Any good tips on railfanning the waterlevel route? What's the traffic like? Also, are there any good photo friendly spots around the GE plant in Erie? Thanks for any advice or tips.
Richard, hope the info helped. Anything else you want to know about railfanning the area, let me know. I've done quite a bit of railfanning along the PIT-Altoona line you mentioned in another thread, but it was a few years back, and most of my emphasis was on the Johnstown-Nanty Glo-Ebensburg mining area (my Welsh ancestors settled Ebensburg and Bulah). But we did manage to get to Horseshoe Curve a couple of times, and my favorite, the Gallitzin tunnels. Wow! Those loaded coal trains, even with the helpers, down on their knees begging for mercy as they approach the tunnels is really something to see. It's an earth-pounding experience!!! Plus a Pennsy caboose gift shop there with a lot of good stuff. A must see on a trip to that area are both the Johnstown Flood Museum, and (especially) the Johnstown Flood Memorial operated by the US Parks Service. Be sure and see the film presentation in the basement theater. You'll never forget it! I have a lot or research material for that area, if you need anything, just let me know. Good luck, Bill
Richard, one other good area I forgot to mention with regards to the above post, is the city of Cresson, PA. At their Heritage Park they have erected a "porch" type of viewing platform for railfans. Very good photos from this spot. The community is quite supportive of those like-minded people who love railroading. They are very proud of their railroad heritage, and it shows. You'll really enjoy a visit there. See the link below for more info: Cresson & Gallitzin Enjoy! Bill
Bill, Again, thanks for the good replys. I have been to the Altoona area before but it has been over 10 years. Will probably send a couple of days of the trip there. From Pittsburgh, we are going to Niagra Falls and will then head to Altoona from there. I am most interested in seeing the GE plant and of course following the water level route along the lake. Any tips on those things would be much appreciated. Thanks again.
You can try along the back of the GE plant but if you go to Harborcreek on rt 20 just east of Erie, there's a small shaded park w/picnic benches etc. right along NS/CSX. If you're lucky, you might catch some action along the GE test track, the one furthest to the north. I would'nt try crossing the tracks as traffic can get heavy @ times. A zoom lens would be handy & best light is in the am. Further east in Northeast Pa., there's a rail museum along the CSX main. Worth seeing as they have a U25B + other equip. Should mention Conneaut Oh. 35 mi. w/of Erie. They have a nice museum w/a NKP Berk etc. Might catch some B&LE too at the P&C docks. Don
