Railfanning Horseshoe Curve with a Drone

Horseshoe Curve in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is one of the best places to watch trains in the country! It is not uncommon for 50 or more Norfolk Southern freight trains to round the Curve each day, as well as Amtrak trains 42 and 43. In addition to the rail park, there is a Virtual Railfan webcam at this location.

Horseshoe Curve is part of Norfolk Southern's Pittsburgh Division. Westbound trains heading out of nearby Altoona, PA, climb the steep grade until they reach the summit of the Allegheny Mountains near the Gallitzin Tunnels. Eastbound trains are on the downward grade as they pass Horseshoe Curve on their way into Altoona.

The trains featured in this video were recorded on June 26, 2018 and July 18, 2018. While Horseshoe Curve is part of Norfolk Southern's Pittsburgh Division, several types of foreign power can often be seen at the Curve such as Union Pacific, BNSF, and even CSX.

This video was recorded in 4K using a DJI Mavic Pro drone, and the audio was recorded separately at ground level using a GoPro HERO Session. For more great railroad drone videos be sure to subscribe!