Went to the EBT for their annual opening weekend June 2. Didn't ride; instead spent the day helping the FEBT man their information booth and conduct tours of the Machine Shop building.

The EBT opened this year with 2-8-2 No. 14 operating and No. 15 cleared for operation, but awaiting some additional work in the roundhouse.

As with opening weekend last year, the RR's management invited the Friends of the East Broad Top to maintain an information tent and open the shops for visitors. After experimenting last year with a self-guided format which saw the Machine Shops, Foundy and Blacksmith shop open with docents in attendance, this year FEBT returned to the guided tour format covering the Machine Shops only.

In other EBT news, the FEBT has underway a major capital campaign to support its ongoing work at the Robertsdale Station and Post Office in Pennsylvania and the restoration of Combine 16 at the Pine Creek RR in New Jersey. In addition, the Board of the FEBT has authorized an attempt to purchase the two EBT cars coming avialable in the Sundown and Southern auction soon. Finally, with the permission and cooperation of the RR, the FEBT will be doing several sessions of weekend stabilization and weatherpoofing work in the Rockhill Furnace shops this summer, continuing and expanding work done by the paid EBT crew during the off-season.

Look for an RyPN Brief on the FEBT Capital Campaign and related Old Eastie matters later this week.


eledbetter@rypn.org

Oh, by the way: nice images of opening weekend from two of the EBT's local neighbors, Lance Myers and Nevin Byers, are avialable at

http://www.railfanusa.com/pics/ebt_6-1-02.html

and

http://www.parails.com/ebt/openweek.html

eledbetter@rypn.org

I was there on Saturday and have posted many of my photos at http://www.totalracing.com/ebt/open2002.htm

Opening Day - Saturday, June 1st., 2002 - EBT RR
jvliet@optonline.net