Reading Company 4-8-4 2100 was fired up for the first time on April 3 and 4, following a decade-long restoration in Cleveland. The test fire marked the first time the locomotive had been under steam since the early 2000s, representing a major step forward in the effort to bring the locomotive back to the main line.
“After nearly ten years of dedicated volunteer and professional labor totaling more than $1.6 million dollars and countless unexpected obstacles, we’ve done it,” said American Steam Railroad Preservation Association Rob Gardner. “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.”
During the test, the locomotive’s boiler, piping, and water delivery systems were evaluated with the assistance of contractors and volunteers. With a successful test fire completed, the group is now focusing on running gear work and final assembly. This will include a fresh coat of paint, honoring the American Freedom Train livery worn by sister locomotive 2101 in the 1970s. For this, Reading 2100 will also receive a new number, 250, to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Forrest Nace, ASR treasurer and volunteer, stated that if the group can raise $139,050 over the next few months, they will be able to start break-in runs before the end of the year.
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
