Present Day
The operating lease of East Broad Top Railroad by the East Broad Top Railroad Preservation Association ended in April 2012. Negotiations between the parties continued into May 2012 but an operating agreement acceptable to both parties could not be reached. In part due to the late date and likely due to other factors it was decided not to operate the EBT in 2012. The railroad facilities are currently maintained by a skeleton paid staff and FEBT volunteers. The EBTPA no longer has any involvement with on site activities at the EBT but continues to hold a purchase option for the railroad until some time in late 2012 and is continuing to pursue funding for purchase. No decision has been made on 2013 operations and re-operation of the railroad is still considered a possibility. FRA inspections and paperwork are being kept up during 2012 on Locomotive #15 in case re-operation occurs. Although no public excursions will be held in 2012, a single diesel powered train will operate October 6th for members of the FEBT.
The Friends of the East Broad Top restoration program is continuing in 2012 without abatement and with the active encouragement of owner Joe Kovalchick. Mr Kovalchick in part funded the structural repairs of the Blacksmith Shop, with the remainder of the repairs funded by FEBT and executed by FEBT volunteers. Restoration of Combine Car #14, the Boiler House, the Locomotive Shop and other facilities also continues.
Tours of the Historic Shops complex are still being offered in 2012 for groups of 20 or more by prior arrangement with the railroad. Public tours were offered in August and will be available October 6th.
Friends of the East Broad Top will still hold its annual Fall Reunion and related events during Columbus Day weekend 2012, the traditional time of the EBT Fall Spectacular.
The neighboring Rockhill Trolley Museum continues to operate its regular summer schedule and special events during 2012.
Read more about this topic: East Broad Top Railroad And Coal Company
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