Can I take photos on this tour?

Yes, photography and videography are allowed, though your guide may limit shooting during certain operational moments for safety.

Do I need to sign a waiver?

All participants must sign a liability waiver before entering the railyard, either online or in person.

Can I operate any machinery or equipment?

No, visitors are not permitted to operate any equipment and must follow all staff directions for safety.

Are tripods allowed on the tour?

No, tripods are prohibited because they can obstruct movement and pose safety hazards.

What if the steam engine isn't running on my tour day?

If the locomotive is out of service, you may reschedule your tour or receive a credit for future booking.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No, the tour requires climbing steep ladders and is not suitable for visitors with mobility impairments.

Behind the Steam: An Insider’s Hostling Tour at East Broad Top Railroad

Experience a rare glimpse into the living heart of steam railroading with the Hostling Tour at the East Broad Top Railroad, located in Rockhill, Pennsylvania. This 2.5-hour immersive adventure puts you right in the middle of the historic Orbisonia Station and the expansive East Broad Top railyard, one of the most significant narrow-gauge railroads still operating in the United States. Established in 1871, the East Broad Top Railroad is a National Historic Landmark, famous for its remarkably preserved steam locomotives and pristine roundhouse.

This tour stands apart by offering an intimate, behind-the-scenes encounter with Locomotive No. 16, a coal-fired steam engine that has powered the rails here for over a century. Unlike a standard train ride, the Hostling Tour lets you shadow the engine crew as they prepare the locomotive for the day. You'll witness every essential step in the morning routine: inspecting the train’s components, oiling and greasing key parts, cleaning the firebox, introducing water treatment, and powering up mechanical systems like the dynamo and air compressor.

The tour’s centerpiece is the roundhouse, home to a fleet of unique steam locomotives stabled in historic stalls. Visitors follow the guide through stalls 1 to 8 and move to the turntable, a rare mechanical marvel used to turn locomotives on the spot. At designated moments, you can climb into the locomotive cab, where the intense heat of the coal fire is felt firsthand — an unparalleled way to understand the skill and strength required for traditional steam operations.

The Hostling Tour is a small-group experience, limited to 10 participants, ensuring personal access and questions answered by a knowledgeable guide. Photography is encouraged, allowing for memorable shots of vintage machinery, the roundhouse’s iron structure, and the bustling activity of the engine crew.

Rockhill offers a gateway to Pennsylvania's rich industrial history and outdoor escapades in the Appalachian foothills. The East Broad Top Railroad is a living museum that connects visitors to the past but also stands as a beacon for steam enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Due to the nature of the tour, which involves climbing steep ladders and standing for extended periods, it’s best suited for those in good physical condition without mobility impairments. The experience operates rain, shine, or snow, though mechanical hiccups can lead to rescheduling options.

Whether you're a veteran railfan or simply curious about the mechanical artistry behind steam travel, the Hostling Tour provides a unique, hands-on perspective of an iconic American technology in a stunningly preserved setting. This is the kind of adventure that transforms a visit into a story you won't forget, showcasing why the East Broad Top Railroad remains a treasured piece of Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation and cultural history.

About East Broad Top

East Broad Top is a fully restored narrow-gauge railroad based in Rockhill, Pennsylvania, preserving one of the nation's most complete 3-foot gauge rail systems. The railroad operates historic steam locomotives, gasoline-electric motorcars, and vintage equipment to offer public excursions, special events, and behind-the-scenes tours. Guests can choose from scenic steam train rides, trolley rides in partnership with the Rockhill Trolley Museum, seasonal celebrations, and exclusive guided tours led by skilled staff.

Historic attractions include one-hour steam train excursions, the M-3 and M-1 gasoline motorcar journeys, and specialty experiences such as the Master Mechanic's Tour and Archivist's Tour. The Master Mechanic's Tour grants visitors access to the roundhouse and rare narrow-gauge steam locomotives, while the Archivist's Tour offers a view of preserved documents and artifacts at Orbisonia Station. The property also hosts the Central Pennsylvania Ragtime & American Music Festival and seasonal events like Christmas in Coal Country.

Ticketed options include general admission train and trolley combinations, boxed lunches for pickup, and festival all-access passes. Seating on several motorcar excursions is limited, and many experiences provide insider access to restoration facilities and historic collections. Interpretive staff, preservation-focused programming, and the railroad's tangible archive materials support the site's educational value. East Broad Top's commitment to restoration, public programming, and collaboration with local museums makes it a trusted destination for visitors seeking authentic narrow-gauge railroad history.

Visitors can explore restoration workshops, observe ongoing repairs, and learn from volunteers and staff who maintain the historic equipment and archives through scheduled programs and seasonal demonstrations.