This past weekend the East Broad Top Railroad steamed up for its 2006 season. 2006 marks the 150th anniversary of the railroad's chartering, 100th birthday of Orbisonia Station and the 50th anniversary of the end of EBT freight operations.

Opening weekend featured Shop tours, yard tours, speeder rides and handcar rides. Trains were well attended. The Rockhill Trolley Museum was operating and Friends of the EBT was conducting a restoration session in Rockhill Furnace and had an information tent in the yard.

#15 operated without a hitch all weekend. All the passenger cars have been repainted recently with the exception of coach #8, which was set out at the end of the weekend to be painted. With a shinny #15 it made a snappy looking train.

Of note, the EBT's new hand car and the FEBT's new speeder both made their first revenue runs this weekend. FEBT's new tie inserter entered service on Sunday.


#15 and train pull up to Orbsonia Station to board passengers for the 11:00 Sunday train.

I just happened to be driving by the area returning from a trip out west with the family and decided to divert to the EBT. I am so glad I did. We got there around 2:30pm Saturday to find out it was opening day. The 3pm train was delayed a few minutes so the surviving veterans of the EBT could have a photo taken in front of #15. From what I could see from the coach seat there were 4 men there that had worked for the EBT on its final day of revenue service. One of the gentleman sat in the same coach with us and what I assume to be his family. A truely great experience.

The ride was great and my three boys and even my wife enjoyed it. As always the EBT staff is great. Didn't have time to take a speeder ride or the tour. Plenty of fans out photographing this PA gem. Wish I lived closer.


Chris

I was also there on Saturday for the 3:00 ride with the family, and we also had a great time. We also enjoyed the shop tour which I found interesting because how the shop was basically left in as found condition from when the EBT ran freight service. I also thought #15 did a great job, and she looked pretty good out in the sun. I wish that I would have planned the trip a little better and remembered the camera, only being an hour away this may make for a good excuse to go back soon. Great job, and keep up the good work.