East Broad Top Railroad

The Last EBT Speeder Car Comes Home

In April 1956 when the trains of the East Broad Top stopped running, nine maintenance of way speeder cars ranging from 1920 to 1951 managed to survive along-side all of the steam locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars of the EBT which everyone is so familiar with. We know there were at least three speeders that did not make it to 1956. Luckily for us, all nine speeders to survive were brought to Rockhill yard upon the shutdown in 1956. Throughout the years, a few different ones have made appearances here and there and especially in the last few years with our regular speeder rides south of the station.

In the 1960s, and 1970s two of the nine speeders were sold by the EBT to private individuals, one of them being an old, wooden-frame style, and the other, a modern (by EBT standards) Fairmont ST2. The wood-frame car, known as "Big Jim" was purchased by the FEBT a few years ago and is stored at the EBT.

The ST2, purchased by an individual in the Rochester, NY area, left the EBT in the 1970s. The new owner built 1/2 mile of 36" gauge track to run it on. At some point an interstate highway was built through his property, destroying most of the track. After his passing, the family donated the speeder to the New York Museum of Transportation. Since the museum was standard gauge, the speeder was eventually deaccessed in 1998 and a flyer was sent out to museums accross the country including the Rockhill Trolley Museum. Long-time RTY member Phil Glass recognized the speeder immediately. Mr. Glass was in touch with Phil Raynes who was successful at purchasing the speeder from the NYMT.

Since being purchased by Mr. Raynes, the speeder has operated on the Tweetsie RR in North Carolina helping with track work as well as making several visits to the EBT. Each year Mr. Raynes has made an effort to put some work into the car, tackling different aspects of its restoration, and today it is in excellent shape.

In March 2009, the EBT speeder crew, the individuals who operate and maintain the EBT's own antique, MW speeder cars, purchased the car from Mr. Raynes and transported it back to the EBT in early April where it will stay and be operated. With it's arrival, all nine remaining EBT speeder cars are back on the EBT. The East Broad Top thanks Phil Raynes for keeping the speeder car close to the EBT over the last 10 years and getting it in excellent condition. Continuing the tradition, we'll be calling this speeder Li'l Phil in recognition of Phil Raynes' work over the years in restoring the car.

Fairmont Data Card for this speeder car.
Fall Spectacular 2003

4/3/2009: We have arrived at the Raynes residence.
4/3/2009: Phil goes over some of the peculiarities with the new owners.

4/3/2009: A small trailer came with the speeder, but because of the 214 mile trip, a heavier trailer was brought from the EBT.
4/3/2009: The Dodge 2500 is ready with its precious
cargo and will depart Rootstown, OH shortly.

4/3/2009: A pit stop at Brown & Smith's garage for a mechanical inspection.
4/3/2009: Li'l Phil has arrived at the EBT station
and will be unloaded just before dark.

4/4/2009: Li'l Phil operating on the EBT.
4/5/2009: Li'l Phil operating on the EBT.