Yeah I’m with Frank on here. Let’s stop with the politics and keep things where they should be in their respective threads

To get back on topic, the EBT has posted on their Facebook page photos of them pulling out 15 on Tuesday, and then 16 yesterday to steam clean their running gears. Apparently that’s the first time 16 has been outside since 2002, and the first time for 15 since 2011.

I agree that we should get back to the EBT.

I regret that my post asking about the region led the thread in this direction.

Personally, I think the whole urban/rural divide is overblown. Although I live in a small town, it is in the orbit of Portland, Maine, so culturally I probably fall in the urban camp. However, in my decades of working as a photographer in New England, I went to every type of community regularly. I spent lots of time in remote rural areas, in depressed areas, coastal island communities, small isolated lobstering harbors, what have you. There are very few places in Maine I have not been to. And without exception, if I treated people with respect, that respect was reciprocated.

Once I was assigned to go spend several days days in a very small town in the boonies to do a photo essay on the community, to go with an article about it. There were zero tourist attractions there. Since the town and its people were the subject itself, I knew I would be pointing my cameras at folks and their property. And I was a total stranger to them; I had no contacts in the town.

So I took a self-portrait. Using photoshop and its text feature, I made little posters, 8.5x11". It had my mug on it, an explanation of what I was doing, and that I was working for Down East magazine. After asking permission, I taped them inside the glass doors, facing out, of the two convenience stores, the PO, a diner or two, and the mill where most folks work. (That pretty much covered the town.) The bold-faced large type at the top said "Stranger in Town."

I got more helpful suggestions, and had more great interactions with "the locals" than almost anywhere else I ever worked. It was a fun time, and I got good shots.

If you carry a them-vs.-us mentality around with you, it becomes just another part of your travel baggage. Leave it at home.

I am not viewing this as a "political" problem.

I am viewing this as a marketing and cultural problem.

This is, in a sense, no different from discussing the fact that if you have primitive restroom facilities, the wife will guarantee that your family will never return. Or discussing the fact that successful tourist RRs feel the "need" in 2020 to offer premium and First Class service with AC in addition to "authentic" open-window coaches.

"Politics" might be exacerbating this problem, but it's way above our ability to do anything about.

We can't move the EBT to Lancaster County or some other tourist mecca. And we can't move their Route 30 East to US 22 in Huntingdon.

Discuss the alternatives. Just saying "market getting away from it all!" doesn't cut it.

Does the EBT have a diesel locomotive? I’m wondering if having one might enable them to offer rides to the public in the short term, before the steam engines are ready. To get some income flowing.

Perhaps they could rent or borrow a diesel?

Not to flog this topic too much, but I think Hollywood is most responsible for the negative depictions. We all probably watch too many movies, and our worldview can get warped by what we see, regardless of the *truth* of the situation. < Insert Dueling Banjos music here..>

It's probably waaayy to early for the EBTF to have on the radar, but the RR&C Co did own more land in Rockhill that's not contiguous to the RoW, which could be *probably* developed into lodging. Assuming it was included in the sale. Don't wanna put the Tender before the Mike here....

Most of the hotel chains operate under a Franchise model. One of the smaller, homier chains (Country Inn & Suites, perhaps) could be a future partner in a small, EBT-themed property, if ridership numbers go up enough and there's a demand for overnight stays.

But, if the visitor numbers happen to get *too* big, then you run the risk of destroying the ambience around the EBT and compromise the authenticity that's the major draw.

The Allegheny Ridge Corp is assisting the Foundation. They specialize in Tourism in that region, so I'm guessing they will greatly contribute to the marketing end of the equation when the time comes.

I hear that some Millennials are hot for "authentic" experiences. That may be another demographic to target in the future. Can't get much more authentic than the EBT.... as long as the bathrooms meet 21st century expectations......

Yes they have a diesel and I think their motorcar is operational too. I don't know how sturdy the track is, they might want to wait for the track to be inspected and passenger cars cleaned and repaired before they let the diesel start running trains.

Precisely. In fact that 22 isn't 30 can truly play in it's favor (because have you BEEN there on a Summer Saturday afternoon)?

As someone in the target market, I'd say that I don't expect a Starbucks, but a local coffee joint would sure go a good way towards me wanting to stick around after a train ride.

Another thing to think about is that people of my generation are often seeking out "authentic experiences". We've grown up with mass market fast food and will happily use the cell phones that we stare at to find "the local joint". We'll have issues though if we can't use a credit card when we get there.

I'm not sure if this has been done in the past, but I think it would be fascinating to partner with some vintage/antique car clubs to help set a *mood" during special weekends. Keep as many modern cars out of sight in Rockhill and see the 50's (or 30's) recreated with period automobiles (and advertising). Have the cars operate through the streets instead of just sitting around with the hood open. Offer rides to tourists (Ancient Ueber??)

That would be a ways down the road, obviously. Trains first, other stuff later!!

Go EBTF/FEBT, go!!

They have a small Plymouth (don't know if it's gasoline or diesel). Here's a recent photo that was posted to their Facebook page.

Dennison RR Depot and PTM have both had success with this idea. Shuttle service via antique truck, farm wagon, whatever, would go over well. Parking out of sight shouldn’t be a problem with the space available.

It might not be a bad idea to check with CreationFest. They’ll reschedule if they need to, so that won’t be a concern, and a lot of their attendees might enjoy something traditional.

Deleted due to editing problems.

The new owners of the East Broad Top are getting busy.

All photos are from the East Broad Top Facebook page, with captions where available.

https://www.facebook.com/ebtrr/














What's this about a concrete floor?





Yes, a concrete floor, and with in-floor heat, too!! Oh my, the long departed mechanics of the EBT are going to be jealous!!

I have it on good, though unofficial, authority that the intent is to start by offering rides on the M-1, possibly with a trailer if demand warrants. No matter what equipment they run the track has to be brought up to FRA Class 2 before they can carry passengers and the motor cars and the diesels have less impact than the steam locomotives.

You can have Class 1 track but you’re limited to 15 mph max for passenger trains instead of the 30 mph of Class 2. Unless narrow gauge has different rules I’m not familiar with.

Hello,

On # 16 is that a power reverse behind the worker's head?

They are moving right along!

This reminds me many years ago of the spirit around the rebuilding of the Welsh Highland Railway 2ft gauge in Wales. At the time, a web site was meticulously maintained with an extensive photo and detailed narrative documentary of the civil work, track laying, etc. as I recall this web site lasted for several years.

Looks like Facebook may be the means to see this documentary occur at the EBT. This is a great way to develop a following in the process and rebirth.

Hope to get up there and contribute as a riding customer.... it's going to be a bit more difficult now that I am out of state. After attending multiple winter spectaculars years ago, it's wonderful to see this development!

Sincerely,

Randy