One of the other reasons for small crowds at the curve is because it is not a very good photo location any more. Mother Nature has continued her relentless growth of the trees and foliage in the area, with the result that you really can't SEE the trains there very well any more. There is a good viewing angle of perhaps 90 to 110 degrees at the apex of the curve. Many years ago, before the growth of the foliage, the viewing angle exceeded 220 degrees.
Today the really GOOD spot for photos is just west of the curve, on the hillside north of the tracks. This seems to be where the "serious" photographers are going. While there is no charge to shoot here, it requires quite a hike to get in there. You get a really nice view of the curve from here, as you can see in this well-done video by OGR Forum Member Dave Slie.
By the way, the lifting of the first pop valve (there are three) as she went around the curve was done on purpose. Engineer Gary Bensman and Fireman Steve Winicker planned to do this. You'll notice that Steve hazed up the stack a little (made some smoke) as the engine first comes into sight. And a few seconds later the additional heat from the extra coal he put in the firebox does its job and lifts the first pop valve.
Nicely done.
