Two trains meeting at the Allegrippus Curve allow us to see how the Pennsylavina RR followed the terrain instead of cutting through it. The line was built by pick and shovel and was considered a state of the art engineered grade in 1850. The grade starts in Altoona which is in the valley in the far distance, about 700 feet below. As we follow the train down the 1.86% grade, we get to AG Curve and around the bend is MG Tower. Horseshoe Curve is another mile and half beyond the tower and over the hill to the left of this image. In the valley below is Sugar Run Road and the snow covered dirt road leads up to MG Tower. Note how the auto racks curve beneath me and will reverse again. If this was Alaska, I could use a hand grenade to clear a few trees and improve the shot!
