I have to say that the news about recent progress on the East Broad Top (EBT) is just incredible!
I rode the line in the 1980s and was sad for what I learned about it and how it might simply decay. Then I read the National Park Service report and felt good that at least someone was thinking about doing more. Then I learned about the FEBT and I joined the Friends to help support, in some minor way, their stabilization efforts. At least all would not be lost I thought.
Then things evolved and the line stopped running. Hope was running thin, though I recall a conversation with a guy from the trolley museum, in the 90's, that more was going to happen and it would just take time.
The news about recent progress is blowing my mind, and it makes an old railfan happy. I will leave it at that.

Look here for some relevant links:
https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,467970
O.

Story with map: https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews ... tion-goal/

Here is a photo in front of Pogue station (which I believe was also a general store at one time). The clearing here has just happened in the last several days. Dennis Livesy photo:

I (and I'm sure many others) were saying for DECADES that if and when the EBT was transitioned from private family ownership to a non-profit, or at least government ownership with operating partnerships a la C&TS and Cass, the private donations and sweat equity would come flooding out like a burst dam.

The fact that FEBT hits its (somewhat conservative) fundraising goals in such short order after being announced--a goal for 2024 in mere months, for example--is proof of that.

I hold out hope that some more serious foundation or state grants--matching fund challenges from big-ticket donors to rebuild Pogue Bridge, stations, or the tunnels as example--will be in the future.

As per the information received in the talking panels on Saturday in Rockhill for the Friends of the EBT (FEBT) Fall Reunion.

the Pogue Bridge is or will be soon going out for bid, everything with the bridge will be done by contractor, repointing the Abutments and Piers, Iron Work, even the Track Work on the bridge. No designs or plans were shared publicly in these forums. No timeline for when work is to start or to be completed either.

FEBT is planning to rebuild the depot at Saltillo, along with other great projects

I would highly suggest, at minimum joining the FEBT, Volunteer if you can, Donate if you want too. Everything is much appreciated and will be utilized to the fullest extent.