CLEVELAND — The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association’s restoration of Reading Co. T-1 No. 2100 has reached a major milestone with successful steam tests of the locomotive.
The tests of the boiler, piping, and water delivery systems took place April 3-4, with contractors on hand. They were made possible when the organization was able to close a $4,500 funding gap in a matter of a few weeks in March. The money went toward labor and other elements needed for testing, including the professional steam contractors to perform the testing, and 2,000 gallons of recycled oil from a Cleveland-based vendor.
“After nearly 10 years of dedicated volunteer and professional labor totaling more than $1.6 million and countless unexpected obstacles, we’ve done it,” American Steam President Rob Gardner said in a press release. “Ten years ago, none of us expected that it would take this long to get here, but we have stayed the course the entire way, being sure that no corners were cut and every detail addressed appropriately.”
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has been working to convert the locomotive from coal to oil firing, with the firepan and burner professionally engineered for maximum power, performance, efficiency, and operational sustainability. The group will next modify or replace the blast nozzle and petticoat based on engineering performed by consultant FMW Solutions.
Plans are to debut the locomotive as American Freedom Train No. 250, honoring the role of sister locomotive No. 2101 as one of the primary locomotives for the bicentennial American Freedom Train, as well as the nation’s coming 250th birthday.
American Steam Treasurer Forrest Nace said the test firings have had “a positive impact” on the group’s volunteers, “and proves to our donors that they can give with confidence that their generosity is going to a restoration done with some of the best and most experienced contractors in the industry … The other benefit of achieving this historic fire-up milestone is that now we can begin to focus more on the running gear, final assembly and painting.” The estimated cost to complete the project is $139,050; Nace said if that amount is raised in the next six months, break-in test runs could come before the end of the year.
A members-only open house scheduled for April 5 was cancelled because of severe thunderstorms in the area. A fire-up for ASR members will be scheduled in the near future.
Tax-deductible donations for the locomotive’s restoration can be made at the American Steam website, or can be mailed to:
American Steam Railroad Preservation Association
2800 W. 3rd St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
