By Railfan & Railroad Staff

East Broad Top 2-8-2 16 will be out of service until later this year after mechanical crews at the Pennsylvania narrow gauge railroad discovered a cracked driver center over the winter. As a result, all EBT excursions will be led by diesels until at least August, the railroad announced on April 11. 

“It’s important to remember that these are normal obstacles when running a 150-year-old railroad and operating century-old equipment,” said General Manager Brad Esposito. “As the stewards of this historic site, it is our responsibility to take as much time as needed to complete the work properly and safeguard years of continued service.”

The 108-year-old steam locomotive ran for the first time in 67 years in 2023, following an extensive restoration. The locomotive operated for 150 days in 2023 and led excursions that carried 35,000 passengers. When new management took over the long-dormant railroad in 2020, they found that 16 was in the best shape of any of the railroad’s 2-8-2s and decided to restore it first. Other locomotives are expected to follow.