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Check out Ron Pearson’s East Broad Top RR. His HOn3 layout models the narrow gauge coal-hauling line in the late 1940s.
Video: Ron Pearsons HO scale narrow gauge East Broad Top RR
By Angela Cotey | August 19, 2014
| Last updated on December 2, 2020
Nice to see someone who uses cinders as ballast in heavy industrial areas and yards. Especially during the steam era. I see so many model railroads set back east with clean looking yards, that it doesn't look right. Steam was filthy and gritty.
I'd love to see more videos on your layout! Great job!
With a hiatus in the operation of the East Broad Top, it is good to see the E.B.T. spirit is well preserved in this first-rate model railroad. Until the prototype East Broad Top comes back, this is an enjoyable way to watch Pennsylvania coal fields action.
DANG!!!!!! THIS article has prompted me to get back to work on my railroad. I've seen the modules at the FEBT reunions over the years and they are just amazing. Now I've been able to see a bit of the layout too. Thank you MR for sharing Ron's work.
WoW! Somebody does model narrow gauge other than in Colorado. Very nice work would have liked to see the Mount Union car hoist.
Great Looking Layout, caused me to subscribe to MR Magazine. Looking forward to the day i can build my own EBT layout.
Here is another fine example of very fine 3-D artwork! this is why I really really enjoy model railroading. Form & function superbly executed!!!
Great layout and video, but why not show some action at the Mount Union EBT and PRR exchange? I grew up in Mount Union and love the EBT. Sadly, it's not running now. This railroad needs our support!
Great job Ron! Every thing looks great. I love your track plan in that you used two levels to get all your track work in. I too model the EBT in HO. My layout was in the April 2010 issue of MR. I know the importance of researching your project before you start building. I hope to see more of your fine layout in the future.
Too bad the locomotive wasn't sound equipped, or if it was, too bad that wasn't used instead of the music. As to why engines (steam or diesel) with headlights on in daylight; it's a safety thing. You'd be surprised how many people can't see the train coming until it's too late.
Thanks for the peek, super great job on everything. The rust on the high bridge looks about as real as can be just like the rest of the weathering.
Great layout. The scenery is beautiful. Model Railroading rules!
A fabulous layout in all aspects but one. The only thing that would make it more real, is trash. I love this layout.
The more I see of this type of model railroads, the more I find that I can adopt on my own, despite not being in to
steam engine railroading. Enjoyed the video, A very noteworthy model layout, with the video accurately portraying the area of Pennsylvania where the EBT had its mainline operations.
Love the weathering on rolling stock, engines and bridges. Nice work on this layout.
Well painted backdrops, great looking trees on the layout. Above all I noticed the interiors of the coal hoppers. Perfect weathering and rusting there. That took TIME, and exhibits a fine eye for detail.
Great modelling ….. but, why, why, why do modellers insist on having the headlight on during the daytime? That's a new thing that came along with diesels …… back in the steam era you'd get chewed out for waste using the headlight all the time. It was only used in low visibility or at night. — When I see that it can ruin an otherwise great layout.
I truly enjoyed the video of Ron Pearson's EBT. I rode it for decades as a tourist, starting in the mid 60's. It's sad that it isn't running now. The potential for that railroad is unbelievable, but times being what they are, well, I'm glad for the photos, memories and Ron's effort to try to show us a glimpse of the past begin with and this video, reminding me in 3-D what I missed. Thank you !
The HOn3 EBT RR video is….GREAT! Can't wait to see the magazine article. MR needs to do HOn3 as their next project railroad!!!