EBT is SOLD! New non-profit to open RR in 2021

[Roger Cole]

I've been following the progress (and a lot is happening) on the EBT.  A recent video posted on the Railroad's Facebook page showed the new owners moving 4 hopper cars that haven't moved for many years.  Many had their side sheets rusted through at the bottom.  I know that a couple of years ago, the WW&F purchased some couplers from there.  I can't believe they're going to save all those rusted out hoppers.  If they do scrap some, does the WW&F need any more couplers?  Also are the wheel diameters somewhere near the size of the 2-foot gauge rolling stock?  If so, it might be cheaper to buy some wheelsets and narrow the axles than to have new wheels cast.

[Benjamin Richards]

The coupler size is the same (3/4). WW&F has already purchase a quantity of EBT couplers in 2017. See http://forum.wwfry.org/index.php/topic,3073.html

The wheels are not the same, unfortunately. According to "The Internet", EBT rolling stock uses 24" wheels, while WW&F uses 20" wheels.

[Ed Lecuyer]

To add to what Ben said,

The 3/4 size couplers we purchased from EBT hoppers that were (and still are, presumably) destined for scrapping/parting out were not as suitable for use as we had hoped. We'll still find a use for them, but our efforts to secure a reliable source of 3/4 size couplers has taken a different direction. I'll let others more knowledgeable fill in the details, if they are willing/able to do so...

A reliable, cost-effective source of 20" wheels remain an issue. We are working on it, but they are pricey.

[Roger Cole]

Would it be prudent/feasible/possible to cut the wheel diameter down on a lathe from 24 to 20 inches?

[Keith Taylor]

Would it be prudent/feasible/possible to cut the wheel diameter down on a lathe from 24 to 20 inches?

I would say it is not feasible. Cutting down a full 2” of the rim would leave it below the condemnable limit and even if it barely was within tolerances....there would be nothing left for future turning.

[Roger Cole]

On Thursday, Aug 13, a ceremony was held to reopen the East Broad Top Railroad.  Details can be found on Trains Newswire web site.  The article is behind a paywall.   

https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2020/08/13-with-a-splash-of-grape-juice-east-broad-top-returns-to-operation

[Ted Miles]

Now that the EBT foundation has been around for a while; there is lots of video showing up on Facebook etc. about the narrow gauge line. A recent one that made my day was about the restoration of the EBT #1033 ballast or rock car. The crew used the belt-driven machine shop tools to punch holes in some new steel sheets and they rivetted them into place. Right Way to go guys! Later a paint crew from the Friends of the EBT painted the car.  Later it was seen on the ballast trains. Another neat bit is the announcement of a fire suppression system for the Machine Shop and the Roundhouse.   

Ted Miles, narrow gauge fan.