Continuing my ongoing photography project to document the East Broad Top in its current chapter, last month I made another visit with a camera. Follow the link above to my images from the excursion.
My ninth journey inside the roundhouse since the railroad’s closure in 2011, this time alone; I do not tire from the experience. On this occasion I opted not to utilize any of the ceiling light fixtures, the only illumination through the windows. This is the way appears on any given day, how it was yesterday, how it is today, and how it will be tomorrow.
Some notes from my journal about this latest collection:
“The clouds silently drift past, birds chirping from their canopy above, an occasional morning dove’s call, woodpeckers and a wild turkey’s gobble in the distance. The chattering of crickets. The passing of a jet plane high in the heavens. Church bells chiming on the hour. Raindrops falling to the ground of padded leaves from last autumn. Almost out of respect a school bus still stops at the grade crossing. In the small quiet town life continues. But missing are the sounds of the steam train. As I walk these hallowed grounds early on this fogged morning I feel a connection, a belonging. This railroad, this property, this lore is very relevant in my mind. Still an exciting adventure.”
Thank you all for the compliments and emails about my photos. I really like this batch also; it conveys what I was trying to say with the camera. They looked good in color, but the conversation to B/W really brought them to life. The EBT is a time machine to the past, thankful to know these scenes still exist in the year 2018.
Matthew these are great photographs. They remind me of a trip taken with 2 friends from Hartford, CT in the mid-70s to ride the EBT. Much more action then of course. Please go see this stuff while you can people. It may not be there forever. Some day some of the locals will get drunk and head over there and torch it.
These photos re-enforce to me how important it is that I take my planned trip to New Mexico this fall to ride the C & TS and D & S while they are still there and while I still physically can go and appreciate what I see.
In my most humble opinion, you will find the C T& S much more akin akin tothe EBT than the D & S.
The CT&S was saved by well intended politians from Colorado and New Mexico, coming togather and purchasing the line from the railroad. Without states support,the line probably would have been abandoned, like most of the DRG&W narrow gauge was. The line is run under contract for the states. Some of the operators were better than others. But with the alot of support from the friends of the CT&S, the railroad only got better. The towns of Almosa and Cumbres have not changed much, both proud of their rich past in the American West. When you visit, plan time to not only ride the train, but to chase it. Thier are many great places to take videos and pictures of the train while they are enroute.Also plan time to enjoy the CT&S’ yards. I spent almost a day taking in the pre trip process of watering and coaling of the train. The crews are rail fan friendly and don’t mind you around as long as you respect what they are doing and don’t get in the way. You can also walk thur thier yards and amble around vintage equippment at your leisure. The CT&S was an awesome experience.
The D&S was well established and successfull rail fan destination when it w