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Our Restored N5C Caboose
Video Tour of Gallitzin Area Attractions
Park & Museum Features
- Museum/Theatre Exhibits, Souvenirs.
- Restored 1942 PRR Caboose with exhibits.
- Ideal location for photos of trains entering & exiting
Allegheny Tunnel on the mainline.
- No Admission Charge.
- Historians on duty in the Caboose
- Specialized programs available for large groups - geared to the
age group.
- School Groups Welcome.
Tour Groups Welcome!
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Steam Locomotive returning to Gallitzin
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society plans to run steam excursions from Lewistown through Altoona, over the Horseshoe Curve to Gallitzin and back again on May 25, 26, & 27, with a two-plus hour layover at the Railroaders Memorial Museum on each return trip. The weekend before, the society plans to run two or three trips each on May 18th & 19th, from Altoona over the Curve to Gallitzin and back for employees of Norfolk Southern Railway and their families.
While tickets are reportedly sold out for all trips, it will be possible to safely observe the train from the Gallitzin Tunnels Park. In between the two weekends, if a society track inspector gives the OK, the society will house the 765 – under steam – in the Altoona museum’s new quarter-roundhouse. The Excursion manager, Wayne York, was quoted as saying – “It will probably be the most significant railroad excursion this year anywhere in the U.S.”
At the Tunnels Park, we will have a new tee shirt for sale, featuring the #765 as it approaches the Allegheny Tunnel. In addition, food and refreshments will be available. Join us in May to watch a historic, rare steam locomotive trip through Gallitzin!
The Gallitzin Tunnels
The extremely high grade presented the final obstacle
in conquering the Allegheny Mountains, making it necessary to build
tunnels as early as 1850. The New Portage Tunnel was completed in
1854 at an elevation of 2,167 feet, and was traditionally (and still
is) used primarily for eastbound traffic. The Allegheny Tunnel, at
3,605 feet in length, was completed that same year.
The third tunnel, known as the Gallitzin Tunnel, was
completed in 1904 and removed from service when the Allegheny Tunnel
was expanded to two tracks in 1995. The Tunnels were so significant
to the transportation system that they were guarded during the war
years.
Still in use today, you can feel the awesome power
of trains as they pass through the tunnels daily.
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Click the image at left to preview Once Upon a Mountain
Once Upon a Mountain narrates and illustrates the fascinating transportation history of the Gallitzin area, including the Allegheny Portage Railroad, Horseshoe Curve, and of course the Gallitzin Tunnels. This video documentary is available on VHS and DVD, and can also be viewed at our theatre. |
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Railroad buffs have identified the Gallitzin Tunnels
as a "must" stopover. It offers to the visitor a glimpse
of the fascinating railroad "past and present."
Trains run through the tunnels 24 hours a day and are
part of Norfolk Southern's main line through Pennsylvania. While
visiting the tunnels, stop by at our Visitors Center located in the
Museum/Theatre. The Museum and Caboose are staffed by friendly, local
volunteers and are open to the public Tuesday through Sunday.
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