East Broad Top Railroad’s unique 1927 gas-electric unit

"We are incredibly excited to announce that the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust, a prominent supporter of historic passenger-rail projects across the U.S., has granted $15,000 for roof repairs on the East Broad Top Railroad’s unique 1927 gas-electric unit, known as the M-1.

"The grant is among 22 donations totaling nearly $325,000 that were announced recently by the trust, which backs preservation efforts linked to what the trust’s founder, John H. Emery, called “the golden age of passenger rail” — 1920 to 1960. “The Emery Trust is proud to assist the EBT Foundation in its quest to maintain and operate such a rare and wonderful piece of railroad history,” said Jim Fetchero, a member of the trust’s three-person Advisory Committee. “We can’t wait to see the new roof on the M-1 in the near future.”

"Brad Esposito, our General Manager, said that the M-1 had been "extremely well maintained” over the years, but that the current roof needs to be replaced to protect the interior. “It’s a vital and unique piece of equipment,” he said, "that will let the reopened EBT accommodate small numbers of visitors on days when a steam locomotive hasn’t been fired up. The EBT is grateful for the Emery Trust’s generosity and its support."

About the M-1: The M-1 was designed by the J.G. Brill Company with electric components from Westinghouse. It was assembled in the East Broad Top’s shops and is believed to be the only American narrow-gauge motorcar ever built in which a gasoline engine powers a generator, which in turn powers electric motors on all four axles. The M-1 has a 12-seat passenger compartment as well as a compartment for freight and, importantly, sacks of mail. While it was under construction, one of the EBT’s 19th-century passenger coaches was rebuilt with roller-bearing wheelsets to serve as the M-1’s trailer when necessary. The M-1 covered the mail runs on the Shade Gap Branch and filled in elsewhere as necessary as passenger traffic waned. The M-1 saved the railroad money because it required fewer crew members to operate than a steam train, and was also easier and cheaper to maintain. It has never been out of service for a significant period. The Foundation has already run the M-1 for several special events, and expects to begin running trains on a regular schedule this coming summer. The Emery Trust has also supported an ongoing project at the EBT’s neighbor, the Rockhill Trolley Museum, which is overhauling a high-speed interurban car built in 1909.

Read the official release here: https://bit.ly/2Qe6LC