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TrainMan1225 posted:

Just looking for information about the 2 Reading T1s under restoration (2100, 2102) like restoration progress, plans, and when the restoration is expected to be completed. I'd especially like to hear information about 2100's restoration since I live about an hour south of that one. Anything helpful!

Concerning the 2100, you might try their website for up-dates. I can't remember their website, so you will have to Google it. Edit:  try www.americansteamrailroad.org for information about 2100

The 2102 is owned by the Blue Mountain & Reading RR, and their people have been quietly working on 2102, between their normal motive power mechanical responsibilities. They naturally don't release much information as they are a very busy railroad, plus they have their Pacific steam locomotive to maintain and operate.

Last edited by Hot Water

Here’s the updates from the Midwest Railway Preservation Society’s open house! Seeing 2100, Grand Trunk 4070, and all of the other pieces of equipment in the historic roundhouse was amazing. Here’s all the information I could gather about 2100’s restoration:

- The group is looking to hydro in Spring 2019 or sooner, if money allows

- The group wants the 2100 to be fully operable in Fall 2019, but the cost to finish the restoration is $255,000.

- Should everything go to plan, you will see 2100 running excursions starting in 2020, after all test runs with her are completed and all kinks worked out.

- While at one point they were looking for 3,000 people to donate $21.00/month, they are now looking for 975.

- The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has offered to let ASR test run 2100 on their line, and later participate in their annual “Steam in the Valley” event.

Pics below:

The missing set of drivers from GTW 4070, and a steam locomotive bellAn ex-B&O caboose parked in front of the roundhouse

One of MRPS’s many Pullman coaches, this one named “Mt. Baxter”The cab of GTW 4070

One of 3 model railroads they had set up in a refrigerator carThe first view I got of no. 2100 from across the turntable

Ex-Nickel Plate coach no. 62, which is apparently haunted by ghosts of people who died in a 1943 accident. I will be in this car behind NKP 765!MRPS’s own Grand Trunk Western 2-8-2 no. 4070. Her front face is in storage

Me in front of Reading T1 no. 2100. To visualize how big it is, I’m 5’7”.

The inside of the huge firebox of no. 2100.2100’s huge 70” drivers.

2100’s driving rods.2100’s cylinders

2100’s beautiful front face.An Erie-Lackawanna F unit in storage outside

A panorama of no. 2100’s tender in storage outside.

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Images (16)
  • The missing set of drivers from GTW 4070, and a steam locomotive bell
  • An ex-B&O caboose parked in front of the roundhouse
  • One of MRPS’s many Pullman coaches, this one named “Mt. Baxter”
  • The cab of GTW 4070
  • One of 3 model railroads they had set up in a refrigerator car
  • The first view I got of no. 2100 from across the turntable
  • Ex-Nickel Plate coach no. 62, which is apparently haunted by ghosts of people who died in a 1943 accident. I will be in this car behind NKP 765!
  • MRPS’s own Grand Trunk Western 2-8-2 no. 4070. Her front face is in storage
  • Me in front of Reading T1 no. 2100. To visualize how big it is, I’m 5’7”.
  • The inside of the huge firebox of no. 2100.
  • 2100’s huge 70” drivers.
  • 2100’s driving rods.
  • 2100’s cylinders
  • 2100’s beautiful front face.
  • An Erie-Lackawanna F unit in storage outside
  • A panorama of no. 2100’s tender in storage outside.
Videos (2)
The ALCo pulling the train
ASR treasurer Forrest Nace telling a history of no. 2100.

Bringing back an older thread of mine here, but it looks like we have somewhat of a status update on Reading T1 no. 2102! These photos were posted to the Facebook page "Fans of the Reading T-1", and seem to show the 2102's firebox and front tube sheet in particular. This is only a handful of the photos posted.

(Photos removed to comply with TOS. Consult "Fans of the Reading T-1" on Facebook to see photos.)

Additionally, this was posted to the Facebook page "Reading & Northern Railfans". This is from a recent Trains Magazine catalog. I find the photo of the 2102 next to Pacific no. 425 particularly exciting. However, I would take the text highlighted in red with a grain of salt, as Andy has been saying this for years now, and the locomotive is still not finished.

(Photos removed to comply with TOS. Consult "Reading & Northern Railfans" on Facebook to see photos. Highlighted text said Muller would like to have the engine on the road this year.)

Now, lets shift our focus on to sister no. 2100. I recently became a member of the American Steam Railroad and had my first work session just yesterday. Within the past 6 months or so, we lifted the newly fabricated inner side sheets into the firebox, welded these to the old plates, drilled out all of the staybolt holes, and riveted the sheets to the mudring, among many other projects. For our work session yesterday, we did something quite noticeable...as in we put the bell and bracket back onto the smokebox.

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Other work included putting some of the ashpan brackets back on, and cleaning and painting of some of the stoker parts. We still need to raise $245,000 to complete the restoration, and $24,000 to complete the firebox project, which would allow us to do a hydrostatic test. Every little donation helps.

Finally, to answer your first question before it's asked, if possible, we would be more than happy to partner up with the Reading & Northern to get the two T1s back together again. That would be the first time since 1975 that two Reading T1s were together, and the first time since 1964 that two were steaming together...hard to believe!

Last edited by TrainMan1225
Borden Tunnel posted:

2102 photos were posted 4/20, looks like a lot of heavy rebuilding which confirms my thoughts that this engine was really beat.

I figured that too. I believe the last time the 2102 had any major work was during the time she spent on the Reading. Check out this video from 1991. I wouldn't be able to tell any boiler problems just by watching, but the rods seem to exhibit a lot of clanking, so I think those will need to be re-machined if they haven't been already.

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I found this issue of TRAINS and in the article along with this great cover shot, David P. Morgan writes that the 2102 had to be rebuilt in 1974-75 by Steam Tours, Inc. of Akron,OH.
He describes his trip around Horseshoe in Oct. 1976 in the usual DPM style, even quoting Scripture.
It must have been something to hear this hog pull an SD45 and 20 cars around the curve.
2102's flue time ran out in 1991, and was stored in several places before R&N's steam shop was built.

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Last edited by Borden Tunnel
TrainMan1225 posted:
Borden Tunnel posted:

2102 photos were posted 4/20, looks like a lot of heavy rebuilding which confirms my thoughts that this engine was really beat.

I figured that too. I believe the last time the 2102 had any major work was during the time she spent on the Reading. Check out this video from 1991. I wouldn't be able to tell any boiler problems just by watching, but the rods seem to exhibit a lot of clanking, so I think those will need to be re-machined if they haven't been already.

"Clanking rods" are not necessarily a sign of wear, especially if you hear them when the locomotive is just  drifting.  The last thing you want is no noise, because that would mean they are too tight and the bearings would overheat.  Roller bearings, yes, they should be quiet, but not plain bearings.  

A certain individual had new bearings made with tighter specs than the factory for a certain locomotive. It did not work out at all, what a surprise.

Also, a little "slop" is good for going around tight curviture.

Rich, Jack, and others can give you much more information.

 

Last edited by Standard Gauge

Hello everybody,

Here with an update on no. 2100. We have accomplished quite a bit these past two work sessions. Last week, we painted the front of the engine black. Now she looks the best she has in years! Other work included the installation of the new wooden pilot steps.

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Fire her up!

This is essentially how the engine will look when it’s done. The paint scheme we’ll start out with is basically Reading Freight Black, but occasionally we’ll paint her up in special schemes (Iron Horse Rambles, for example).

During today’s work session, we worked to remove the “Ferroequus” lettering from the tender. It was a hot day outside, so thank God the tender was inside for today!

Here’s what we started out with...

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And here’s what we had at the end of the day.

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The lettering was basically industrial-grade reflective tape rather than paint, so many volunteers essentially spent the whole day on a ladder scraping away!

As far as 2102 goes, my understanding is that they just put the flues back in. The engine was pretty beat, so they’ve been doing very intensive work, including replacement of one (or both) of the flue sheets. It seems they’ve replaced the same section of the firebox that we have by looking at photos.

Regardless, they’ll have a very reliable locomotive when they’re done!

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Hi everyone,

Sorry for the long wait on an update, but here we are! First off, I’m sure you have seen our past two video updates showing the progress on 2100’s restoration.

But here, I’m showing you work that hasn’t been seen yet in these updates. In the August work session I attended, we did not pay much attention to the 2100. Instead, we helped out our friends at the Midwest Railway Preservation Society with track work that needed to be done before an open house the following weekend.

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Needless to say, it was quite an experience. Not everyone can say they helped lay railroad track for a day! We were able to get 75% of the job completed that day, with the rest done during the week.

The September work session I attended was extremely productive. Work included removal of the brackets that once held the oil bunker in place, removal of rust on the eccentric rods, and hooking up the bell to air and testing it!

Are you looking for a way to support Reading 2100? Consider buying a ticket to our open house and banquet with a legend of steam as the keynote speaker: Ross Rowland! This will be held on Saturday, September 21, and seating is limited! The doors open at 2:00, and at 3:00 train rides will begin with a 69-year-old ALCO RS-3, and a vintage Pullman car that was featured in the movie, “The Natural”, starring Robert Redford.

At 4:30, dinner will be served, provided by the famous Ohio City BBQ. At 5:30, Ross will begin a photo and video presentation about his experiences with operating Reading T1s on the American Freedom Train, High Iron Co. excursions, and Chessie Steam Special, among others. Following this presentation, a night photoshoot will begin, featuring special lighting and smoke effects to make 2100 appear like she is actually under steam!

F71D8830-6DB3-4B76-B58A-EEFFF09AB95D

Other attractions include live steam models of a Chesapeake and Ohio T1 2-10-4 and a Reading G1 4-6-2, and a LEGO model of a Reading T1 4-8-4. Tickets are $99 and can be purchased at www.fireup2100.org. I hope to see you there!

 

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Hi everyone,

I'm back again with another update on the 2100 and the 2102. First of all, since my last post, there have been two new update videos released, and the October one has some of my photography in it. If you want a more in-depth look into what happened over the past two months, check them out!

I wasn't able to attend a work session in October due to tight schedule constraints, but I was able to attend one this past weekend. It was probably the most productive I've been to so far, so here's a quick rundown of what happened!

The first thing we began to work on was the removal of the air tank loops and part of the cold water delivery pipe around the no. 4 driver on the fireman's side. To my understanding, this is to either facilitate the removal of a spring or to weld staybolt caps in the area.

2100work2

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Another task accomplished was the freeing of the chains on the pilot truck. As you saw in the latest update, we removed the pilot to facilitate removal of the truck so Timken can inspect it. There is a bit of surface rust present on one of the bearings, so we may or may not have to replace it.

2100work6

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We also began disassembly of the air filters during this work session.

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2100work10

Another task accomplished that was shown in the update was the polishing and greasing of the cylinder barrels and piston rods. Simultaneously, there was some cleaning being done around the crosshead.

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Now for the exciting part. We're beginning to measure the staybolt lengths in the firebox. The time is coming soon for the new staybolts to be purchased, made, and welded into place! This will be a significant milestone in the project and will bring us much closer to making the boiler capable of holding water. And then...well, you know what happens. 

2100work14

Another project that is still ongoing is the cleaning of the locomotive rods. Our running gear contractors will be able to tell us what work will need to be done to them to put them back in service. There are a number of issues with them that we have discovered, but these can all be resolved!

2100work11

Now on 2102, a friend of mine has sent me a recent photo of her restoration that I've been asked not to publish here. All I can say is that it looks like exciting stuff, and 2020 is still the goal.

On our recent Ross Rowland event, I can say that you missed a lot if you didn't make it. There was a lot to see! We had Brick Model Railroader's LEGO model of the 2100 (and BC&G no. 13), two live steam models, with one of them steamed up, a ride in a Pullman coach behind an ALCO RS-3, and the opportunity to meet the legend himself: Ross Rowland! He had an exhilarating presentation that detailed a number of interesting stories associated with his many endeavors over the years that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. He also revealed his plans to create American Freedom Train 2.0, another nationwide steam tour like the Freedom Train, but on a much more grand scale. Perhaps 2100 can be used for one of the segments? With your help, she can!

Thanks for your continued support!

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Images (12)
  • Removing one of the air tank loops.
  • Removing part of the cold water delivery pipe.
  • Continued.
  • Removing the pilot truck chain on the engineer's side.
  • Continued.
  • Now on the fireman's side.
  • Disassembling the air filter on the fireman's side.
  • Continued.
  • Greasing the cylinder barrel on the engineer's side.
  • Cleaning around the crosshead.
  • Measuring staybolt lengths. There was a third person in the firebox helping out.
  • Continued cleaning of the side rods.

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the long wait on an update, but here we are! To start, for a look at some of the progress that has recently been made, check out ASR's most recent update.

As was mentioned in the update, we have all of the staybolt lengths measured, and are ready to begin cutting the material for all of the new staybolts that need to be made.

For today's update, we'll start off with Midwest's open house on December 8. This included train rides with Santa, the Grinch, and a number of other special Christmas characters. And of course, tours were given of the historic roundhouse and equipment, including 2100. Thanks to our great communications director Brian Smith, we were able to doll up the engine for these open houses!

The rest of the roundhouse and equipment were also dressed up for the occasion, and to top it off, we had the sounds of the season playing as well! If you stepped up into the cab on that day, that would've most likely been me giving tours and answering questions. As a side note, attendance for this open house was very, very good, and we were certainly kept busy giving tours and answering questions the entire time!

Now, we'll move on to the December 14 work session, which was the last for 2019 and quite productive. The project that took up most of my time was preparing to open the smokebox door to install netting inside. We did end up opening the small door, and made some progress toward opening the big door.

After our lunch break, I had the great pleasure of being able to climb inside the smokebox to help out Greg and Gordon in attempting to open the big door. Unlike the small door, we cannot open this door by hand.

In the background, the welding of the stoker auger continued. This allowed me to get an interesting photo while inside the smokebox.

And, that's a wrap for 2019! No more work sessions were scheduled for the 21st an 28th, as the crew instead chose to spend the holidays with their loved ones. Thanks for all of your support in 2019, and we look forward to what 2020 has to offer, both for us and a certain other T1!

Happy Holidays.

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Hey everyone,

Hope the new year is going well for all of you. I had planned to go to a work session this weekend, but severe weather in Cleveland led to that session being cancelled. I'll be going up next weekend instead, and I'll have plenty to report on when it comes. (Side note: I might not be taking photos with an iPhone this time ) In the meantime, check out ASR's most recent video update. It's a short one, as we didn't have many work sessions in the month of December.

Additionally, for 2020 we're now going to be doing raffles every month. That's right folks, RAFFLES!

The winning ticket will receive either a beautiful HO Scale model of 2100 from Broadway Limited Imports, custom painted in freight black, or $500 to spend any way you like! Tickets are $5 for one ticket, or $20 for five tickets which will up your odds of winning to 1 in 100! We'll do the drawing once the 500th ticket has been sold!

Thanks again for all of your support in 2019, looking forward to making 2020 even better!

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  • NEW-Raffle_Logo

Hey everyone,

I've returned with another update on the 2100. The work session I attended was small this time, but plenty of great progress was made nonetheless. Starting out with what I worked on, me and a few other volunteers spent much of the day removing appliances from the cab and prying up rotten wood to make way for a new floor.

This one was taken just before we took up the foot pedals. Here, a volunteer is attempting to find just the right size socket.

We ended up having to use a tiny 1/4" wrench to remove the bolts that hold the pedals down.

The stand that held the brakes in place was welded to the floor, so we used a cutting wheel to remove it.

Here, you can see the brakes finally out of the cab. It was not as easy a process as you might think.

Shown here are two volunteers grinding bolts that one held wood onto the cab floor.

In this one, another volunteer works to remove the old, rotting wood that was on the floor.

Other appliances were also removed that day, including the cab seats. Another task that was accomplished, but which I didn't get photos of, was continued welding of the stoker auger.

For those who would like, here are some other more artistic photos that I took.

Thanks again for all of your support in 2020. I should have plenty more to share very soon!

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  • "Socket Scavenger Hunt"
  • "Little Tools on a Big Machine"
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  • "Finally Out"
  • "Time Travelling"
  • "Old Things Made New"
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  • "Keepers of the Critters"
  • "Magic"
  • "The Railroad Worker"
TrainMan1225 posted:

Hey everyone,

I've returned with another update on the 2100. The work session I attended was small this time, but plenty of great progress was made nonetheless. Starting out with what I worked on, me and a few other volunteers spent much of the day removing appliances from the cab and prying up rotten wood to make way for a new floor.

 

This one was taken just before we took up the foot pedals. Here, a volunteer is attempting to find just the right size socket.

We ended up having to use a tiny 1/4" wrench to remove the bolts that hold the pedals down.

 

 

Thanks again for all of your support in 2020. I should have plenty more to share very soon!

Please explain what those "foot pedals" are for.

I recognize the switch on the right. Got the same thing in our fire trucks at work.

The switch is from David-Clark and is a Push-to-Talk (P-T-T) switch as part of the intercommunication system and is used to activate the transmit feature of the radio. It's foot activated (handsfree) and is used while wearing a headset. This is a simple momentary "on" switch when its depressed. But then again this type of switch could have been used for anything, not just a radio system.

The other switch looks like an explosion proof panic button, just by the looks of the design.

Jayhawk500 posted:

I recognize the switch on the right. Got the same thing in our fire trucks at work.

The switch is from David-Clark and is a Push-to-Talk (P-T-T) switch as part of the intercommunication system and is used to activate the transmit feature of the radio. It's foot activated (handsfree) and is used while wearing a headset. This is a simple momentary "on" switch when its depressed. But then again this type of switch could have been used for anything, not just a radio system.

The other switch looks like an explosion proof panic button, just by the looks of the design.

OK, thanks. But, obviously those two "foot pedals" are NOT original to Reading steam era regular service operations. So,,,,,,,,wonder who added them.

Hot Water posted:
Jayhawk500 posted:

I recognize the switch on the right. Got the same thing in our fire trucks at work.

The switch is from David-Clark and is a Push-to-Talk (P-T-T) switch as part of the intercommunication system and is used to activate the transmit feature of the radio. It's foot activated (handsfree) and is used while wearing a headset. This is a simple momentary "on" switch when its depressed. But then again this type of switch could have been used for anything, not just a radio system.

The other switch looks like an explosion proof panic button, just by the looks of the design.

OK, thanks. But, obviously those two "foot pedals" are NOT original to Reading steam era regular service operations. So,,,,,,,,wonder who added them.

It would be no surprise to me if Tom Payne added them. I'm not sure whether they'll go back in once the new floor is in place, but I'll be sure to ask one of the guys next time I'm up there.

To answer the question as to whether or not the 2100 had cab signals installed, there were no other signs of them that I could recognize, but something else to consider is how thoroughly the cab appliances have been disassembled. I'll make sure to have answers to all these questions as soon as I can.

Keep in mind I'm a relatively new member. I joined just last May and began attending work sessions in June, so I am by no means an expert on all aspects of the engine.

With the overall negative attitude toward excursions by NS and Amtrak now, I doubt that 2100 will need cab signals or ptc. Maybe the CVSR will let it run. I’m more looking forward to 2012’s return. The bearings don’t matter either if neither T-1 will be running on any class 1 track. I think they are plain bearing but 2124 at Steamtown is roller, but it hasn’t ran since the Rambles.

Last edited by Robert K

Hello everyone,

We have more to share with you regarding the restoration of 2100! But first, I want to let you know of the many ways that you can support the restoration.

First off, we recently announced a brand new exciting event at the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum featuring none other than Doyle McCormack! Doyle has been active in railroading almost all his life, growing up on the Nickel Plate Road in Conneaut, Ohio. In the 1970s, he was responsible for the restoration of Southern Pacific no. 4449, a high-stepping streamlined steam locomotive that can still be seen in service today!

The event will be held on Saturday, May 16 in Bellevue, Ohio and doors will open at 3:00 p.m.. Guests are welcome to explore the museum ground where they can inspect the newly acquired Nickel Plate Road Berkshire-type no. 757. Caboose rides will be given from 4:00 to 5:00. At 5:30, dinner will be served, with Doyle's presentation following it. He'll be discussing his life full of railroading, as well as his restoration of an ALCO PA. An audience Q&A will conclude this exciting evening.

Tickets for this event and more information can be found at www.fireup2100.org and the first 10 buyers who use the code "NKP757" will get $10 off their ticket price!

We also have many other great items available on our gift shop including raffle tickets, books, DVDs, prints, shirts, hats and more! Any donation, big or small, makes a difference, and we truly appreciate your support!

Now, on with our recent progress. First, check out our recent video update to see the recent progress that has been made with the engine.

I was able to attend a work session in February. The first part of the work session consisted of a safety class, so most of the work concentrated on miscellaneous tasks that needed addressed. We did more work on the stoker auger, and removed the new wooden pilot steps to protect them.

We also received a few newly forged flexible staybolts, which leads into the next announcement. As you know, we have been in the process of replacing the inner side sheets on the locomotive. They have been welded and riveted into place in the firebox, and all of the staybolts have been measured and the material ordered. The time has now come for the staybolts to be forged.

There are 560 staybolts that need to be made for the firebox. For a small donation of just $10, you can be the one to forge a brand new staybolt that will bring this magnificent machine one step closer to becoming alive once again. You can also buy an old staybolt from the 2100 for $69, which will come stamped with its number and with a certificate of authenticity.

Be on the lookout for our February update, as we'll be showing how these staybolts are formed.

Thanks again for your support, and with your donation, the 2100 will ramble on again very soon!

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Hello everyone,

I have a few updates to share about BOTH of the Reading T1s.

First and foremost, the Reading & Northern has released an update on the 2102's restoration, which appears to be very close to completion. It appears that the engine has been torn down very extensively, and a lot of major work was done. The hydrostatic test is to be completed this month, followed by reassembly of the engine and its return to excursion service.

For more in-depth information, check out the video and article below that the R&N put out yesterday.

Article: https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/new-page-50

Now, moving on to the 2100, we released a new video update about a week ago showing the process of forging the new staybolts for the firebox.

Our staybolt fundraiser is still ongoing. For just $10, you can sponsor the forging of a brand new staybolt in the firebox!

I’m looking forward to when they advertise the first public excursion pulled by #2102 since October, 1991. Could it be this fall or more likely 2021? Has #2102 ever steamed live through Haucks or on the Lehigh Line before? I don’t think so. Also, I wish they could run to Philly and Harrisburg again, but that is out of the question now. The tracks are now NS and NS is anti-steam excursion again after a brief revival with Wick Moorman. I rode behind #765 twice and behind #611 in Virginia and last year at Strasburg. The second #765 trip I rode went up NS and RBMN from near Bethlehem to Pittston. It was the first time I ever rode the tracks from Bethlehem to Lehighton. Very rare to ride those tracks now unless you are an NS engineer. Also, #2102 is mostly friction bearing (2124 is roller) and NS and other class 1’s don’t like to handle friction bearings any more. And the liability of the general public and open window coaches. A railroad that is not on the stock market is more willing to accept those risks, like RBMN.

Last edited by Robert K

Hello everyone,

We at American Steam Railroad have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, and following recommendations from local, state and federal governments for the best course of action. Therefore, we have postponed our upcoming Doyle McCormack dinner to Saturday, July 25.

For those who have already purchased a ticket, it will still be honored for the rescheduled date. If you have already bought a ticket and cannot make this date, contact us at contact@americansteamrailroad.org and we can arrange a refund. After Friday, April 24, requests for a refund cannot be granted. And if you haven't bought a ticket yet, it's not too late to get one! Visit https://www.fireup2100.org/events/ to find out how you can join us!

Thank you for your cooperation during these uncertain times, and we look forward to seeing you there!

I also want to update you on the current staybolt fundraiser. The amount of support we have received so far has been incredible. We are 72% funded, leaving us only 154 staybolts left to fund of the 560 needed. For just $10 a piece, you can bring us one staybolt closer to steam, and you can sponsor as many as you'd like! Head to our online store to find out more.

Thanks again for all of your support in American Steam Railroad and the Fire Up 2100 campaign. It's truly appreciated, and your support is truly making a difference.

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Hello everyone,

Hope you all are staying safe during these strange new times. In compliance with the State of Ohio's Stay-at-Home order, the American Steam Railroad will not be having any work sessions on the 2100 until further notice.

However, there is some recent work that has been completed on the locomotive, so I hope that this will take your mind off of the bombardment of bad news, even if only for a few minutes.

Work has continued on the removal of the cab floor, including removing bolts and appliances. We will replace the floor with new steel to accommodate the stoker feed mechanism and grate shaker bars.

Photo by Brian Smith.

We also brought the running board side skirting out of storage and are currently in the process of removing the red reflective tape that has been clung to the skirting for nearly two decades. Similar to the ditchlights, the tape was required for the locomotive to operate in Canada. We don't need it here in the United States, so off it goes.

Our staybolt fundraiser drive is still ongoing, and as of March 29 we are almost fully funded. The old staybolts that we cut out of the firebox are now on SALE, so now is the perfect time to buy a piece of the 2100 herself! You can also let us know if you'd like it polished or in the original boiler patina. Head over to fireup2100.org/product/staybolt/ to get your own!

And finally, if you'd like an in-depth look at where we are at with this project today, check out the video I recently made with ASR's Forrest Nace walking through the current projects that we currently have ongoing.

Thanks again to everyone for their support of this project. Make sure to stay safe out there during these unprecedented times.

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Hello everyone,

Hope you all are doing well. Due to the current world health situation, American Steam Railroad has chosen to postpone our Legends of Steam dinner with Doyle McCormack to September 19. The event will still be held at the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum. The event will continue as planned with caboose rides, BBQ dinner, and a presentation and audience Q&A by Mr. McCormack himself.

Refunds will be granted for new and existing registrations until Friday, September 4 at midnight. Of course, all proceeds will go to benefit American Steam Railroad's restoration projects.

Get your tickets now at www.fireup2100.org/events!

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Hello everyone,

I have a lot to talk about today regarding Reading 2100.

First off, we resumed work sessions this past Saturday after the state of Ohio's stay-at-home order was lifted. We made great progress on the engine, so here's a quick rundown of what we got done that day!

All photos are mine unless otherwise noted, and may not be reproduced without permission from the owner.

A major task that was accomplished yesterday was the removal of the cab floor. It will eventually be replaced with new steel to accommodate the stoker feed trough and grate shaker bars, as we convert the engine back to coal.

We also continued to peel the reflective tape off of the running board skirting. The tape was required when the locomotive operated in Canada.

Photographer unknown.

At a separate facility, we also began to cut the material for the 560 staybolts that will go in the firebox, which leads into my next announcement.

As you may have heard a couple of weeks ago, thanks to a generous donation from Louis Schillinger of United Shortline Insurance Services, the fundraising for the machining and forging of the 560 staybolts has been completed!

Now that the process of machining has begun, we're launching a new fundraising campaign to hire professionals to weld them into the firebox. For just $9, you can sponsor the welding of one of these staybolts, and you can contribute as many as you want! Visit fireup2100.org/product/weld-in-a-staybolt and make your donation!

You can also still own a piece of the 2100 herself with a stamped and serialized staybolt that we removed from the firebox when the old side sheets were taken out. You can order it polished up or with the original boiler patina as we removed it!

Photo by Brian Smith.

We also on Saturday pulled the winner of our raffle. Congratulations to Jerry Feicht for winning either the custom painted Broadway Limited T1 or the $500 prize! Round two of the raffles is ongoing right now, and over 100 tickets have already been sold! Check out our gift store at fireup2100.org/shop for your chance to win!

Now, moving on to our sister locomotive to the east. The Reading and Northern Railroad has for the past few weeks been putting out updates on the 2102's restoration, which is getting very close to completion! In the past few weeks, the railroad announced it installed the last of the 724 new staybolts in the locomotive's firebox in February, and pressurized water to the operating pressure of the boiler in March.

In mid-March, the first newly cast pieces came in from Preservation Pattern, including the firedoor frame, stoker trough and steam dome lid, among many other items.

Currently, work on the 2102 includes beading the new tubes and flues, finishing repairs to the feedwater heater and pump, machining new tri-cocks and water glass valves and plugs, and plumbing various appliances. Fall of this year is still the goal, to my understanding.

For more information on the state of the restoration, check out the Reading and Northern's 2102 updates page on their website!

Thanks again for your support of the Reading T1 restoration projects. With your help, we can get these magnificent anthracite giants breathing fire once again!

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Hello everyone,

As always, I hope you're doing well during these times. I have some more updates to share regarding the restoration of the 2100.

First of all, if you have any questions about the restoration, check out the latest video update and you just might find your answer!

Thanks to your generous support, we were able to begin forging and machining the 554 new staybolts last month! We now have a fundraiser ongoing for the welding of the new staybolts into place in the firebox, so head on over to fireup2100.org/product/weld-in-a-staybolt to find out more!

You can still own a piece of the 2100 herself with a stamped and serialized staybolt that was removed from the firebox when the old side sheets were cut out. The staybolt sale is still ongoing, and if you order yours by June 8, they will arrive in time for Father's Day! So why get dad another tie this year when you can get him a piece of railroad history?

Visit fireup2100.org/product/staybolt to get yours!

As always, thank you for your support.

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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.

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Hello everyone,

Since the last update, great progress has been made on the restoration of the 2100.

Since we removed the red reflective tape from the running board skirting, volunteers are now removing the sticky and stubborn glue residue, so the skirting can be primed and painted, and the engine returned to its as-built appearance.

We took the grease cellar parts out of storage and cleaned these parts of all grease and grime.

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As you may have already heard, the highlight of the month was when we were able to visit the Reading & Northern Railroad's restoration facility, where they are maintaining and restoring 4-6-2 no. 425 and sister Reading T1 no. 2102.

Upon our arrival, the steam crew presented us with a brand-new firedoor casting! We would like to give a big thank you to Andy Muller and the Reading & Northern team for this donation, along with allowing us to spend almost a full day with the crew inspecting the restoration, and giving us some great advice. This donation represents a significant step in returning the locomotive to burning coal.

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Don't forget, we are still fundraising to complete the welding of the new staybolts into the firebox! Head on over to our gift shop to find out how you can bring the 2100 a staybolt closer to steam with a $9 donation! You can sponsor as many as you like!

We also just introduced a brand-new way to support the restoration of the 2100, by buying staybolt cap that was removed from the locomotive! Head over to our gift shop to buy one for just $30! Act fast, as supplies are very limited!

To see what work remains on the firebox before we can begin filling the boiler with water, check out our latest video update, where treasurer Forrest Nace walks through the work needed and the budget.

Thank you again for your support of the Reading 2100 and American Steam Railroad.

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Hello everyone,

The past month has been a very productive one for the Reading 2100. Here is a quick rundown of what has been accomplished under the hot summer sun this July.

- A complete inventory of spare parts was taken inside the auxiliary water tender. Within this tender were found rear steps for the 2100's main tender, and these steps were mounted.

- The steam distribution manifold from the stoker mechanism was removed from the trough housing. It will be sent off to a contractor so it can have repairs made to return it to like-new condition.

- Damaged studs on the feedwater line of the main tender were removed.

- Volunteers have spent plenty of time this month drilling out the telltale holes for the 560 new staybolts needed in the firebox. So far, the forging and machining process is past the halfway mark!

Work is also picking up on our tool car, former New York Central Baggage Car no. 9110, at the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum in Bellevue, Ohio.

- The car was moved into the MR&NKP's brand-new restoration facility, where the car can be kept out of the elements and volunteers can work on it more frequently.

- Volunteers labored to remove the old insulation and assess the car's condition, so we can see what will need to be done to restore the car to service for us.

- Mad River Vice President Dwayne Fuehring instructed us on how to perform a clean oil test and stencil on the tool car, and gave us an overview of what needs to be done before 9110 can go to work for us.

 - We'd like to thank the Youngstown Steel Heritage Foundation for their donation of D22 brake parts for use on the 9110.

Calling all artists! The 2100's 75th Birthday is fast approaching, and to celebrate, we're launching a T-Shirt design contest! The winner will receive a t-shirt featuring the design, a one-year membership to American Steam Railroad, and $100 cash! Make sure to visit our website to find out more!

And don't forget, we're still fundraising to have contractors weld the 560 new staybolts into the firebox! Head over to our gift store and you can sponsor as many staybolts as you like for just $9 a bolt!

Thank you again for your support of American Steam Railroad and Reading 2100.

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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!

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Hello everyone,

The temperatures may be dropping, but the restoration of the 2100 is heating up! This past month has been very productive, so here's a rundown of what we have accomplished.

- All 560 staybolt holes were cleaned of dirt, debris and other grime, so when the welders come in the next week or two, they have a very good surface to work with.

- All 560 newly machined staybolts were transported to the B&O Roundhouse here in Cleveland, where our restoration is taking place. The bolts were checked for quality and sandblasted to remove the mill scale and other grime.

- Thanks to your generous support, we can now weld in all the staybolts on the fireman's side of the locomotive. We're still raising funds to complete the entire firebox, so visit our gift store to see how you can sponsor a staybolt today!

- The copper gaskets that will fit into the caps over the flexible staybolts have arrived and are ready to be installed. Thanks to Doyle McCormack, we were able to get in touch with a supplier to make this happen.

- We also had a contractor come in and help us inspect the driving boxes and axles. You may have seen earlier this month that the 2100 was moved outside by the Midwest Railway Preservation's RS3, which was done to better inspect and measure these components. Measurements were also taken of the running gear. While not perfect, the findings so far have resulted in a significant saving in anticipated work and cost.

Did you know the same Cricut that you use for model railroading can also make parts to restore the prototype? Check out our latest video update to find out how!

Thank you for your support of the 2100 and American Steam Railroad, and take care.

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What is the plan for #2100 once restored? Is it in Cleveland, OH? NS isn't exactly excursion friendly like it was during 21st Century Steam. Maybe CVSR for public excursions? At least #2102 will have a large railroad to run on. It only got to run the coal region lines in 1991, and never the Lehigh Gorge route up to Pittston and beyond live. RBMN didn't buy the Lehigh Division from Lehighton to Mehoopany until 1996. #2102 last ran October, 1991. So, seeing #2102 in the gorge and through White Haven will be a first.

Last edited by Robert K
@Robert K posted:

What is the plan for #2100 once restored? Is it in Cleveland, OH? NS isn't exactly excursion friendly like it was during 21st Century Steam. Maybe CVSR for public excursions? At least #2102 will have a large railroad to run on. It only got to run the coal region lines in 1991, and never the Lehigh Gorge route up to Pittston and beyond live. RBMN didn't buy the Lehigh Division from Lehighton to Mehoopany until 1996. #2102 last ran October, 1991.

We have had a few railroads express interest in hosting us, but we'll wait until the locomotive is closer to completion before formally approaching railroads about running excursions.

Well, this proves you can't always have your cake and eat it too?  Gotta admit though, a double header would put on a pretty good show, don't you think?

Yes, doubleheaders are nice. I remember many of the Reading Iron Horse Rambles (I rode the first one behind #2124 in the late 1950s), with many doubleheaders through the early 1960s.

@Jayhawk500 posted:

Nick,

Is there any chance of getting a few photos of the Feed Water Heater in front of the stack? I'm modeling a Lionel MPC Chessie Steam Special and the photos would help me out a bunch.

Thanks Chris

Hi Chris,

I expect to be pretty busy the next time I'm up there but I'll see what I can do for you. Would you like me to email them to you via the address in your profile?

Hello everyone,

We are getting closer and closer to the smell of coal smoke coming out of Reading 2100. Here's a glance at what we have done in the past month.

- Work continues with the sandblasting of the 560 newly machined staybolts. We do this so that we can remove the mill scale and give our welders great material to work with, without etching into the steel.

- We are also carefully checking each staybolt for quality and sorting them by length.

- Don't forget, we're still fundraising to complete the welding of the staybolts! Make sure to visit our online gift shop to sponsor one today for just $9!

- The stoker jet casting was found to have damage, and it is to be repaired by Gemini Industrial Machine Group of New Philadelphia, Ohio. We also allowed our friends at the PRR T1 Steam Locomotive Trust to take measurements of the casting to make a duplicate for use on their giant in the making!

- We have been in the process of taking a full ultrasonic survey of the entire boiler vessel, as the locomotive's 1472-day inspection is due this summer. With the ginormous size of the boiler, this will take quite some time, but it's a necessary job in the process of bringing a steam locomotive back to life.

As you may have heard lately, our friends out east at the Reading & Northern Railroad have been making fabulous progress on sister engine no. 2102, which is on track to steam next year. This past summer, the locomotive passed her hydrostatic test, and work on various components continues. Work has picked up this year, but the crew is in no hurry to see her steaming out of the shop. Their goal is a post-COVID rollout, so large crowds can congregate and view the locomotive safely.

Read more at this Railfan & Railroad Railnews article!

Thank you for your support of Reading 2100 and American Steam Railroad.

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Thanks for another great update Nick!  In your last photo I see the drivers have a white coating on them.  I have done something similar in the past,  using white enamel style paint to assist with crack inspections.  Is that what is going here or just simply some primer?

Got my tee shirt from the gift shop - love it!

@jhz563 posted:

Thanks for another great update Nick!  In your last photo I see the drivers have a white coating on them.  I have done something similar in the past,  using white enamel style paint to assist with crack inspections.  Is that what is going here or just simply some primer?

Got my tee shirt from the gift shop - love it!

Thanks for your support! I'm with the 2100, not the 2102, and we haven't done that to our drivers, so I'm not entirely sure what that could be. I suspect it's a coat of primer.

Hello everyone,

Hope you all had a safe and happy holiday season! We are only 11 days into the new year and things are already getting steamy with the Reading Ramblers.

Work on the 2100 in the past couple of months has focused on ultrasonic testing of the boiler and firebox exterior. The locomotive's boiler time will run out this year, and per FRA regulations, a full survey is required for the next inspection. When you're dealing with a boiler as hefty as those on the Reading T1s, taking such meticulous measurements is no easy task. If you would like to find out how to take one of these measurements, check out the November 2020 Update on our YouTube channel!

If you're waiting for a full progress report on the 2100, don't worry! We have a very special gift that is on it's way and we will release a full report once it arrives.

Now, on to the exciting part! As you may have heard, the Reading and Northern Railroad put a fire in the belly of T1 no. 2102 for the first time in over 29 years yesterday morning. The day was spent slowly building up pressure, producing quite the Internet buzz in the process. Over the next day or two, the locomotive will remain stationary while various systems are tested. There is still quite a way to go in the rebuild, but this event represents a major milestone in the return of this rambler!

Photo by Ethan Brodie.

But most importantly, the test fire was done in loving memory of Bill Frederickson, who sadly passed away last month due to COVID-19. His railroad career traces back to the early days of the Blue Mountain & Reading, and his sons and grandsons are also still active members of the Reading & Northern steam team. The first excursion of the 2102, which is expected to take place this year, will be run in memory of Bill.

Photo by Bernard Krebs.

Thanks again for your interest, and for your support of Reading 2100 and American Steam Railroad.

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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.

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Hello everyone,

Hope today's post finds you doing well. The past two months have been very productive for Reading 2100. Keep reading to see what was accomplished!

- Work in the past two months has focused on continuing our ultrasonic measurements of the boiler. Appliances on the backhead and other places are being disassembled so that we can take measurements.

- The sand dome was emptied of its contents. We were able to fill 20 Home Depot buckets with the stuff, which was left over from the last time the locomotive ran back in Washington. We will soon lift the sand dome off of the locomotive so that we can take readings under the dome space.

- As you saw in the last post here, Grayson, our newest volunteer, polished the bell on the 2100. Last month, the bell was mounted back on the locomotive and rung! The bell has since been covered so that its shine can be preserved for the next open houses at Midwest Railway Preservation Society, and of course for the locomotive's future operation. Check out the video below to hear that wonderful sound!

- We took measurements of Nickel Plate Road no. 757's firedoor air cylinder so that we can construct one of our own for the 2100. We would like to thank the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum for their assistance with our restoration!

The past two months have been very exciting for Reading 2100, and April will be even better, as we have welders from Gemini Industries poised to weld our new staybolts into the firebox!

Thank you for your support of Reading 2100 and American Steam Railroad.

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Hello everyone,

Today's 2100 update will have you "welded" to your seat! Take a look at the exciting things we've already been able to accomplish in the month of April.

- On Saturday, April 10, Gemini Industries descended on the B&O Roundhouse here in Cleveland, and with a spark and an arc, tac welded all 560 flexible and rigid staybolts into the 2100's massive firebox! While this process is not quite complete yet, it represents a major milestone in returning the 2100 to steam, and in the coming weeks Gemini will come back to Cleveland to complete the weld.

- We would like to say thank you to all of you that have assisted us in this endeavor. Starting with the initial fundraiser for the forging and machining of the staybolts back in February of last year, you have shown tremendous support with this project. If it wasn't for your generosity, none of this would be possible. Again, THANK YOU!

- While the staybolt project represents a massive milestone, there is still more work yet to be able to do a hydrostatic test on the boiler. We need to replace improperly repaired staybolt caps and sleeves in the combustion chamber and outer wrapper sheet, remove the springs over the no. 4 driver in order to gain access to some of those caps and sleeves, fabricate and install two new arch tubes, and replace worn staybolt caps. Once those items are complete, we will be able to do a hydrostatic test on the boiler!

- Also, six years to the day before we welded the staybolts in, on April 10, 2015, we publicly announced the start of the Fire Up 2100 project, and the 2100 began her trek back east from her lonely siding in Washington state. I think it's quite interesting how dates seem to line up like that, don't you?

Thank you again for your support of Reading 2100 and American Steam Railroad. We couldn't have done this without you!

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I am very saddened to hear that Bill Fredrickson died recently.  Bill and Shane and Chad were great fellows to work with when they visited Steamtown with the  425 in years past.  Our paths continued to cross over the years with Bill always inviting me to Port Clinton for a visit. Sadly, I never took him up . We also shared a fraternal friendship. May he rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon him. Farewell my brother.

Shane and Chad, I hope to see you sometime at trackside.  Please know that you are in my prayers. 

Earl Trygar     

Congratulations on passing another milestone in your restoration effort! I hope to ride being this machine in the years to come.   

Besides boiler work,  are there other major evolutions that still need completed?  I.e. cylinder inspections, driver tires, wiring, brake work, tender restoration etc?  I am just trying to get a feel for how close you are to starting reassembly.  It would be a blast to start a trip here in Eastern PA, maybe at Steam town, catch a ride at Strasburg, go to Reading and get onboard being R&N 425 or 2102, maybe one at WK&S if Steam is available,  go way back in time at New Freedom PA, then swing down to Cumberland MD to check out that restored giant 1309 (hopefully running on better track than what's currently available), and then out to Ohio to catch the 2100 as a grand finale. That would be an amazing steam trip.  Even better if the East Broad Top was back in service to catch one more ride on the return trip!

Last edited by jhz563
@jhz563 posted:

Congratulations on passing another milestone in your restoration effort! I hope to ride being this machine in the years to come.   

Besides boiler work,  are there other major evolutions that still need completed?  I.e. cylinder inspections, driver tires, wiring, brake work, tender restoration etc?  I am just trying to get a feel for how close you are to starting reassembly.  It would be a blast to start a trip here in Eastern PA, maybe at Steam town, catch a ride at Strasburg, go to Reading and get onboard being R&N 425 or 2102, maybe one at WK&S if Steam is available,  go way back in time at New Freedom PA, then swing down to Cumberland MD to check out that restored giant 1309 (hopefully running on better track than what's currently available), and then out to Ohio to catch the 2100 as a grand finale. That would be an amazing steam trip.  Even better if the East Broad Top was back in service to catch one more ride on the return trip!

Thanks for the great question!

The boiler vessel is in the process of undergoing a full ultrasonic inspection to determine the thickness of the metal and ensure that we a proper factor of safety. Before long, we will lift the sand dome off of the locomotive so that we can take readings on that section of the boiler. The firebox interior got this treatment a few years ago and that is how we found the inner side sheets to be thin.

The running gear was recently inspected by a professional contractor. I do not know the specifics of the inspection but I will try my best to explain what I do know. In terms of the side rods, our contractor found that there is not as much work needed on them as we had anticipated. That being said, they are not perfect, and they will need work before reentering service. The driver tires and crankpins are good for service. The cylinders are ready for service, but the valves will need disassembled and inspected. The pilot truck will need to be removed from under the locomotive, as one of the roller bearings has some surface rust on it. We will have a Timken representative come up and inspect it to see if it is suitable for service as-is or if additional work is needed.

The projects on the tender and the rest of the coal conversion are coming along nicely. We are very fortunate that the coal-burning components of 2100 were saved after the oil conversion, but there is some work needed before they can go back in service. The oil bunker was drained of oil and removed from the tender in the summer of 2019, and the coal bunker is in very good shape. The oil bunker support brackets have been removed. Some new metal will need to be fabricated for the stoker and deckplate. The water space of the tender will need a thorough cleaning and the protective coating reapplied before it is ready. The stoker mechanism overall needs plenty of work yet. We removed the cab floor so that we can fabricate a new one that will properly accomodate the coal-burning components. The grates are ready for a coal fire. In the smokebox, we will need to fabricate some new screening in order for the locomotive to draft properly while on the road.

Mechanically, I believe that is all there is to do aside from the other firebox work that I already mentioned. Hope to see you out here when she's done!

Nick, thank you for the detailed update!

As a word of caution,  be sure to take all precautions when working on the inside of the tender.  Use a confined space air monitor and an air mover with hose to supply yourself fresh air while working with chemicals in a confined space.   I came really close to getting into serious trouble doing that exact job on a smaller tender without the right precautions.

Thanks for the great question!

The boiler vessel is in the process of undergoing a full ultrasonic inspection to determine the thickness of the metal and ensure that we a proper factor of safety. Before long, we will lift the sand dome off of the locomotive so that we can take readings on that section of the boiler. The firebox interior got this treatment a few years ago and that is how we found the inner side sheets to be thin.

The running gear was recently inspected by a professional contractor.

Please provide the name of the "professional contractor".



Hello everyone,

Hope today's post finds you doing well. The past several weeks have been very productive for both of the Reading T1s. Keep reading to see what has been accomplished!

- On the 2100, volunteers have been kept busy with a number of detail projects. Those include the continuation of the ultrasound survey, preparing non-compliant staybolt sleeves for replacement, annealing of copper gaskets for staybolt caps and drilling telltale holes in several staybolts. Looking forward, upcoming projects include continued UT testing and analysis, lifting the sand dome off of the locomotive, lifting the locomotive to remove the no. 4 driver springs for access to combustion chamber staybolt sleeves and, weather permitting, continued work on the tender.

Photo by Brian Smith

- You can get the chance run or fire the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J no. 611 in our newest raffle! One winner will get the limited opportunity to be the engineer on this massive 4-8-4, while another winner will have a chance to fire this beast. Proceeds from the ticket sales benefit the 2100 restoration. For tickets and information, visit our online gift store.

- Meanwhile in Pennsylvania, things have been heating up for the 2102. Last month, the locomotive was brought out once again for another test fire, and in the last week, the tender has been brought out for sandblasting, priming and painting. Appliances are being finished up and work is ongoing on repairs to the cab. Hopefully it won't be much longer until she's rambling again!

Photo by Ethan Brodie

Thank you again for your support of Reading 2100 and American Steam Railroad.

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I'm hoping to get to Reading Outer or Port Clinton to see #2102 run again for the first time since October, 1991 and maybe ride behind it. I rode behind it twice, April 1988 South Hamburg to Temple, and Sept. 7, 1991 Emmaus to Pennsburg. I live less than 30 miles from Reading and Port Clinton. #2102 actually came through my area (Allentown) on mainline excursions on Conrail from Temple to Jim Thorpe in Sept. 1985, fall 1987, and 1988 (and South Hamburg to Jim Thorpe 1987-1988) as well as the Emmaus excursions in Sept. 1991. I didn't see it or ride behind it when it was running the excursions on Conrail, which is now NS through Reading, Allentown.

Last edited by Robert K

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.

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@Hot Water posted:

The Reading T1s never carried that kind of whistle in regular service. They always had those typical Reading freight "peanut" whistles. Later Reading Iron Horse Rambles, different locomotives were fitted with a Reading G class passenger whistle.

Here is the 2102 sporting the authentic freight whistle. The opening shot has her blowing the chime whistle but in the shot departing Allentown and during the pacing sequences she is using the single note whistle. It does the job but it ain't pretty.

PS: This is my video. No copyright issues to worry about. I am YankInGa on Youtube.

Last edited by Nick Chillianis

Here is the 2102 sporting the authentic freight whistle. The opening shot has her blowing the chime whistle but in the shot departing Allentown and during the pacing sequences she is using the single note whistle. It does the job but it ain't pretty.

PS: This is my video. No copyright issues to worry about. I am YankInGa on Youtube.

Thank you so much for sharing this video!  That just made my day.🙂

@Hot Water posted:

The Reading T1s never carried that kind of whistle in regular service. They always had those typical Reading freight "peanut" whistles. Later Reading Iron Horse Rambles, different locomotives were fitted with a Reading G class passenger whistle.

Here is the 2102 sporting the authentic freight whistle. The opening shot has her blowing the chime whistle but in the shot departing Allentown and during the pacing sequences she is using the single note whistle. It does the job but it ain't pretty.

They could just about put a canned horn on there and I would be happy I come from a time and place where you're lucky to have swings on the swingset at the playground so I'll take a running steamer with incorrect whistle all day. Plus the original whistle in the video seems to have a distinctly automotive finish when it echoes back or maybe it's just me haha

@Allegheny posted:

Thank you for these great updates on the 2100!

In an earlier post, there were two links given:  1) For the webpage of this rebuild  and 2) the webpage of the 2102 rebuild.

Neither one of these links are functioning today.   Could you be so kind to post both links here?

Thanks!

Thank you for your interest!

To learn more about what is going on with the 2100, or to make a donation, visit fireup2100.org.

Updates on the 2102 can be found on the Reading & Northern Railroad's website under the tab, "2102 Updates".

Hello everyone,

This past weekend, American Steam Railroad hosted a fundraising banquet at the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum of Bellevue, Ohio, featuring none other than Doyle McCormack as our keynote speaker! Take a look at all we had to offer at this exciting event!

Doyle McCormack got hooked on steam in its twilight on the Nickel Plate Road, where his father worked as an operator and dispatcher out of Conneaut, Ohio. As he entered adulthood, he hired on as an engineer with the Norfolk & Western, which had absorbed the Nickel Plate, and it was then that he would find the perfect opportunity to become involved with preservation with the restoration of Nickel Plate no. 759 in Conneaut.

Since then, he has been a catalyst behind the revival of dozens of iconic locomotives, including Southern Pacific no. 4449, Nickel Plate Road no. 765, Spokane, Portland and Seattle no. 700 and many more! At 78 years old, he has accumulated countless priceless memories on the high iron, and he was able to share some of those memories with an engaged audience on Saturday, September 18.

Aside from sharing his railroading stories at our event, Mr. McCormack has also helped the restoration of Reading Company no. 2100 by getting us in touch with a vendor who supplied hundreds of copper gaskets for the locomotive's staybolt caps, which are currently in the process of being annealed. We would like to extend our greatest thanks to Doyle for his generous assistance to our project, and we hope to see him behind the throttle of the 2100 one day soon!

The backdrop for his exciting presentation was none other than a member of the Nickel Plate's famous fast freight haulers, Berkshire no. 757. Built in August of 1944, the 757 was originally to be preserved in Bellevue, but without a proper museum or display site available, the locomotive was donated to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania as their first acquisition, and was moved to Strasburg, Pa., in the mid-1960s.

With the elements slowly eating away at her, there she sat until 2017, when the Mad River & NKP Museum launched a fundraising campaign to bring the 757 back home to Bellevue and cosmetically restored for display. In 2019, the locomotive was moved over 500 miles back to Bellevue, and since then, a restoration shop has been erected and light cosmetic stabilization has taken place. Heavy restoration work is expected to begin soon.

At the event, guests could get up close and inspect the 757, tour the museum's one-of-a-kind collection, and take rides aboard historic Nickel Plate cabooses. Guests also had the opportunity to chat with Mr. McCormack about his life on the railroad, and there were plenty who took advantage of the opportunity. An O-Scale model train display was also featured, including a Lionel Legacy Nickel Plate no. 757 and an MTH Premiere Reading no. 2100. Dinner included a wide spread of barbeque meats, corn on the cob, sweets and treats and much more!

Before Mr. McCormack began his presentation, raffles were drawn! A few lucky guests won prizes including prints, merchandise and a custom-painted HO-scale Reading no. 2100! Remarks were also given by ASR President Rob Gardner and Mad River Vice President Dwayne Fuehring.

The instant Mr. McCormack began his presentation, the audience was hooked as he recounted riveting stories from his lifelong railroad career! He shared his experiences from the High Iron Company, the American Freedom Train, Train Festival 2009, building the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, reviving a rare ALCO Diesel, various excursions with the Daylight and countless others! An audience Q&A session concluded the evening, and there was no shortage of questions from those in attendance.

Once again, we would like to thank Doyle McCormack, the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum and all of our volunteers and caterers for their effort to make this event a real home run! We would also like to thank those that attended and those who donate every day for their support of Reading no. 2100 and American Steam Railroad. We couldn't do this without you!

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@bob2 posted:

I didn't read every word, but I did go to the RBM&N site.

Can we assume that the 2102 has operated in 2021?  Even Wikipedia doesn't know.

It depends on how you define "operating". The engine is capable of steaming and has had a couple of stationary test fires, but she has not moved under her own power yet.

But very nice undated Youtube footage - thanks for that.

If so, is it the only operational Reading T1 at the moment?

Chances are the 2102 will be the first of the two under restoration out of the shop door. The 2100 will soon join her in service. With that being said, however, there is absolutely no race between the two projects. ASR and R&N frequently exchange advice and assistance, and we are both committed to performing quality restorations that would do right by the men and women who forged these magnificent machines into existence.

@bob2 posted:

Thank you.  So the video above was done years ago, or is the locomotive just being towed with added sound effects?

If you are referencing the video embedded below, which was shared earlier in this thread, it was taken on one of the locomotive's mainline excursions for the BM&R back in 1987, and there she is fully operational. This year's test fires were the first time the locomotive has steamed since 1991.

Hello everyone,

The 2100 project has reached several major milestones over the past few months. Let's take a look at what we've accomplished!

- All welding inside the firebox is done! This includes the welding of the new inner side sheets, all 548 new staybolts, a patch on the center thermic syphon, two patches on the outer wrapper sheet, 9 new flexible staybolt sleeves, and the rolling and seal welding of the two new arch tubes. A big thanks goes to the volunteers and contractors who worked together to make this possible! Great job team!

- We're approaching a hydrostatic test, but what work remains to button up the boiler?

Before squeezing the boiler, we have to replace two more sleeves on the upper portion of the wrapper and install two threaded staybolts. We also have to replace 85 staybolt sleeves in the combustion chamber, which will require the removal of the massive no. 4 driver leaf springs. We expect these repairs to be completed over the winter. We also must reinstall all of the flexible staybolt caps, and we are currently in the process of preparing them to go back on. After that, we'll be ready to go! Stay tuned!

- Recently, we cracked the boiler to perform an inspection of the existing tubes and flues, in preparation for the 1472-day inspection. Our contractors have begun this inspection and we are currently awaiting an evaluation report.

- The Worthington Feedwater Heater components have been cleaned and inspected, and all have been found to be in good shape. The unit has been reassembled and is ready for the road!

- Ultrasound surveys continue to be performed. To date, over 90% of readings have been completed, with just a few hard-to-reach areas remaining.

- It's always "grate" to see partnership in preservation. As part of the Reading & Northern Railroad's project on sister engine no. 2102, all new grates were made for the locomotive, but the R&N steam team has generously donated the complete set of original grates to ASR! We would like to thank the team in Port Clinton for their generosity to our project. We have begun to disassemble the grates for cleaning and inspection, and along with the 2100's originals, we will use the best grates in service and keep the ones we don't use initially as spares.

- Speaking of the 2102, I recently paid a visit to the Reading & Northern's Steam Shops in Port Clinton, Pennsylvania to check out their progress. The veteran locomotive has completed a hydrostatic test and two stationary test fires, and is now on the home stretch of her restoration. I was very impressed with the quality of work and I can already tell they'll have a very reliable locomotive for years to come. Great work steam team!

Thanks again for your support of Reading 2100 and American Steam Railroad. Donate and learn more: fireup2100.org

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Nick,

Thank you for the continuing updates on both of these amazing restorations.  With the news on the 1309 coming out as well I see a pilgrimage in my future.   Can you just imagine, Steamtown, Strasburg,  Reading and Northern, East Broad Top, Western Maryland Scenic, Cass, and then out to Ohio to see the 2100 and maybe Age of Steam Roundhouse.  Could be just epic.

Hello everyone,

The new year is looking to be exciting for the 2100! Let's take a look at what we've accomplished over the past few months.

- All 444 flexible staybolt caps have been installed on the firebox! This major milestone represents the conclusion of the side sheet replacement project, and one step closer to conducting a hydrostatic test on the boiler, which we hope to do early this year. Thanks to all who have donated in big and small amounts for making this possible!

- There are still a few things to get done before we hydro, however. There are still a couple of staybolts in other areas of the firebox that need to be replaced, and we also need to correct outdated repairs to several staybolt sleeves in the combustion chamber, which will require the removal of the leaf springs from the no. 4 driver. Your donations will get us closer to completing these important projects!

- Additionally, the firebox outer wrapper below the running board and the sand dome space on the boiler have been cleaned and given a fresh coat of boiler protectant paint. We will eventually apply this to the entire boiler.

Matthew Bolyard photo

- In other news, American Steam Railroad is excited to debut a brand new website! This new and improved site features more information about our organization and equipment, a completely revised gift shop, hundreds of never-before-seen photos of the 2100 and the 1352, and for a limited time, a digital copy of our members-only newsletter, The Rambler! Take a look around, and make sure to contribute to our cause while you're there!

Thank you for your interest and support of Reading 2100 and American Steam Railroad. Donate and learn more: americansteamrailroad.org

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