Progress has been continuing on Reading 2100 since we resumed work mid-May. Members, contractors, and volunteers have been very busy working on a variety of projects that include:

• All of the 560 staybolts have been cut from round metal stock. Currently about 200 have been part way drilled for “Telltale” holes by volunteers, and 50 have had a round spherical head forged.
• The 3M red reflective tape that once was on the running board skirting has now been removed. Volunteers used heat guns to take off this very stubborn material. This will help in returning the locomotive to its in service paint scheme when it debuted on the Reading in 1945.
• An inventory of spare parts was taken out of the storage area of the auxiliary water tender. 2100’s grease cellars and the spring hinge for the deck plate were found and cleaned up.
• The steel apron that sits between the locomotive and tender has been cleaned and painted.
• Another exciting step forward to bringing the locomotive back to burning coal is the fitting of the firebox door frame. Our friends at the Reading & Northern, who are currently restoring sister engine 2102, lent us their template to test how the piece would fit on 2100. We are looking to find a sponsor for the two firebox doors, this item is ready for us to purchase and install from a vendor at $2,000.

Be sure to stay tuned next for the upcoming July video update. If you have any questions you would like answered on it, please email brian.smith @ americansteamrailroad.org

Thank you for your support and helping a legend ramble on the high iron again!