4 Seasons of Norfolk Southern Freight Trains at Horseshoe Curve (Drone Video)

Regardless of the season, Horseshoe Curve is one of the most exciting and beautiful places to watch trains in the world, especially when you have a drone! In this video, you’ll experience the amazing changes that take place throughout the year, as you experience all four seasons at Horseshoe Curve in just 56 minutes!
Horseshoe Curve is part of Norfolk Southern's busy Pittsburgh Division. It's not uncommon for 50 or more trains to pass Horseshoe Curve each day. Westbound trains heading out of nearby Altoona, PA, climb the steep grade until they reach the summit of the Allegheny Mountains near the Gallitzin Tunnels. Eastbound trains are on the downward grade as they pass Horseshoe Curve on their way into Altoona. In addition to the railpark, there is a ‪@VirtualRailfan‬ webcam at Horseshoe Curve, allowing railfans to watch trains 24/7/365! Here's a link to the webcam at Horseshoe Curve: • Video
While Horseshoe Curve is part of Norfolk Southern's Pittsburgh Division, several types of foreign power can often be seen at the Curve such as Union Pacific, BNSF, and even CSX.
This video was recorded in 4K using a DJI Mavic Pro drone, and the audio was recorded separately at ground level using a GoPro HERO Session. For more great railroad drone videos be sure to subscribe!
Music: www.purple-planet.com

[@wescreek3493]

love this vid most beatiful guring any season!

[@markwilliams5811]

Great Show!

[@paul-andrelarose3389]

I am always amazed (and humbled) when I think of the visionary designers of such wonders done at a time when there was no aerial photographic mapping and limited geodesic data. 2022/08/18. Ontario, Canada

[@bpoe923]

what a beautiful video!! what a GREAT season!!

[@hillbillytrucker8347]

Well that seen reminds you of the old saying of meet yourself coming and going and meet yourself in the middle after watching your video I finally understand the meaning of the name Horseshoe Curve. As I thought it was just something the old N&W gave it when they first built it. Love the footage from the drone it gave wonderful aerial perspective of what you the commentator try to convey to the viewers. Thank you for the videos and love them as the N&W (N&S now) is what I grew up with when it was the old N&W used to come to my hometown now the tracks are long gone and so is my hometown.

[@trainmaster9323]

Beautiful !

[@dennisc7603]

Great Content David, I commend you.

[@darrenlandis3510]

Going thru the area on Friday is there a overlook from way above looking at the whole curve, without a drone.

[@DavidLauback]

Great question! There aren't any overlooks that are really high up, but there is a bit of a lookout on the north side of the curve. I actually shot some videos from that overlook, which you can check out in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4bVpXaNjZKji80 beginning around 36 minutes into the video. This overlook is part of an ATV trail that winds through the mountains. The problem is that this overlook is difficult to access. You have to either do a lot of hiking or have an ATV. I have found that the best place to access the trail is near the Altoona Sportsmen's Club. There is a tunnel underneath the tracks in that area, but that is at least a couple miles east of the curve, so it takes a little while to get from there to the Curve. I hope that helps! Regardless of whether you check out this overlook, I hope you get to enjoy some time at the Curve!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

David, your rail videos are outstanding. I've been to the Horseshoe Curve many times but have never experienced it as seen through your aerial footage. I'm planning to do a small segment about the Horseshoe Curve history as part of one of my motorcycle riding videos on my channel. I was wondering if you might allow me to use some of your footage in my video? I can credit your channel onscreen somehow and add a link to your channel in the video description. I couldn't find an email address for you. You can get mine on my channel if you want to discuss. Regardless, great stuff. I've always liked trains but have never appreciated them in the manner you and other rail fans do. And I live in Central Pennsylvania.

[@DavidLauback]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Feel free to use my footage in your video. I just ask that you give credit to my channel as you described.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@DavidLauback That's great. Thank you so much. It will be a few weeks before I manage to put the piece together. Right now it only exists on paper.

[@factchaser]

Excellent video. Do you have any drone footage flying alongside of a moving train?

[@DavidLauback]

Yes, I believe I do have some shots where I've flown alongside a moving train to get a cool perspective. For example, I know there's a shot in the "Railfanning Horseshoe Curve with a Drone" video where I sort of followed a train around the Curve. I'm, sure there are some other shots too, I just can't remember what videos they would be in.

[@BrandonRailway]

How did u get permission for the drone video. I want to do that next time I’m out there. Great footage of the curve. Thanks

[@DavidLauback]

As far as I'm aware special permission isn't required. You just have to follow all of the regular drone regulations. There is a list of national historic landmarks that drones are not allowed to fly around, but Horseshoe Curve is not on that list (at least when I recorded these videos). It's fairly common to see people flying drones at the Curve. The main thing is to be responsible and considerate.

[@warrencleversy2773]

When was that derailment at the last part of your flyover???