AFT 250 Feb 2024 Update & FRA Observed Hydrostatic Test

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

YES. The hydro test is such a crucial part so hearing this made my day

[@TranscontinentalRailfan]

Awesome update!

[@davelewandoski4292]

Congradulations! Well done by all!

[@caboosech]

I will be looking forward to see the 250th American freedom train on the former Boston and Albany railroad line i didn't get to see the first American freedom train in 1976

[@jraybye]

Nice to see that you are rolling the tubes by the armstrong method.

[@ishirotanaka]

When you guys do renumber 2100 to 250, i hope you’ll make her look identical to the 2101 but with some minor additions like centering the headlight on the smokebox door and possibly install a Union Pacific 800 class style mars light, add a white star next to the word America on the side skirting (reminiscent of 2101’s phase 2 scheme), paint the pilot and driving wheels red and even the front pilot red to give it a more 19th century look to it. And even acquire 2101’s ex NYC Mohawk auxiliary tender from the new york central railroad museum in Elkhart indiana.

[@Mandem_Nj]

this might be done before 2025

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

That is a possibility, but only if the donations come in over the next 6 months to complete the restoration. Please consider donating today or making a purchase from our gift store so we can continue our progress at: www.americansteamrailroad.org

[@F40M07]

Didn’t 2101 have the Original AFT?

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

Hello, Yes, the 2101 was the T-1 that pulled the AFT in the Northeast in 1975 and 1976. The tenders of 2100 and 2101 were swapped when the 2101 was cosmetically restored after the roundhouse fire. The 2101 is again being cosmetically restored at the B&O Railroad Museum, while the 2100 is being restored to operational condition. Please consider donating today or making a purchase from our gift store so we can continue our progress at: www.americansteamrailroad.org

[@regularguy7266]

2 questions. One, what was the biggest challenge with 2100 MECHANICALLY? Two, after the 2100 is finished, what projects are you guys at ASR going to complete next besides running 2100?

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

Greetings, the overall biggest and most expensive challenge with the restoration was replacing the 2 firebox side sheets. Looking at the running gear only, we do have 3 driver rods that need straightened (approx $14,000 - $18,000) and a pilot wheel bearing that needs inspected (approx $5,000 - $20,000, depending on the work needed). We are also obtaining quotes to convert the main driver axles from grease to forced oil lubrication as the first 20 T-1's were originally built, but with an upgraded design. Please consider donating today or making a purchase from our gift store so we can continue our progress at: www.americansteamrailroad.org