The last time I saw the East Broad Top under steam was October 29th, 2011, during a freak pre-winter blizzard fondly referred to as Snowtober. Two months later, the tourist excursion season ended, and the East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company suspended operations indefinitely. The railroad has been dormant since, their doors locked.
Fast forward to last Friday, February 14th, 2020. On this day the EBT announced that the Kovalchick family had agreed to sell the railroad in its entirety to the non-profit EBT Foundation, Inc. a newly formed group of prominent railroad industry figures, philanthropists, and longtime EBT enthusiasts. I was there representing the Friends of the EBT in the role of event photographer, recording the day’s events with both candid and posed images.
But my day started much earlier than the 11am proceedings at the train station; I arrived at 1am. Since the 2011 closure, I have been routinely visiting the towns of Orbisonia, Mount Union, Robertsdale, and all points of interest in between. Regardless of season, weather conditions, or time of day, it has been my mission to photograph and document the facilities as they exist present day. But the rails have always been void of the trains. What has been missing is now back. Four locomotives out on display, a pair of the premium passenger cars, a tank and boxcars, and those iconic cabooses!
Great shots Matthew, and thanks for being there and getting them for us!
A question, which you might not be able to answer. They’re talking about renewing EBT operations in 2021. Since you’ve been on site, and I’m sure spoken to a number of people, do you think it’s do-able?
Thank you, Matthew. I’ve been a big fan of your work, and I’m very happy to see the EBT coming back. I hope I can get up there some time.
L. O., you may not have seen some of his earlier contributions since they happened before you joined. Click on his avatar and check his activity. I’m sure you’ll appreciate his work on the EBT and other railroads.
Two years ago I was unhappy with my black/white imagery and scrapped the entire workflow; going back to the basics to start anew. With much studying, learning, experimentation, and failure I retaught myself the craft, and at the same time welcomed the increased usage of shadow. I am very happy to hear my efforts have paid off.
Please visit my website to view my entire portfolio – the opening slideshow on the homepage currently features monochrome photos exclusively.