Rolling Stock
What are we doing?
As a narrow-gauge railroad, the EBT historically had very limited options to acquire new or used rolling stock. For this reason, most of the railroad’s freight equipment was designed and built at the Rockhill Furnace Shop Complex. This includes over 270 steel hopper cars, many of which still reside at the railroad in various states of repair. The EBT’s surviving passenger equipment were built in the 1880s and purchased by the EBT second-hand in the early 1900s. We aim to restore these cars to their original glory, preserve them as artifacts of narrow-gauge railroad history, and operate them on a limited basis for special occasions and events. Due to their worn condition and limited capacity, the EBT converted several freight cars into open-air passenger coaches in the 1960s. All of this wooden and steel equipment has required exhaustive inspections and repairs to return to service.
As a narrow-gauge railroad, the EBT had limited options for acquiring rolling stock, so most freight equipment was designed and built at the Rockhill Furnace Shop Complex, including more than 270 steel hopper cars that still remain on the property. The surviving passenger cars, built in the 1880s and purchased second-hand in the early 1900s, are being restored to their original appearance, preserved as historic artifacts, and operated on a limited basis for special events. In the 1960s, several freight cars were converted into open-air coaches to expand passenger capacity. All of this wooden and steel equipment has undergone extensive inspection and repair to return to service.
Related Projects
- Coach No. 8
- Combine No. 15
- Caboose No. 27
- New Coach Acquisitions
- Combine No. 14
- Car No. 20
- Caboose No. 26
- Freight Equipment Restoration
Protecting Heritage
In addition, we have acquired several new passenger coaches that offer more capacity, enhance the visitor experience, and protect our heritage fleet by relieving them from the burden of operating regularly. These new coaches were carefully designed to match the railroad’s aesthetic while offering some modern comforts like electric lights, speaker systems, and onboard restrooms.
Restoring Caboose 27
As part of our ongoing historic car restorations, Caboose 27, built in 1920, received a much-needed restoration. EBT crews replaced all the original siding, windows, and trim, as well as the metal roofing. The caboose was painted in a patriotic semiquincentennial scheme and returned to regular service, which allowed the Railroad to increase its capacity during peak operating days and special events. This special scheme will remain through 2026.