Watching Trains in Altoona
May 17, 2007 - 1:22pm — ecooley
Location(s)
altoon, PA, 16601
Everyday I drive over 17th street in Altoona, Pennsylvania and often times I see a person standing on the walk getting pictures of trains. People record images, sound, and movies of trains. I am always amazed at their dedication to this hobby. I waited for an hour to get some video of a train. I was not disappointed.
A good place to watch trains in Altoona is behind the Altoona Railroader’s Memorial Museum. They have a great train viewing platform underneath the crossover. Today was a good day to talk to several folks while waiting for the first train.
A gentlemen who works with Military Affairs was riding his bike and stopped to say hello. He asked where I worked and I told him at StoryTrax.com in the third floor of the old Gable’s Building. His mother use to be a part time seamstress, hemming people’s clothes. He himself remembers Conrail having a dispatch station out of the Third or Fourth Floor of the Gable’s building. Not sure if that is true.
Another gentleman walked by, he was exercising. He was a retired railroader from the shops here in Altoona. He use to work for Penn Central and then Conrail. He was a nice man. He told me the work was never too hard at most they worked 4-5 hours a day.
About the time I finished with these conversations an east bound train arrived. Enjoy the footage…..
No sooner had the east bound left when a west bound train passed by…..- ecooley's Stories
- Login or register to post comments
Comments
Boys will be boys
Hey, Jessica, I believe you are right. It must be a guy thing. When I saw that You Tube had 70,000 hits at a video of a train passing by, I said, 'what?' booooooring. Then Erin and I went to Garfield park this afternoon with the video cam, and I immediately was transformed into a little boy wanting to get a closer look at the trains. Erin did the same. When we heard the whistles blowing, we got really excited to catch a glimpse on the steel rails.
We taped about 7 different trains from all different spots and angles within one hour. When I play the old Steamer K4 engine as the mascot, I often laugh at the rail road buffs, who are also Curve fans, and they begin to tell me old train stories, while I'm in the costume in the middle of the games. Now, I remember. My childhood love for trains came back today full throttle. Now I share their anticipation on seeing the trains coming around the Horseshoe Curve bend. I understand now.
I couldn't believe my overwhelming excitement. It was so cool. I was sitting up ontop of the hill thinking of me being a hobo and riding the old boxcars. When they got closer, I jumped up and down like a 4 year old, pantomiming the 'blow your horn' sign with the fierce arm tugging hand gesture. And I waved at every train. It was mezmorizing. And, it's in our back yard every day. It was so good, to take it easy and watch the trains go by. We saw a coal train, then one carrying lots of big rig trucks, one hauling lumber and double decker stacker. I think Erin thought it was funny how enthused I was for him about getting the right spot for the right shot. No wonder Nick and Al have such a good time.
" I hate a dirty joke, I do. Unless it's told by someone who, knows how to tell it. " Groucho Marx as Captain Spalding
Trainspotting
Al took Nick to that exact spot with a happy meal from McDs and they sat on a bench and watched several trains go by....one engineer even tooted the horns for Nick (he's 2).
If Nick hears a train, he will cup his hand around his ear and say "I hear da choo choo!!" (reminiscient of Tattoo and "de plane!")
Also on Sundays, Al plays in a softball league and we usually only go if the games are at Garfield, another park on top of a hill. The tracks go right behind the field, and Al's dad will walk the kids down to see the trains roll on by. He even took his grandkids on a train ride to Tyrone!
Garfield is a good spot
Garfield is a great spot to watch trains. One of my favorites is a spot in Cassandra. I am a newbie to watching trains. I am not sure what went by other than it was a Norfolk Southern Locomotive. I am with Nick. I cover my ears but like to hear them roar by me on the platform.
My son's favorite book is Chugga Chugga Choo Choo. He likes it when i make the train sounds. We even got him a train set for this past Christmas. I guess he is a little too young but his Dad will have fun.
Thanks for the comments.
Clay hardens by immobility – men's minds by standing pat. Both lose the power to take new impressions. (Pinchot 1910: 138)
but what is it?
I just can't put my finger on the train thing...what is the fascination? is it the yearning for a simpler time? the simplicity of the travel? the marvel of the engineering?
It must be a Y chromosome thing. Altho I like the guys being into it......it's a great hobby/outlet for kids.