My tour company was called this week by a representative of the East Broad Top, returning our call to book a June group, and advised that nothing could be confirmed until next month at the earliest, as "it's not clear at this point if we will be running at all this year".
While not entirely a shock (it's known that only one steam engine was serviceable in 2011) the possibility of a total shut-down was a surprise.It was our understanding that relations between the Friends of the EBT and the Kovalchick family were much improved. It was also positive in 2011 to see more operating days than just Saturdays and Sundays.
Does anyone on the forum know any more about this situation?
Carl Fowler, Rail Travel Adventures
I'm not entirely sure but I sure do hope that the EBt doesn't shut down. that little railroad has so much class that it isn't funny. The EBT is a true American tradition.
The road to to success is always under construction. _____________________________________________________________________________ When the going gets tough, the tough use duct tape.
The East Broad Top Preservation Association, headed by Larry Salone, had a three year lease to run the EBT and arrange to purchase it from the Kovolchick family. The third year ends some time in April this year. We at the FEBT don't expect that the railroad will be shut down but what entity or who will be running it this year remains a question.
Thanks Tom for the informative posting. I wish the Friends and the EBT the best and promise a sold-out 42 passenger group on June 1 if all can be resolved!
Carl Fowler
PresidentRail Travel Adventures
Hope they can find someone to operate it!
-Justin
That really would be a shame if the operation has to shut down. I'm sure lots of work has been put in it to get it this far. We all know finances are critical now in our economic status trying to work our way out of the recession. Perhaps if it can hold on for a bit longer, more people will be able to vac. & travel, hence give it a chance to continue....
We rode it decades and decades ago...Rode in the President's car with the wicker chairs.
Quentin
Any news on this new future operator of the EBT yet???
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.