This railroad, located in the small town of Orbisonia, in central Pennsylvania, is
a short line, narrow gauge railroad built between 1872 and 1874 to
service the coal fields of the Broad Top Mountain area of south-central
Pennsylvania. The EBT served this purpose for more than 80 years, only to be shut down
on April 14th of 1956. Even then it was the last surviving narrow gauge railroad east
of the Rocky Mountains.
Today, the EBT is a National Historic Landmark. You can ride this railroad over an
active 5 mile long portion of rail, beginning
from the old station in Orbisonia, and doubling back for a total ride of 10 miles.
It's a delightful ride, even if short, and is both
enjoyable as well as educational for young and old alike.
Engine number 14 is the most often used of the old stock, but the day we were there, we
rode number 15, a Baldwin 2-8-2, built in 1914. The remaining
locomotives can be found in the old roundhouse near the station, but not all are in working
order. The railroad is in need of funds to keep the stock in running order, and indeed,
even to keep operating. If you would like to donate, please visit the site listed below,
or give them a call.
You can read more about this railroad, including details such as directions,
times and dates, prices, and so forth, by visiting the web site at:
