The East Broad Top Railroad in Pennsylvania has completed a major milestone with the return of locomotive #16 to operation. The 1916 2-8-2 Baldwin was steamed up and traveled around the railroad’s yard on February 1, 2023.
#16 was selected as the first locomotive to be returned to service after the railroad was purchased by the East Broad Top Foundation in 2020. She last ran in 1956 when the railroad ceased common carrier operations and was stored in the roundhouse ever since, never operating during the tourist years of 1960-2011.
The foundation plans to restore all of the surviving mikados (#s 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to operation, with #15 and #14 next in line to receive attention.
#16 will be operating at the upcoming Winter Spectacular with two days of trips and photo opportunities planned. It has also been announced the locomotive will be the primary motive power for this Summer’s excursions and special events.
Image taken from announcement video on the railroad’s Facebook page
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