(Source: Amtrak and Norfolk Southern joint press release, October 9, 2013)
ALTOONA, Pa. — Trains, patriotism, and history will be on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, as Amtrak and Norfolk Southern host “All Aboard Altoona” at NS’ Rose Yard here.
Amtrak’s Exhibit Train, pulled by a custom-painted Veterans Locomotive, will be available as will special NS rolling stock such as its own Veterans Locomotive, an F-Unit locomotive, Exhibit Car, and historic office cars. Visitors can hear from organizations such as Operation Lifesaver and the National Park Service, and a kid-friendly Chuggington Depot display will be on hand.
The event is sponsored in part by Explore Altoona.
Saturday presents an opportunity to see two red, white, and blue locomotives honoring the military service of America’s veterans. Amtrak’s Locomotive 42 – featuring patriotic colors as well as 50 reflective stars around the bottom – was unveiled in June and is part of Amtrak’s effort to make veterans 25 percent of new hires by 2015. Norfolk Southern’s Veterans Locomotive, introduced to the fleet last November, is an SD60E model whose scheme was selected by a committee of NS employees who have served in America’s military.
Visitors will be able to explore Amtrak’s Exhibit Train displays, which include workable signals, virtual sleeping accommodation tours, a locomotive control stand and horns, and displays about the 42-year history of the passenger rail service. NS’ Exhibit Car features a locomotive simulator and a look at the company’s popular heritage locomotive fleet.
The event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available across from NS’ Juniata Locomotive Shop at 200 N. 4th Ave., and free shuttle services will transport visitors from the parking lot to Rose Yard. No parking is available at Rose Yard.