EBT Part 1:
Last weekend a group of us Canucks drove down to do some railfaning in Pennsylvania. A mutual friend of
@craigolio1 and I is on the board of directors at the East Broad Top railroad, so not only were we invited for a ride, we were given the plaid level behind-the-scenes all-access pass, and got to explore a lot of the buildings and rollingstock most people don't usually have access to. Keep in mind we were always escourted by EBT staff, please dont go roaming around the property unattended. Here are some of the highlights!
First off, for any out of towners, this is the place to stay. The EBT runs right through the back yard, there is a fire pit literally feet away from the right of way, the interior is tastefully decorated and well kept, and the place comfortably fit all 7 of us. We had our own private areas to watch the trains roll by, and the echoing whistles through the valley gave us ample time to get into position. This B&B is roughly 5 minutes from the station.
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On the Friday morning we were invited for an initial tour of the facilities and participated in the morning preparations of #16 at the roundhouse. They were keeping the boiler warm overnight from the previous run, but still had to cleanout the smoke box, firebox, ashpan, and get everything lubed up. All night we could smell traces of coal smoke in the air, all the way from the B&B. Talk about building up anticipation!
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We couldn't have asked for better timing with warm weather and beautiful fall colours, to complement the awesomeness that is this narrow gauge railroad.
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Back in the roundhouse we were able to see all the other engines awaiting their glorious return to steam, along with the mow equipment, motor cars, and older passenger and freight cars undergoing restoration.
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At the back of the car shop we found the second caboose which is indoors until it can be restored.
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