Re: Winter EBT Photos Posted

The original 1874 EBT main line was almost exactly 30 miles long. Three later extentions of the main in the coalfields made it about 33 miles at the time of closure.
Five miles are currently in service as the excursion operation. Additionally three miles are being (slowly, but steadily) rehabilitated out of Mount Union for use by the Mount Union Connecting Railroad.
The portions that are out of servce (note that they are not formally abandoned) are largely reduced to rail on grade. The ties all would have to be replaced. The EBT was well ballasted for a narrow gauge, but with 45 years of organic matter, more ballast would be needed. most of the rail is reusable. All the bridges and tunnels are intact but all will need a little to major rehabilitation, depending on individual condition. With ties, most of the bridges would support moderate loadings. The track in both tunnels is blocked by rockfalls, but neither is completely blocked.
I and most EBT fans and activists would agree that a longer ride, or even a ride varied at all from the past 40 years would attract more patrons. Unfortunately it is not our call to make. What the EBT really needs it advertizing. There are so many tourists and so few know the EBT even exists.
If you are interested in learning more about the EBT line, especially the disused portions, check out my EBT Virtual Tour at [www.spikesys.com].