05-08-2009, 11:18 AM
I think the plans to convert more freight cars into excursion cars is a sign of their willingness to do what it takes.
I've always wondered a little bit about that as well, but I think that it was primarily due to the Kovalcheck family wanting to avoid as much liability as possible. They clearly have defended the railroad as few have ever defended any railroad (going to court to protect the unused ROW)...only selling equipment to places that would put it to use (hoppers to other tourist operations for ballasting, the 0-6-0 which was used at Connersville).
The EBT is really in a remote location. It is an hour east of Altoona. The closest city is Harrisburg, 1.5hrs away. Pittsburgh is 2.5hrs away. The ride isn't very long either. I think its tough to relate to most people what an extraordinary place it is.
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I attended the fall spectacular a few years back. It was a wet weekend. Oh was it cool! It made the old photographs come alive. I'd visited before when I was a little kid...but I wasn't able to see it run back then. It and Chama both seem like magical, surreal places to me. I think I actually enjoyed Orbisonia more...but both are in a different league than anywhere else I've been (haven't yet had the privilege of visiting the Nevada Northern)...they felt more railfan oriented than most places...and I really felt like I was experiencing history. I wouldn't mind visiting annually. I think every railfan should visit at least once in their lifetime.
I think it would be cool if a movie was made about the saving of the railroad.
I've always wondered a little bit about that as well, but I think that it was primarily due to the Kovalcheck family wanting to avoid as much liability as possible. They clearly have defended the railroad as few have ever defended any railroad (going to court to protect the unused ROW)...only selling equipment to places that would put it to use (hoppers to other tourist operations for ballasting, the 0-6-0 which was used at Connersville).
The EBT is really in a remote location. It is an hour east of Altoona. The closest city is Harrisburg, 1.5hrs away. Pittsburgh is 2.5hrs away. The ride isn't very long either. I think its tough to relate to most people what an extraordinary place it is.
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I attended the fall spectacular a few years back. It was a wet weekend. Oh was it cool! It made the old photographs come alive. I'd visited before when I was a little kid...but I wasn't able to see it run back then. It and Chama both seem like magical, surreal places to me. I think I actually enjoyed Orbisonia more...but both are in a different league than anywhere else I've been (haven't yet had the privilege of visiting the Nevada Northern)...they felt more railfan oriented than most places...and I really felt like I was experiencing history. I wouldn't mind visiting annually. I think every railfan should visit at least once in their lifetime.
I think it would be cool if a movie was made about the saving of the railroad.
Michael
My primary goal is a large Oahu Railway layout in On3
My secondary interests are modeling the Denver, South Park, & Pacific in On3 and NKP in HO
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My primary goal is a large Oahu Railway layout in On3
My secondary interests are modeling the Denver, South Park, & Pacific in On3 and NKP in HO
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