Adventure Collective
Master Mechanic's Tour: Rockhill's Historic EBT Experience - Altoona

Master Mechanic's Tour: Rockhill's Historic EBT Experience

Rockhilleasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most physical abilities with light walking and standing involved.

Overview

Explore East Broad Top’s historic roundhouse with the Master Mechanic on a private two-hour tour. Discover rare steam locomotives and learn about restoration efforts in this exclusive behind-the-scenes adventure.

Rockhill, Pennsylvania

Master Mechanic's Tour

2 Hours • Behind-the-Scenes

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About This Adventure

Embark on a unique two-hour guided tour of the EBT's historic roundhouse, led by the Master Mechanic. Explore exclusive areas, including the rare fleet of narrow-gauge steam locomotives and the historic bus garage. Discover the fascinating history and ongoing restoration efforts in a captivating behind-the-scenes experience.

Experience a rare behind-the-scenes look at our restoration effort guided by the EBT Foundation’s Master Mechanic.

This two-hour tour will take visitors into areas of the EBT's historic roundhouse normally inaccessible to the public for a comprehensive look at the railroad's unique fleet of narrow-gauge steam locomotives, motorcars, and rolling stock.

You'll learn about the history and design of the equipment, get a comprehensive overview of our current restoration effort, and also enjoy an exclusive look into the EBT's historic bus garage, which currently houses our "modern" air-brake shop.

##Tour Overview: !Map of the EBT railyard with the Roundhouse highlighted Tour Stops:

  • Roundhouse (Stalls 1-8)
  • Bus Garage (Modern Brake Shop & Machine Shop)

Additional Information:

  • All visitors must sign a liability release form. Closed-toed shoes are required. 
  • Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in some areas of this tour or at your tour guide's discretion.
  • Safety considerations require all participants to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Shoes with weatherproofing and good tread are encouraged.
  • All participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability and take part in a safety briefing before entering the shop complex. The EBTF reserves the right to remove any visitor from the tour at any point for violating written rules or verbal instructions without refund.

Wheelchair Accessibility Information:

Every reasonable effort is made to accommodate those with special requirements on guided tours. However, due to the historic nature of the facility, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Please contact our ticket office PRIOR to booking if with any accessibility questions.

Note: Tours are two hours in duration and require long periods of walking and standing over several uneven surfaces, including gravel, grass, and train tracks.

Adventure Tips

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The tour includes walking through the roundhouse and surrounding grounds, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Bring a Camera

Photography is encouraged, especially of the narrow-gauge locomotives and historic machinery.

Arrive Early

Arriving 10-15 minutes before the start time ensures a smooth check-in and full experience.

No Large Bags

To protect the historic equipment, large backpacks or bags are discouraged during the tour.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Eastern bluebirds

History

East Broad Top Railroad is one of the last remaining narrow-gauge railroads in the U.S. and played a vital role in Pennsylvania’s coal industry.

Conservation

The East Broad Top Foundation works to preserve the historic railroad and promote sustainable tourism that protects the local environment.

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Adventure Hotspots in Altoona

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Supportive shoes help navigate the roundhouse floors and outdoor sections easily.

Weather-appropriate jacket

Essential

A light waterproof jacket is useful during spring showers and variable weather.

spring specific

Sun protection

Essential

Sunscreen and hats protect against strong summer sun during outdoor portions.

summer specific

Warm layers

Essential

Layered clothing keeps you comfortable during cooler autumn mornings and evenings.

fall specific