Horseshoe Curve Experience

We wondered over to Altoona for the weekend and stopped by the Horseshoe Curve. The facility is really depressing, with little to no staff (other than the cashier and incline operator) and not much in the way of displays.

The incline operates every half-hour, or you can walk the steps, which on this visit were full of wet, slippery leaves. The view from the curve was, as always, beautiful. Trains were plentiful. All of the descriptive signs are gone, and the area map needs to be updated. The only top-side distraction was some idiot in a folding chair who did nothing but yell into his cell phone, yakking about model railroading and how the current administration left much to be desired. A few folks wanted to shove him over the hillside, but, alas, none did.

Most visitors were there for less than a half hour -- apparently we weren't the only ones not impressed. For $6 a pop, they need to do a better job -- or find someone who can.

It has a small museum at the bottom but the main museum is considered the Altoona Railroaders memorial Musem in downtown. They are in partnership with each other. They did take away the food which is disappointing but overall are people really there for the amenities. Its the trains rounding the bend which is the main attraction. Hurry up the hill so you don't miss the Thoroughbred run. The ones that leave are the ones that are not into watching D9s with SD40 helpers climb the grade. It serves its purpose, that is to amuse the railfan and draw visitors. If they stay for a half an hour yet still pay 6 dollars, it served its purpose.

Six dollars just to go up on the curve? A place that used to be FREE to visit, and open year round? Should have left the place alone.

is the site still like that in 2011? I am planning to return to the Horseshoe Curve next summer on a trip. In the past, I thoroughly enjoyed letting the RR operations wrap around me - that is the main thing, and actually better seen in spring, late fall or winter when the tree are bare. An hour's stay is better, and longer is the best as the trains just keep coming! Come prepared for a good long look-see, isn't that what railfans do? Too bad they have not gotten the K-5 (?) steamer back from Steamtown, to replace the Pennsy electric engine on display at the top. (If you are not wanting to spend any money, sit in the parking lot at the bottom, have a picnic lunch, and just watch the steady train parade.) And the $6.00 is NOT just to go to the top location at the Curve, but also gets you into the fantastic Railroadmen's memorial Museum in downtown Altoona.

I will be in the area of the curve this spring. Having never been there when is the best time to visit, mornings, afternoons? Or is the traffic pretty much steady all day?