A 107-Year Old Steam Engine Comes Back to Life in PA

A 107-Year Old Steam Engine on an 150-Year Old Railroad Comes Back to Life After 67 Years of Hibernation in Pennsylvania

Of 30,000+ Steam Engines Built, Only Around 100 Actually Run

Rockhill Furnace in Central Pennsylvania, March 6, 2023 – They created time zones and out-raced the sun, built and connected America: the steam engine and railroads. Still vivid in the imagination and portrayed in modern movies and pop culture it’s actually hard to find one still running, still alive.

The East Broad Top Railroad, a 150-year old railroad deep in Central Pennsylvania just brought back to life a 107-year old gem of a steam engine that has not moved in 67 years. And restoring a steam engine is no easy task. It’s hard, dirty work based on knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

No. 16, as the engine is named, is alive and well again and will run on February 18 and 19 on the little railroad’s big Winter Spectacular to the delight of railfans and enthusiasts around the world (and this is global news in the railroad world). The railroad also confirmed that tickets for their regular 2023 season beginning on May 6th are now available and it is anticipated that No. 16 will operate on most of the EBT’s family friendly excursion trains and special events. For the latest information on this amazing restoration and renaissance go to www.eastbroadtop.com.

No. 16 is pure Americana, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1916 and operated until the railroad ceased operation in 1956. The Railroad ran as a tourist line from 1960 to 2011 and then shut down. The EBT is considered one by Smithsonian to be “one of the best-preserved examples of 19th century American narrow-gauge railroads and industrial complexes in the country.”

No. 16 will typically power one-hour, nine-mile roundtrip excursions aboard a vintage caboose, enclosed coaches or even open-air cars. Fares begin at $20 for adults and $15 for children. They also offer guided tours of the EBT’s remarkably intact late 19th/early 20th century machine shop complex, and a unique program of themed holiday and special events throughout the year.

Reservations are strongly suggested. For information and reservations visit www.eastbroadtop.com or call 814-447-3285.