East Broad Top Railroad

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending the day in Orbisonia, which is North of Huntington PA. I had the best time at the East Broad Top Railroad. It was about 99 degrees there and sweat was pouring out of everyone...but it was the best and I will be going back for sure. And I think you all should go too! The following is borrowed off of the East Broad Top Railroad Website: Founded in 1856, the East Broad Top began as one of many narrow gauge railways carrying lumber, ore, coal, and passengers. Old number 12 and her five sisters puffed and snorted between Mount Union and Woodvale for several decades, but by 1956, the EBT was the last operating narrow gauge steam line east of the Rock Mountains. The railroad was forced to shut down that same year due to slumping coal demand and competition from roadway

That's when the Kovalchick Salvage Company of Indiana, PA purchased the EBT and president Nick Kovalchick and his family chose to preserve the railway for future generations. In 1960, the Kovalchicks operated their first tourist train after much hard work and dedication by volunteers and former employees to reopen the line. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964, the EBT is also the most complete historic railroad site in North America.

The EBT continues to operate tourist trains on weekends from June through October including some special events. Our equipment ranges from passenger cars built in the 1880's to steam locomotives from the 1910's to speeders from the 1920's and later. Private charters are also available during the week. The Rockhill Trolley Museum, Pennsylvania's oldest operating trolley museum, is located next door and operates over the former EBT Shade Gap Branch. Here are the some of the photos I took in the day. This is Mr. Stanley Hall...he is the General Manager of the Railroad, he's been working on the railroad since he was in high school! Stanley sure has some stories to tell! This is the Ticket Window where your purchase your tickets for the train rides, there are also little speeder cars you can ride for only $2.00. This is Mr. Lee Rainy, he is the Historian for the railroad and he is Vice President of the Friends of the East Broad Top Railroad. FEBT. He is showing the shop yards here and YES that building is leaning like the tower of pisa! This is an old Gas/Electric M1, in it's life it has served so many purposes. It's the crown jewel of the Railroad at this point. Here it poses on the Round About. This is the Fireman, his job is to shovel the coal into the fire pit of the engine to make the steam engine go! I can only image how hot this job gets! This is the Brakeman Mr. Ron Robbins This is the Conductor Mr. David Brightbill