Producer: Kalmbach / Trains
Locations: Horseshoe Curve, Altoona, Juniata, Johnstown
Timeframe:: 1995/ 2017
Length: Episode 1 hour,
Sources: Paul Schneider (1995). Jerry Gillian, Kevin Gillian, Mike Noonkester (Update)
Trains magazine has this show about Horseshoe Curve. This famous railroad landmark is located in Pennsylvania. Two timeframes. On location episode in 1995. Hot Spot update in 2017. Conrail is the star of the 1995 show. Norfolk Southern in 2017.
A single DVD. A PBS style production on the main show. The Conrail footage has a 4×3 aspect ratio. This 1995 feature is not modern standards. Very good imagery overall. Now, the 2017 bonus has excellent visuals. Balanced soundtrack.
Main menu offers the choice of shows. Narration is informative. Map included.
.First up is this On Location program. This was the second episode in the series from 1995. Horseshoe Curve – Conrail’s Mountain Railroad. Altoona to Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Hosted by Kevin Keefe from Trains Magazine.
To the Trains… 👉
Horseshoe Curve – Conrail’s Mountain Railroad.
Begins at sunset on Horseshoe. Quickly moves to a map. Juniata Shops tour is comprehensive. Light power move with 6866. Check the long deadline of GE U23B engines.
A Conrail Intermodal led by engine 5618 and travels upgrade on the Curve.
The park grounds and several people are in this segment.
The long lash-up runs wide open. Conrail 6386 ducks under the signal bridge.
Conrail engine 6118 (C40-8W) leads at West Bennington.
UN Tower has a helper set waiting at left behind 6370. Passing traffic moves along such as 5550 at the right.
Gallitzin Tunnel is still in service. Allegheny Tunnel is being modified for modern upgrades. There is a cab ride from Johnstown to Altoona.
Hot Spots Horseshoe Curve 2017 (Update), 16 minutes.
Train 43, the Amtrak Pennsylvania Limited is Westbound at Altoona. Route from New York to Pittsburgh.150
Penn Central heritage locomotive passes Alto Tower.
NS at Horseshoe Curve. Major tree trimming has improved viewing.
Nickel Plate Road 765 (Berkshire) has highlights from 2012/ 2013. Passing MG Tower.
Hot Spots Horseshoe Curve
The main feature of Conrail in 1995 is well-done. A handful of various Conrail employees add interesting commentary. Some Amtrak trains are seen, although little info on these is given.
The title of Horseshoe Curve is a little ambitious for the contents in the 1995 film. Altoona to Johnstown would be more accurate.
Norfolk Southern 2017 is beautifully filmed. Very satisfying brief show. Narrated by Kevin Keefe.
Surprised that the older Conrail show is the main feature. The Norfolk Southern update is short and sweet. A fine program for Railfans.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 