A few shots from the B&O Roundhouse and the 2100 restoration that I haven't shared here yet. My apologies if this facility is starting to become a major theme in my posts, cabin fever season doesn't bring much exciting railroad action for here in Ohio. I should have more variety to share soon. 2020 is shaping up to be an exciting year for me, and I can't wait for it to begin!
"Belly of the Beast"
While the Midwest Railway Preservation Society's vintage ALCO RS-3 was undergoing maintenance, I was able to get a peek inside. This 70-year-old diesel locomotive is still in service today, thanks to the efforts of the hardworking volunteers of the Society.
"Keepers of the Critters"
Two of the roundhouse's furry friends sit on the trailing truck of Reading T1 no. 2100. These little guys earn their keep taking care of any rodents that crop up around the house, and also double as great companions!
"Magic"
This 1905-built roundhouse hasn't seen a living steam locomotive since the late 1980s, but the sights, the sounds, the smells and everything is still enchanting to me.
"Little Tools on a Big Machine"
The last thing I expected to see used on a 400 ton steam locomotive was a 1/4-inch wrench, but that's exactly what we had to use to take up these foot pedals in the cab. These pedals are obviously not original to the Reading; I would suspect that Tom Payne added them when he owned the engine, along with all of his other little touches.
"The Railroad Worker"
One of the volunteers of the American Steam Railroad is seen getting down and dirty on making this magnificent machine alive again. On this work session, we were busy removing cab appliances to make way for a new floor, as the current one will not accommodate the stoker system to return the 2100 to a coal burner.
"Out With The Old, In With The New"
In the continuing process of removing appliances, the old rotting wood was torn up from the cab floor to eventually be replaced with new. Outside, welding work was progressing on the stoker auger, building up cracks and worn areas.
"Gentle Giant"
To end with is a photo of the 2100's massive wootten firebox. Upon taking our ultrasonic tests a few years ago, we discovered that there were large portions of the firebox that had become too thin to maintain pressure. Since then, we have been in the process of replacing these old inner side sheets with brand new ones. To date, they have been welded in place along the top and sides, and riveted along the bottom, and now we are fundraising to put the new staybolts in. There are 560 that need to be made.
For just $10, you can be the one to forge the head of a brand new staybolt, bringing the 2100 one step closer to becoming alive once again.
