Learn the Horseshoe Curve eastbound line between Johnstown & Altoona
This guide will show you how to drive the main line of the Horseshoe Curve eastbound from Johnstown, over the summit at Gallitzin and around the famous curve as we head down into Altoona.
Things to remember about this guide:
Speed Limits shown are the line speed limits, with USA railways signals these provide additional speed limits which should be adhered to at all times.
I strongly recommend learning the major signals in part 1 of this guide as it will assist in ensuring a prototypical run with no SPADs.
Do check out my route guide video which accompanies this guide.
Signal Speeds
Norfolk Southern signals have corresponding speed limits, these can differ between freight & passengers, however I have only listed freight speed limits. This list is not exhaustive however covers the majority you will see on Horseshoe Curve.
Clear - Proceed At Line Speed
Advance Approach (top aspect flashing) - Reduce speed To 40mph , be prepared to stop at 2nd signal.
Medium Clear (solid) - Maintain speed of 30mph over interlocking than proceed at line speed.
Approach (solid) - Reduce/maintain speed of 30mph, be prepared to stop at next signal.
Approach Slow - Reduce/maintain speed of 15mph, be prepared to stop at next signal.
Slow Approach - Maintain of 15mph over interlocking then maintain speed of 20mph, be prepared to stop at next signal
Restricting - Maintain of 15mph over interlocking then maintain speed of 20mph, be prepared to stop on sight (multiple trains can enter block).
Stop Signal - Do not pass unless signal has number plate then proceed as per restricting signal above.
Setting Up The Distance Counter
In the ES44AC you will need to set up both distance counters as per the below prior to setting up your loco for service. Remember to reselect count down once you have confirmed the distance.
Ethanol (87 cars) set to 01650
Manifest (74 cars) set to 01300
Manifest (84 cars) set to 01490
Grain (44 cars) set to 00850
Coal (66 cars) set to 01120
Coal (82 cars) set to 01360
Coal (84 cars) set to 01400
Intermodal (74 cars) set to 01790
For the Gp38-2 there is no working distance counter so this guide will show you where you can increase your speed.
*Please let me know in the comments if you find a service length not listed above.
Johnstown to South Forks
Check your signal is set as either clear or restricting before departing, you have a hill start with a gradient of 0.6%, so ensure you set your loco brake before releasing the automatic air brakes to prevent rolling backwards/83
Line speed is currently 35mph as you set off, however if you are being routed on the centre track your signal will show restricting limiting your speed to 15mph. Once you clear the interlocking both line speeds increase to 40mph, so start your distance counter and once it reaches 0 you can increase your speed up to 40mph.
If you are in the GP38 wait until you have passed the 2 skips on the right hand side of the track before increasing your speed.
Beyond these skips the line continues to climb at a constant 0.6 gradient and kinks to the left before a long 180 turn to the right. At the next left bend you are around 500 yards before the line speed reduces to 35mph, due to the gradient no braking is required and you will just need to throttle down to achieve the desired speed.
The next 3 miles up the line towards South Fork is uneventful and remains a constant 35mph up the 0.6% gradient as the line twists and turns up the mountains.
Once you past the next signal you are about 2 miles out of South Fork and a mile or so before the next speed reduction, however keep on the throttle until you pass over a section of over ground track (900yrs before 30mph zone) and have started bending to the left before throttling off and allowing the gradient to arrest your speed down to the new 30mph limit.
This speed limit is only temporary as you wind your way up the mountain for around 1.3 miles up to the grain silos at Southfork at a constant 0/6%. Depending which line you have been routed on your speed limit will increase to 35mph either at just beyond this cabinet with a pickup truck parked behind it (for the centre line)or just beyond the grain silo for the outer line.
For the ES44AC set your first counter at the relevant point, for the GP38 wait until you are along side this rocky outcrop (for the centre line) or this signal gantry and pipework (on the outer line) which is actually beyond the next speed increase signal to 45mph.
South Forks to Gallitzin
As the line continues it 0.6% climb and even before you've even had chance to get up to 35mph you are faced with a further speed increase. This time up to 45mph, as such its time to use your 2nd distance timer as you past this small industrial area to your right.
For GP38-2 drivers, watch out for the below cabinets and sleepers as you pass through South Forks before increasing opening your throttle up.
As the line continues it 0.6% climb keep an eye out for this distinctive road bridge just after a kink to the left where the 4th track converges and joins the 3rd track, as this is where your line speed increases to 50mph.
If you are in the GP38, then wait until you cross the below bridge before increasing your speed.
The climb continues for around another 1.5 miles before flattening out. So it is again time to start reducing your power to prevent any over speeding on anything other than your heaviest consists, however ensure you carry enough speed to help you over the next section.
The respite is short lived and less than 2 1/2 miles down the line the track once again begins its ascent up to the summit at Gallitzin. This time however the gradient becomes steeper, after a short section of 0.5% the line becomes to climb quickly at a 1% gradient. This is enough to slow anything but the lightest of trains. The climb will feel relentless as we travel the 10 miles or so up to the summit at Gallitzin, as the loco labours up slowly losing momentum. Watch for signals as you approach the summit and follows any speeds indicated.
As you approach Cresson on the centre track you will be slowed by signals eventually down to 30mph and at Cresson Junction will be met by a signal showing a slow approach (15mph over interlocking, then 20mph) at the same time the line speed for your tracks drops to 45mph, so in the GP38-2 maintain 15mph until you almost reach the house on your right before increasing back up to 45mph, for ES44AC drivers use your distance counter. Setting it as soon as you clear the interlocking.
If you are running on the outside track, you will need to reduce your speed to 45mpn once you pass the industrial area below in readiness for the new speed limit.
As the westbound line diverges away to your left, you will need to reduce your speed down to 30mph in readiness for the speed limit change at the signals as the lines will merge. This junction is protected by the below medium clear signal, however the 30mph is a permanent change also at this point.
Gallitzin to Altoona
Once over the interlocking the summit is in sight and by the time you enter the tunnel 0.3 miles ahead the line will be descending at a steep 1.4% as such manage your speed with dynamic and airbrakes as required to avoid your train running away down the hill.
As you exit the tunnel the descent quickly becomes a 2.4% gradient (the steepest section of the main line) as it drops to re-join the westbound tracks. Keep your speed low at this section to provide a safety margin should your train suddenly start picking up speed.
Once you track has re-converged with the westbound tracks, the gradient eases slightly however this is still a 1.8% gradient which will remain constant all the way down to the curve.
After you have negotiated the curve the line continues to drop at the 1.8% grade and remains at 30mph until the next signal gantry, after which the line speed again increases to 35mph.
If you are driving the ES44AC use your distance counter to work out when you can increase your speed, for GP38-s drivers wait until you are past the below short tree.
Continue down the incline as you descend into Altoona, the gradient varies between 2.3% and 1.4%, however is predominately around 1.8%.
Around 3 miles outside of Altoona you have your last speed change down to 25mph. The below signal gantry/bridge is just over 500 yards before this so use this a the point to start slowing your train down.
Once at 25mph continue pass Altoona station which marks the end of the gradient and from here on the line is at just 0.4% and just follow your signals up to your final stop marker 2 miles down the line.
Congratulations - you have successfully traversed the world famous Horseshoe Curve with no HUD.