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Under the terms of the arrangement, East Broad Top 2-8-2 17, the only one of the three superheated EBT locos to operate in preservation, would be transferred to the Tweetsie RR for restoration to operational condition, after which the Tweetsie would retain it for operation for a period expected to not exceed two years total. In turn, the Tweetsie would transfer its Mikado, former White Pass & Yukon 190 built in 1943, to Knott’s Berry Farm for operation there. Knott’s, in turn, will transfer former Denver & Rio Grande Western C-19 2-8-0 340 east for operation at the East Broad Top Railroad, which would reopen for limited passenger excursions out of Orbisonia, Pa. under a lease arrangement with the Kovalchick family, owners of most of the former railroad which the EBTPA has been purchasing in stages. It is also planned that after the two year period, the three locomotives would again be transferred between the three properties in a “round robin,” to allow another season/year of operation with a new locomotive at each property.
“We were inspired by the seemingly common practice of trading steam locomotives between excursion lines in the U.K.,” said Garry Salame, spokesperson for the EBTPA. “This arrangement allows us to temporarily secure an operable locomotive to attract both riders and railfans to the East Broad Top, advancing our revenue stream, while also arranging for an overhaul of an original East Broad Top locomotive back to serviceable condition.”
Representatives of the three railroads were quick to point out that this is neither an immediate occurrence nor a long-term proposition. “We are doing this not only to help out a fellow operation that cares about the preservation of steam railroading history, but also to benefit our patrons by giving them a new attraction,”said Tweetsie spokesperson Natalie Robbins. “We expect this year‘s Railfan Weekend to be the best attended ever.” (Representatives from Knott’s Berry Farm initially declined comment, citing confidentiality agreements.)
One problem to be addressed with the trade is the repairs necessary to EBT’s 17 before it can operate. Railfan rumors have reported that Shop Services in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa may be hired to carry out some repairs to the 17, although the Tweetsie may also make some minor repairs as well.
For more details of the trade, see the press release posted at the “Media” page at http://www.ebtpa.org/media/april_fool.