5 years ago today - East Broad Top

[mfmalk]

http://www.losttracksoftime.com/p47324941

As a lifelong train enthusiast and photographer, I am consistently striving to capture the true heart and soul of a steam train; to make it come to life in the eye of the viewer. But, there are those rare and special moments when it’s your heart that beats a little faster and breath is taken away as you lean into the camera and prepare to take the shot. That day for me was Saturday, October 29^th, 2011.

Halloween weekend at the East Broad Top Railroad started off as any other. I visited many times in the past and was prepared for a typical day of photo shooting. I had set out to photograph the abandonments in Mount Union and the old right-of-ways from days past. I was looking forward to chasing an excursion train or two; including the evening trains also. My first day was uneventful and exactly what I hoped for. But, as fate would have it, all of that would change the next day thanks to Mother Nature.

A seasoned railfan, I’m used to and prepared for all weather conditions. Nothing, and I mean nothing; can keep me away from capturing that awe-inspiring shot of a majestic steam locomotive.  However, the 2011 Halloween nor'easter (also known as Snowtober) would certainly test my fortitude. The storm produced unusually early season snowfall across the northeastern United States, breaking records for total accumulations. In fact, in some cities Halloween was cancelled and kids were left with no treats. For me, the fun was about to begin.

Shortly after arriving at the roundhouse early that Saturday morning, the doors slowly creaked open, and there she stood…Mikado #15. For a brief moment, I paused to soak in the grandeur of this amazing piece of living machinery. But I was quickly drawn back to the art of capturing this wondrous treasure with my camera as the train crew began their carefully orchestrated process of preparing for her outing. A rush of emotion and adrenaline hit me as I noticed the first flakes of soft snow begin to gently fall on the small town of Orbisonia.

 

As the morning passed on, the snow intensified. By the time the train made its way out of town for its first run of the day, we had experienced near whiteout conditions and things got real quiet. With a typical steam train, you would expect to hear wheels clacking against the rails and steam puffing from the stack. But to my surprise, the snow seemed to envelop and muffle the familiar sounds of the locomotive.

 

It was clear from the deserted train cars and streets that people had planned to spend a warm and cozy day indoors. But nature seemed less prepared for the storm. As the train bellowed down the snowy rails, it was visible that the pine trees struggled to support the weight of the fresh snow, and the cornfields became covered in a white blanket. The autumn-colored leaves indicated that perhaps the trees were also caught off-guard by the storm.

 

As #15 wrapped up her arduous outing in the snow, the train crew welcomed me inside the roundhouse where we shared what running in the snow meant to each of us. While the guys were talking, I couldn’t help but notice how the steam and smoke hung suspended in the air all around us. What a magical treat.

 

I’m not a big fan of surprises. However, I have come to appreciate those unexpected moments in life; especially as it relates to my passion around vintage trains. No one could have predicted a snowstorm of such magnitude that Halloween weekend at the East Broad Top. No, not me, nor the train crew or nature itself. But, as with all great steam trains, they find their way through the storm. And to me, it doesn’t get any better than that.

Matthew

 

[Firelock76]

Wonderful shots Matt, not a bad one in the bunch!

There's just something mystical and magical about steam in the snow that really can't be put into words (you've just gotta believe) and you captured it perfectly.

[ROBERT WILLISON]

I'd second that,great shots unbelievable that the ebt can't make a successful come back.

[samfp1943]

Firelock76

Wonderful shots Matt, not a bad one in the bunch!

There's just something mystical and magical about steam in the snow that really can't be put into words (you've just gotta believe) and you captured it perfectly.

 

      Could not agree more!  

                                                Good Stuff! , Matthew

[Dr D]

Great job Matt!,

One of the best photo shoots I have ever seen of the narrow gauge of the East!  Colorado gets the heavy coverage and the East Broad Top is often clouded in mystery.  Does it ever run?  can you visit and not go away greatly disapointed?  What are they saving it for - some undisclosed date to be discovered by the community of the future and the state government?  Colorado is heavily behind its historic steam!

Yes, thanks for pulling back the "Rip Van Winkle" shroud and showing - Winter Railroading in the Pennsylvania Snow - you really got it right!  The narrow gauge steam looms out of the swirling snowy cloud in shot after shot - just as the great age of steam saw it.  From Pennsy's "T1 Duplexes" to Central's "Hudsons" to Burlington's "Mikdados" they all ran the winter storm - and that's just not there with us any more!

----------------------

All I can say is Wow!

Doc

[Firelock76]

ROBERT WILLISON

I'd second that,great shots unbelievable that the ebt can't make a successful come back.

 

I looked at a map of Pennsylvania to see just where Orbisonia was, and I think their location is part, if not most of the EBT's problem.  Without meaning to offend anyone who lives there it's in the middle of nowhere, with no apparant other tourist destinations to bring people in, and aside from Harrisburg no major population centers.  That certainly has to make it tough for them.

Possibly a solution to the problem would be for the EBT to re-invent itself as a "steam academy."  By this I mean a school for steam maintanance and operations, in addition to rail operations in general.  This is what the Nevada Northern's done (they're in the middle of nowhere too) and to a degree the Essex Steam Train in Connecticutt. 

[kgbw49]

What are the odds that the locomotives and passenger cars end up in Colorado?

[ACY Tom]

kgbw49

What are the odds that the locomotives and passenger cars end up in Colorado?

 

In the words of Chester A. Riley, "What a revoltin' development this is!"

The East Broad Top locomotives and other equipment would be completely out of place in Colorado. I don't know what the correct solution is, but as an EBT fan, I find this prospect to be frightening. I guess it could be said that any preservation scheme is better than none, but surely there must be a better way. 

The problem will be solved just as soon as I win the Powerball.

Tom

[Firelock76]

kgbw49

What are the odds that the locomotives and passenger cars end up in Colorado?

 

I could see it happening, worst comes to worst, assuming the Cumbres and Toltec or the Durango and Silverton thought they could use the equipment and could afford the purchase.

Not something anyone wants to see happen, but it would sure beat selling the whole lot off for scrap.

[zugmann]

Firelock76

I looked at a map of Pennsylvania to see just where Orbisonia was, and I think their location is part, if not most of the EBT's problem. Without meaning to offend anyone who lives there it's in the middle of nowhere, with no apparant other tourist destinations to bring people in, and aside from Harrisburg no major population centers. That certainly has to make it tough for them.

Close to Raystown Lake, and it did at least have the trolley museum on the same grounds.  But the owners/management also had a very outdated attitude for years, with little emphasis on advertising, refusal to accept credit cards (yeah, in the 21st century), no special events, etc.

They did have a firm come in to take over operations their last year - and they did try to modernize (credit cards, Thomas event, polar express trains), and it did look promising, but then the whole shebang was shut down.

Even if someone won Powerball and showed up to the EBT with a  couple duffel bags full of cash, I have my doubts the owners would sell.  It's a pretty sad case all around.

[samfp1943]

ACY

 

 

kgbw49

What are the odds that the locomotives and passenger cars end up in Colorado?

 

 

 

 

In the words of Chester A. Riley, "What a revoltin' development this is!"

The East Broad Top locomotives and other equipment would be completely out of place in Colorado. I don't know what the correct solution is, but as an EBT fan, I find this prospect to be frightening. I guess it could be said that any preservation scheme is better than none, but surely there must be a better way. 

The problem will be solved just as soon as I win the Powerball.

Tom

 

       Not so sure of the 'completely out of place' in Colorado...The Huckleberry Railroad ( and Park) in Michigan; operates, and maintains, a D&RGW Mikado , a K-27, 'Mudhen' #464 on their Tourist Railroad.

      It is a shame that the Strasvurg RR cannot work out a reciprocal arrangement with the EBT, and make it sort of an adjunct operation?  Just a thought.

      Or somehow, with the Durbin&Greenbriar Operations (+ Cass Scenic RR) I know they are farther South in West Virginia, but they have a pretty firm tourist based operation.  The whole point is that EBT has been a survivor, Personally, I would hate to see it 'pieced out of existance'. 

  Heck, even a Theme Park Operator like Silver Dollar City ( also operates Dollywood). They already have trains as part of their operations. Not sure but I think they are two footers?  Last couple of times I rode, I was too busy herding kids to look.

[motorcycle railfan]

There is a group that is working very hard to preserve the EBT. The Friends of the East Top. It's my understanding that the family is working with the FEBT to sell the RR. Money is the major problem. The group is spending money and time stablizing and repairing various buildings both is Rock Hill furance and Robersdale.

[zugmann]

samfp1943

It is a shame that the Strasvurg RR cannot work out a reciprocal arrangement with the EBT, and make it sort of an adjunct operation? Just a thought.

Strasburg isn't exactly packing them in the seats anymore, either.  If it weren't for their freight business and shop contracts - who knows what they would be running.

As an aside, the Durango and Silverton does roster some ex-EBT hoppers.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

It should be remembered that the Kovalchicks purchased the East Broad Top after its abandonment in order to scrap it, not preserve it.  Its continued existence depends to a large extent on the forebearance of the owners.

[MidlandMike]

After 50 years of effort, the EBT group has had their hands full just to preserve Orbisonia and their original 5 miles of operation.  Perhaps it's time to concede that re-opening the entire 33 miles is a lost cause, and concentrate on what they have.  Release the scrappers family to dispose of the 20+ miles of line beyond Orbisonia, and perhaps set their sights on the final 5 miles to Mt. Union to show connection to rest of the US rail system. (and be closer to a busier highway, US22)

[Milepost 266.2]

Firelock76

 

 

kgbw49

What are the odds that the locomotives and passenger cars end up in Colorado?

 

 

 

 

I could see it happening, worst comes to worst, assuming the Cumbres and Toltec or the Durango and Silverton thought they could use the equipment and could afford the purchase.

Not something anyone wants to see happen, but it would sure beat selling the whole lot off for scrap.

 

 

The current owners also own a scrap yard, so they wouldn't even have to sell it off to scrap it.  From what I remember, they originally purchased it to scrap, but decided to run a tourist railroad "for a few years" to make some extra money.

[alphas]

Firelock76

 Its only about 50 miles from Altoona so its about an hour from the RR museum and then a little further to Horseshoe Curve.     If I remember correctly, it came very close back some years ago to being purchased for public opeationand redevelopment of most of the full RR but the combination of the Steamtown  problems which interferred with the attempt to line up a significant grant from DC and the then principal owner's dislike of dealing with the Feds resulted in nothing happening.

 For those who never visited it, you missed a chance to see living history.

 

 

 

 

I looked at a map of Pennsylvania to see just where Orbisonia was, and I think their location is part, if not most of the EBT's problem.  Without meaning to offend anyone who lives there it's in the middle of nowhere, with no apparant other tourist destinations to bring people in, and aside from Harrisburg no major population centers.  That certainly has to make it tough for them.

Possibly a solution to the problem would be for the EBT to re-invent itself as a "steam academy."  By this I mean a school for steam maintanance and operations, in addition to rail operations in general.  This is what the Nevada Northern's done (they're in the middle of nowhere too) and to a degree the Essex Steam Train in Connecticutt.