A heads up for those interested...

In preparation for a new rail trail, the Kovalchick's have pulled the rail on the long-abandoned Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain right of way between Cypher and Tatesville, PA. Apparently the scrapping only affected the rail south of the Cypher grade crossing, and not the segment north of there, through the deep cut, and across the Juniata River bridge.

This section of trackage was purchased by the Tatesville and Cypher Siding Railroad during the break up of the H&BTM in 1954. The proprietor purchased the railroad on the speculation of shipping manganese, but that never developed. Eventually, it became property of the Kovalchicks, and they left it undisturbed until the past month or so.

What with Number 38 burning on the Knox and Kane, and the rail removal on the old main line, it's been a pretty rough year for the remnants of the H&BTM.

-Keith

Have any more details emerged as to how badly #38 was damaged in the fire?

Was this the section of track still in place not far outside Everett? If I remember correctly this section of track was accross the Turnpike from the old Everett Railroad and cut off from the world. I remember walking it in the winter of 1979-80 and the trees were big then. They must have logged the ROW just to get the rail out if it was this portion of the old H&BTM.

John Bohon

John,

Yup, this is the same segment of track.

Keith