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12/25/2024
 
 
 
 
 
By:Thomas C. Ayers
Dates:3/11/1946 - 12/31/1996
Album Info:Here are several photos that were taken at Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, from 1929 through 1989.
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PRR 3672, K-4S, c. 1929
Title:  PRR 3672, K-4S, c. 1929
Description:  AHC. Here is a photo by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1929. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #3672, a K-4S (4-6-2) "Pacific" built in Juniata during June of 1918 and retired in September of 1952 after 34 years of faithful service. It's just departed the Kittanning Point Passenger Station at 4:20 with local train #685 on its daily run up the Allegheny Mountains from Altoona to Pittsburgh. Note the semaphore signals.
Photo Date:  9/22/1929  Upload Date: 5/26/2024 6:48:39 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Station,Steam,Signal,Passenger
Locomotives:  PRR 3672(4-6-2)
Views:  123   Comments: 0
PRR 6710, M-1A, 1939
Title:  PRR 6710, M-1A, 1939
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide (converted to B&W) of a photo by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, in 1939. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #6710, an M-1A (4-8-2) "Mountain" built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works during April of 1930 and retired in September of 1952 after 22 years of faithful service. Caption On Slide Mount: "Hotshot SW-8, Freight between St. Louis and Enola Yard."
Photo Date:  9/22/1939  Upload Date: 1/9/2024 8:50:16 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 6710(4-8-2)
Views:  167   Comments: 0
PRR "Decapod," 2-10-0, 1941
Title:  PRR "Decapod," 2-10-0, 1941
Description:  AHC. Here is an image of a photo by Milton A. Davis that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, in 1941. At the left, an unidentified Pennsylvania Railroad I-1SA (2-10-0) "Decapod" and a mixed-cargo freight train are about to enter the Curve on their way up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points Wdst. At the right, another freight train drifts down "The Mountain" on its way to Altoona and points East. Note the Brakeman riding atop one of the boxcars just ahead of the cabin car! William E. Burket Collection.
Photo Date:  8/15/1941  Upload Date: 7/8/2022 7:48:39 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives: 
Views:  241   Comments: 0
PRR K-4S, "Pacific," c. 1946
Title:  PRR K-4S, "Pacific," c. 1946
Description:  AHC. Here is an original photo that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1946. Shown here is an unidentified Pennsylvania Railroad Class K-4S (4-6-2) "Pacific" steam locomotive rounding the Curve on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona, where it will be readied to make yet another passenger-helper run up "The Mountain" to Gallitzin and back. The photographer's name and the exact date are not recorded.
Photo Date:  8/15/1946  Upload Date: 6/27/2018 2:05:50 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives: 
Views:  682   Comments: 0
PRR 1487, L-1S, 1947
Title:  PRR 1487, L-1S, 1947
Description:  AHC. Here is a photo by Bruce D. Fales that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 20 November 1947. It was published originally in Mike Schaffer & Brian Solomon's (1997) book entitled "Pennsylvania Railroad," page 22. Photo Caption: "The engine crew of this Class L 2-8-2 appear to be as interested in the group of photographers as the photographers are in capturing the crew's engine, the 1487, slugging through Horseshoe Curve on November 20, 1947." Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #1487, an L-1S (2-8-2) "Mikado" built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works during January of 1917 and retired in October of 1956.
Photo Date:  11/20/1947  Upload Date: 9/26/2017 2:40:27 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 1487(2-8-2)
Views:  1007   Comments: 0
PRR 9459, FF-20, 1948
Title:  PRR 9459, FF-20, 1948
Description:  AHC. Here is a photo by Bruce D. Fales that was taken near the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 27 July 1948. It was published originally in Mike Schaffer & Brian Solomon's (1997) book entitled "Pennsylvania Railroad," page 119. Partial Caption: "Dieselization on the PRR had just commenced in a big way when this handsome A-B-A set of Fairbanks-Morse Eries grinding uphill between Horseshoe and Gallitzin with manifest 'QD' was captured on film." Shown here (L to R) are PRR engine #9459 and two more units whose road numbers are not recorded. All are FF-20's built by Fairbanks-Morse and rated at 2,000 horsepower each. #9459 was constructed in December of 1947 and retired in September of 1962 after just 15 years of revenue service.
Photo Date:  7/24/1948  Upload Date: 11/12/2021 6:11:21 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9459(ERIE-A)
Views:  296   Comments: 0
PRR "Triple-Header," 1948
Title:  PRR "Triple-Header," 1948
Description:  AHC. Here is a photo by Bruce D. Fales that was taken near the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 24 July 1948. It was published originally in Mike Schaffer & Brian Solomon's (1997) book entitled "Pennsylvania Railroad," page 22. Photo Caption: "Nearly all freights making the westbound climb out of Altoona were (and still are) assisted by a set of helper locomotives pushing at the hind end of the train. On this day in July 1948, no less than three locomotives ~ two of them running in reverse ~ help a freight achieve the summit." Partially visible at the left is Pennsylvania Railroad N-5 cabin car #477630.
Photo Date:  7/25/1948  Upload Date: 9/26/2017 2:42:24 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  RollingStock,Steam
Locomotives: 
Views:  931   Comments: 3
PRR 4162, L-1S, c. 1948
Title:  PRR 4162, L-1S, c. 1948
Description:  AHC. Here is a photo by Ray E. Tobey that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1948. Shown here (L to R) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #4162, #5853, and another E-7A whose number is not recorded. #4162 is an L-1S (2-8-2) "Mikado" built in Juniata during September of 1917 and retired in June of 1949. #5853 is an EP-20 built by GM-EMD in September of 1947 and rated at 2,000 horsepower. (As such, this photo was taken sometime between September of 1947 and June of 1949.) They're rockin' 'n' rollin' around the Curve with train #25, the westbound "Metropolitan."
Photo Date:  9/22/1948  Upload Date: 2/15/2019 9:20:41 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam,Passenger
Locomotives:  PRR 4162(2-8-2) PRR 5853(E7A)
Views:  666   Comments: 0
PRR 5858, EP-20, 1949
Title:  PRR 5858, EP-20, 1949
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 5 June 1949. Shown here (R to L) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #5858 and a "B" unit whose number is not recorded. Both are EP-20's built by GM-EMD and rated at 2,000 horsepwer each. #5858 was built in February of 1948 and retired in March of 1967 after just 19 years of revenue service. They're pulling a passenger train around the Curve and down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona and points East. This photo comes from a slide set distributed by Marlo Industries of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Photo Date:  6/5/1949  Upload Date: 2/7/2018 8:24:21 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Passenger
Locomotives:  PRR 5858(E7A)
Views:  772   Comments: 0
PRR 9684, EH-15, 1949
Title:  PRR 9684, EH-15, 1949
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide via Al Chione that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 5 June 1949. The photographer is not identified. Shown here (R to L) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #9684 and two more "EH" Class units whose numbers are not recorded. All are EH-15's built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9684 was constructed as an EH-15 in February of 1949, later regeared and reclassified as an EF-15A, and retired in December of 1966 after just 17 years of revenue service. In this context, this A-B-A trio is rounding the Curve on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona where it'll await yet another helper/pusher run up "The Mountain." Visible at the far left is Milepost 242. ("PrrFan18n")
Photo Date:  6/5/1949  Upload Date: 2/17/2021 10:15:02 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9684(F3A)
Views:  379   Comments: 0
PRR 9685, EH-15, 1949
Title:  PRR 9685, EH-15, 1949
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide via Al Chione that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 5 June 1949. The photographer is not identified. Shown here (R to L) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #9685 and two more "F" Class units whose numbers are not recorded. All were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9685 is an EH-15 built in February of 1949 and later regeared and reclassified as an EF-15A. This A-B-A trio is pushing a mixed-cargo freight train around the Curve and up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin, where they will uncouple and return to East Altoona for yet another helper run up "The Mountain." The number of the N-5C cabin car is not recorded.
Photo Date:  6/5/1949  Upload Date: 2/10/2019 6:17:01 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9685(F3A)
Views:  646   Comments: 1
PRR 9686, EH-15, #1 of 2, 1949
Title:  PRR 9686, EH-15, #1 of 2, 1949
Description:  AHC. Here is the first of two successive duplicate 35mm color slides via Al Chione that were taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 5 June 1949. The photographer is not identified. Shown here (R to L) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #9686, an unidentified "B" unit, and #9687. All were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9686 and #9687 were constructed as EH-15's in February of 1949, but later regeared and reclassified as EF-15A's. In this context, this A-B-A trio is rounding the Curve on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to East Altoona to await yet another helper/pusher run up "The Mountain."
Photo Date:  6/5/1949  Upload Date: 12/19/2024 7:43:38 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9687(F3A) PRR 9686(F3A)
Views:  19   Comments: 0
PRR 9687, EH-15, #2 of 2, 1949
Title:  PRR 9687, EH-15, #2 of 2, 1949
Description:  AHC. Here is the second of two successive duplicate 35mm color slides via Al Chione that were taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 5 June 1949. The photographer is not identified. Shown here (L to R) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #9687, an unidentified "B" unit, and #9686. All were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9687 and #9686 were constructed as EH-15's in February of 1949, but later regeared and reclassified as EF-15A's. This A-B-A trio is rounding the Curve on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to East Altoona for another helper/pusher run up "The Mountain." Wave to the Fireman! ("PrrFan18n")
Photo Date:  6/5/1949  Upload Date: 1/17/2021 7:09:08 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9687(F3A) PRR 9686(F3A)
Views:  363   Comments: 0
PRR 9692, EH-15, 1949
Title:  PRR 9692, EH-15, 1949
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide via Al Chione that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 5 June 1949. The photographer is not identified. Shown here (R to L) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #9692, an unidentified "F" Class B-unit, and #9693. All were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9692 and #9693 are EH-15's built in April of 1949, and later regeared and reclassified as EF-15A's. This A-B-A trio is pushing a freight train around the Curve and up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin, where they will uncouple and return to East Altoona for yet another helper run up "The Mountain." The number of the N-5 cabin car is not recorded.
Photo Date:  6/5/1949  Upload Date: 5/12/2019 6:32:27 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9692(F7A) PRR 9693(F7A)
Views:  505   Comments: 2
PRR 5848, EP-20, c. 1949
Title:  PRR 5848, EP-20, c. 1949
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide via Al Chione that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1949. The photographer is not identified. Shown here (R to L) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #5848 and a "B" unit whose number is not recorded. Both are EP-20's built by GM-EMD and rated at 2,000 horsepower each. #5848 was built during August of 1947. They are pulling a passenger train down the Allegheny Mountains and around the Curve on their way to Altoona, Harrisburg, and points East. The date is an approximation.
Photo Date:  8/15/1949  Upload Date: 11/28/2018 2:20:58 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Passenger
Locomotives:  PRR 5848(E7A)
Views:  983   Comments: 0
PRR 9699, EH-15, c. 1949
Title:  PRR 9699, EH-15, c. 1949
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide via Al Chione that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1949. The photographer is not identified. Shown here (R to L) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #9699 and two more units whose road numbers are not recorded. All were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9699 is an EH-15 built in April of 1949, and later regeared and reclassified as an EF-15A, and retired in December of 1963 after just 14 years of revenue service.
Photo Date:  8/15/1949  Upload Date: 9/14/2022 7:32:05 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9699(F7A)
Views:  214   Comments: 0
PRR 8185, H-10S, c. 1950
Title:  PRR 8185, H-10S, c. 1950
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide via Al Chione that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, perhaps in 1950. The photographer is not identified. Visible on the right is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #8185, an H-10S (2-8-0) "Consilidated" built by the American Locomotive Company during April of 1916 and retired in August of 1955 after 39 years of faithful service. In this context, it's attending a work crew that's either laying-down new cross ties or picking-up old ones. Also notable are the Lines West-style tender, Signal Bridge #2416, two venerable water plugs, and a small portion of Brush Mountain in the distance. (SFM)
Photo Date:  8/15/1950  Upload Date: 9/26/2018 1:58:16 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam,Signal
Locomotives:  PRR 8185(2-8-0)
Views:  807   Comments: 1
PRR 5877, EP-20, c. 1951
Title:  PRR 5877, EP-20, c. 1951
Description:  AHC. Here is an original 35mm color slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1951. Shown here (R to L) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #5877 and another unit whose road number is not recorded. Both are EP-20's built by GM-EMD and rated at 2,000 horsepower each. #5877 was built in April of 1949. In this context, they're pulling a passenger train around the Curve and down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona and points East.
Photo Date:  4/16/1951  Upload Date: 12/19/2024 7:43:05 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Passenger
Locomotives:  PRR 5877(E7A)
Views:  19   Comments: 0
PRR 9792, EF-15A, c. 1951
Title:  PRR 9792, EF-15A, c. 1951
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide of a photo by John Szwajkart that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1951. Shown here (L to R) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #9792 and two more units whose road numbers are not recorded. All are EF-15A's built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9792 was built in March of 1951 and retired in February of 1967 after just 16 years of revenue service. In this context, they're pulling a mixed-cargo freight train around the Curve and up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points West.
Photo Date:  4/16/1951  Upload Date: 12/19/2024 7:41:58 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9792(F7A)
Views:  13   Comments: 0
PRR 4673, I-1SA, 1951
Title:  PRR 4673, I-1SA, 1951
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide of a photo by Bill Price that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 13 August 1951. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #4673, an I-1SA (2-10-0) "Decapod" built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works as an I-1S during November of 1923, rebuilt in Juniata as an I-1SA in July of 1941, and retired in August of 1956 after 33 years' service. Looks to me like it's pulling a ballast-cleaning train while on Track #3.
Photo Date:  8/13/1951  Upload Date: 9/1/2018 7:21:08 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam,Signal
Locomotives:  PRR 4673(2-10-0)
Views:  700   Comments: 0
PRR 6161, J-1, 1951
Title:  PRR 6161, J-1, 1951
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide of a photo by Bill Price that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 13 August 1951. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #6161, a J-1 (2-10-4) "Texas" built in Juniata during 1944 and retired in April of 1959 after just 15 years of revenue service. It is pulling a mixed cargo freight train around the Curve on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona and points East.
Photo Date:  8/13/1951  Upload Date: 12/6/2017 7:05:17 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 6161(2-10-4)
Views:  1372   Comments: 1
PRR 6446, J-1, #3 of 4, 1951
Title:  PRR 6446, J-1, #3 of 4, 1951
Description:  AHC. Here is the third of four successive duplicate 35mm color slides of photos by Bill Price that were taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 13 August 1951. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #6446, a J-1 (2-10-4) "Texas" built in Juniata during November of 1943 and retired in February of 1960 after just 17 years of revenue service. In this context, it's serving as a pusher for a freight train that's rounding the Curve on its way up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin, where it will uncouple and return to East Altoona for yet another helper/pusher run up "The Mountain." Also visible are N-5 cabin car #477634 and Signal Bridge #2416.
Photo Date:  8/13/1951  Upload Date: 7/17/2019 2:08:07 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  RollingStock,Steam,Signal
Locomotives:  PRR 6446(2-10-4)
Views:  779   Comments: 1
PRR 6446, J-1, #4 of 4, 1951
Title:  PRR 6446, J-1, #4 of 4, 1951
Description:  AHC. Here is the fourth of four successive duplicate 35mm color slides of photos by Bill Price that were taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 13 August 1951. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #6446, a J-1 (2-10-4) "Texas" built in Juniata during November of 1943 and retired in February of 1960 after just 17 years of revenue service. In this context, it's serving as a pusher for a freight train that's rounding the Curve on its way up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin, where it will uncouple and return to East Altoona for yet another helper/pusher run up "The Mountain." Also visible is N-5 cabin car #477634.
Photo Date:  8/13/1951  Upload Date: 10/3/2018 7:03:40 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  RollingStock,Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 6446(2-10-4)
Views:  704   Comments: 0
PRR 9806, EF-15A, c. 1951
Title:  PRR 9806, EF-15A, c. 1951
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1951. Shown here (R to L) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #9806 and three more "EF" Class units whose numbers are not recorded. All were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9806 was constructed in April of 1951. In this context, this A-B-B-A set is rounding the Curve with a manifest freight train on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona and points East. Note the Fireman inspecting his train and the grey brakeshoe smoke produced by the train on Track 2.
Photo Date:  8/14/1951  Upload Date: 12/9/2022 9:56:31 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9806(F7A)
Views:  187   Comments: 0
PRR 9811, EF-15A, c. 1951
Title:  PRR 9811, EF-15A, c. 1951
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide of a photo by Bill Price that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 13 August 1951. Shown here (L to R) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #9811 and two more "EF" Class units whose numbers are not recorded. All were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9811 was constructed in April of 1951. In this context, this A-B-A set is pulling a mixed-cargo freight train that's about to round the Curve on its way up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points West.
Photo Date:  8/15/1951  Upload Date: 3/27/2019 2:44:56 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Signal
Locomotives:  PRR 9811(F7A)
Views:  524   Comments: 1
PRR Westbound Pushers, #1 of 2, c. 1951
Title:  PRR Westbound Pushers, #1 of 2, c. 1951
Description:  AHC. Here is the first of two successive duplicate 35mm color slides via Al Chione that were taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1951. Shown here (L to R) are two unidentified Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives and engine #9689. All were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9689 is an EH-15 built in February of 1949, later regeared and reclassified as an EF-15A, and retired in August of 1967 after just 18 years of revenue service. In this context, this A-B-A set is pushing a westbound mixed-cargo freight train around the Curve and up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin, where they'll be uncoupled and returned to East Altoona for their next helper/pusher run up "The Mountain." The photographer's name, the exact date, and the road number of the N-5 cabin car are not recorded.
Photo Date:  8/16/1951  Upload Date: 11/28/2018 2:23:48 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9689(F3A)
Views:  495   Comments: 0
Ayers' Family 0uting, 1952
Title:  Ayers' Family 0uting, 1952
Description:  AHC. Here is an original photo that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, in the Summer of 1952. Seated on the base of the old flagpole are four members of the Ayers Family of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Facing the camera (L to R) are Nancy Virginia, Lois Rachel (Burket), James Lloyd, and Thomas C. Ayers. In the background, an A-B-A trio of Pennsylvania Railroad EH-15 diesel-electric locomotives is returning to East Altoona for yet another helper/pusher run up "The Mountain" to Gallitzin and back. Photo taken by Dr. Lloyd Roberts Ayers, my father.
Photo Date:  8/15/1952  Upload Date: 5/4/2017 6:04:43 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  857   Comments: 0
PRR 6402, J-1A, 1952
Title:  PRR 6402, J-1A, 1952
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide (converted to B&W) of a photo by Marvin H. Cohen that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, sometime in 1952. Shown here (R to L) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #6402 and another "J" Class locomotive whose number is not recorded. #6402 is a J-1A (2-10-4) "Texas" built in Juniata in June of 1943 and retired in April of 1958 after 15 years of service. Produced and distributed by Audio-Visual Designs; 70026C. (SFM)
Photo Date:  9/22/1952  Upload Date: 1/29/2019 12:18:18 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 6402(2-10-4)
Views:  609   Comments: 0
PRR Westbount Mail & Express Train, c. 1952
Title:  PRR Westbount Mail & Express Train, c. 1952
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1952. Shown here is a westbound Pennsylvania Railroad mail & express train rounding the Curve on its way up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points West. It's being pulled by a "J" Class (2-10-4) "Texas" helper and an A-A set of GM-EMD EP-20 diesels rated at 2,000 horsepower each; none of their road numbers are recorded. At Gallitzin, the steam locomotive will uncouple and return to Altoona for another assignment.
Photo Date:  9/22/1952  Upload Date: 9/21/2022 11:28:16 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam,Passenger
Locomotives: 
Views:  175   Comments: 0
PRR 6407, J-1A, 1952
Title:  PRR 6407, J-1A, 1952
Description:  AHC. Here is a photo by Robert F. Collins that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania. It was published as the frontice piece in Frederick A. Kramer's booklet entitled "Horseshoe Curve Remembered." Photo Caption: "For a hundred years, smoke and cinders poured forth over Horseshoe Curve. By October 12th of 1952, even as the economics of diesel power doomed the steam locomotive, the halls of Kittanning Point continued to be awakened by the exhaust of big steam power. No. 6407, a Class J 2-10-4 Texas type locomotive, marched along beneath Jack Frost's handiwork." Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #6407, a J-1A (2-10-4) "Texas" 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: 10/20/2017 8:01:21 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 6407(2-10-4)
Views:  1008   Comments: 0
PRR 6154, J-1, 1953
Title:  PRR 6154, J-1, 1953
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm B&W slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, during the Summer of 1953. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #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 ascending the Allegheny Mountains and rounding the Curve with a manifest freight train bound for Pitcairn and points West.
Photo Date:  8/15/1953  Upload Date: 7/12/2021 1:41:39 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 6154(2-10-4)
Views:  312   Comments: 0
PRR 9766, EF-15A, c. 1953
Title:  PRR 9766, EF-15A, c. 1953
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1953. Shown here (L to R) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #9766 and three more units whose road numbers are not recorded. All are EF-15's built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9766 was constructed in January of 1951. In this context, this A-B-B-A set is pulling a mixed-cargo freight train down the Allegheny Mountains, and is about to round the Curve on its way to Altoona and points East. ("PrrFan18n")
Photo Date:  9/11/1953  Upload Date: 10/12/2021 10:38:46 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9766(F7A)
Views:  269   Comments: 0
PRR 2017, BF-16, 1955
Title:  PRR 2017, BF-16, 1955
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide via Al Chione that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 16 January 1955. The photographer is not identified. Shown here (L to R) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #2017 and two "BF" Class B-units whose road numbers are not recorded. All were built by Baldwin. #2017 is a BF-16 constructed in March of 1952, rated at 1,600 horsepower, and retired in January of 1967 after just 15 years of revenue service. In this context, this A-B-B trio is pulling a mixed-cargo freight train around the Curve and up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points West.
Photo Date:  1/16/1955  Upload Date: 3/3/2019 3:23:47 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Winter
Locomotives:  PRR 2017(RF-16A)
Views:  671   Comments: 0
PRR 6154, J-1, 1955
Title:  PRR 6154, J-1, 1955
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by John Pickett that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 13 October 1955. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #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. Note that it is pushing this train up the Allegheny Mountains while in reverse! Partially visible to the left of the N-5 cabin car are at least two more helper engines: a pair of Baldwin "Centipedes." Produced and distributed by FJC Products of Newport, Delaware.
Photo Date:  10/13/1955  Upload Date: 5/24/2018 4:13:22 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 6154(2-10-4)
Views:  1415   Comments: 0
PRR 8852, AS-16MS, c. 1955
Title:  PRR 8852, AS-16MS, c. 1955
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by John Pickett that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 13 October 1955. Shown here (R to L) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #8852 and at least two GM-EMD "E" Class passenger units whose numbers are not recorded. #8852 is an AS-16MS built by the American Locomotive Company in January of 1952 and rated at 1,600 horsepower. It is helping to pull a mail and express train around the Curve and up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin, Pittsburgh, and points West. The date is an approximation.
Photo Date:  10/14/1955  Upload Date: 2/16/2018 8:51:32 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Passenger
Locomotives:  PRR 8852(RS3)
Views:  657   Comments: 1
PRR "Eastbound Coal Train," 1955
Title:  PRR "Eastbound Coal Train," 1955
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by John Pickett that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 13 October 1955. Prominent here is a Pennsylvania Railroad coal train as it rounds the Curve on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to the Eastbound Receiving Yard in Altoona. On the far side are its three GM-EMD "F" Class locomotives. On the near side is PRR N-5 cabin car #477630, with a crew member on the rear porch inspecting his train.
Photo Date:  10/15/1955  Upload Date: 7/6/2018 5:11:08 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  RollingStock,Signal
Locomotives: 
Views:  571   Comments: 1
PRR 5826, BH-50, 1956
Title:  PRR 5826, BH-50, 1956
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide via Al Chione that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 11 November 1956. The photographer is not identified. Shown here (R to L) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #5826 and another "Centipede" whose road number is not recorded. Both are BH-50's built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works as BP-60 passenger engines rated at 3,000 horsepower each, and later regeared and reclassified as 2,250 horsepower BH-50's for freight and helper service only. #5826 was constructed in September of 1948 and retired in September of 1962 after just 14 years of revenue service. In this context, they're rounding the Curve on their way down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona where they'll await another helper/pusher run up "The Mountain." ("PrrFan18n")
Photo Date:  11/11/1956  Upload Date: 1/27/2021 12:17:48 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 5826(DR12-8-1500/2)
Views:  365   Comments: 0
PRR 1361, K-4S, 1959
Title:  PRR 1361, K-4S, 1959
Description:  AHC. Here i an original photo that I took at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, in August of 1959. Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #1361, a K-4S (4-6-2) "Pacific" built during 1918 and retired in May of 1956. Those were the good old days when women wore heels, skirts, and earings to the Curve!
Photo Date:  8/15/1959  Upload Date: 4/29/2017 6:10:01 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 1361(4-6-2)
Views:  1013   Comments: 0
PRR Westbound Freight, #1 of 3, 1959
Title:  PRR Westbound Freight, #1 of 3, 1959
Description:  AHC. Here is the first of three successive photos that I took at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, in the Summer of 1959. Shown here are five Pennsylvania Railroad EFS-17M's built by GM-EMD pulling a merchandise freight up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points West. Bringing-up the rear are three ALCo "pushers."
Photo Date:  8/15/1959  Upload Date: 10/27/2016 1:58:04 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  388   Comments: 0
PRR Eastbound Snappers, #2 of 3, 1959
Title:  PRR Eastbound Snappers, #2 of 3, 1959
Description:  AHC. Here is the second of three successive photos that I took at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, in the Summer of 1959. Prominent here is an A-B-A trio of Pennsylvania Railroad AF-16's built by the American Locomotive Company. They are heading back to East Altoona after helping another freight train up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin, where they uncoupled and headed back down the Alleghenies for yet another run up "The Mountain." Also visible is a westbound merchandise freight train pulled by three EMD EFS-17M's and pushed by three ALCo AS-18AM's.
Photo Date:  8/15/1959  Upload Date: 10/27/2016 1:59:14 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  380   Comments: 0
PRR Westbound Pushers, #3 of 3, 1959
Title:  PRR Westbound Pushers, #3 of 3, 1959
Description:  AHC. Here is the third of three successive photos that I took at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, in the Summer of 1959. Shown here (L to R) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #8678 and two more units whose road numbers are not recorded. All are AS-18AM's built by the American Locomotive Company and rated at 1,800 horsepower each. #8678 was constructed in April of 1958. They are pushing a merchandise freight train ~ headed by five EMD EFS-17M's ~ up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin, where they will uncouple and return down the Alleghenies to East Altoona for yet another run up the Mountains and back.
Photo Date:  8/15/1959  Upload Date: 10/27/2016 2:00:20 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  PRR 8678(RSD12)
Views:  806   Comments: 0
PRR's Horseshoe Curve, c. 1959
Title:  PRR's Horseshoe Curve, c. 1959
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide via Al Chione that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, perhaps durnng 1959. The photographer is not identified. Shown here are two Pennsylvania Railroad "Sharks" built by Baldwin pulling a mixed-cargo freight train around the Curve and up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points West. Also visible on the right is PRR engine #1361, a K-4S (4-6-2) "Pacific" built in Juniata during May of 1918, retired in September of 1956, enshrined at the Curve on 8 June 1957, and restored for excursion service in April of 1987.
Photo Date:  8/15/1959  Upload Date: 6/10/2018 3:08:02 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 1361(4-6-2)
Views:  1375   Comments: 2
PRR 5878, EP-20, 1960
Title:  PRR 5878, EP-20, 1960
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide of a photo by David R. Sweetland that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, during March of 1960. Shown here (L to R) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #5878 and two more "EP" Class units whose numbers are not recorded. All were built by GM-EMD. #5878 is an EP-20 constructed in April of 1949 and rated at 2,000 horsepower. In this context, this A-B-A trio is rounding the Curve on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to the Altoona Passenger Station and points East. Also visible is PRR passenger coach #4004. ("PrrFan18n")
Photo Date:  3/21/1960  Upload Date: 3/18/2021 11:39:35 AM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories:  RollingStock,Winter,Passenger
Locomotives:  PRR 5878(E7A)
Views:  266   Comments: 0
PRR 9534, EF-15, 1960
Title:  PRR 9534, EF-15, 1960
Description:  AHC. Here is an original photo by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Althona, Pennsylvania, on 13 August 1960. Shown here (R to L) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #9534 and two more units whose road numbers are not recorded. All were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9534 is an EF-15 constructed in September of 1948 and retired in October of 1967 after just 19 years of revenue service. In this context, this A-B-A set is pulling a mixed-cargo freight train around the Curve and down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona and points East.
Photo Date:  8/13/1960  Upload Date: 7/5/2023 10:59:01 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9534(F3A)
Views:  98   Comments: 0
PRR 9474, FF-20, c. 1961
Title:  PRR 9474, FF-20, c. 1961
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1961. Shown here (L to R) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #9474 and two more units whose road numbers are not recorded. All were built by Fairbanks-Morse and rated at 2,000 horsepower each. #9474 was constructed as an FP-20 in June of 1948, later regeared and reclassified as an FF-20, and retired in November of 1962 after just 14 years of revenue service. In this context, this A-B-A set is rounding the Curve with a freight train on its way up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points West.
Photo Date:  8/15/1961  Upload Date: 1/18/2023 10:23:56 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9474(ERIE-A)
Views:  162   Comments: 0
PRR Eastbound Freight, c. 1961
Title:  PRR Eastbound Freight, c. 1961
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1961. Shown here are two unidentified Pennsylvania Railroad EF-17M road switchers ~ built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,750 horsepower each ~ leading a freight train around the Curve and down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona and points East.
Photo Date:  8/15/1961  Upload Date: 1/18/2023 10:22:22 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  78   Comments: 0
PRR 9473, FP-20A, c. 1962
Title:  PRR 9473, FP-20A, c. 1962
Description:  AHC. Here is a photo that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania. Shown here (R to L) are Pennsylvania Railroad engines #9473 and another unit whose number is not recorded. Both were built by Fairbanks-Morse and rated at 2,000 horsepower each. #9473 is an FP-20A built in June of 1948 and retired in September of 1962 after just 14 years of revenue service. In this context, they're pulling a fully-loaded mineral train down the Allegheny Mountains and around the Curve on its way to the Eastbound Receiving Yards in Altoona. The photographer's name and the date are not recorded.
Photo Date:  8/15/1962  Upload Date: 8/3/2020 4:27:32 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9473(ERIE-A)
Views:  375   Comments: 0
PRR 9603, AF-15, c. 1962
Title:  PRR 9603, AF-15, c. 1962
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1962. Shown here (L to R) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #9603 and two more units whose road numbers are not recorded. #9603 is an AF-15 built by the American Locomotive Company in August of 1948, rated at 1,500 horsepower, and retired in August of 1964 after just 16 years of revenue service. In this context, this A-B-A set is rounding the Curve with an iron-ore drag on its way up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and the steel mills near Pittsburgh.
Photo Date:  8/15/1962  Upload Date: 9/16/2023 10:11:41 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9603(FA1)
Views:  116   Comments: 0
PRR 9682, EF-15A, c. 1962
Title:  PRR 9682, EF-15A, c. 1962
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1962. Shown here (R to L) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #9682 and another unit whose road number is not recorded. Both were built by GM-EMD and rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9682 was constructed as an EH-15 in February of 1949, rebuilt as an EF-15A, and retired in November of 1965 after just 16 years of revenue service. This A-A set is rounding the Curve with a fully-loaded mineral train on its way down the Allegheny Mountains to Altoona. Produced and distributed by FJC Products of Newport, Delaware.
Photo Date:  8/15/1962  Upload Date: 7/3/2024 10:33:43 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9682(F3A)
Views:  88   Comments: 0
PRR 9499, FF-16, c. 1962
Title:  PRR 9499, FF-16, c. 1962
Description:  AHC. Here is a duplicate 35mm color slide by an unidentified photographer that was taken at the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1962. Shown here (L to R) is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #9499 and a pair of GM-EMD "EF" Class B-units rated at 1,500 horsepower each. #9499 was built by Fairbanks-Morse in November of 1950, rated at 1,600 horsepower, and retired in April of 1965 after just 15 years of revenue service. It's the last member of its Class purchased by the PRR. In this context, this A-B-B set is rounding the Curve with a freight train on its way up the Allegheny Mountains to Gallitzin and points West.
Photo Date:  9/22/1962  Upload Date: 7/26/2023 11:00:11 PM
Location:  ALTOONA (HORSESHOE C, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Ayers
Categories: 
Locomotives:  PRR 9499(CFA16-4)
Views:  101   Comments: 0


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