The East Broad top is a National Historical Landmark and is the only surviving three-foot gauge common carrier railroad east of the Rocky Mountains. After many years of inactivity, the East Broad Top has been purchased by a new nonprofit foundation. The EBT Foundation will work with the Friends of the East Broad Top volunteers to return the Baldwin-built steam locomotives to operating condition and to continue stabilizing the railroad’s historic infrastructure. Nestled in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, the EBT stands as a monument to early railroading and American industrial heritage.
The 2024 Pittsburgh National Narrow Gauge Convention is proud to offer a premier Extra Fare trip to the East Broad Top. The exclusive experience will occur Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Conventioneers will board a motor coach in the morning and head east to the EBT for a variety of activities throughout the day, including on-site lunch.Plan to arrive a day early before the convention starts to experience Eastern narrow gauge at its finest. You will not want to miss this incredible opportunity to see the EBT up close and personal!
UPDATE: June 16, 2024. The East Broad Top Excursion experience will be available only as “Stand by status” or “Drive Yourself status.”
STAND BY STATUS: You will be able to purchase an experience for $210. If a bus seat becomes available, then your status will be “active” and you can attend the East Broad Top tour. If a seat DOES NOT become available, your $210 extra fare fee will be refunded, in full, after the convention, starting September 15, 2024.
DRIVE YOURSELF STATUS: You will be able to purchase an experience for $150. You will provide your own transportation to the East Broad Top Railroad. You will be responsible for any expenses (turnpike tolls, gasoline costs, lunch, etc.) if you drive yourself. You are guaranteed an excursion experience if this option is chosen.
The M-1 WILL BE available to ride. The convention committee has negotiated with the East Broad Top Railroad to provide an M-1 experience. A very limited number of seats to ride will be available at a premium cost. You must be present at the Monday, September 9, EBT review meeting (at the Doubletree Convention Hotel) to be eligible to ride the M-1. Two (2) cab rides will be awarded by random drawing. Two participants will have a chance to win one cab ride on September 10, 2024. No open toe shoes allowed. Participants must be physically able to access the cab without assistance. NO CAMERAS in the cab per FRA rules.
Tentative Schedule -September 10, 2024
Bus Departure times: 7:00am, 7:30am, 8:00amTrain excursion times: 10:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pmM-1 excursion times: 11:30am and 2:30pmSpeeder rides will be provided to the south for a donation to the East Broad Top Railroad Foundation.
Shop and Yard tours will be provided between train excursion times. Photo run-by’s will be available during the mixed train excursions.
Lunch will be provided for participants who are on the bus.
Due to the historic nature of our facilities and equipment, not every EBTF experience is ADA accessible. However, the EBTRR will make every reasonable effort to accommodate guests that require special accommodations. Please contact the 44th National Narrow Gauge Convention Committee PRIOR to booking the EBTRR experience if you have questions regarding the accessibility of a ride or experience.
NOTICETickets must be purchased in advance through this web site — no walk-ups/on-site sales. You must be registered as a convention attendee to participate in this opportunity — convention attendee registration is not included with the purchase of extra fare activities. Each participant must purchase a ticket.
There will be an informational meeting Monday evening at the hotel to go over details and updates about the EBT tour. Please plan to be present.