One of my most favorite things to see when we travel across the vast prairies of this country is the mile-long freight trains that often run alongside the highway. I start out trying to count the number of cars but soon give up because I simply can’t keep up. But if I’m really lucky I’ll hear that long drone – somewhat lonely – call of a train whistle. There’s just something about it that tugs at my soul; almost makes me want to bum a ride in an empty freight car headed for parts unknown. Almost.
Freight train thundering across the Wyoming plains
Horsehoe Curve
Although it was not quite the same experience as riding the rails, yesterday, we stood just a stone’s throw away from a great classic mile-long freight train as it rumbled through the Horseshoe Curve, and as we watched in awe I was like a kid again when the engineer waved at me from his perch in the huge black engine. I called to Abi that it was well-worth the cost of admission.
Indiana, PA & Jimmy Stewart
Never in my life had I heard of the Horseshoe Curve until just hours before. We were invited to a birthday dinner party in western Pennsylvania – specifically Indiana, PA boyhood home of Jimmy Stewart and current home of lifelong friends – and because we can now do things such as drive 3 1/2 hours to attend a dinner party, we did!
Fortunately, our friend happened to ask if we had seen the Horseshoe Curve on our drive, which we had not. But on the way back, we went looking for it.
A few statistics
Targeted by Nazi Germany
Completed in 1854 by 450 workers who were paid .25/hour for a 12-hour day, there is an interesting history behind the curve, including having been targeted by Nazi Germany during WWII. You might think, what’s the big deal, a horseshoe curve in the railroad tracks? I’m guessing that’s a pretty common reaction, but spend an hour there and you’ll walk away with a different opinion and you’ll be wearing a child’s grin on your face because it is just too much fun!
Watch this 1-minute aerial view of a train passing through Horseshoe Curve.
The funicular to the observation point where you can get up close and personal with the passing trains. We rode up on the funicular and walked down the 194 stairs.
Western, PA
If you just happen to be driving through Western, PA, which is a beautiful region in which to find yourself, absolutely do not hesitate to take a little side trip to visit the Horseshoe Curve. It you love trains, and sites that you are unlikely to ever see again, this is a must stop spot for you.
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How cool, Patti! Glad you were able to visit and shoot that great video.
I usually take Amtrak every chance I get. My longest trip was to Charlotte. We were making great time until we hit Virginia and had to wait for one of those extremely long freight trains. We sat and waited and waited. It put us off schedule for the rest of the trip. Still, it was a pretty cool experience.
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I love riding the rails – in the comfort of a train – it’s such a great adventure!
That looks so cool and it is such a beautiful part of PA.
It was beautiful country, I’d like to go back when the color is in full glory.
Very cool!
It was way cool! 🙂
Sounds like great fun! I love the fact that you drove over three hours to go to a dinner party too, you’re clearly embracing your new-found freedom – enjoy, you deserve it 🙂
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It was fun and I guess I should elaborate that we did spend the night in PA, which was fun, in itself, to be able to do so without regard to obligations.
Good job on the video and I’ve always absolutely LOVED trains! I enjoyed the history lesson on the Horsehoe Curve too. The trains that run through Reno (especially late at night) echo throughout the canyon and I’ve enjoyed hearing the trains horn sounding over these past 22 years at this house. A girlfriend of mine across the canyon (4 miles away) can hear it too and we always text each other, “there’s our train…” 🙂
Thanks! Abi took the video with his phone, which still boggles my mind to have that capability in a phone! If you’re a train lover, definitely add the Horseshoe Curve to your bucket list.