GP9 7048 - Altoona, PA - Locomotives on Waymarking.com

The Pennsylvania Railroad was celebrated for pioneering new railroad technology, so it is surprising to learn that the "Standard Railroad of the World" lagged behind most other major lines in converting to diesel power. Having helped build the Allegheny coal industry by both consuming and transporting its product, the Pennsy was reluctant to thumb its nose at customers by running oil-fired locomotives through their backyards.

More than most railroads, the Pennsy heavily invested in steam teechnology. Their state-of-the-art facility in Altoona employed thousands of skilled workers whose jobs evaporated as diesels proliferated. Concerned employees manned picket lines to remind the railroad that what was good for the company might not be good for Altoona. But the facts sealed the city's fate.

While a typical steam locomotive's maze of tubes, valves, and bearings required shop care lasting 14 to 16 days every month, the diesel-electric counterpart ran 29 days every month. Considered in the expense as well were the costs of ash pits, inspection ptis, water and coal towers, and expensive turning facilities. A diesel locomotive ran equally well in either direction because of its electric motor driven wheels, eliminating many of steam engines' associated costs. Moreover diesels could be operated by one man or woman while steam engines, despite automated stokers, required two people - an engineer at the controls and a fireman to watch the levels.

This GP9 #7048 stands as a symbol of the diesel revolution. It was part of an order placed with GM's Electro-Motive Division in 1955 at the tail end of the Pennsy's slow conversion from steam to diesel. That order and this locomotive aided in bringing down the curtain on the era of steam, especially in Altoona.

(from information sign at locomotive)

The Horseshoe Curve visitor center is located at 2400 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Altoona, PA 16601

For hours and prices, see: (visit link)

Locomotive Type: (required): Diesel Electric Do you need to pay an entrance fee to view this locomotive? (required): Yes If a fee is required what is the approximate cost for admittance? (optional): https://www.railroadcity.org/curve.html How accessible is this locomotive display? (Required): Display is behind a fence, access is limited to viewing only. If "other" what is the engine type? (optional): Not listed

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Date Logged Log   09/10/2021 ted28285 visited it