Hi everyone,
I'm back again with another update on the 2100 and the 2102. First of all, since my last post, there have been two new update videos released, and the October one has some of my photography in it. If you want a more in-depth look into what happened over the past two months, check them out!
I wasn't able to attend a work session in October due to tight schedule constraints, but I was able to attend one this past weekend. It was probably the most productive I've been to so far, so here's a quick rundown of what happened!
The first thing we began to work on was the removal of the air tank loops and part of the cold water delivery pipe around the no. 4 driver on the fireman's side. To my understanding, this is to either facilitate the removal of a spring or to weld staybolt caps in the area.
Another task accomplished was the freeing of the chains on the pilot truck. As you saw in the latest update, we removed the pilot to facilitate removal of the truck so Timken can inspect it. There is a bit of surface rust present on one of the bearings, so we may or may not have to replace it.
We also began disassembly of the air filters during this work session.
Another task accomplished that was shown in the update was the polishing and greasing of the cylinder barrels and piston rods. Simultaneously, there was some cleaning being done around the crosshead.
Now for the exciting part. We're beginning to measure the staybolt lengths in the firebox. The time is coming soon for the new staybolts to be purchased, made, and welded into place! This will be a significant milestone in the project and will bring us much closer to making the boiler capable of holding water. And then...well, you know what happens. 
Another project that is still ongoing is the cleaning of the locomotive rods. Our running gear contractors will be able to tell us what work will need to be done to them to put them back in service. There are a number of issues with them that we have discovered, but these can all be resolved!
Now on 2102, a friend of mine has sent me a recent photo of her restoration that I've been asked not to publish here. All I can say is that it looks like exciting stuff, and 2020 is still the goal.
On our recent Ross Rowland event, I can say that you missed a lot if you didn't make it. There was a lot to see! We had Brick Model Railroader's LEGO model of the 2100 (and BC&G no. 13), two live steam models, with one of them steamed up, a ride in a Pullman coach behind an ALCO RS-3, and the opportunity to meet the legend himself: Ross Rowland! He had an exhilarating presentation that detailed a number of interesting stories associated with his many endeavors over the years that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. He also revealed his plans to create American Freedom Train 2.0, another nationwide steam tour like the Freedom Train, but on a much more grand scale. Perhaps 2100 can be used for one of the segments? With your help, she can!
Thanks for your continued support!
