As for the EBT restoration project, everything is pretty much at a stand-still as Salone continues to acquire narrow gauge right of way from the Kovalchick family. If and when all of the property — including the railroad shops and headquarters at Rockhill — is secured, attention will then be directed to reopening the EBT, Salone explained.

No speculation, please!

No one can say with certainty what lies ahead for the complete restoration of the EBT, to speculate at this time would not be wise. Judging from what I have learned from Salone, the restoration project remains on hold until the entire right of way and Rockhill property are secured. For now, all we can do is hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.

The line will likely remain as it is regardless of the owners, its obvious its preservation seems secure.

I think no matter what there will always be an East Broad Top with station and facilities in Orbisonia and a stall full of tucked away steamers.

Very true. I think no matter what there will always be an East Broad Top with station and facilities in Orbisonia and a stall full of tucked away steamers. It's the future of operations that, to me, seems to be in jeopardy. If Salone is unable to resume tourist service, and no one else with deep pockets is willing to step up to the bat then it's very possible that the Orbisonia site will become an industrial museum with static displays.

There's not that many places to sell off 3 foot gauge equipment, EBT is a very unique situation. Its one that has thrived past other NG lines. EBT is a rarity thats difficult to replace or duplicate.

There's not that many places to sell off 3 foot gauge equipment, EBT is a very unique situation. Its one that has thrived past other NG lines. EBT is a rarity thats difficult to replace or duplicate.

Not operating or maintaining at all hardly constitutes thriving.

You sure assume an awful lot, there. I see no reason to think it's impossible that after a few years of inactivity for someone to start chipping away at the treasures that still exist there, with a locomotive here and a passenger car there to be sold off in the name of 'getting capital for eventual operation' and thus gutting the collection to the point where it's just a few decaying buildings and rails with weeds popping through, never again to be pushed down by a train.
Of course, I badly want to be proven wrong about that.

For what it's worth, that the FEBT volunteers continue to soldier on to preserve the physical plant of the EBT with so much uncertaintly surrounding its future is truly commendable.