Sunset on 7 October in Altoona is 6:46 PM. Train 43 leaves Altoona at 5:13 PM if on schedule. So it allows about an hour or so of daylight when reaching The Curve.
If you want to be more assured, do it eastward...however, then you have to worry about making a tighter connection...so....do it round trip!
If you want to be more assured, do it eastward...however, then you have to worry about making a tighter connection...so....do it round trip!