The bigger question: Where or Who is the True Champion of the EBT?

SP and others -
I think that I and others on this Forum grasp a lot of the philosophical issues related to "non-essential" causes, like RR history preservation. On this board, I tend to stick to the technical aspects of our avocation, and my own projects. But the situation at EBT seems to me to be an example of a more general societal issue. Personally, I think it an over-generalization to ask:

"Why are there no reasonably wealthy people with an interest in historic RR preservation ?"

There obviously are, and will continue to be, a small number of wealthy people with such an interest. There are also a substantial number of government and business entities with such an interest. Taking RR preservation as a whole (out of the NG box) one can make a case that the U.S. has overall not done a bad job. Certainly, not as dire as it could be, perhaps not as good as it once was. For many reasons that would take three more 100-post threads to thrash out, NG may seem to get the short end.

RR historic preservation as a cultural entity is not alone in suffering scandals and deterioration . . . Symphony orchestras go under, museums close, beautiful buildings are demolished, educational and cultural institutions that we might have enjoyed as youngsters are no more.

In life and in business, for a cause to succeed, it needs a "champion". Or, in movie lingo "a small band of dedicated men". Such a gang would see it as their crucial and personal mission to preserve the EBT. They would start the 501(3)(c), post the advertisements, write the grant applications, etc. etc. And yes, make the pitch to potential wealthy benefactors. Few (again in life and business) have that in them, so no reason to lay over-generalized blame. Some with "that in them" are already dedicated to a cause(s), and the EBT, while worthy, isn't going to distract them.

The champion could be one or more members of the FEBT (best locally), could be one or more individuals with a love of this unique element of PA RR history and some bucks to dedicate to it, could be an influential PA state agency, a historical society seeking a cause, could be, could be . . . . Even if all of us here are willing to write a check and/or volunteer a weekend, without a champion carrying the flag, nothing will really happen.

Each of our treasured museums, historical monuments, and preserved relics have had such champions at the outset. Obvious examples are the C&TS, Nev Northern, Timber Heritage, SVRR, CRRM, to name a few and leave out many. The leaders who started those efforts are praised on this board everyday.

Without an unflagging dedicated "champion", no major effort (in life, RR preservation, or business) with any staying power can happen. IMHO, such a champion must emerge for all, or even part, of the EBT to be saved. Hopefully, we haven't run out of such folks.

Bob of AZ