Reading T-1 No. 2100 En Route to Cleveland

As the Reading Company T-1 No. 2100 makes it way toward Cleveland on a flatcar, the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association has begun a $700,000 fund-raising campaign that will pay for its restoration.

The group hopes to raise the money in time to have the 2100 back in service by 2017. Donations may be made at www.fireup2100.org.

The 2100 was loaded aboard a flat car in Richland, Wash., on April 16. It had been stored there for several years. It will be routed over BNSF and Norfolk Southern via St. Louis.

The locomotive is bound for the former Baltimore & Ohio roundhouse in Cleveland that is now operated by the Midwest Railway Preservation Society

In Cleveland, the 2100 will be inspected and restored to operating condition. It will undergo a full hydrostatic test, ultrasonic testing of the firebox, repair of appliances, and removal of the drivers to allow close inspection of the journals, and inspection of all rods and pins.

Plans are to repaint the locomotive into its original Reading black with gold lining and lettering.

“Getting the locomotive back to the Midwest is a significant way to recognize our 10^th anniversary in the railroad preservation industry,” said Association President Steve Harvey. “Just moving the 2100 closer to home territory is a victory.”

Tags: American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, Midwest Railway Preservation Society, Reading 2100, steam locomotive, steam locomotive restoration