Why is horseshoe curve in Altoona Pa. an engineering marvel?

Question

Why is horseshoe curve in Altoona Pa. an engineering marvel?

Answer 1

Up until it opened (1854) the pass up to the Alleghany Ridge had not been reached by rail.  From the base, it rises 3K feet.

Answer 2

I think it's more of a stunning site then an engineering marvel

Answer 3

not only does it allow access to western PA without going through mountains, but it is the only single piece of track around where you can see the front and the rear of the train at the same time from one vantage point.  if you would like, you could take the Pennsylvanian from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, and you will be able to experience this marvel first hand!

Answer 4

Because its a great place to watch the Locos go by.

Some classic photos take at this location .

[have to post a slight correction to previous answer ] -- There are may locations where a climbing grade has doubled around -Such that you can see start and finish of a long train - famous site in Canada is built mainly in two spiral tunnels - a true figure of eight. Georgetown loop is another twisty bit - on the Silver Plume

Answer 5

It is true that Horseshoe Curve is an engineering marvel.  Think about the time upon which the curve opened.  The lightbulb and other items were still yet to be invented.  With the workers and tools they had the Pennsylvania Railroad took the task of crossing the great Alleghanies.  Basically, this is one interesting marvel because the railroad had to go alot just get to Altoona, PA.  Besides climbing 3k feet, the railroad had to blast rock, grade the rock for road bed and slowly make a grade that trains will be able to overcome.  The main obstacle was the rock from the mountains and it is very hard to find a route through mountains (besides blasting a tunnel). That meant the railroad would have to follow alongside the dangerous drops of the Alleghany Mountains. There might be a few tunnels today such as the famous Galitzin Tunnel in Galitzin,PA just West of Horseshoe Curve and east of Altoona, PA.

When Horseshoe Curve Orginally opened, it had quadruple track which wasn't seen on most railroads at that time.  

Today, Horseshoe Curve is only three tracks, but Norfolk Southern still uses pushers to help trains up and over the mountain.

This is what makes it an engineering modern marvel!