NS Trains Take On Altoona and the Horseshoe Curve!

Back in the beginning of March, SCT traveled about two hours east of the Steel City and followed the Pittsburgh Line all the way to Altoona where the Altoona Works facility is located along with the Juniata Engine Shops. What an experience for SCT!
We start off looking down on Altoona Yard from the 8th Street Bridge on the north east side of the yard. Here is a great view for catching our first train pulling a long mixed freight consist, followed immediately by an intermodal train headed west, bypassing the yard and the mixed freight train. After the double stacked container train passes the mixed freight train begins to move. It then stops again and we get a close up view of the crew change. The new crew boards NS 7653 and pulls away shortly after. (This was the only good spot to film from. Every other area was fenced off or in an inconvenient location)
We then proceed to the main event, the star attraction, the famous NS Horseshoe Curve! A total of eight trains passed by us in a matter of two hours or so. Not to mention that these trains were massive and very long.
Our first train is an intermodal train led by three engines hauling the consist up the 1.34% grade with two SD40E helper units at the rear.
Another train rounding the bend uphill and to the west is an empty coal train led by three engines and no helpers. A lightweight train that didn't require helpers to aid in pushing up the grade. Shortly thereafter, two SD40E helpers head west around the curve to couple to another train near Gallitzin.
The next train coming down the hill this time, was led by three engines including the Operation Lifesaver Dash 9 locomotive. An interesting sight to see as the intermodal train screams by and brings the helper units on the rear with them. They are there to help with braking as the train squeals on by us to the east.
Another coal train headed down the hill, this time with a fully loaded consist. The two lead units are not enough to stop this monster from sliding out of control. On the rear there are four helper units. All of them are SD40E's.
A surprise train to the west caught our attention at the last second as it was rather quiet coming down the grade. Only a single ES44, pulled a train of THRALL Coalgon hoppers. A rare sight to see but interesting nonetheless.
Coming down the hill once more are two ES44s and a Dash 8. They pull a mixed freight train to the east with helper units on the back. As the train clears our view, another train on the far track is headed uphill, led by an SD70ACe, and the WABASH Heritage Unit! This was one of two heritage units we had seen that day. That engine duo pulled a long tank train making it the final main event closing for this addition of SCT.
NOTE = All of NS SD50s are now SD40Es. All 4000 hp engines (excluding C40-8Ws and C40-8s) have been upgraded to 4400 hp as of September 2014.
SCT - Episode 17

[@highlife0586]

This is really cool. I couldn't make it out there this past summer so this makes up for it.

[@approachunlimitedproductio5659]

+highlife0586 I'm glad I could help!

[@approachunlimitedproductio5659]

Thank you sir ;)

[@dalewardropper7347]

Nice video.

[@andrewganley9016]

Query from a UK rail fan,what products do the big lattice frame wagons carry?