Hello everyone,
Hope you're doing well. Since we resumed work on the engine in mid-May, we have made great progress toward getting the 2100 steaming again. Our volunteers and contractors have been hard at work on many projects.
Thanks to your generous support, all 560 of our new flexible and rigid staybolts have been cut to length from bar stock! As of June 19, about 200 have had telltales drilled and 50 have had their round head forged and machined.
The reflective tape that once was on the running board skirting has been removed. Using heat guns, puddy knives and lots of elbow grease, this stubborn material was removed. Much like the ditchlights, the tape was required for the locomotive to operate in Canada. The removal of the tape will help in returning the locomotive to its as-built appearance.
We recently made an exciting step forward toward the conversion of the locomotive back to coal, with the fitting of the firebox door frame. This template was lent to us by our friends at the Reading and Northern Railroad, who used it to cast new pieces for the 2102.
Volunteers also ventured into the tool and storage area of the auxiliary tender to look for parts. The grease cellars and spring hinge for the deck plate were found and cleaned. The steel apron that sits between the locomotive and tender has also been cleaned and painted.
Thanks again for your support of the restoration of Reading 2100. With your help, she'll ramble on once more very soon.
