Railroad. At the right is the Pennsylvania Railroad's Kittanning Point Passenger Station. In the center distance are the four-track overhead Coaling Station and an unidentified steam locomotive taking-on water. Note that all of these switches would've been thrown by hand! The photographer's name and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
8/15/1920
Upload Date:
2/16/2021 8:15:09 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Station,Steam,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
313
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Kittanning Point Passenger Station, c. 1920
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1920. Prominent here is a trio of Pennsylvania Railroad Class "K" (4-6-2) "Pacific" steam locomotives pulling a passenger train up the Allegheny Mountains and around the Curve to Pittsburgh and points West. Also visible are the four-track signal bridge (with semaphores) and the Kittanning Point Passenger Station. Now those were the good old days! The photographer's name and the date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
8/15/1920
Upload Date:
2/17/2021 7:54:57 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Station,Steam,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
151
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR 3700, HC-1S, 1920
Description:
Curve. Here is a photo via the Smithsonian Institution that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 28 November 1920. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #3700, the HC-1S (2-8-8-0) "Articulated" built in Juniata during June of 1919 and retired in August of 1929 after just a decade of revenue service. With a smaller locomotive in tow, it's on its way back down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona for yet another pusher run up "The Mountain." (#11,000)
Photo Date:
11/28/1920
Upload Date:
12/26/2023 11:13:33 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam
Locomotives:
PRR 3700(UNKNOWN)
Views:
64
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, 1934
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image of a photo by A.P. McDowell that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 12 October 1934. The siding on the right is connected at both ends to Track #1; there's a wye (to the photographer's rear), and lines leading up both sides of Burgoon Run to Glen White's mines and coke ovens.
Photo Date:
10/12/1934
Upload Date:
12/26/2020 10:23:20 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Signal,Track
Locomotives:
Views:
175
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Kittanning Point Passenger Station, c. 1936
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1936. Prominent here is the Pennsylvania Railroad's Kittanning Point Passenger Station. Partially visible at the right is a westbound passenger train on Track #2 that has stopped to unload and load passengers from the doors facing the Station. This practice required a temporary halt of all rail traffic on Tracks #3 and #4! The photographer's name and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
10/14/1936
Upload Date:
2/16/2021 8:16:32 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Station,Steam,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
259
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Kittanning Point Passenger Station, c. 1936
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1936. Shown here at the left is the Pennsylvania Railroad's Kittanning Point Passenger Station. At the right is a westbound passenger train on Track #2 that has stopped to unload and load passengers from the doors facing the Station. This practice required a temporary halt of all rail traffic on Tracks #3 and #4! The photographer's name, the locomotive's road number, and the date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
10/14/1936
Upload Date:
2/16/2021 9:21:46 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Station,Steam,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
321
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Kittanning Point Stations, c. 1936
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1936. Shown here (L to R) are the Pennsylvania Railroad's Kittanning Point Passenger Station, the four-track signal bridge (with semaphores), and the Freight Station. The first "Kittanning Run Station" was built during 1864; it was replaced in 1892 with this stone structure that was, in turn, razed in 1941. Kittanning Mountain dominates the distance. The photographer's name and the date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
10/14/1936
Upload Date:
2/16/2021 9:22:34 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Station,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
465
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, c. 1939
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1939. Shown in this aerial view is the entirety of the Pennsylvania Railroad's "Horseshoe Curve." Visible in the center are the four-track signal bridge and the Kittanning Point Passenger Station. At the far right, a steam-powered freight train is descending the Allegheny Mountains and is about to round the Curve on its way to the Altoona Yards. The photographer's name and the date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
9/22/1939
Upload Date:
8/16/2020 7:34:39 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Station,Steam,Passenger
Locomotives:
Views:
272
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve Vista, c. 1946
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1946. Shown here is a view from the very top of the Curve: Johnstown/West at the left, Altoona/East at the right. Depicted in the center is Kittanning Run, the path of the ancient Kittanning Indian Trail. Also visible are the famous white-washed stones spelling-out "Altoona Water Supply." The photographer's name and the exact date are not recorded. William E. Burket Collection.
Photo Date:
11/14/1946
Upload Date:
7/20/2022 6:41:13 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
58
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, 1947
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image of a photo by Bruce D. Fales that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, in the Summer of 1947. Shown here is a pair of Pennsylvania Railroad "I" Class (2-10-0) "Decapod" steam locomotives rounding the Curve on their way back down to East Altoona after completing a helper/pusher run up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and back. The locomotive road numbers and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:
7/4/1947
Upload Date:
12/26/2020 10:22:42 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam
Locomotives:
Views:
134
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR 4162, L-1S, c. 1947
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image of a photo by Bruce D. Fales that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1947. Shown here (L to R) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #4162 and an unidentified A-B set of GM-EMD EP-20 diesels rated at 2,000 horsepower each. #4162 is an L-1S (2-8-2) "Mikado" built in Juniata in September of 1917 and retired in June of 1949 after 32 years of faithful service. They're climbing the Allegheny Mountains and rounding the Curve with a passenger train destined for Pittsburgh and points West. Perhaps the person at the right is about to place a penny on the railhead to be flattened by the next train?
Photo Date:
8/15/1947
Upload Date:
8/13/2020 9:02:44 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam,Passenger
Locomotives:
PRR 4162(2-8-2)
Views:
242
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR 477087, N-5, c. 1947
Description:
iCurve. Here is an image of a photo by Bruce D. Fales that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1947. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad cabin car #477087 being pushed up the Allegheny Mountains and around the Curve by an unidentified "J" Class (2-10-4) "Texas" steam locomotive. Wave to the Conductor because he sure can't hear you!
Photo Date:
9/22/1947
Upload Date:
8/13/2020 9:03:14 PM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
RollingStock,Steam
Locomotives:
Views:
197
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, #1 of 2, 1955
Description:
iCurve. Here is the first of two successive images by John Pickett that were taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 13 October 1955. Prominent here is Pennsylvania Railroad #6154, a J-1 (2-10-4) "Texas" built in Juniata during December of 1943 and retired in April of 1959 after just 16 years of revenue service. In this context, it's running backward on Track #2 on its way back down to Altoona for yet another helper/pusher run up "The Mountain." Note the Brakeman "ridin' the roof" of the boxcar next track over, just above the tender's "doghouse"!
Photo Date:
10/13/1955
Upload Date:
8/18/2020 6:32:53 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam,Passenger
Locomotives:
PRR 6154(2-10-4)
Views:
269
Comments:
0
Title:
PRR Horseshoe Curve, #2 of 2, 1955
Description:
iCurve. Here is the second of two successive images by John Pickett that were taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 13 October 1955. Prominent here (R to L) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #8503, #8502, and two "EP" Class units whose numbers are not recorded. All were built by GM-EMD. #8503 and #8502 are ES-15M's built in August of 1952 and rated at 1,500 horsepower each; they're helping to pull a mail and express train up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin, where they'll uncouple and return to Altoona for yet another helper run up "The Mountain." Note PRR J-1 (2-10-4) "Texas" #6154 running backward on Track #2!
Photo Date:
10/13/1955
Upload Date:
8/18/2020 6:33:32 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Steam,Passenger
Locomotives:
PRR 8503(GP7)
PRR 8502(GP7)
PRR 6154(2-10-4)
Views:
500
Comments:
0
Title:
"World Famous Horseshoe Curve," Page 23, 2006
Description:
Here is a chronology called "Key Dates in Horseshoe Curve's History." It was included in a 24-page booklet entitled "World Famous Horseshoe Curve" that was published in 2006 by The Railroad Press, page 23.
Photo Date:
1/1/2006
Upload Date:
8/16/2020 8:56:10 AM
Location:
ALTOONA (HORSESHOE CURVE), PA
Author:
Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
145
Comments:
0
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