The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association needs to raise $15,000 to replace the rod brasses on Reading Company 4-8-4 2100, a vital part of the locomotive’s ongoing restoration. 

The locomotive has been under restoration in Cleveland for nearly a decade, and volunteers are hopeful it will run in 2026. When it does, it’s expected to wear a red, white, and blue livery inspired by sister engine 2101, which led the American Freedom Train in the 1970s. The 2100 will also be renumbered 250. The locomotive was steamed up for the first time following extensive boiler work in April 2025.

“With 2026 approaching and work on the locomotive’s boiler nearing completion, it is time to shift focus on the running gear,” said volunteer Nick Martin. “This $15,000 goal for the rod brasses is the first of additional goals to come in the Making Moves campaign, and if we continue to meet those goals, 250 could make its first moves under steam as soon as spring of 2026.”

Reading 2100 was built in the railroad’s own shops in September 1945 by essentially expanding an existing Baldwin 2-8-0. The locomotive ran into the 1960s. In 1975, it and its sister locomotive, 2101, were purchased by Ross Rowland. Locomotive 2101 was restored for the American Freedom Train while 2100 served as a parts source. Locomotive 2100 was briefly restored in the 1980s before moving to Ontario and then Washington State, where it briefly ran in the 2000s. In 2015, the locomotive was moved to Ohio to be restored by ASRPA. 

Donations can be mailed to the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, 2800 W. 3rd St, Cleveland, OH 44113, or made online at www.americansteamrailroad.org.

—Justin Franz