Reading Company 4-8-4 2100, currently being restored by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASRPA), will be the headliner of the Cleveland Railroad Festival on June 27. It will be the first time in nearly 20 years that the engine will be fired up in public.

The event is being held in coordination with the Midwest Railway Preservation Society and Cleveland History Days. It will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets will be $25 for those 13 and up, and $10 for children ages 5-12 (children under 5 are free). It will feature roundhouse tours and whistle demonstrations.

“This is the first time in nearly 20 years that locomotive No. 250 will be fired up for a public event,” said Nick Martin, ASRPA social media chairperson. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate with MRPS and CHD to steam up this patriotic engine for the public this summer, showcasing what the last 11 years of generous support have made possible.”

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, then moved to Ontario and Washington state, where it ran briefly in the 2000s. In 2015, the locomotive was moved to Ohio for restoration by ASRPA. To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, the locomotive is being renumbered 250 and painted into American Freedom Train colors.

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