Steam has returned to the East Broad Top Railroad. After a 3 week delay, EBT steam locomotive #14 returned to service on June 26, pulling the full schedule of three trains.In preparing #14 for the this year's operating season, the fireman's #4 driver was found to have cracks in the driver center and diesel M-7 was called upon to fill in. With FRA-approved specialized welding repairs completed, EBT employees worked extra hours on Saturday night to button up #14 and have her ready for Sunday service.It was indeed a joy to see steam return to the EBT. Sister engine #15 continues along her major overhaul, and is expected to be back in service this season.www.ebtrr.com - East Broad Top Railroad www.febt.org - Friends of the East Broad Top

Thanks for sharing the best news I have heard in weeks. Best wishes for a successful season.How about sharing the specifications for the approved proceedure?dave

Was there the weekend before that ------ and rode behind diesel. My luck I guess!TJ

Although I am a volunteer in FEBT's efforts in Rockhill Furnace, for locomotive and operational matters I'm a railfan and have already shared the exent of my knowledge. You'll have to contact the EBT to ask about details on their locomotives. Contact information follows:East Broad Top Railroad & Coal CompanyPO Box 158Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249Phone: (814)-447-3011Fax: (814)-447-3256www.ebtrr.comebtrr -at- innernet -dot- net

Thanks for asking the question Dave. I would like to hear more nuts and bolts type question and answers. I have welded on many parts and am always grateful for shared info on what others are doing and the proceedures they use or if there are requirements that I don't know about. I just tried my hand at building up a cast iron piston for the Polson #2. It was with a bronze/brass wire shielded with argon gas. Nasty looking build up, hopefully it will machine down like it is supposed too and nobody will witness my handiwork. Welding on preheated iron in this 90+ degree heat reminds me why I don't weld for a living anymore. Don't know how you southern boys handle it.By the way I found a taper slide for my smaller Pratt&Whitney and it may just fit the taper attachment for the 20" lathe as well. God is good. John.

We built up the hub liners on the boxes on GLRR 40 with aluminum bronze wire and milled to dimension, worked very well. Hope your piston welding turns out as nicely.Nuts and bolts - yeah, I do miss the kind of articles the late Jack Anderson wrote for the late Elanor P. You know you are aging when your references are dead.dave