1: Westbound freight EC-11 with PRR N1s 2-10-2 #9860
on the point has just emerged from the tunnel leading from
Harrisburg staging and is grinding though Gap Junction.
Ahead is a 3.5% grade from West Valley to Kitt Point sta-
tion, (photo 4) then 1.8% up and around the Pennsylvania &
Western’s version of Horseshoe Curve. Even though your big
2-10-2 packs 85,000 pounds of tractive effort, it wouldn’t be
enough! A class I1sa decapod (2-10-0) will add 96,000 pounds
of pushing power behind your cabin car. Your conductor is glad
to be riding in the N8 with its strong steel underframe!
After allowing time for the snapper to get coupled and ready to
go, you signal with two short whistle blasts that you are ready
to go. The snapper engineer answers with two short whistle
blasts, and the two monster locomotives begin their coordi-
nated assault of the hill. Before entering the grade, your train
gathers pace as it passes Val Tower in West Valley.
Pennsylvania & Western RR - 2
1
2: EC-11 is passing by the signal maintainer’s shack in
Rockview.Next stop is East Valley.
Your train slugs its way up the slope, past the closed Kitt Point
station and its signal bridge, and around the curve past the
massive rock face at the apex of Horseshoe Curve.
Your fireman waves to some onlookers, but you must concen-
trate on keeping those 85,000 pounds of effort working. A little
wheel slip could cause the train to stall.
Finally you crest the hill, pass through a short tunnel, and wave
to the tower operator at AE (Annville East) tower as you go by.
He has seen you on the hill, and has alerted the Annville yard-
master of your impending arrival. You pass the Yard Limit
sign, and stop at the signal bridge controlling entrance to
Annville Yard.
2
MRH-Mar 2014
