Uploaded January 2015 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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On January 19, 2015, Amtrak train 42, the eastbound "Pennsylvanian" from Pittsburgh, PA to New York City needed a helping hand after the AMTK 514 experienced mechanical difficulties before departing on its journey; therefore, an SD40E helper set, consisting of NS 6324 and NS 6310, came to the rescue to pull the train over the NS Pittsburgh Line to Harrisburg Station. These helper sets are normally used on the front or rear of heavy freight trains that across the steep grades in the Allegheny Mountains, typically between Johnstown and Altoona, PA; however, it is common to see these locomotives aid Amtrak trains if the lead unit is not cooperating. Despite the slower speeds these locomotives are limited to, 42 arrived into Harrisburg less than half an hour late.


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Train and video information:

0:00 - 04T, the NS symbol for the train, wizzes through the Controlled Siding at Milepost 116 on the Pittsburgh Line. I apologize for my glitch in the zooming, I was not anticipating the train to be traveling through the siding so quickly, especially with trains ahead of it, and was caught by surprise.

0:35 - 42 pulls onto Amtrak rails as it enters and fades away into the Harrisburg Station passing the Harris Tower.

Thanks for Watching.