The Horseshoe Curve Chapter, had its beginnings at the time the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) ceased to exist & when many of the PRR’s historical sites in the Altoona Area were being dismantled. Although many local facilities were lost, the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, of the NRHS, has always strived to preserve the heritage of our fore bearers who settled here. We are also proud to have played an instrumental role in the local heritage awareness and to help found and organize the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum as well as acquire/fund major Museum acquisitions.

The Chapter owns and operates rail passenger equipment as well as restores rolling stock. We support all preservation projects of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. A periodic newsletter, an annual chapter picnic, and other special events are regular activities.

 Inside this site, you will find "The Coal Bucket", containing extensive information regarding Chapter Excursions and Activities, Horseshoe Curve Chapter, NRHS Information, Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum Information, Altoona Area History as well as Railfan Guide Information, and Railroad Related Links.

We hope you enjoy the site and encourage you to visit us during one of our monthly business/social meetings or one of our activities.

Latest News

This site was last updated on: April 1, 2012!

View photos of the Museum Roundhouse Construction Project!!  Click Here!  Photos by David Seidel

Note that the Chapter is now meeting every month, excluding December, in the The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Master Mechanic Building, First Floor Theatre, 1300 9th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.  This is a change from the previous every other month.

Joseph DeFrancesco was appointed National Director Representative in December, 2011

Winter 2011 Newsletter posted to Chapter News page.

Portions of the LORETTO, the private rail car of industrialist Charles M. Schwab, still need to be restored following the fire of 1983. Royalties from David Seidel's book “Horseshoe Curve” will assist in this goal.  Please consider a donation to the LORETTO.

Pardon some of the format/font issues...I'm working through them with the design changes.

Several sections are currently receiving updates.  Updates will be posted as time permits.

All, Thanks for enduring the delay on website updates. Personal commitments preclude regular updates. Future updates will be posted intermittently. For timely information, please contact one of the Chapter Officers. Their contact information can be found on the "Contact Us" page and throughout the website. Regards. The Webmaster.