Lionel Reading T-1

[@carebear0864]

This is an amazing locomotive. I can say that I'm lucky enough to have seen the real 2100 in person and have stood on the pilot area

[@henryszubielski8601]

Four years later, and I still enjoy watching this review! Waiting for the day when 2100 and 2102 will be under steam. And, of course when I can afford one of these. Thanks Eric!

[@redbuzzardbass]

The yellow text on the black on the cab and tender look amazing. As an aside I just ordered my first Legacy engine, the Freedom Train. It should be here on Wednesday, really looking forward to it.

[@SHadeYGhoSt]

The whistle and chuffing start up is what got me hooked! ✨

[@Jimboliah3985]

The coolest part is that all 4 of the surviving T1 Northerns were in excursion service throughout the 20th century...

[@LePenguin]

Probably the one that was in excursion service the longest was 2100, yet It got a pretty bad makeover when it started doing excursions in Canada

[@finndahuman57]

Jim van der Kolk oh hey didn't see you there I'm one of your subs can you do a top ten us locomotives sometime that would be cool because well I'm a US loco fan and your subs aren't all from the U.K. Or Germany

[@elliekerckhoff7037]

Jim van der Kolk ."!0

[@NinjagoGuy416]

All except 2101, which was kept as a standby engine but never run.

[@thomasweekley9209]

The only T1 that is highly unlikely to ever run again is 2101. Then again, 2124 is in pretty bad shape, too.

[@Thunderbolt_1000_Siren]

These used to run through my home area along the Perkiomen creek in Montgomery county PA! cant wait to see 2100 or 2102 in action! great review on a great model. I also recall 2102 came to the Norristown T.C (SEPTA station I frequently go to) for an excursion.

[@daniellewilliams1459]

Hey Eric, The 2100 beautiful locomotive 🚂 and it’s awesome that it’s being restored . Seeing 2102 back on the rails warms my heart ♥️ mainly because it was apart of my childhood :) also great video

[@adamzap5507]

Eric, I love just outside Reading Pennsylvania and live very close to the Reading & Northern which owns the 2102 and I can say that this summer the chances are high that she will be under her own steam again

[@georgemontecalvojr8134]

Hey Eric great video as usual. Beautiful locomotive! I like that you shot some of the running from different angles than usual. Noticed lots of fine details more trees bushes flowers etc. The layout looks great. Would love to see it in person someday! Thanks for everything you do for us subscribers. I appreciate all your hard work and time spent! G

[@Sams_Trains]

Awesome! Love the whistle. I hope to get one eventually.

[@Rammstein45]

I'd love that in the Chessie paint!

[@gundathroneps448]

Rammstein45 Chessie Steam Special baby!!!!

[@bigharryyy03]

I appreciate that Lionel took the time to forge a new tooling for this engine. I still cannot get over my disappointment with the S-2 Turbine from 3 years ago.

[@EngineerDaylight]

I love this Engine, My Friend Recently Aquired An Original Lionel T1 From The 80s & Its Never Been Used before

[@richardeckman9273]

Thank you for this terrific, comprehensive review! Well done, and your layout is absolutely gorgeous. Ahhhhh, the Reading T-1... For me, personally, the most perfect, beautiful machine - in both form & function - mankind has ever created. As a little boy in the 70s, I rode behind 2102 on a couple excursion runs (one of them a doubleheader around the Horseshoe Curve). I’ve been in love with that loco ever since then. I’ve ridden many trains & even gotten to run a few locos, but 2102 shall always retain the No.1 spot in my heart. I can’t wait for the day she’ll be under steam again! I also got to see the Chessie Special thunder through town & stop for a photo op. I remember standing next to my grandma as she chugged on past - the excitement I felt, and the smile on Grandma’s face. Yep, the T-1s are tops with me. Thank you again, Eric. Top-notch work. Keep it coming. Buddy!

[@ArkansasLocomotiveWorks]

Cool locomotive! Lionel did a wonderful job on that.

[@ericoxner255]

Nice locomotive and really smooth sounding whistle.I think it can pull about 45 cars maybe even more.

[@railroadguy100]

Awesome review Eric. Great locomotive. In the 1970s, a T-1 steam engine was repainted for the American Freedom Train, as 1 of 3 steam engines to pull the train and another time, repainted for the Chessie Steam Special, too

[@henryszubielski8601]

Thanks for the video Eric! A great review as always!

[@zachhobbs7006]

The lionel t-1 whistle sounds beautiful and the t-1 number 2101 is my favorite t-1

[@trainman5552]

nice review 2124 is my favorite of the four surviving t-1's as I've became interested in the original southern railway/n&w/Norfolk southern steam program (from 1966 to 1994) I've also became interested in the reading's steam program (the iron horse rambles from 1959 to 1964) and after I did some research 2124 was the first one used to start the program and given the name queen of the iron horse rambles (I guess that makes it special) and since the 2100 and the 2102 are being restored I wonder if steam town would consider restoring the 2124

[@erniestammers5121]

Hi Eric I bought the 2102 nicer paint job, but there is an additional feature that when you press the water fill key when the loco is in motion you get an added sound its a new thing I think, I cannot comment about if its got bigger this or that as I do not care its just a great addition to my humble collection. As always enjoy your reviews. Regards Ernie. UK.

[@BLACK-TAR-FENT]

fabulous as always Eric

[@KungLao765]

The whistle sounds beautiful

[@FastFreightStudios]

Side note: Reading 2101 was used to pull the American Freedom Train and the Chessie Steam Special. After the roundhouse it was being stored in burned down, it was moved to Hagerstown, MD for cosmetic repairs. After the locomotive was deemed too damaged to be restored, it was sent to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore wearing its AFT paint scheme where it resides today. You can still see the locomotive, as it is currently displayed in the front parking lot of the museum. It's not in the best condition though.

[@get_emld]

Metropolitan Railfan Productions After the fire, the people operating the engine didn't really bother looking to see if 2101 could be restored, Ross Rowland really wanted to replace 2101 with an engine like C & O 614.

[@FutureRailProductions]

Great review, Eric. Very engaging!

[@nathandeal9703]

Man what a beuatiful engine, I can just see myself going down the track in 1948 with a line of hopper cars at my back or in 2018 on the Reading Blue Mountain and Northern with their 2102. And that whistle! Man can these T engines sing!

[@danielboone3770]

I love the T1 4-8-4's! They too are my favorite locomotives. I especially have to say great review here.

[@byates59]

AWESOME review and engine Eric! Thanks bud!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks Bill!

[@franksandwrs6679]

Bill where we going when I come to North Carolina which rib shack?

[@Chessie1985]

Awesome review Eric!

[@TheBoysTopSecretisOrganization]

Ahhhhh, I missed the good ol' days of being a train enthusiast. I'm now a plane & siren enthusiast.

[@lantabusfan]

I always enjoyed your review. Sometimes I think when you play the water filling on the steam engines it sounds like a toilet flushing. LOL

[@RailFoxMedia]

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!! Finally The Day Has Come. Hallelujah!!

[@lathanluu4535]

PVMWildcatMJ 12190 amen

[@RailFoxMedia]

Carolina Trains got that right 😂

[@MPT_Productions]

PVMWildcatMJ 12190 mine should be in tomorrow or sometime this week!

[@MrBnsftrain]

9:40 are the drop plates available separately from other manufactures? 13:20 the T1s do have nice tenders!

[@JimsPlanesandTrains]

Awesome video Eric! For your 25,000 subscriber special you should do a long run session on the layout

[@Ericstrains]

Not a bad idea.

[@aidenfleming7210]

Beautiful

[@ryanwomack534]

I love the sound of a 6 chime steam whistle it's One of my favorite whistles of all time

[@nathanielcruz6675]

Reading T1 #2102 is currently in operation for passenger excursion service. It was steamed up for the first time in 30 years in January 2021, and on April 6, 2022, the locomotive made it's first test runs, restored to the black and yellow Iron Horse Rambles livery with Reading & Northern lettering. #2102 made it's excursion debut on May 28, 2022, hauling a 19 coach Iron Horse Rambles excursion between Reading Outer Station and Jim Thrope, Pennsylvania.

[@DjsOgaugeTrains]

A real beauty! The whistle sound is awesome.

[@engineerpat5290]

love that T-1. Love your videos as always

[@Oskar-js6iv]

Great model as always!

[@micahely1683]

i have a chessie t1, it never had problems running on the o48 curves even though it was rated 042 to 054.

[@Leogar982]

Fascinating! Perhaps soon manufacturers will be able to use the actual brass whistle instead of a hole on the top

[@Ericstrains]

That would be cool

[@jrdrager]

I was hoping for the Chessie steam special when I saw T-1 on the title but I didn't know they were used for freight applications

[@PereMarquette1223]

jrdrager The T1's were built specifically for dual service applications.

[@StormySeaDog]

Great review

[@TrainChamber]

Amazing engine!

[@TrainChamber]

Also i have seen one of these in Steam Town

[@JerryDoesThings_1604]

Train Chamber i ageee! Amazing locomotive in both o gauge and real!

[@MPT_Productions]

Same lol as you have seen in my video.

[@MPT_Productions]

yes. 2100 is being restored by the American Steam Railroad, 2101 is on display at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 2102 is being restored by the Reading & Northern (Yes it will run with 425), and 2124 is on display at Steamtown National Historic Site.

[@akaesche36]

Really great video! Thumbs up!

[@joeamato9675]

I work at the Midwest Railway Preservation Society here in Cleveland. We have the real Reading 2100 undergoing restoration in our roundhouse

[@rowsdower12]

beautiful engine

[@rhettrobinson1361]

Wonderful locomotive. when will the real 2100 be back in operation

[@Coxmanx]

That's. A. Good train. So. Amazing this. Is. Arlando free. Your. Eric's trains. Fan

[@Mr300bowler]

Hey Eric that locomotive is a real reading 2100

[@natynaty4794]

PRR T1 DUPLEX 4-4-4-4

[@striker9136]

Not that abomination

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

Great video awesome locomotive.

[@cobytheq1718]

Can you do a review of one of the Lionel weathered steam engines

[@dantel.7785]

I NEED THIS LOCO.

[@PedrotheOscalecollector]

Hello Eric I have the chessie steam special t1 and its run on 048 curve it's a mth with proto sound 2

[@mamanbear1]

Great video and engine.

[@JerryDoesThings_1604]

Ok... so I watched episode 60 like 297,382,482,309 times, and I am aware that u do have a pilot version of a B&O articulated steam locomotive, and I haven't seen an episode of it... it's ether that I'm blind and stupid, or that therez not a review of it. But I will tell u that I am a BIG fan of the 2-6-6-6 allegheny and that I can not wait for the review. But I would really like to see a review of an articulated B&O locomotive. Oh... and gr8 vid on the T1! Rlly enjoyed it! :)

[@pearlcrft]

that. whistle. is. amazing.

[@theblackwingofdeath9520]

You should paint the grab irons that run the length of the boiler yellow, it would make the engine look really sharp looking. But it is your train so it’s your choice.

[@vijayalakshmipandian6169]

I really liked that Whistle

[@trainguy111]

Out of all the trains you've collected and reviewed so far, which one is your favorite?

[@Ericstrains]

I don't really have a favorite

[@Cyberjjc]

Eric, I cannot get over how beautiful your CSX Dispatch Tower looks. Is that still available for purchase?

[@alexissmith9336]

nice video ericstrains can you do a video on the Lionel legacy GS-4 American Freedom train sometime in the early future

[@thebrooklynbridge8104]

I so want this train

[@gardnerlynn]

That whistle relates to Reading 2124 and 2102

[@MMID303]

Love it!

[@smilzyproductions9753]

this question has probably been asked before but how fast have you driven a train on that layout?

[@Ericstrains]

Smilzy Productions I've maxed out the speed on the legacy remote several times.

[@reptilianxlol934]

ericstrains what do you like better, steam or diesel locomotives

[@keithm5224]

You should do a video of that

[@___axg96___63]

Hey Eric do you have a watertower on your layout's mainline anywhere?

[@Ericstrains]

No, the layout itself is modern themed so there are no steam era trackside items.

[@bladeobrian2144]

One thing I've always wondered with the "realistic coal loads" is how do they put actual coal in this model? Is it plastic coated or something?

[@Ericstrains]

it's just a decorative little pile of real pieces of coal that are glued in place.

[@skye_bone]

2101 was used for the american freedom train so you need to say that there are 3 restored I'm not kidding I just watched a video on the american freedom train with 2101 converted to #1 for the freedom train. Not to be rude but u got a little bit of info wrong. Great video though.😀😋

[@get_emld]

He said 2 currently BEING restored.

[@James-Railyard]

James Sienicki 2100, 2102, and 2124 are either being restored or are planned for restoration. The only one getting the shaft is 2101... unfortunately. I’d love to see all 4 back under steam and storming over the rails.

[@get_emld]

James the Void Knight oh. Although there is hope for 2101 returning to steam. Ross Rowland and his team never inspected the boiler for warping and wrote the fire off as an excuse to get his hands on C&O 614. Also, can you please inform me about 2124?

[@James-Railyard]

James Sienicki about 2124 all I heard is that after 2102 is finished she will be restored next. Now, I just saw info on this and apparently it’s a group that is looking to push Steamtown into restoring her. Honestly, it must’ve been the way I heard it from my sources. All I know is 2 T-1’s are being restored as of this moment, 1 is sitting in limbo, and 1 is probably sidelined indefinitely if her frame was cracked/warped from the fire she was in.

[@henryszubielski8601]

@@James-Railyard 2124 was a cosmetic restoration at Steam Town and will continue to a display piece. I wish it was a full restoration like the other two!

[@ThatTexanCollector]

Question, When you tip over the Tender to view the bottom, does the coal Spill out? how d you prevent it?

[@Ericstrains]

No, it's glued in place.

[@ThatTexanCollector]

Oh wow!

[@WETrains]

Also there is the AFT #1 aka the Reading 2101.

[@PereMarquette1223]

WE Trains could release that in future years

[@henryszubielski8601]

WE Trains , yes Lionel did the AFT #1.

[@1940limited]

It would be fun to put a Reading diesel behind this for a double header. Just a thought.

[@maxrailroad]

Awesome review! That is a gorgeous engine, and it looks even better on your layout. I really should stop watching these videos, because whenever I do, I wan to buy the train you review! Who makes the trees at 22:36?

[@Sams_Trains]

Same!

[@michaellindsay6735]

Man u know alot about lionels trains that cool

[@1940limited]

Volunteers of Fire Up 2100 in Ohio and the Blue Mountain, Reading & Northern Railroad, in PA, cannot be given too much credit for their efforts to restore both 2100 and 2102 to operating condition. As a footnote Steamtown National Historic site in Scranton, PA as done a beautiful cosmetic restoration of 2124. Two of these locomotives will be operational soon.

[@themeparkreconnoiter9787]

Interesting fact is that Tyco, an HO Gauge Toy Train manufacturer makes models of the Reading T-1

[@jomama05]

The only complaint I have is that the running gear and steam chests aren't accurate to the prototype. It's a close enough look, but the locomotive looks good overall

[@henryszubielski8601]

My belief is that the lower assembly (frame, lead and trailing trucks, drivers and running gear) is what is under the Milwaukee 261 model (it sure looks like it). Still a nice engine.

[@jomama05]

I've noticed the same thing.

[@1940limited]

I don't think the whistle is right, either, but it's still a beautiful locomotive. I was trying to find the steam feeder pipes for the auxilliary trailing truck engine, but it doesn't seem to be there.

[@That_One_Guy_In_A_Band]

g bridgman no, that's a Reading 6 chime. Take a listen to Strasburg Railroad 90, compared to this video. It's actually really close.

[@roundhouserails5867]

So Cool

[@finndahuman57]

What happened to the Lehigh Valley 4-8-4s Edit: or should i say Lehigh Valley T-3s

[@harrystoller4147]

That gives me an idea. Whoever has a reading Hudson, a lot of reading hoppers, and a reading caboose, please make a long train. Then post it on KZbin.

[@alexh6131]

Can you do a livestream again? I love watching them while working on my layout

[@tylerkane1238]

What is (in your opinion) the fastest locomotive (steam or Diesel) you have on the layout and how far are you able to push the speed of that engine? Have you ever tried pushing the locomotive to full throttle before?

[@Ericstrains]

It doesn't work like that with model trains. They all go about the same speed.

[@NationalGuard5]

I have an HO scale version of a Reading T1, masquerading as Delaware & Hudson 302. Any way I can get that O scale whistle on my HO model?

[@MMID303]

Some point in the future is today! Reading 2102 is in full service!

[@SteamKing2160]

Even I admit the whistle on this T1 is better than the 1989 version of this model but it is missing some yellow stripes on the engine that the original 1989 model had.

[@henryszubielski8601]

SteamKing2160, this is the original working life paint scheme. The 1989 version was something between original working and the Rambles. That is also why the '89 version has the Reading Lines diamond plate up front.

[@SteamKing2160]

ah ok but I like that paint scheme better cause the model then stands out more. Anyway, do you think the Tech inside the Legacy T1 fit in the 1989 T1? I didn't say anything bout the smoking whistle though.

[@henryszubielski8601]

SteamKing2160, they are vastly different locomotives. They tech may fit, but the 1989 version uses an AC Pullmor motor vs. the newer DC can motor. There are a few people that upgrade the older pieces with can motors. But, by the time you do everything, you are probably at the cost of the new locomotive. Paying someone skilled at painting to add the stipe to the newer locomotive is an alternative (if the stripe is the only thing you wish to add). Lionel also offered the locomotives (2102 & 2124) in the Rambles scheme in their catalog. Just some food for thought.

[@SteamKing2160]

oh ok thanks. The 1989 T1 required I think 0-42 curves but the new model needs 0-54. Why is that? Do the trucks not turn as sharp as the older model?

[@henryszubielski8601]

Most likely added details that restrict the turning ability. And, again, two very different drive trains.

[@1940limited]

Original issue Lionel T1s are all over ebay some as low as less than $200. Since the release of this engine and MTH's version, nobody wants the old Lionel T1. I had one new. it was great at the time but can't compare to this in detail and pulling power. But if you want one of those they're all over the place relatively cheap. Maybe it could be double headed with this, but I doubt they'd be compatible.

[@kaydendye244]

I played a rovlox game when this was a guest locomotive

[@kevinschaffer2047]

Nice looking but would be better if they used the correct whistle the one that’s on it now is the type that Reading used on passenger engines, freight haulers used a single note whistle

[@parkersheehey7450]

beautiful

[@darknekosan2091]

Um..Eric how come in your videos you run your trains reletivly slow? I mean there are times where you have run your trains fast..but its not as common jeje

[@SouthernerFloridain2006]

2100 was actually bought by Lionel I’m not joking

[@rem-so1ly]

That's true, when Richard Kughn owned Lionel, he was also one of the owners of Reading 2100

[@jameskoch9956]

I didn't know the t1s were being restored.

[@lauriesarquis]

They first started out as 2-8-0 consolesdations but when ww2 came they rebuilt them into northerns

[@henryszubielski8601]

Yep. Prior to being rebuilt in 1945 to 1947, the engines lived very busy lives as Consolidations. To me it is amazing that four of them still exist. One of the best things about Eric's reviews, is that he takes the time to learn some of the history of the locomotive.

[@guitargatekeeper]

Awesome!

[@paulmishler402]

Ive seen #2101 (or the american freedom train) at the b&o rail road meuseum. But sadly they just leave it outside in the parking lot and let it rust. Go to the b&o railroad meuseums youtube chanel and they have a whole video on it, and many other cool trains in their colection.

[@AllMyHobbies]

maybe as part if your reviews on engines you could place them on some track that is there minimum radius like o-54. as i would like to see how bad it looks on that turn as i run o-54 on my layout and don't want to buy anything that look to stupid. . and when it says it can do O-31 put it on some of that to see what it looks like.

[@nonsheep924]

Question: The LIONEL 6-18006 states it will run on O42 curves but this one on O54? They are the same length and wheel configuration. Can you explain why please?

[@Ericstrains]

Those 2 models were made 25 years apart, so I can only imagine that something changed with the design of the model.

[@TheTrainMan570]

ericstrains what is the catalog number of the train in this video? 6-18006??

[@thomasweekley9209]

I personally hope Lionel does a version of AFT #1

[@AByonder]

They have. Same run as the Readings.