Built in 1918, #1361 is one of 111 K-4 type passenger locomotives built in Altoona that year. It weighed 308,890 pounds and could travel at speeds of over 90 miles per hour, pulling up to 14 heavyweight steel cars on flat, level track. For many years, these engines were the main passenger power on the PRR.
Retired from active duty in May 1956, #1361 awaited the scrapper's torch. The city of Altoona, however, wanted a fitting memorial to be placed at the top of the famous Horseshoe Curve. This memorial would pay tribute to the 6,000 steam locomotives built in Altoona and the workers who built them. The K-4 was restored and placed at the Horseshoe Curve on June 8, 1957.
For nearly 30 years, #1361 was displayed at the top of the world-famous Curve. In 1985, the City of Altoona, Conrail, and the Railroaders' Memorial Museum arranged to move the locomotive from the Horseshoe Curve to the Museum. The engine was moved to Altoona on September 5, 1985, and work to restore the locomotive began in April 1986.
With the help of teams of volunteers, #1361 was restored to working order in just one year. In April 1987, #1361 pulled its first passenger train in over thirty years. In May 1987, Altoona City and Conrail named the steam locomotive the "Spirit of Altoona." Governor Robert Casey signed a bill proclaiming the K-4 as Altoona Pennsylvania's State Steam Locomotive in March 1988.
Altoona's K-4 locomotive #1361 is one of two still in existence. The other is not in running order but is currently on display at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
