I want to publicly apologize for any bad feelings generated by my comments on this website in December 2001 regarding the charter on the E.B.T. in October.

My reaction to seeing the photos in RAILFAN magazine quickly evolved from "oooh-wow, look at that" to "when the heck was this?" to "why not at the Fall Spectacular?"

My un-called-for comment about "sharing" was NEVER directed at the staff, management or owners of the E.B.T. They, without doubt, care deeply for this great treasure, and it is wonderful that they do share it with us. I know it takes alot of effort to do so, especially with the Fall Spectacular.

I understand the explanations given as to why the special un-decoration of 17 was not done for the Fall Spectacular ( although I still hope that Mr. Hall & Co. would consider this idea for the future... maybe if 16 takes over for 12 ).

A cooler head also agreed with the reasons why the private charter was not widely advertised. I understand it takes alot of work to arrange these trips. I have been on several of Carl's Western Maryland trips, and on Jim Trowbridge trips on the Cumbres & Toltec. The nature of these trips is that the smaller the group, the better the chance for quality shots. So much better than the mass hysteria I encountered during many outings with 611, 1218, 614, 2102 ...

I was heavily involved in prepping for a trip like this back in the early 1990's, which was called off due to mechanical problems. I hope that those involved with this E.B.T. trip were not discouraged by the problems encountered, and that it was the first of many more to come. I would be glad to buy a ticket, and more than willing to help spread the word.

To JIM GUNNING, (organizer of this event?)
whom I have never met:
and those who were involved:
again,
I apologize to you for any bad feelings resulting from the December thread on this website, which my initial post generated with my hot-headed comments. I have been wanting to state this for some time now, but I'm still back in the steam era at home, with no computer, and only occasional access to the internet.

Keep your steam up !

Steve Gilbert

I heard that the 17's boiler, along with the 12's, have been condemned by the PA boiler inspector, and are not to operate without major repairs. Does anybody know the EBT's plans? Will they be repaired? Will they run with just the 14, and 15 from now on?

> I heard that the 17's boiler, along with the
> 12's, have been condemned by the PA boiler
> inspector, and are not to operate without
> major repairs. Does anybody know the EBT's
> plans? Will they be repaired? Will they run
> with just the 14, and 15 from now on?

If so, it comes as news to me--which is not to say it isn't so. The only thing I have heard confirmed is that the EBT has taken No. 12 out of service indefinitely after an inspection by the Strasburg crew turned up substantial wasting in the firebox sheets.


eledbetter@rypn.org