EBT #15 definitely will not be done for the 2003 Fall Spectacular. Some additional work was required on the boiler and we are going over the running gear to try to ensure that the locomotive will be reasonably reliable once it becomes the main power.

At this point the upper door sheet is in and 80% welded. The front flue sheet is in and 90% welded. The new throat braces are made and ready to fit up. The rear flue sheet is done, fit and ready to weld in place. The rods are all off and at Strasburg and the equalizing is being worked on.

It is the desire of the EBT and Strasburg that we be as thorough as possible in identifying any deficiencies and that we make repairs in accordance with Part 230. Repairs over and above those required by rule will be done based upon operational necessity.

The Fall Spectacular may not be as spectacular with only one locomotive, but it still is the EBT and the only way it will survive at this time is if people come and ride it. There is no logical, rational, business reason for Joe Kovalchick to preserve that railroad. But he has and he is. We owe him one helluva thank you.

Strasburg Rail Road
linnwm@supernet.com

Linn,

Thanks for the update.

Tom Gears

The Kovalchick family legacy is as much a part of EBT history as its life before 1956. Despite the fact that there is no logical, rational business reason for preserving this railroad the Kovalchick family commitment is deep and is strengthened by their substantial investment in compliant steam locomotives.

Likewise the Moedinger family has imprinted the once tiny Strasburg with their own legacy. This part of of Eastern and South Central Pennsylvania is beautiful and it is always a pleasure to hear the hardwood covered hills echo the sounds of whistles and exhausts as steam power continues its traditional ways on these two lines.

I think the heritage railroad industry should recognize and applaud the enormous contributions both the Kovalchicks and Moedingers have made to preserving and perpetuating this ancient technology for the past 40 years.

Bill Petitjean

> EBT #15 definitely will not be done for the
> 2003 Fall Spectacular. Some additional work
> was required on the boiler and we are going
> over the running gear to try to ensure that
> the locomotive will be reasonably reliable
> once it becomes the main power.

> At this point the upper door sheet is in and
> 80% welded. The front flue sheet is in and
> 90% welded. The new throat braces are made
> and ready to fit up. The rear flue sheet is
> done, fit and ready to weld in place. The
> rods are all off and at Strasburg and the
> equalizing is being worked on.

> It is the desire of the EBT and Strasburg
> that we be as thorough as possible in
> identifying any deficiencies and that we
> make repairs in accordance with Part 230.
> Repairs over and above those required by
> rule will be done based upon operational
> necessity.

> The Fall Spectacular may not be as
> spectacular with only one locomotive, but it
> still is the EBT and the only way it will
> survive at this time is if people come and
> ride it. There is no logical, rational,
> business reason for Joe Kovalchick to
> preserve that railroad. But he has and he
> is. We owe him one helluva thank you.


petitinc@nwlink.com

One must keep in mind that with only one steam engine running, EBT will run additional trips behind M-1. I finally rode in M-1 last year, and this was woth the entire trip.

Another point that shouldn't be lost is that Mr. Kovalchick hired Linn and his team to re-build number 15. While the long-term preservation of the EBT hasn't been assured, I personally don't believe Mr. K. would spend the money to hire Linn and his crew if he was planning to scrap the railroad.

I second Linn's thank you's for Mr. Kovalchick and also wish to thank all of his employees and volunteers.

> EBT #15 definitely will not be done for the
> 2003 Fall Spectacular. Some additional work
> was required on the boiler and we are going
> over the running gear to try to ensure that
> the locomotive will be reasonably reliable
> once it becomes the main power.

> At this point the upper door sheet is in and
> 80% welded. The front flue sheet is in and
> 90% welded. The new throat braces are made
> and ready to fit up. The rear flue sheet is
> done, fit and ready to weld in place. The
> rods are all off and at Strasburg and the
> equalizing is being worked on.

> It is the desire of the EBT and Strasburg
> that we be as thorough as possible in
> identifying any deficiencies and that we
> make repairs in accordance with Part 230.
> Repairs over and above those required by
> rule will be done based upon operational
> necessity.

> The Fall Spectacular may not be as
> spectacular with only one locomotive, but it
> still is the EBT and the only way it will
> survive at this time is if people come and
> ride it. There is no logical, rational,
> business reason for Joe Kovalchick to
> preserve that railroad. But he has and he
> is. We owe him one helluva thank you.


acp19809@yahoo.com