Sand Patch Grade: Difference between revisions

Browse history interactively ← Previous edit Next edit →Content deleted Content addedVisual WikitextInline

Revision as of 07:23, 3 July 2011 edit216.15.9.111 (talk) past tense← Previous edit		Revision as of 15:01, 9 July 2011 edit undo150.177.11.18 (talk)No edit summaryNext edit →
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Sand Patch Grade''' is a ~100 mile length of railroad track known for its steep ]s and curves through the ] of Pennsylvania and Maryland.<ref>http://www.ihavideo.com/HIedscorn1.html</ref> The line is part of the ], a ] operated by ], formerly ]. The line was originally ~~owned~~ by the ] (B & O), ~~later~~ ]. A well known landmark along Sand Patch Grade is the 4,475 foot Sand Patch Tunnel, which was constructed in the mid 1800's. Originally one track, the tunnel was expanded to two tracks in 1914. The tunnels used vertical ventilation shafts with fires in them to circulate air. The original tunnel was abandoned in 1917 and is now flooded and collapsed in places.<ref>http://www.steamphotos.com/Railroad-Photos/Abandoned-Railroad-Tunnels/3405984_hFJN7#201168208_Wj4CH</ref> Dropping over 1000 feet in about 20 miles, Sand Patch Grade is one of the steepest railroad grades on the East Coast.<ref>http://www.meyersdalepa.org/railroad/sandpatch.html</ref> In 2001, the 'SA' Tower, one of the last manned ]s was decommissioned and demolished. ], along the Sand Patch Grade is a popular spot for ] and photographers due to the horseshoe curve located there, as well as the scenic backdrop provided by the old general store and tree farm. Also to watch the trains struggle up the steep grade, which is as much as two percent.<ref>http://www.trainzproroutes.org/sandpatch.html</ref>		'''Sand Patch Grade''' is a ~100 mile length of railroad track known for its steep ]s and curves through the ] of Pennsylvania and Maryland.<ref>http://www.ihavideo.com/HIedscorn1.html</ref> The line is part of the ], an East-West ] operated by ]. The line was originally built by the ] (B & O), which became a component of the ] in 1972, then was merged into CSX in 1987. A well known landmark along Sand Patch Grade is the 4,475 foot Sand Patch Tunnel, which was constructed in the mid 1800's. Originally one track, the tunnel was expanded to two tracks in 1914. The tunnels used vertical ventilation shafts with fires in them to circulate air. The original tunnel was abandoned in 1917 and is now flooded and collapsed in places.<ref>http://www.steamphotos.com/Railroad-Photos/Abandoned-Railroad-Tunnels/3405984_hFJN7#201168208_Wj4CH</ref> Dropping over 1000 feet in about 20 miles, Sand Patch Grade is one of the steepest railroad grades on the East Coast.<ref>http://www.meyersdalepa.org/railroad/sandpatch.html</ref> In 2001, the 'SA' Tower, one of the last manned ]s was decommissioned and demolished. ], along the Sand Patch Grade is a popular spot for ] and photographers due to the horseshoe curve located there, as well as the scenic backdrop provided by the old general store and tree farm. Also to watch the trains struggle up the steep grade, which is as much as two percent.<ref>http://www.trainzproroutes.org/sandpatch.html</ref>

	==References==		==References==

Revision as of 15:01, 9 July 2011

Sand Patch Grade is a ~100 mile length of railroad track known for its steep grades and curves through the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The line is part of the Keystone Subdivision, an East-West main line operated by CSX Transportation. The line was originally built by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B & O), which became a component of the Chessie System in 1972, then was merged into CSX in 1987. A well known landmark along Sand Patch Grade is the 4,475 foot Sand Patch Tunnel, which was constructed in the mid 1800's. Originally one track, the tunnel was expanded to two tracks in 1914. The tunnels used vertical ventilation shafts with fires in them to circulate air. The original tunnel was abandoned in 1917 and is now flooded and collapsed in places. Dropping over 1000 feet in about 20 miles, Sand Patch Grade is one of the steepest railroad grades on the East Coast. In 2001, the 'SA' Tower, one of the last manned interlocking towers was decommissioned and demolished. Mance, Pennsylvania, along the Sand Patch Grade is a popular spot for railfans and photographers due to the horseshoe curve located there, as well as the scenic backdrop provided by the old general store and tree farm. Also to watch the trains struggle up the steep grade, which is as much as two percent.

References

Categories: