NKP 765 Steam Weekend in Altoona

[@FriendlyBaron]

That sound of the whistle echoing in the valley at speed is still one of the best I've seen on youtube

[@tospisnotavailable6079]

FriendlyBaron I never knew you liked trains

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks. Yes, this is my second trip to Altoona inside a year. Definitely my favorite new railfanning place. Your compliments are much appreciated. Danny H.

[@mattjohnston7686]

Distant Signal , Best sounding Whistle Ever!!

[@stephenswift5531]

whys there 2 heritage engines helping

[@mattdotsonrailfanproductio266]

13:14 lmao I love how he was like “I guess he wasn’t a railfan” in such a casual voice I love it.

[@monke287]

DH also talks about waiting for a fist fight to break out in the most mater of fact voice ever like fighting over camera shots is a daily occurrence for high profile events like that.

[@paulsmith3820]

A great video! I grew up in Altoona. Most of my friends fathers worked for the PRR. In 1957, the year that I graduated from Altoona High School, there were 38 passenger train movements a day through Altoona. It was a crew change point. Most of the west bound trains got helpers to get over the mountain. Whether they worked in the shops or over the road, the railroad men and women that I knew were honest, hard working, and proud of what they did. Altoona was a great place to grow up.

[@NSHorseheadSD70]

At 8:34 that's me on the right and then two of my friends. Then at 8:42 two more of my friends make an appearance. Thanks for catching us there Danny!

[@BarredCoast0]

14:04 sent shivers up my spine! Love those beautiful steam whistles! ❤️

[@andrewc1199]

That part gives me goosebumps every time.

[@littleskipper743]

@@andrewc1199 me too!

[@faroffwhistle4459]

Thought you were exaggerating. I was mistaken.

[@JRBlood]

Hearing that steamer at 14:00 just warmed my heart and soul. The reverberation from the surroundings was epic! Thank you for that, Danny. :)

[@distantsignal]

Those are protection cars. Some railroads call them idler cars. Rules specify there must be a non-hazardous car on the ends of a hazardous consist. Allows protection for the locomotive and something to get hold of if they are leaking or on fire. DH

[@blairterry9435]

Cool. So it protects the engines and the crews from a explosion sweet.

[@jdgindustries2734]

We tend to call them Buffers/buffer cars.

[@ElementofKindness]

Best part: 14:04 The echo of those steam whistles during a high ball run. Gives me goosebumps every time!

[@distantsignal]

Element of Kindness Yeah, I'm with you. That sound at the end of this video was just incredible.

[@andrewc1199]

Distant Signal I agree. I love how it echoes throughout the mountains. Makes me wish I was there. I actually experienced the same sound you did at Dollywood in summer 2013 with their steam engines. Have you ever heard of Folkston Virtual Railfan?

[@jmream2618]

they should turn the tower into a museum

[@beechbonanza5112]

Element of Kindness That ol’ Boy was Movin!

[@iamrichrocker]

Danny..what a haunting and yet..beautiful sound at the end....the sound of time...the sound of raw beauty that help build the USA..Hollywood could not have filmed..or narrated this any better..Bravo..

[@tomkelsey3512]

My great-grandfather was a Yard Foreman in Altoona starting in 1908. Thank you so much, this is a professional quality video production !

[@distantsignal]

Very cool. I really to get back to Pennsylvania before much longer.

[@tomy.1846]

This video is amazing! You are a true professional, thanks for making these. Absolutely fantastic! 😎😎😎😎

[@williammeyer7999]

When I was a young boy, in a family of 8 kids, my parents used to take us to Broad Ripple park, to play on engine 765.Years later, when I went to Broad Ripple high school. it was a favorite hangout.When I came home in 1979 from basic training in the Air Force, I was visiting Broad Ripple and noticed that old 765 was no longer in the park, which greatly saddened me, as I assumed the city had finally sold her for scrap. 2 weeks later, my sister and I happened to be driving up Keystone Ave where the track crosses, just north of 46th st, and here she came, steamin' and spittin', chugging and dripping, and I involuntarily broke into tears! I am so very glad this fabulous machine had been resurrected! I 've lived in Denver now for 20 years, a disabled and retired vet, and would love someday to be lucky enough to actually ride this magnificent old girl! I'm glad, though, at least, she seems to be alive and well! In memory of William and Josephine Meyer...

[@garybensman1358]

The Nickel Plate engine that was in Broad Ripple Park was #587, a 2-8-2 Mikado

[@ajithkumar9800]

This train really a joyful moment. The steam engine.... superb and whistle it really went depth in my heart Thanks a lot 👍

[@DaleHok]

never get tired of watching the steam engines. i live 11 miles west of the home of the pere marquette 1225. always enjoy seeing it in action. thanks for a great video.

[@inluvwith7of9]

my wife born in altoona .sis in law still lives there....i have been going to altoona and around there for 50 years...NEVER can get enough of the place...every time i see something that i have never seen before.....in 2005 was there to see 765 at the curve..will remmeber for ever

[@mikeggg5671]

13:14 - hahaha. Seriously! I hate inconsiderate people

[@andrewstrains5717]

He was dropping fbombs

[@desertfoxx1823]

@@andrewstrains5717 I'd like to drop him on the tracks :)

[@Audamus]

Danny i used to lose intrest in trains but you brought it back! Thank you!!

[@mikenevermon9041]

Wow What a super video. hearing the highballin' whistle for the first time gave me chills. thanks Danny

[@Rickyboy707]

Danny, I just discovered your channel about three weeks ago. I have been binge watching your videos ever since. You do a wonderful job of explaining things, even to this railfan who has been collecting and watching trains for the better part of 50 years. I have a better understanding of how signals work, train "meets", sidings, etc. I worked for a wholesale distributor of building materials back in the 80s and we used to get shipments of wood shingles from Canada. Since the main line was no longer used, trains were few and far between except to deliver to local customers. The conductor knew of my love of trains and would stop the train on the mainline and allow me into the cab. I got to see the action of the train pulling past the switch, the conductor throwing the switch, and finally delivering our load of wood shingles. Thanks again for the quality videos! -->Ric

[@SteadyGhetner]

Every time I re-watch this video, the last minute gets played 3 or 4 times more. Thanks Danny, keep well and keep on, Cheers

[@austinyingst5902]

You picked a great "first steam" and a great Location. Al are envious. Thanks for recording and sharing.

[@distantsignal]

Yeah, I would love to get back up there and see it again. I love that part of the country.

[@rhodyM]

This was an exciting story of where I came from many years ago. I live in St. Petersburg, Fl and want to thank the fella that did this video. He made my day!! 5/19/2018

[@distantsignal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jmahaneydroid]

This is absolutely wonderful. I know this was a few years back - I am just now seeing this... I greatly enjoy your CSX traffic and history videos and information. But to see you in PA talking about NS / Pennsylvania RR action and history is astounding! (I’m a SW VA NS and CSX fan and that includes western PA). Wonderful job and fantastic video - and that beautiful highball fly by at the end should be in your top 10 greatest hits! Glad you didn’t freeze that day ... we “northerners” would wilt in the June heat in central FL!

[@cflRailfan]

Danny, nice to meet you in person and funny ruining into a fellow Central Floridian in the middle of PA. if you remember I was next to you at 9th Ave. when that goof ball walked in front of all of us. I saw that 3days in person but nice to relive it through your lens and narration. See ya on the S-Line sometime!

[@expoers]

Excellent shots Danny, the best I sowed of this engine, the last one! thanks for posting

[@northeastrailwayproductions]

"All accept for for this guy".. hahahaha!!!! Too funny!.. very rude guy lol

[@distantsignal]

Wow! That's a great compliment.Thank you! DH

[@shnimmuc]

Great video, you got some wonderful shots of 765. Robert

[@distantsignal]

Thanks. That whole trip was a blast.DH

[@alexh6131]

Every time I watch your videos I fall back in love with trains!!!

[@CHQRails]

NKP 765 is a heritage unit of it's own.

[@goforsco]

The most lonesome, mournful steam whistle I have heard! A sound that birthed 1000 songs...nice!

[@qwertyTRiG]

My favourite modern railway sound is the SNCF jingle, which has also been remixed into music.

[@jmano33]

Danny I am so glad that you made it out to Altoona finally, and picked the best weekend to do so!! I hope you had a chance to make it to Cassandra being as it is one of the best places on the line. The train that had the switcher in front looked like 11A. They usually throw whatever they have in the yard on it and send it on its way to Conway, so that looks to be about right. Can't wait for part two!

[@OkieOtaku]

Oh man.... That final shot is absolutely beautiful

[@dickiecranford546]

Just found your posts on KZbin, You do an excellent job..I live in NC, and hail from Chester, SC. I grew up just yards from where the Southern and Seaboard Lines crossed. Chased many a baseball off those tracks....I'll keep watching,,

[@distantsignal]

Yeah, it was really an exciting moment for me. Thanks for your kinds words. Glad you enjoyed the show. Danny H.

[@awizardalso]

Thanks for posting this. I have a few friends on KZbin that have been to Horseshoe Curve and a few other places to video trains. I have a collection of HO locomotives and a few cars. I also have a crane on a flat car and a caboose with a small cab at the end and space to hold the crane.

[@xero925]

I don't know why, but your voice narrating the videos makes me think about railfanning as a youngster on the CSX Portsmouth sub in Portsmouth VA back in winter 1996! Thanks for sharing Danny!

[@goodeye03]

Another great video, glad you finally got to see some steam and helpers. You do such a great job keeping us entertained and informed. Thanks

[@TheCloakedTiger]

Man... That sad long whistle echo in the valley... Beautiful!

[@denniswoytek6652]

Happy you got to visit my area. I enjoy your videos and storytelling. I captured the 765 a few years back, cinders in hair but great video.

[@carlstock2552]

Great video Danny! Sorry it was so cold up there for you. Excellent & informative content along with high qualtiy video.

[@williamharman8989]

Great video. I love being on the ground taking pictures, but riding in a dome observation behind the 765 is great also.

[@MrDavesandstorm]

Being from along the old Pennsy Pittsburgh main, this was the first video of yours I ever watched. Since that day almost 8 years ago, I've been subscribed and faithfully watching your videos every time you release one. Fantastic content, delivery, and knowledge. Never disappointed (other than wanting more content)! Keep up the great work.

[@distantsignal]

Very kind compliments, David. Thanks very much.

[@OhioRailandBus]

LOVE the video and narration, very cool concept!

[@sparkybluefox]

OMG! That last shot was the Topping on the Cake ! BRAVO !!!!!

[@baldtiger1970]

Just now finding your channel, and really enjoy it! I grew up in Altoona, only a few miles from that "place called Pinecroft", my dad worked for the RR for 43 years and my brother for 40. I live in Texas now, and it really brought back some memories. Thanks for a great video! Working my way through your collection.

[@alexlorenz9251]

I just visited the Altoona's railroad museum and horseshoe curve and also saw the Gallitzin tunnel

[@kunochiturtledove8111]

NKP 765!!! @12:45 I am stoked for when she comes through the Cuyahoga Valley. I'm going to go aboard at the first stop so I can take my bike along, and hopefully take some awesome videos of her as I bike along the way back. I already made a journey through the Cuyahoga Valley on the Towpath trail, on my bike. Great grab of her in Pennsylvania, Danny!

[@desertfoxx1823]

I swear everytime I re-watch this video, it gets better and better. loved the Pennsy and Conrail heritage units.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Tyler! I'm glad you're still enjoying it. Yeah, I have to get back to Altoona soon. I love that whole area.

[@desertfoxx1823]

I'm originally from Ohio and never traveled to Altoona. Had I of known their railroad history, I would of made a trip there. Thanks for the great information Danny!

[@Juanelo1946]

Very dramatic shots of a powerful steam engine! This video brought back a flood of memories from when I was a toddler in an apartment overlooking the tracks. Thanks for a great presentation!

[@northeastrailwayproductions]

Great video man. I would love to one day hear that wailing whistle off in the distance.. one day. I wish more steam was around up here in the Northeast.

[@chatanugadotorg]

Looks like you had a great trip! I rode behind the 765 between Bellevue and Orrville, Ohio back in 1982. Also been to Altoona in 1985, 2003, and 2004. Great place to visit.

[@AlanCSXFan]

That Alto tower would make a great man cave! If NS rents it out I should get the Royalties! Great video as usual.

[@andrewc1199]

14:05 is the best part!!!

[@RailGeekWeek]

I really enjoy your documentaries. The informative narration sets it apart from all the rest. I felt your excitement at your railroading firsts, Horseshoe Curve, mainline steam and the oil train, and all in one weekend at arguably the best rail watching line in the world.

[@ShelbyBanditNFS]

WHOOOO!!!! ROCK ON NKP!!! Steam are my most favorite of all time Danny. More than Diesels

[@Mike77E9]

Awesome Job Danny! I see you've focused in on my camera at Gallitzen! LOL. Fantastic coverage, and fantastic narration!

[@davedennis6042]

Man, I can see why my dear old dad was so fascinated by trains. He was born in 1937. Trains came through Preston Kansas where he grew up. I can see with that sound of that whistle screaming in the night and that chug chug rattling off to wherever. It left a deep impression on him. Then all those train songs on the radio. Hank Snow's "Movin On" was his favorite.

[@joelstein4657]

I was born in Altoona during WWII. My grandfather worked the Pennsy RR shops most of his life. I remember my mother was always super proud of two things, Horseshoe Curve and Lakemont Park with the oldest roller coaster in the world. They sure have cleaned it up though. I remember putting my hands on a railing and looking at the black coal soot all over them.

[@CSX453]

Awesome vid! I love your videos and the info you give Thanks! that place has to be one of my fav.

[@clarence43232]

Danny, I loved this one because I hope to visit the Horseshoe Curve and the museum. This video clarified the part of getting to the curve better on that special tram.

[@ChessieStorm]

Very nice Danny. Glad you got to catch this train. I've ridden on several trains with #765 pulling on CSX lines 20 years ago.

[@littleskipper743]

What a video! Thank you! You have a great narrator voice!

[@albertmartin6298]

That was so awesome thank you for showing

[@scotth4760]

Just knew your video would have excellent coverage of this event. Thanks

[@NVRAMboi]

There's always that one guy :o) Thanks for the efforts Danny. Enjoyed it very much.

[@TheTrainman91]

Spectacular video Mr. Harmon! Excellent scenery. I'm glad you were able to see NKP 765. I can't believe that guy was inconsiderate not only to you but other the other Railfans. All in all great video! I'm always looking forward to seeing more of your footage in the near future!

[@sniper11506]

Spent many hours my brother & I filming along the line from Tyrone to Johnstown. One of our favorite places is Carney's Crossing in Lilly South of Cresson. Great filming areas. We lived just North of Summerhill and dad would take us kids down there in the 40's and those steamers were awesome. Thanks for yours.

[@deloresbrown9187]

Thanks Danny, for this great video!

[@johntyson7633]

I was born in Bethlehem , Pennsylvania and am old enough to remember steam on the Pennsy mainline. I was about 12 years old when my dad was transferred to the Bethlehem Steel wire rope mill in Williamsport. It was there I got to witness the last of steam on the Elmira Branch. It sometimes took three big 2-10-0s to pull those heavy iron ore trains up the grade from Trout run. I still remember watching those big engines sounding like shotguns going off, and their stacks looking like active volcanos. I vowed right then and there I would become a steam locomotive engineer. But it wasn't long after that that those engines seemingly disappeared overnight. It would 25 years later when I finally realized my dream as an engineer on the V&T in my home in Virginia City, Nevada.. And now , after 22 years as a steam locomotive engineer on the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nevada. We run engines 93 and 40 in excursion service. These super headed coal fired engines are as original as they day they were built back in 1909 and 1910. So for a 12 year old kid watching these magnificent engines pull the grade out of Trout Run, Pennsylvania, they remain in my memory like none other. So thank you Danny for rekindling old memories of old engines back when the Penny had the power needed to do the job. The Elmira Branch, like the engines themselves are now long gone. I fear the time will come when even the memories will disappear. Thanks Danny for all you do. I couldn't be more pleased. John Tyson, Virginia city, Nevada, July 3rd, 2020.

[@distantsignal]

How about that? Small world. I never did get to the brickyard, but I did have a blast that weekend. Hope to get back up there soon. Thanks very much. DH

[@avlisk]

Thanks for refraining from a lot of wild zooming and panning. Good job handling that one guy, and, therefore, thanks for a great video.

[@RealJeep]

I'm glad you FINALLY did a steam video! Thanks Danny, nobody does it better :-)

[@motorTranz]

Excellent job. Thank you for sharing.

[@tomkelsey3512]

The highballing down through Pinecroft sends a chill down my spine !

[@andrewcutts7416]

I've just found this. A well made and informative video. Although I visited Altoona many years ago, Horseshoe Curve is still on my bucket list.

[@MrJarrod1989]

Gave me goose bumps just seeing horseshoe curve and hearing the breaks Screech with pain like nails on chalk board and I enjoyed the ending sounded like one great ending of a great trip.

[@RCAvhstape]

Hey Danny, I only started watching your vids within the last year, you are really great at this, and while Florida is cool and all, it's really great to see you in Pennsylvania where I spent lots of time growing up. My uncle used to work for the railroad in the 70s and 80s and the mountain railroading with all the bridges and tunnels is amazing, he has lots of stories to tell. If you're ever up in PA again, be sure to go to Steamtown in Scranton and stay at the Radisson Lackawanna hotel; it's an old train station they preserved, it's beautiful and grand and the food is good. Sorry about the cold, but for guys like me if you can't see your own breath it's too warm for railfanning!

[@distantsignal]

Wow! That's a very generous compliment. Thanks Johnny. DH

[@peterhanahoe4913]

Really enjoyed that, I like your style indeed.

[@masonkpiano]

What’s awesome about horseshoe curve is that every few minutes there is a train. You never get bored there!

[@ChristopherStraight]

Awesome video Danny! You always surprise with your footage! Can't wait for the next!

[@RetakeAmericaNow]

Great video. Glad you got the steam experience.

[@RyanChugg]

Glad to see you out of Florida every once in awhile! Really Great videos, keep up the work.

[@zachpetersen9425]

I have caught this particular steam engine twice. I got her in 2016 on the Varsity Excursion in Walworth, WI and again last year on the Joliet Rocket. Both of these experiences were memorable. I like NKP 765, even though I live in IL.

[@ScottHirschman]

14:06 what a wonderful sound from days gone by, my new alarm clock!

[@iiigraghu]

Great show Danny. Hearty Greetings from India 🇮🇳

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Raghu!

[@firecaptain5405]

Awestruck and totally amazed Danny. The last shot of the video and the story of you finally getting to hear a train whistle that weekend, excellent story telling. A true professional, thank you for sharing Danny. Heading to Orlando on Tuesday, with a visit to Busch Gardens, Tampa. I hope to try and get at least one day in of rail fanning, but with a wife with the agenda, and three kids, we shall see.

[@hd74xlhs]

great narration job Danny and I'll be on my way to my mum and dads to show them your vid... it's been MANY years since dad took our family to Horseshoe Bend (Curve) and I'm sure this will bring back great memories for him! Blessings

[@distantsignal]

That's great! I'm very glad you enjoyed it. I hope to get back up to Horsehoe in the next few seasons. Many thanks

[@thunderturbine8860]

As soon as he said "Winter like, 39 degrees and windy" I realised he was talking in fahrenheit. I used to wonder, "39 degrees Celsius is not winter like at all, that's summer". Hehe. Great video

[@shawnrogers8393]

Great thanks for catching 765, im a steam lover, and cant get enough steam locomotives. Even my layout steam is still king

[@legs4ever1]

another fine job danny thanks

[@VArailfan89]

Nice shots, I was out at Horseshoe Curve that weekend too! The crude oil train with the Interstate 8105 was NS 65R, for info. :)

[@desertfoxx1823]

Again, a great video from you. Your narration is superb. Without a doubt, the best informational rail fan videos ever. Keep up the great work =) At home, at my desk............this is Tyler.............out!

[@CarterUP1998]

Caught the Interstate unit in La Grange, IL the next day. Great video by the way.

[@Steve-xf4uv]

We wait for hours for these shots and in a minute it's over ! Great shot Danny; yes there are impolite railfans too, though thankfully not very many.

[@roushracing1]

This area is as good as it gets as far as scenery goes especially if you can get there in the fall as the colors are breathtaking. I am down in central Florida so I haven't been there since the area was a wash in Conrail blue!

[@SEABOARDSYSTEMfan]

Just can't escape all those NS GE catfish! Excellent video Danny; this one reminds me of a trip I made to northern Ohio and Chicago in 2004. Love the lashup at 2:10; never seen a NS SD80MAC in person. Incredible variety...can't wait for the next production from Distant Signal!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks very much, Chris. I'm working on a new one now. DH