| Number: 18 | Name: none | |
|---|---|---|
| Date Built: 8/1920 | Date Purchased: 1920 | Date Sold: none |
| Line Built for: East Broad Top | Disposition: Unserviceable | |
| Builder: Baldwin | Model: 12-34 1/4-E | Serial Number: 53541 |
| Style: coal fired steam | Type: Mikado | Wheel Arrangement: 2-8-2 |
| Track Gauge: 3' | Tractive Effort: 30,600 | Pressure/Power: 180 psi |
| Valve Gear/Transmission: Southern | Driver Size: 48" | Cylinder Bore: 20X24 |
| Weight: 164,200 | Engine Weight: | Adhesive Weight: 134,600 |
| Grate: | Fuel Capy.: | Water Capy.: |
#18 was the last and most powerful narrow gauge steamer bought by the EBT. She is still the largest loco on the line. As with her sisters she was a primary locomotive during the last years of the railroad. #18 broke down near the end of the common carrier ear shich is why #17 pulled the last trains. What was wrong with #18 is a mystery, but the rumor of her having broken a rod is disproved by and examination of her rods which are complete. In any event her air reservior is still stenciled "tested 3-13-56" indicating that she mah yave been reparied befor the end of operations.
#18 has not been restored to service, owing to her excessive size for tourist operations. In the early 1990's she and #16 were pulled out for the first time for display. #18 was pulled out for display during the 1999 Fall Spectacular. Plans were to offer photographs in the cab for a cost, but it appears that part did not work out.
With the purchase of the EBT in 2020 by the EBT Foundation, all the Mikados were evaluated as to which were the best candidates for return to service. #18 was steam cleaned on March 12, 2020 in preparation for inspection. #18's sisteder #16 was selected for rebuild. Reports are that #18 was run hard with limited maintenance near the end of common carrier operations, and that some welding repairs were done to the firebox that are undocumented.
