Winter at Horseshoe Curve (Drone Video)

Horseshoe Curve in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is one of the best places to watch trains in the country! Around 50 Norfolk Southern freight trains round the Curve each day, as well as Amtrak trains 42 and 43. There is a Virtual Railfan webcam at Horseshoe Curve which enables railfans to watch trains around the clock during any season.
Even with the rail park closed for the winter, it is not uncommon to see railfans at Horseshoe Curve watching trains from down at road level. We ran into numerous railfans on the Saturday afternoon we recorded this video. With the rail park at the top of the hill closed for the season, a drone enabled us to gain a perfect view of trains rounding the Curve!
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 February 2, 2019. 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!

[@randyoehling6010]

Love the trainloads of black diamond s

[@randyoehling6010]

Great footage

[@douglasskeen628]

Well worth watching!

[@mr.j2776]

Beautiful location. And, no trouble getting a parking space at this time of year:)

[@paulblack4196]

What a major difference in the appearance from when all the trees are full. This is why we call it " Stick Season " Another fantastic look at the curve and like all your stuff very professionally done.

[@REVELLO608]

Love the video

[@KushalDave]

wow nice video

[@enjoyingrailroading1013]

As usual, WELL Done. Thanks!

[@LUVEMDPOWER]

Superb work yet again David; love the drone work, and this one didn't disappoint.

[@1ndygirl]

Love your drone videos! Before this video i didn't understand the full scope of the curve and the surrounding mountains. Virtual Railfan can't do it justice. And this was a great day for it. I was wishing you had used the drone during your recent video of the zipper incident.

[@dlm1228]

Love all drone shots! “Congrats” 🎇🎆🌠

[@MBTAMoreRailfan]

Awesome!!

[@57143bodies]

I’ll look forward to a Spring ‘19 video!!!

[@hnice9234]

Someone recently advised me that you it is not legal to fly a drone over a moving train?

[@PeteMaverickMitchell87]

What is that building in the woods at 1:52 ?