The East Broad Top Railroad's annual Community Appreciation Day is coming up August 15, with extra trains (including a twilight run), discounted fares, Civil War reenactors, and more. I believe the M-1 will pull out of the roundhouse (though it won't make any revenue trips), and the M-3 and all of the operable speeders will be running. The Friends of the East Broad Top will offer roundhouse and shop tours. The railroad's press release is available here.

As for the EBT Fall Spectacular, October 10 and 11, plans aren't final yet, but chances look pretty good for a steam photo special of some kind on Friday, October 9, and for some extremely nifty demonstrations in the shops on Saturday and Sunday. There will almost certainly also be two night trains on Saturday and M-1 runs both days. Details will be posted to the EBT Web site as soon as they're available.

Important question: Will the "photo freight" on the Friday (or whenever) of the Weekend be publicly advertised or not? We seem to be hitting this wall between "mandated TOP SECRECY!!!" regarding such runs, versus those not in the "inner circle clique" actually having a chance to participate and contribute.............

Last year's photo freight was advertised right here on RYPN, as well as on the narrow-gauge list. I'm fairly certain this year's will be, too. This isn't a private charter—it's a train open to anyone who wants to purchase a ticket.

I expect, though, that only those who have paid for tickets will be welcome to take photos of the train from the railroad's property—that is, on the ROW and in the yard.