Posted: August 15, 2024 1:45 pm
Our rail tours are back by popular demand for the first time since 2019, before the pandemic! These popular, full-day tours are led by expert docent Brian Lehman, and include an Amtrak train trip to Altoona, a charter bus ride to various rail-related attractions, and the train trip home.
Our tour guide, Brian Lehman, has 37 years of railroad experience starting with Conrail, having worked up from trackman to track foreman, and then Track Supervisor with Norfolk Southern. He worked from the Pittsburgh area to Harrisburg and Harrisburg to Buffalo. He’ll share his deep knowledge on all aspects of rail history and equipment as he leads you through the two railroad sites. (Note: the Horseshoe Curve incline is currently unavailable.)
Two versions of the trip are being offered this year:
Ride the Rails Tour, October 12: we’ll board Amtrak’s eastbound Pennsylvanian (#42) at the historic Johnstown Train Station and passing along the world-famous Horseshoe Curve as we enjoy the spectacular fall foliage on the way to Altoona. We’ll get on a chartered bus to go to the Horseshoe Curve and the Railroaders Memorial Museum. In between, we’ll stop at the Boyer Candy Factory, and Baker Mansion. At the end of the day you’ll board the westbound Pennsylvanian (#43) back to Johnstown. Midday we will be stopping at Cracker Barrel for lunch (each guest pays on their own; lunch is not included in the ticket).
Ultimate Rail Fan’s Tour, October 19: This version of the tour omits the Boyer Candy Factory and Baker Mansion in favor of more time with Brian Lehman at the Railroaders Memorial Museum.
“The cost to charter a bus has risen significantly since the last time we were able to offer these tours, which was before the pandemic – this has forced us to raise ticket prices to cover our costs,” noted Deb Winterscheidt, JAHA’s development director. “But there is such demand for these tours with Brian, who is incredibly knowledgeable. We are thrilled to be able to offer these tours again.”
Tour participants will meet at the Johnstown Train Station at 8:30 am for departure at 9:00. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the Eventgroove platform – prices for JAHA members, non-members, and youth are available.