Hello everyone,
This past month has been a good one for the Reading 2100. Here's a breakdown of what we've been able to accomplish.
- The project to forge and machine the 560 new staybolts for the firebox has now been completed! Volunteers have spent countless hours dedicated to this milestone project. As you can see, our volunteers were very happy to complete this project. The next steps include sandblasting all the bolts to remove the mill scale, so our contractors have good material to work with when the time comes to weld them into the firebox. Don't forget, we're still fundraising to weld these staybolts in, so head over to our gift store to see how you can sponsor one today!
- We retrieved several locomotive items from long-term storage, such as tender doors and grate shaker bars and mounts.
- Volunteers squeezed under the locomotive to apply grease to the bearings on the driving axles. They also applied a light oil to recently cleaned grease cellar parts to prevent rusting.
- The feedwater pipe between the engine and tender that had suffered cracks from freeze damage has been repaired by brazing.
- We removed the shutoff water valves from the tender and discovered one of the rods to be bent. Parts around the area were also cleaned.
- We also dove inside the water space of the tender for an inspection. While we found that this area will need to be cleaned during a future work session, the baffles and floor looked to be in good shape overall.
- For a limited time only, you can celebrate Reading 2100's 75th birthday, which is this month, with this brand-new t-shirt designed by Jacob Petkovsky! The proceeds will go toward the restoration of the 2100, so we can ensure she'll ramble on for many more years to come! Head over to our gift shop to get one today.
- Have you ever wanted to get hands-on with an operating steam locomotive? Now's your chance, with our Blue Flag Tour at the Age of Steam Roundhouse of Sugarcreek, Ohio! Head over to our events page to get your tickets today!
Check out our latest video update for a more in-depth look at progress this month, along with a demonstration of a dead weight gauge tester!
Thank you for your support, and with your help, 2100 will be ramblin' again soon!
