Hi everyone,
Sorry for the long wait on an update, but here we are! First off, I’m sure you have seen our past two video updates showing the progress on 2100’s restoration.
But here, I’m showing you work that hasn’t been seen yet in these updates. In the August work session I attended, we did not pay much attention to the 2100. Instead, we helped out our friends at the Midwest Railway Preservation Society with track work that needed to be done before an open house the following weekend.
Needless to say, it was quite an experience. Not everyone can say they helped lay railroad track for a day! We were able to get 75% of the job completed that day, with the rest done during the week.
The September work session I attended was extremely productive. Work included removal of the brackets that once held the oil bunker in place, removal of rust on the eccentric rods, and hooking up the bell to air and testing it!
Are you looking for a way to support Reading 2100? Consider buying a ticket to our open house and banquet with a legend of steam as the keynote speaker: Ross Rowland! This will be held on Saturday, September 21, and seating is limited! The doors open at 2:00, and at 3:00 train rides will begin with a 69-year-old ALCO RS-3, and a vintage Pullman car that was featured in the movie, “The Natural”, starring Robert Redford.
At 4:30, dinner will be served, provided by the famous Ohio City BBQ. At 5:30, Ross will begin a photo and video presentation about his experiences with operating Reading T1s on the American Freedom Train, High Iron Co. excursions, and Chessie Steam Special, among others. Following this presentation, a night photoshoot will begin, featuring special lighting and smoke effects to make 2100 appear like she is actually under steam!
Other attractions include live steam models of a Chesapeake and Ohio T1 2-10-4 and a Reading G1 4-6-2, and a LEGO model of a Reading T1 4-8-4. Tickets are $99 and can be purchased at www.fireup2100.org. I hope to see you there!
