As of now is it true that EBT only has one operationial steamer 14 who is nearing a 1472 day inspection. On the other hand what is the deal with their other steamers 15,12 and 17. How far is the work coming along on the 15 I know that Strasburg is doing some work for them on by machining new parts like front and rear flue sheets and such. And what does EBT plan to do with "Millie" #12 and 17 their largest engine.

> As of now is it true that EBT only has one
> operationial steamer 14 who is nearing a
> 1472 day inspection. On the other hand what
> is the deal with their other steamers 15,12
> and 17. How far is the work coming along on
> the 15 I know that Strasburg is doing some
> work for them on by machining new parts like
> front and rear flue sheets and such. And
> what does EBT plan to do with
> "Millie" #12 and 17 their largest
> engine.

#14 has been the only operating steamer for the last few years now. Don't know about the 1472 days. Keep in mind that's like 25 years for the EBT. #15 is progressing. It is hoped she will be done by October this year. As for #12 and #17, chances are you'll never see them outside of the roundhouse except for static displays. Though #16, #17, and #18 are pretty close to identical, #18 is usually thought to be the heaviest and largest. Just depends who you ask.



EBT RR & Coal Co.
cr6358@hotmail.com

#15 is progressing. It is hoped
> she will be done by October this year.

Just to add a little to what Lance said, all of which was dead on, my understanding is that Stanley Hall intends to take 14 out of service as soon as 15 is back in service. 14 is operating under a waivier for compliance with the new FRA steam locomotive regualtions (49 CFR Part 230). She needs to be opened up, reinspected, and a new Form 4 calculated once 15 is done.

Stanley says he would like to have 3 engines in service, but the line's current ridership will probably not justify bringing more than two into compliance with Part 230. For the forseeable future, expect to see only 14 or 15 operating.

eledbetter@rypn.org

> ... my understanding is
> that Stanley Hall intends to take 14 out of
> service as soon as 15 is back in service. 14
> is operating under a waivier for compliance
> with the new FRA steam locomotive
> regualtions (49 CFR Part 230). She needs to
> be opened up, reinspected, and a new Form 4
> calculated once 15 is done.

The waiver is at the discression of the FRA and can theortically last as long as the FRA allows it to. Realistically so long as #14 is kept in good and safe running condition and progress continues to be made on #15, the waiver will be kept in place.

#14 received a good bit of work pre-season this year including staybolts and testing of the sheets (not form 4 testing.) From what I understand, the boiler was tentatively found to be in much better shape than #15 when her overhaul was started in 2002. If correct, that should make bringing 14 into compliance much easier. The "when and if" of #14's rebuild will depend on finances and the FRA stance.

> Stanley says he would like to have 3 engines
> in service, but the line's current ridership
> will probably not justify bringing more than
> two into compliance with Part 230. For the
> forseeable future, expect to see only 14 or
> 15 operating.

We can assume at least there will not be any serious consideration made for additional rebuilds until 15 and 14 are attended to. _IF_ a third locomotive were rebuilt I would hazard the guess that it would be #12. It is a simpler locomotive than #17 and much lighter on the track. Also she seems to be the family favorite. At the same time, #16 and #18 are just as viable candidates, as their boilers may be in better shape. However this is all moot at this time.

If you want to see more EBT locomotives in steam you can help by BUYING TICKETS! Even if you cannot get there to ride, you can order tickets by mail to support the railroad.

To order tickets send a SSAE to:

The East Broad Top Railroad
P.O. Box 158, Rt. 994
Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children two to twelve. Specify the combination you would like.

Other ways you can support the railroad is by volunteering time or materials to the FEBT Restoration Crews currently working to restore many parts of the railroad.

http://www.febt.org/Restore/

Join the FEBT

http://www.febt.org/member.html

Join the Rockhill Trolley Museum

http://www.rockhilltrolley.org/

Donate to FEBT's Restoration fund drive.

http://www.febt.org/funddrv.html

To keep up on EBT news, events and discussions, become a member of EBT-LIST or EBT-ANNOUNCE e-mail lists.

http://www.spikesys.com/EBT/ebtlist.html

The East Broad Top Railroad Homepage
ebtrr@spikesys.com

> _IF_ a third locomotive were rebuilt I would
> hazard the guess that it would be #12. It is
> a simpler locomotive than #17 and much
> lighter on the track. Also she seems to be
> the family favorite. At the same time, #16
> and #18 are just as viable candidates, as
> their boilers may be in better shape.
> However this is all moot at this time.

I've been told by someone in the know that 12 is the proverbial "basket case" and may never steam again. I was also told - and I agree - that there would be a better chance of seeing 16 under steam than 12. After all, I believe 16 was shopped right before the shutdown.

> I've been told by someone in the know that
> 12 is the proverbial "basket case"
> and may never steam again. I was also told -
> and I agree - that there would be a better
> chance of seeing 16 under steam than 12.
> After all, I believe 16 was shopped right
> before the shutdown.

Unfortunatly, this is the case with #12. I believe #16 was nearly completed. I hope someone close to the EBT wins the lottery soon.

EBT RR & Coal Co.
cr6358@hotmail.com

Unfortunately to return any of the remaining the Mikes to service would be an expensive proposition. Although in theory the 16 is in excellant condition this would not preclude a total rebuild to meet FRA regulations and as mentioned before she is a big, heavy locomotive. If I were to make a guess, and it is just a guess and a hope, I would put my money on the 12 being the next viable candidate if the need ever arises. If I would win the powerball (Ha Ha) I will do my part but in the meantime just go and buy tickets and let Joe know we care about the EBT whether there is one engine running or 4 engines running.

Strasburg Rail Road
asholley@hotmail.com

Concerning Erik's statement that #14 is operating under an FRA waiver, I offer the following quote from a January 12, 2003, letter written by William Fashouer, Assistant Chief Counsel of the FRA. "---we have determined that the agency's files do not contain any records related to a waiver pursuant to 49 C.F.R. Part 230 and §230.6 granted by the FRA to the East Broad Top Railroad for continued operation in calendar year 2003 of steam locomotives or any special notice of repair issued by a FRA inspector to the East Broad Top Railroad for these locomotives in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Part 216 and §216.13."

There has been no subsequent Part 230 waiver request by the EBT posted in the DOT Docket Management System (http://dms.dot.gov/reports/fr.htm).



edwardmclaughlin@mindspring.com