CLEVELAND — Restoration of Reading T-1 4-8-4 No. 2100 reached a significant milestone with a Federal Railroad Administration hydrostatic test, the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association reports.
“It is with the upmost appreciation and gratitude to our supporters that after nine years of work and $1.3 million dollars in funds and volunteered labor value invested, we can state ‘a satisfactory FRA observed hydrostatic test was performed on Reading 2100 (AFT 250), with no exceptions taken,’” said Forrest Nace, treasurer and restoration crew volunteer for the 501c3 non-profit, quoting the language of the FRA report. “The inspection not only included the locomotive, but other items such as a review of the supporting documentation of the material certification sheets for all of the new items and replacement metal used where the old metal section was no longer acceptable, including being documented where this new metal piece or section installed is located. With this now having occurred, ASR can continue with the design and construction of the new oil firing system, and a test firing commencing as soon as funding is raised for the work to be performed and the parts purchased.”
The locomotive, when completed, will wear an American Freedom Train paint scheme and carry No. 250 for the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Tax-deductible donations towards the restoration of AFT 250-Reading No. 2100 can be mailed to American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, 2800 W. 3rd St, Cleveland, OH 44113, or be made online at this page on the American Steam Railroad website. Merchandise including shirts, hats, and a member’s club for AFT 250 is available here.
