horizonsint14l
Lifelong train enthusiast, sailor, and world traveler. I remember my first trip by train, the Pennsylvania RR (PRR) express the "Pennsylvanian", a "name train" between NYC and Pittsburgh, during Christmas 1955. The train transited Horseshoe Curve at nite - my father took me back to the observation car so I could see the F7 Diesel Locomotives at the head of the train as we transited the curve. Until recently (removed ?) there were locomotives on display at the Visitors Center at the center of the Curve, first the famous Pacific Class Steam Locomotives that were used by the PRR (built in Altoona PA) and then modern freight diesels used by the NS railroad. Steam locomotives hauling freight were also on that main line at that time - soon to be relegated to the "bone yard" the yards where the steamers were stored, then scrapped.
Also remember seeing the "FDR Car" the armored passenger car on tracks below the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. The car had a ramp that was used to offload the Presidential Limo, which was then driven into a special elevator (extra length and weight capacity) so that FDR could quickly move from rail to parade route, safely and discretely (due to his polio).