The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association and the Cincinnati Scenic Railway announced Wednesday that they were teaming up to raise money for the restoration of Reading Company 4-8-4 2100. The Cincinnati Scenic will be selling 50 fundraising tickets aboard Ohio Rail Experience’s Spirit of Urbana excursion for June 14.
Ticketholders will also be automatically entered into a raffle where prizes include cab rides and first-class upgrades. Tickets are being sold via American Steam Railway’s website. The excursion will run from Washington Court House, Ohio, to Urbana, where passengers will enjoy a two-hour layover. The 100-mile round-trip will operate over former Detroit Toledo & Ironton, New York Central, and Erie trackage.
The fundraiser for Reading 2100 comes as the T-1 class Northern inches closer to a return to the main line. Earlier this year, it was fired up for the first time following an extensive rebuild. American Steam Railroad plans on painting the locomotive in the American Freedom Train livery once worn by sister engine 2101. —Railfan & Railroad Staff