EBT foundation debuts 107 year old steam engine

The EBT foundation has finally restored their 107 year old steam engine right here in Rock Hill Furnace PA. The event is a part of the 2023 winter spectacular which is a long-standing tradition for the railroad. This year is the debut of the 1916 steam locomotive thats been under restoration for three years.

The EBT foundation has finally restored their 107 year old steam engine right here in Rock Hill Furnace PA.

The event is a part of the 2023 winter spectacular which is a long-standing tradition for the railroad. This year is the debut of the 1916 steam locomotive that’s been under restoration for three years.

“The railroad closed in 1956, reopened as a tourist railroad in 1960," said Jonathan Smith, director of sales and marketing at the East Broad Top Railroad. "It ran as a tourist railroad until 2011, entirely steam powered when it closed again and had about a 9 to 10-year hiatus. Our foundation purchased the railroad 3 years ago in 2020 and kick started an unprecedented restoration effort to bring her back to life.”

Train tickets sold out quickly showing that many people are interested and excited about the train’s restoration.

“Some people just enjoy taking a train ride through the countryside," said Smith. "Not driving and being able to enjoy the views while somebody else does the driving for you, but regardless when you see a steam engine go by with the rods turning and the steam billowing out and the whistle and the bell, every single person I’ve ever encountered is just enamored by it pretty much almost brings a tear to your eye.”

Joe Curran has been riding this train since 1965 and has been back numerous times since then. His interest has even led him to aid in the restoration efforts.

“I donated some items to the railroad," said Curran. "Staybolt taps is what they’re called which are no longer made and I happen to have some and I donated them which helped get number 16 running again.”

Many people at the event have been coming here to ride the trains for generations.

“We used to come to the original winter spectaculars when they used to have snow," said Jim and Bob Zimmerman. "It was really cold and this photo is from 1979 and we came up to the winter spectacular to recreate this photo and we brought our grandkids out. This goes back to our father bringing my brother and I and my sisters up here back in the 1960’s so this place has great memories for our family.”

Your next opportunity to ride this train will be the weekend of April 1st.

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