Thanks to all who attended and to all who helped make RailFest 2007 in Altoona a great success this past weekend. Kudos to all the folks at Norfolk Southern who kept everything running like clockwork. Thanks also to Bennett and Eric Levin of Juniata Terminal Company for the use of the beautiful E-8s, the Warrior Ridge, and the Pennsylvania 120 as well as Chuck Jensen for the use of the Kitchi Gammi Club. Thanks to AMTRAK, SEPTA, the Horseshoe Curve Chapter of the NRHS, and everyone else who gave of their time and effort to help support the mission of the Railroaders Memorial Museum. See you in 2008!

This was my first visit to the museum since the early 1990's. I thoroughly enjoyed the new expanded exhibition area and the displays. I especially enjoyed the railroaders "conversations" around the "bar"! It was very realistic! I learned some things about the PRR that I did not know before. While the RR Museum of PA has a terrific equipment display, I believe the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona compliments that with a terrific story of the life of the railroaders and the town. Anyone interested in the PRR or railroading (not just equipment) should visit. I also enjoyed the special entertainment, food, and the Railbenders Ale!

Watching the E-8's from the curve: $6


Train ride around the curve: $30-$60


Watching the E-8's from the Warrior Ridge and seeing my parents with their noses pressed up against the window: priceless!



To Scott & company, Eric & Bennett, and all the rest of the folks that made this happen: Great Job!

It sounds like Bennett's E's and the one he sold to Jimmy Wilson and the NY&GL will be reunited in Scranton this November.

Here is a recent photo of the 833 in its Erie paint. It looks like it will be on display July 27-29 in Port Jervis as part of their Centennial celebration.

http://lists.elhts.org/erielackphoto.cgi?erielack-07-03-07/833_Painted_Front_3qt_resize.jpg

The new dates for Railfest 2008 are set. You can get information from the website at http://www.railroadcity.com