In September 1970, there were two railroad excursions to Horseshoe Curve, Pennsylvania.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

John Dziobko says they were on the 13th and the 14th. That seems unlikely, as the 14th was on a Monday. It was not Labor Day.

Per Dziobko, September 13:

http://www.godfatherrails.com/photos/pv.asp?pid=855



Sepember 14:

http://www.godfatherrails.com/photos/pv.asp?pid=1795



High Iron says they were on the 12th and the 13th. I think that's more likely.

[link:https://www.themetrains.com/golden-spike-centennial-limited-timeline.htm|Timeline for High Iron Company Excursions, including the
1969 Golden Spike Centennial Limited]

[eppur_se_muova]

1. WOW, talk about particulate pollution ...

free irreversible lung damage for all passengers.

[hunter]

2. The Southern Pacific 4294, fueled by heavy bunker oil, had the cab in front...

... so the crew wouldn't suffocate in the tunnels and snow sheds crossing the Sierra.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Pacific_4294

[mahatmakanejeeves]

5. That also provided fresh air for combustion in the firebox.

There's not much in the way of crew protection in case of a grade crossing accident or a landslide, however.

[malthaussen]

3. One of the reasons dining cars were the first to get air conditioning...

... was so there would be no need to have open windows and get cinders all over everybody's meals.

-- Mal

[mahatmakanejeeves]

6. More, from someone who was on the trip. He was 16 then. He's 66 now.

I'll bet he'd give anything to take this trip again.

Steam & Excursion > 50 Years Ago NKP 759 Horseshoe Curve Trip