How did the EBT ,,do this past weekend with there Fall Festival,,...How many were there,,and did the rain,keep alot of people,away..thanks Pat

The Assoc. of Railway Museums Convention sent two busloads to Orbisonia on Saturday, and there was at least one other bus there. This was only my first Fall Spectacular, but I met a friend there who has been to others, and he thought the crowds were about half of a normal year's attendance (at least for Saturday). I don't know about Sunday's attendance.

I was there Saturday. Attendance was sparse because of the miserable weather. Had it not been for the ARM convention attendees, it would have been awful.The Spectacular was indeed spectacular. Here are links to some of my pix:http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/East-Broad-Top-Railroad/05_10_08_025http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/East-Broad-Top-Railroad/05_10_08_029http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/East-Broad-Top-Railroad/05_10_08_041http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/East-Broad-Top-Railroad/05_10_08_044The link to all of my EBT pix from Saturday starts here:http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/East-Broad-Top-Railroad?page=7My Rockhill Trolley Museum photos begin in the middle of this page:http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/Rockhill-Trolley-Museum?page=6Bob Vogel

I was there Sunday and attendance was not too bad considering the weather. It did not rain, but was cloudy all day. The last picnic train was fairly full.

Things went well despite the rain, and those who shied away missed a good weekend and what may now be a rare opportunity to have seen two EBT steam locomotives in operation.Aside from the EBT's continuous operation of varied trains and motive power, including the two night trains, a doubleheaded coal train, the M1 gas-electric, and speeder rides, there was plenty to do and see:In addition to freshly outshopped and repainted locomotive #15, combine #15 sported carpentry repairs and fresh paint and lettering, the #20 "Orbisonia" car sported a new end beam, platform repairs, and fresh paint with gold trim. Excursion flatcar #119 (the green one converted in 1960) made it's return to service after roughly 8 months, with completely replaced decking, seats, and railings and of course, a fresh coat of paint on everything. Hopper #802, in the midst of a rebuild for a return to MOW service, showed off its fresh black paint upon which the rain water beaded and ran off nicely. The FEBT's developing car restoration facility (in the EBT paintshop) was open for display, showcasing FEBT restoration projects and including FEBT's recently purchased EBT-built 1920's era 'hit and miss' speeder, returned to home rails just the day before.Tours were offered of the roundhouse, the machine shops, FEBT restoration projects, and the Mt Union yard.FEBT Reunion registrants were treated to talks by Rick Musser of Strasburg Railroad about the repairs made to engine #15, and by John Bowie about the FEBT-commisioned HAER-standard documentation of the late Saltillo station and a preview of documentation for Coles tankhouse. The Robertsdale station and Old Post Office were open, and a guided tour offered of the coal mines, facilities, operations, and history in Roberstdale. Add in the Reunion dinner, business meeting, model contest, fundraising RR memorabilia auction, and continuous socializing, and it was quite a full weekend![/img][/b]

A Branford member at the convention wasn't able to go to EBT because a scheduled 3rd excursion bus never showed up, and he didn't want the offered standing room on one of the other 2!

One of the buses from the ARM convention purportedly had mechanical problems and the substitute was coming from 1 hour away. I ended up standing for a majority of the trip on the way back since two extra people crammed on to the buses on the way back and someone took my seat. Met some nice folks from Canada, though.As for the actual experience (and coming from a mostly street railway enthusiast).....WOW, THAT PLACE IS COOL.Of course, Rockhill Trolley Museum is right next door and I finally got to see and climb through the holy grail of electric traction, THE ELECTROLINER!Transportation issues aside, I am glad I got to see what this East Broad Top thing was all about. I was a little confused with the variety of names, though... East Broad Top, Orbisonia, Rockhill, Shade Gap. Too many city names too close together.

One of the buses from the ARM convention purportedly had mechanical problems and the substitute was coming from 1 hour away. I ended up standing for a majority of the trip on the way back since two extra people crammed on to the buses on the way back and someone took my seat. Met some nice folks from Canada, though.As for the actual experience (and coming from a mostly street railway enthusiast).....WOW, THAT PLACE IS COOL.Of course, Rockhill Trolley Museum is right next door and I finally got to see and climb through the holy grail of electric traction, THE ELECTROLINER!Transportation issues aside, I am glad I got to see what this East Broad Top thing was all about. I was a little confused with the variety of names, though... East Broad Top, Orbisonia, Rockhill, Shade Gap. Too many city names too close together.

Cleanup on thread 7!

Cleanup on thread 7!

That was a highlight of my visit last year. Exterior photos:http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/Rockhill-Trolley-Museum/04_10_09_132http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/Rockhill-Trolley-Museum/04_10_09_140http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/Rockhill-Trolley-Museum/04_10_09_143http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/Rockhill-Trolley-Museum/04_10_09_146Interior photos are the first six on this page:http://www.transitspot.com/gallery/Rockhill-Trolley-Museum?page=5Bob Vogel