The Horseshoe Curve is incredible. An engineering marvel from the 1850s, railfans travel from all over the country for a first-hand look at the Curve and the dozens of trains that roll along its rails every day.
The Horseshoe Curve history is a fascinating chapter of American ingenuity, commerce, and espionage, but it’s also become equally important for the Horseshoe Curve train log.
As a remarkable monument in US railroading, many fans keep a close eye on the Horseshoe Curve train log to monitor what travels through this winding track near Altoona, PA.
Table of Contents
The Horseshoe Curve Train Log
Common Train Types On the Horseshoe Curve
Watch the Horseshoe Curve Trains Live
Where to Stay Near The Horseshoe Curve
Final Thoughts: Frequently Asked Questions
The Horseshoe Curve Train Log
The good folks at PT242 maintain a meticulous Horseshoe Curve train log that’s regularly updated with details such as:
- Which trains have recently passed
- Which trains are coming up
- Statistics
- Notes
To keep a casual eye on the trains, follow the PT242 Facebook page.
Common Train Types On the Horseshoe Curve
After years of watching and tracking the trains roll by at the Curve, here’s what we see most often—and you can expect to catch while visiting:
- Automotive Trains – As the name suggests, these trains haul finished automobiles and auto parts.
- Coal Trains – These are dedicated units for hauling coal, usually from mines to power plants or export terminals. Remember: Horseshoe Curve is in close proximity to Pennsylvania’s once great mining industry.
- Crude Oil Trains – Not surprisingly, crude oil trains transport crude oil in tank cars.
- Ethanol Trains – You guessed it, these trains carry ethanol in enormous tanks.
- High & Wide Trains – High and wide trains carry oversized loads that exceed standard height or width clearances. It’s always fun to see what they’re carrying!
- Intermodal Trains – These are easy to spot, as they often consist of containers stacked on top of flatcars.
- Local Trains – These trains travel relatively short routes in the Altoona region.
- Manifest Trains – These are mixed freight trains with a variety of car types.
Watch the Horseshoe Curve Trains Live
You can watch a livestream of the Horseshoe Curve through the Virtual Railfan YouTube channel:
If you love live streams, be sure to visit our live stream page for more action!
Where to Stay Near The Horseshoe Curve
The Horseshoe Curve is a popular railfan destination, and we have the perfect rail-themed location for an overnight stay: The Station Inn!
Located about 15 minutes from the Curve, The Station Inn traces its history back to the 1800s and overlooks the busy three-track Norfolk Southern mainline—the same line that traverses the Horseshoe Curve!
Book a room today to enjoy your next trip to the Horseshoe Curve (and don’t forget to check out a few other Pennsylvania road trip ideas).
Final Thoughts: Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a Horseshoe Curve train log?
The PT242 website maintains the most up-to-date Horseshoe Curve train log.
Where can I watch the trains on the Horseshoe Curve online?
The Virtual Railfan YouTube channel maintains a livestream of the Horseshoe Curve.
What kind of trains travel on the Horseshoe Curve?
A wide variety of trains travel on the Horseshoe Curve, including:
- Automotive Trains
- Coal Trains
- Crude Oil Trains
- Ethanol Trains
- High & Wide Trains
- Intermodal Trains
- Local Trains
- Manifest Trains
Where can you stay near the Horseshoe Curve?
Stay with us at The Station Inn in Cresson, PA! Book a room today.