East Broad Top Return of SteamSpecial Ticket ProgramThe 2005 season got underway at the East Broad Top Railroad on June 4. Unfortunately, the EBT's historic steam power was not available, and the M-7 diesel has been called into service.The EBT's steam locomotive #15 is nearing the end of a multi-year overhaul but is not yet ready for service. Locomotive #14 has been shouldering the load, but during preparatory inspections this spring was found to have a bad driver. It is hoped that #14 can be repaired quickly, and repairs are underway, but there is a chance the driver will need to be replaced incurring more expense and a longer delay. The unexpected cost of the driver repair to #14 comes at an inopportune time for the EBT. The overhaul of locomotive #15 has already consumed a great deal of money, it is the beginning of the season so there has been no ridership/sales income in recent months, and the lack of an operable steam engine threatens to diminish ridership, further compounding the problem.To help pay the costs necessary to return steam to the EBT, the railroad has begun a special "Return of Steam" ticket program. Tickets are $15 each, and may be used for future rides when steam returns (excluding Columbus Day weekend), or kept as tokens of your help in returning STEAM to the East Broad Top.Tickets are available from the railroad at: East Broad Top Railroad & Coal Company PO Box 158 Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249 Phone (814)-447-3011 Fax (814)-447-3256 ebtrr -at- innernet.netor from: Lee Rainey 784 Tanager Dr State College, PA 16803Frequently Asked Questions----------------------------Q: Why is this program being conducted?A: EBT Mikado #15 is entering the final stages of its rebuild to comply with FRA requirements. This work so far has cost several hundred thousand dollars, but the locomotive is not yet ready for service. In the meantime, Mikado #14 has handled all operations. Unfortunately, when #14 was inspected prior to the 2005 season, it was found to have a bad driver center. This is a major unplanned expense at a time of year when the railroad's cash flow is lowest.Q: How does the special ticket program help the railroad?A: The special ticket program is a way to bring in revenue now that normally would not be earned until later in the operating season. Think of it as being like buying a book or a model railroad kit before the product is actually published or produced.Q: What will the proceeds of the special ticket program be used for?A: All proceeds from the sale of this ticket will be applied to the repair of historic EBT steam power!Q: What does the ticket get me?A: First and foremost, it gets you the satisfaction of knowing that you helped return steam to the nation's oldest operating narrow gauge railroad. In addition, this special ticket entitles the bearer to a single regular-fare adult ride on a scheduled train once steam operation resumes on the East Broad Top Railroad (excluding Columbus Day weekend). This ticket is subject to the same terms and conditions as standard East Broad Top Railroad tickets.Q: Is this program an official Friends of the East Broad Top (FEBT) program?A: The special ticket program was devised by EBT General Manager Stanley Hall and FEBT Vice President Lee Rainey, and many FEBT volunteers are helping to make it a success. However, this is not an official FEBT program, and no FEBT funds have been used to launch it.Q: When can I use the ticket? When does steam return?A: We hope it is soon, it may well be during the month of June. However, we unfortunately cannot promise a date. For information on the date that steam will actually return to the EBT, keep an eye on the websites www.ebtrr.com and www.febt.org.For answers to additional questions, please contact the railroad at the address provided above.http://www.ebtrr.com - East Broad Top Railroadhttp://www.febt.org - Friends of the East Broad Top

Keep in mind I'll most likely buy a couple of tickets under this program, so what I want to know is this a special ticket, or a standard EBT ticket with some unique stamp? Doesn't make much differnece to me, but enquiring minds want to know ...

In format it is a standard ticket with an added sticker for the program and a "Special" fare stamp. On short notice a redesigned ticket was not feasible, and the added cost would diminish the benefit of the program.