Altoona to Johnstown, located near Altoona, Pennsylvania, and on the Train Sim World 2 featured route Horseshoe Curve, is a remarkable engineering feat that allowed trains to traverse the steep Allegheny Mountains more efficiently. It’s a large, three-track curve on the Norfolk Southern Railway’s Pittsburgh Line in the United States.
Altoona to Johnstown Location
- Overcoming the Allegheny Mountains: The Horseshoe Curve was designed to reduce the grade (steepness) of the train tracks as they climbed the eastern slope of the Allegheny Mountains in North America.
- Replacing the Allegheny Portage Railroad: Opens in new tabPrior to the Horseshoe Curve, trains had to use the slower, more cumbersome Allegheny Portage Railroad, which involved using inclined planes and canals to move trains over the mountains.
- Engineering Marvel: The Curve is a well-known engineering landmark, recognized as one of the eight wonders of the world.
- Location Shape: The curve is a horseshoe shape, hence the name.
- Construction: It was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1850s, primarily by Irish immigrants who used picks and shovels to carve the ledge.
- Purpose: The curve allows trains to ascend or descend the mountains more gradually, making it easier for locomotives to pull trains up the steep slopes.
- Historical Significance: The Horseshoe Curve is on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
- Route Tourism: The Horseshoe Curve is a popular tourist attraction, with an observation park and visitor center offering views of the trains.
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