Hello everyone,
Hope you all are doing well. It's been a little white since the last update, but progress on the 2100 has progressed wonderfully this winter. Keep reading for a look at what was accomplished!
- Our main focus this winter has been taking ultrasonic readings of the boiler vessel in preparation for the upcoming 1472-day inspection. The entire boiler has been gridded with each grid having its own identifying label. We are about halfway through the reading phase, and upon completion, we will analyze the information to ensure that we have the proper FRA-required safety factor over the entire boiler.
- We recently became fully funded for the welding of the new staybolts into the firebox. We would like to thank all who have sponsored over the past several months. Look to see them welded before spring!
- When we removed the old side sheets, we unfortunately had to remove and destroy the arch tubes on both sides of the firebox. So, we are happy to say that we have recently received a generous donation of $2,500 for the fabrication and installation of two brand new arch tubes!
- We have also received a number of other small donations. Recently, we received a couple of very special gifts from longtime supporter Mike Smith. Those items include a boiler badge which will later be stamped and put on the backhead, and a replica numberplate for the rear of the tender. The interesting thing about the numberplate is that not only is 2100 lettered on one side, but 2129 is lettered on the opposite side. Thanks, Mike!
- Our newest volunteer, Grayson, undertook the polishing of the bell off the 2100 as well as the Hancock 3-chime whistle off of our other steam locomotive, Frisco no. 1352. We then tested the whistle on air in the roundhouse and let that steamboat song ring again! If you'd like to hear it for yourself, check out the video we posted on our Facebook page. Great work, Grayson, and welcome to the team!
Speaking of 1352, one of the most common questions we get asked is, "is the 1352 project dead?" The short answer is no! While it is a back burner project at this time due to the 2100 taking priority, we plan on transporting her to Cleveland and giving her the attention she deserves upon 2100's completion. For the time being, she will be stored in Taylorville, Ill., with continued stabilization taking place.
The 1352 was built as a 2-8-0 in 1912, but was converted to a 2-8-2 as a result of the demands of World War II. She was donated to a Kansas City, Mo., park in 1956, but flooding and vandalism over the years did not do any favors to the old girl. While a group was successful at removing the locomotive from the park and transporting her to Taylorville, the restoration attempt eventually failed and the locomotive was at risk of scrapping until an eleventh-hour intervention by American Steam Railroad, acquiring her in 2008.
Thank you for your support of Reading 2100 and American Steam Railroad.
