Progress

Our Achievements through 2023

With the initial multi-million dollar investment from private donors and the invaluable help of the volunteers of the Friends of the East Broad Top, the Foundation has made significant progress in a variety of areas including:

Trackwork
  • Rebuilt ALL existing tourist era track, using a crew of hired locals and aided by a cadre of dedicated FEBT volunteers
  • Acquired and converted a tamper and a regulator to fit the EBT's narrow gauge rails and began upgrading track to exceed FRA standards
  • Began restoring track south for the first time in several decades
Rolling Stock and Equipment
  • Hired a Master Mechanic and began the restoration of two historic steam locomotives, work that will happen largely on-site will full-time local employees
  • Began restoring antique passenger and freight cars
  • Completed annual inspections and made mechanical/cosmetic repairs to all active operating passenger cars
  • Acquired brand-new passenger cars using design elements from existing rolling stock
  • Completed Restoration of Locomotive No. 16
Shop Complex Restoration
  • Structurally stabilized the one-of-a-kind main shop complex and returned its overhead lineshaft system to operation for visitors
  • Begun installing fire-suppression system in the roundhouse and machine shop
  • Acquired the Rockhill Furnace Post Office property to protect the viewscape of Meadow St.
  • Began reconstructing the original coal dock 
Operations
  • Created "joint-ticket" options with the Rockhill Trolley Museum
  • Reopened for regular train service in May of 2021
  • Carried roughly 30,000 passengers on a variety of excursion trains and special events
  • Initiated the process of obtaining a professionally driven “Master Plan” for the railroad and the EBT Foundation

20 Months of Progress

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Photos by Matthew Malkiewicz