AFT 250 (Reading 2100) Dec 2023 Update

[@bcbloc02]

Good progress!

[@MiddletownBranchProd.]

I love these update videos because they really show just what it takes to get a big Northern running. They delve into all the nitty gritty things that go into a restoration. Thanks for posting these.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

Every month is one step closer to hearing her voice again

[@OldIronVideo]

Her voice has been heard again, just on a traction engine.

[@rudycarlson8245]

@@OldIronVideowere?

[@OldIronVideo]

@@rudycarlson8245 it was for testing it is in the intro of one of the update videos

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

@@OldIronVideoI guess that counts but that kinda feels like those 3D recreations of vocal cords. We won’t know exactly what it sounds like until 2100 herself has the whistle blown. Especially since the traction engine most likely had a lower boiler pressure

[@OldIronVideo]

@@overpoweredsteamproduction513 it is about a 60 psi difference

[@brianfalzon6739]

Cannot wait for 2100 aka 250 to be completed soon, well done!

[@jasonwhitler4167]

Thanks to tube rolling I have enough Cisco soaked into my overalls that they are practically waterproof. Glad to see you guys making headway! The new dome lid looks great

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

Hi Jason, thank you for your encouraging words!

[@YardLimit]

Nice work, Caden!

[@lucasquintanilla1673]

The three railroad restoration projects I’m most excited for is the restoration of Reading 2100 (in large part because of the announcement of its American freedom train paint scheme and the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States) the construction of PRR T1 5550 and the restoration of the mark twin zephyr! I hope all three are successful in due time

[@axle17921]

I don't get the AFT 250 thing, never knew we celebrated bi centennial and one halves

[@Voucher765]

Same here, It's been almost 50 years since the last AFT

[@TranscontinentalRailfan]

Thank you for the updates, as always!

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Sweet! Looking good guys!

[@ernestorodriguez2547]

I can not wait to see the video reading northern 2100 first run of the reading northern 2100 in 2024 I so excited to see the video of the reading northern 2100 first run in 2024 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤🛤

[@thomasshannon2741]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@PistonRodProductions]

The best video yet!

[@TheTransportationFanfromCA]

Will the aft 250 have number plates and marker lights and the eagle as the 2101 did?

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

Hello, Yes, other than the number being 250, virtually all other visual details will be as the 2101 was as the AFT 1 in 1976.

[@BNSFrailfan01]

Is it true that this unit will tour the whole country in 2026 for America’s 250th birthday?

[@chooch1764]

Not true. Bennyboi on KZbin started that rumor.

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

Greetings! While ASR is open to any opportunities to operate the AFT 250 across America that are financially and logistically feasible, it all comes down to can it be financially and logistically done. Thank you for your interest.

[@BNSFrailfan01]

@@AmericanSteamRailroad You’re welcome. Are there plans to install PTC on 2100?

[@jillfulop5217]

Very sad that it won’t become reading 2100 once it is restored 😢

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

Greetings, there will come a day when ASR does repaint the 2100 back to her Reading scheme. At the pace we were going this was going to take 3-4 more years, but since we had an opportunity to recreate the American Freedom Train T-1 it was decided to do this scheme as people were willing to make more and larger donations, and allow us to sell additional merchandise for AFT 250, allowing us to get the 2100 operational 1 to 2 years sooner. Thank you for your interest.

[@1chuck96]

Forgive my ignorance...but the AFT 2100 ??? Didn't she burn in the Roundhouse fire ? If so, MAN, I apologize for thinking she was left for dead , but it sure looks to me that they're doing a rotisserie restore on her. I usually keep up on this stuff, but not so much now. Your thoughts ?

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

Hi Chuck, Yes, the AFT 1 from 1975-1976 (Reading no. 2101) was burned in a roundhouse fire while being used as the Chessie Steam Special (CSS). With Reading 2100 used as the spare parts locomotive for the AFT 1 and CSS, after the fire the tenders of 2100 and 2101 were swapped, so the 2100 now has what was the tender in the fire (since completely restored in the late 1980's). The AFT 1 (CSS) is now a display locomotive at the B&O Museum undergoing a cosmetic restoration. The Reading 2100 is undergoing a complete restoreation for return to operational status as AFT 250. We are about 80% complete, as hydrostatic tests are being conducted on the boiler after 3 years of work have been performed. Please consider donating or buying an AFT 250 or Reading 2100 item from our on-line gift store at www.americansteamrailroad.org

[@3dartistguy]

Hi Where is your railroad? i'd love to visit.

[@chooch1764]

Cleveland, Ohio

[@darrenswan600]

When is the next video?

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

Hi Darren, we just uploaded it, enjoy and please consider donating or buying an AFT 250 or Reading 2100 item from our gift store at www.americansteamrailroad.org

[@Voucher765]

I think there should be an exhibit about World War II on board since that conflict was a crucial moment in American history

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

Hello, at this time we are just recreating the locomotive to pull other museum's and tourist line's trains. We are open to offers however from other organizations to put some type of display cars together. Please consider donating or buying an AFT 250 or Reading 2100 item from our gift store at www.americansteamrailroad.org

[@jam_brubs]

Hello my name is James Brubaker my mother purchased a shirt from you in early December as a Christmas gift for me and the wrong size shirt was delivered she has been trying to get in contact with you and has not heard a response from you so I am wondering what can be done

[@AmericanSteamRailroad]

Hello James, our apologies for the incorrect size shipped, we show the order was for a Large, please email me at [e-mail] to confirm your shirt size and we will ship out a replacement, thank you