Hello everyone,
Progress on the 2100 has been phenomenal this summer! Let's take a look at what we've accomplished!
- Our contractors at Gemini Industries continue the process of welding our flexible and rigid staybolts into the firebox. To date, nearly 400 of them have been fully welded into place!
- Meanwhile, work is progressing in various other areas of the firebox project. Non-compliant staybolt sleeves on the outer wrapper and in the combustion chamber have been removed, and several are ready for welding. Additionally, the two new arch tubes have been made and are ready for installation.
- The 2100 felt a little bit lighter when she rolled back into her stall after a mid-June work session, when the sand dome was lifted off of the locomotive to facilitate ultrasound testing of the boiler. Testing has since been completed in this space.
- A careful inspection of the feedwater heater has commenced. The float has been inspected and tested, and various parts are in the process of being thoroughly cleaned.
- Of course, no steam locomotive is complete without its whistle, and we recently tested the 2100's Reading 6 Chime whistle on air! Take a listen in the video below!
Thank you for your support of Reading 2100 and American Steam Railroad.
