Frequently Asked Questions
The East Broad Top Railroad is a National Historic Landmark located in South Central Pennsylvania, USA. It consists of over 32 miles of mostly intact narrow gauge railroad running between Mount Union and Alvan as well as a set of buildings and equipment that have been called one of the best preserved 19th century industrial sites in the United States. For more information about the EBT see the About the Railroad page.
In early 2020, the Kovalchick family sold the East Broad Top Railroad to the non-profit EBT Foundation, Inc. The EBT reopened for regular excursions in May of 2021.
Friends of The East Broad Top is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and the restoration of the East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company and its history. Our members are mainly model railroaders, railfans, and historians, but we welcome anyone who is interested in this unique piece of Pennsylvania history to join our group. Please visit the Join page for more information.
Friends of the East Broad Top is a separate organization from the EBT Foundation, Inc., and from the East Broad Top Preservation Association. FEBT is not directly affiliated with the railroad or its owners in any official capacity, nor does FEBT have any financial interest in the railroad. However, we work with, and under the direction of, the owners of the railway to help preserve and restore many historic facets of the historic railroad.
The railroad is now operating regular excursions again! After the 2011 excursion season, Kovalchick Corporation had decided not to continue operations, but the railroad was sold to the EBT Foundation, who has restarted regular excursions in May of 2021. For more info visit eastbroadtop.com .
The non-profit EBT Foundation, Inc. is a newly formed group of prominent railroad industry figures, philanthropists, and longtime EBT enthusiasts. The Foundation’s management team are all FEBT members.
The EBTRRPA is a non-profit group that was formed with the intention to lease and operate EBT with an option to purchase. They operated the railroad from 2009 to 2011, but allowed the lease to expire in 2011 without renewing. FEBT is not directly affiliated with the EBTRRPA.
Yes, the EBT reopened for regular excursions in May of 2021. Much of the Rockhill yard is off limits due to extensive restoration work in progress, but guided tours are permitted in the yard. For more info visit eastbroadtop.com .
Every Fall FEBT holds the Fall Reunion, a weekend gathering in EBT territory. The Reunion offers seminars, tours, vendors and model layouts. A fundraising auction is also held at the reunion. Please visit the Events page for more information on this annual event.
The railroad is now operating regular excursions again! For more info visit eastbroadtop.com
FEBT owns two former East Broad Top buildings in Robertsdale: the Robertsdale Station and the former Post Office. We are currently working to preserve these buildings and develop them as a museum. We own two former EBT passenger cars which are currently stored in an unrestored condition at Rockhill Furnace. We also have a long-term lease on coach #16 which is stored off-site. Additionally we own an original FEBT hand car and motorcar. FEBT does not own any EBT trackage.
There are many ways to help. Becoming a member is a great first step. Supporting us with a donation (tax deductible for US citizens) helps us purchase supplies used to stabilize and restore historic buildings in Rockhill Furnace and Robertsdale. If you live close to the railroad, come on out on a work weekend and pitch in. If you live far away, perhaps you might like to plan a family vacation around our annual work-week held in May.
The EBT Foundation is currently fully rehabilitating two of the EBT's original steam locomotives, #16 and #14. #16 will be the first completed and is well on its way to completion. #14 and possibly others will follow.