Reading & Northern 2102 RETURNS!

[@CentralPennRailProductions]

Oh wow, I didn't realize you were out! Good coverage, yes it's almost impossible to chase a train up Route 61 with all the lines, best to pick a spot and wait.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank you, yes, and not only that, this was my first time visiting this territory... Unfortunately I miscalculated my return trip :/ I was literally the last one back lol. Good to see that you're out shooting also! Heading over to watch yours now! :)

[@nickdrake527]

I’d like to add to that restoration list FEC 148

[@TrainsStorms]

Will be there Saturday for it excursion

[@Joeyjoey53]

Totally awesome,anytime a steam locomotive is restored just gives me chills.

[@kens.3729]

These Behemoths are Steel Giants. Nothing is more Interesting than History on the Railroad.🚂 ALL Aboard! Thanks Rowan! 👍

[@RailfanRowan]

You're welcome Ken!

[@MarkRenn]

The way that whistle echoes through the hills is almost haunting. It's beautiful.

[@RailfanRowan]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@ArizonaRails]

It's always a great day when Rowan uploads a new video, particularly when it's the first run of a steam locomotive like Reading & Northern 2102 back in service! -AZRails

[@danbedford5419]

It's good to see any steam 🚂 put back into service

[@buecomet831]

That whistle gives me the chills.

[@chesterraybon3442]

Nothing sounds better than a steam whistle. They all have their own unique sound so you can definitely tell them apart. This one has a one of a kind sound that will be with her from now on. Thanks for standing in the rain and bringing us another great video. God Bless and take care.

[@RailfanRowan]

Agreed!! Thank you for checking it out!

[@luislaplume8261]

It sounds like some of the European steam locomotive whistles, except for the British ones that sound like a toy locomotive.

[@justahillbilly7777]

Always a treat to watch a Rowan video. Even more so when it features two passenger cars that used to be extensively used in the original Southern/NS Steam Program. Both the round ended observation in the background when you were talking to those paint crew guys at Reading Outer Station and the open air heavyweight car in the background at 15:18 were used on many, MANY excursions for the original Steam Program. Round end observation is the Mardi Gras, and the heavyweight is the Lookout Mountain.

[@kevp9601]

Welcome Back, You Awesome Choo-Choo-Train. :-D

[@keithneal3253]

What a beauty. Thanks for sharing Rowan!

[@jayjay0142]

In a word....... Beautiful !!! 2102 is easily up there with UP 4014, 844 and N&W 611, she is a fantastically looking machine, well done to those two boys (the paintjob looks brilliant), and everyone else who restored her. Another great video Rowan, much love from Down Under mate, take care, and the same to your family too. Oh, by the way, did you manage to get a drone, looks like you did at the end? And yes, the new Intro and Outro is great too. Cheers.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks JJ, and yes that drone does belong to me now! Yay!!

[@jeffreydeeds9225]

What a magnificent machine! That whistle is just incredible! Very exciting to see her return to the road!

[@luislaplume8261]

Check out my comment above in the comments section about the steam whistle!

[@wofa187]

It's always exciting to see another steam locomotive restored!

[@bluemountainproductions4987]

Its really great to have RBMN 2102 back in service. Even though the other steam engine they have # 425, its cool to have another great steam engine back. I've railfanned the RBMN for years now as they are about 5 minutes from my home.. can't wait to catch the 2102 Leading the NRFF (North Reading Fast Freight) A daily freight from North Reading Pennsylvania to Pittston Pennsylvania with a return trip going to North Reading. Catching NRFF in general is great.

[@davevan8864]

THANK YOU so much for sharing this. I did not know 2102 was so close to finished!!!! I rode behind 2102 in the 1970's on the C&O Greenbrier branch from Ronceverte to Durbin and back. After the train was turned at Durbin we headed south. Between Durbin and Cass the front truck of the tender slipped between the rails. We were about 45 minutes getting things right, not long really. 2102 looks FANTASTIC and I am thankful to you. The Greenbrier branch from Ronceverte to Cass is now history........so seeing her run again is great!!!! THANKS!

[@SteamCrane]

Rode Ronceverte to Cass, got off at Cass instead of going to Durbin. Stayed at the General Lewis, back then it was affordable. What a great trip it was!

[@davevan8864]

@@SteamCrane I remember that people had that option. But I'd been to Cass many times so stayed on 2102. Those were great times.

[@S0M3GUY778]

I live in NZ, and my first ever exposure to American steam engines was a documentary on the old Blue Mountain and Reading railway where it featured 425 and 2102 heavily. Seeing that 425 had been restored was heartwarming and was even more excited to hear that 2102 was on her way to being restored as well. She looks as beautiful as she did in that old VHS documentary I had. What a phenomenal restoration work

[@kevp9601]

I Am So Happy

[@frozone-yeah]

I heard stories and rumors, but I never thought I would see the day when the Iconic Reading and Northern T1 2102 would be under her own power in the modern era. Man, there are sure a ton of steam locomotives being brought back from the dead and returned to services. I really hope it stays this way at least throughout my lifetime and the lifetimes of many future generations to come. ^w^

[@1940limited]

It's my understanding Reading Blue Mountain & Northern has done so well with his passenger operations it was decided restoring 2102 would be well worth the investment.

[@vp.7002]

We still have a PRR K4 and another T1 to look forward to

[@1940limited]

@@vp.7002 Is the K4 being worked on? I know the guys in Ohio are making progress with 2100.

[@vp.7002]

@@1940limited yep as we speak 1361 is being restored to operation

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@vp.7002 Be patient though. 1361 will live again but it needs one hell of a lot of work.

[@WayneKline]

Hello Rowan, was a great fun 🤩 Live session. Love the new Intro & Outro. The content of this video is excellent, exciting with exceptional editing. Well done 👍 my friend!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank you as always my Australian friend!!

[@uraniumistasty32]

It's cool seeing my favorite locomotive return to service

[@steamie3]

The first engine to pull the Iron Horse Rambles was 2124.

[@ethanmorel2746]

At the throttle of the locomotive is Chairman, Owner, and CEO Andy Muller Jr. at 3:47. He was the engineer for the engine’s first test run. I still have to meet that guy someday.

[@renemarkgraf3343]

That's awesome how that whistle sounds in the cool morning !

[@DistantHorn]

Man that whistle gives me goosebumps!! One of the most beautiful sounds you will ever hear. Amazing video Rowan.

[@MercOne]

WOW. Awesome machine and that horn is uh...different. Just try to imagine when these things were the norm and all over the place. What a time that must have been.

[@RailfanRowan]

This is the place to relive history then, that's for certain

[@SteamingObe]

The whistle is reading freight train. The tone travels further, louder than most other whistle tones.

[@kevp9601]

Welcome Back

[@edwardlee6463]

Yet another great video Rowan! In 1978 I lived in a high rise apartment in Silver Spring, MD. We had a great southern view that took in the B&O station, and a wide vista of Washington DC's skyline. One Saturday morning eating breakfast I noticed a fire near Capitol Hill. I kept an eye the smoke only to realize the fire's black smoke was moving! It turns out the fire was the magnificent 2102 pulling into Silver Spring with about 20 coaches, to pick up riders on an excursion to Cumberland. Well it was too late to catch a ride, but I was waiting in the station when this beautiful beast returned that evening. These were sights and sounds from 44 years ago, but well remembered. Long may you run old Northern!

[@RailfanRowan]

Incredible imagery, thanks for the story!

[@sallykershaw4837]

OMG. This is so amazing. I’m literally crying because it looks and sounds so beautiful! I remember riding one out of Kempton many years ago when my son was a tyke. He is now in his 50’s. Thank you for the memories!

[@RailfanRowan]

You're so welcome! Glad I could help!

[@trackman174]

Beautiful locomotive! Love how the whistle echos through the hills.

[@RailfanRowan]

Yesssss same!!

[@RDG179]

And that is what 2102 had, back in Freight service days in the 1940s & 50s. Pretty much standard whistle on Reading Freight Steam Engines. Their Passenger Engines had the famous Reading 6-chime, which we’ll get to hear later this year.

[@Realohiorailroadproductions]

Absolutely amazing! Hopefully I'll be able to get over there and see it for myself. Great video by the way!👍

[@RailfanRowan]

C'mon down!!

[@ironhorsemedia2881]

It’s amazing to see all of these new restored steam engines coming back!

[@Tennfatmatt]

Absolutely a beautifully done restoration of a great steam locomotive.! It is a wonderful example of an era when steam was king.

[@alanburke1932]

WOW another great video, Rowan. It always amazes me to think of the all the ingenuity that went in to building any steam locomotive! I like seeing N&W 611 traveling the rails nearby and hope to again soon! Thanks so much for sharing this video along with your time and effort to get the best shots available! I remember as a kid riding from Rochester NY to Syracuse NY on a passenger train pulled by a steam engine. Yup, it was in revenue service for the New York Central System. Got to ride free, cause my Dad worked for the NYCS!! Loved it then and also now!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks as always Alan!

[@roderickcampbell2105]

That's an awesome looking loco. Nice to see and hear some of the folks who worked on it. Thanks RR.

[@robertcharlessceats3647]

Top notch Rowan. The finest what I would call "traditional style" American steam locomotive I have ever seen. An incredible restoration, it looks stunning. For me, many will not agree I am sure, but this is way above cigar shaped locos like 611. Absolutely cannot wait for the next update on this superb locomotive. Congratulations on this Rowan, I always look forward to your productions. Many thanks

[@paulfalzarano5930]

Nice job Rowan👌

[@dmvrailroadproductions4144]

I like the new intro and outro. Awesome locomotive

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank you!!

[@dtj9923]

Thanks for posting this, it's been a pretty amazing decade so far for the return of a lot of big steam. I love these home cooked T-1 engines, it's hard to believe they started life as Wooten firebox 2-8-0s. Reading & Northern did an amazing job with this restoration.

[@RailfanRowan]

Yeee haw!!

[@transittown7891]

Wow. I love classic steam trains. This one looks pretty old school 😊👍

[@Mondayman622]

What a fantastic rebirth of a beautiful locomotive. Looks like the day it was built

[@DH2906PRODUCTIONS]

The engine and whistle knocked me out of the ball park. What a beautiful engine. Great video rowan

[@Trainman-zp4eq]

Rowan man you have got to be one of the luckiest railfans ever I mean getting to 1309 and 2102 on there test runs that’s just amazing

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks man!

[@waynespyker5731]

Dreaming..... Annual weekend Rambles between Harrisburg and Hagerstown with 2102 and 1309 alternating starting location from Saturday to Sunday? Thanks for everyone's toil and help in both organizations for their beautiful restorations.

[@phoenicianlocal2363]

Huuuooooooh!!! That whistle though!!! Wow!!.....like a ghost train....just......uuuuh!! So cool!!! So cool! Aaaand what a beauty of a steam Loco!! Its amazing seeing more an more steam locomotives being rebuilt an comin back to life like this one here!

[@RailfanRowan]

Rather haunting at times but it is beautiful!

[@johndanaher6371]

OMG, I can't believe I missed this! She's beautiful! And that whistle echoing through the valleys is awesome. Thanks for catching it and sharing.

[@RailfanRowan]

Def need to pay a visit!

[@valeriebassett3107]

Kudos to all that brought her back to life. She is one beautiful train.

[@chrismcdonnell1695]

Rowan, I am not a fan of steam, but your presentation in this vid, and the work of the volunteers, has totally changed my view. Thank you all.

[@RailfanRowan]

You're more than welcome Chris, thanks for watching!

[@kevp9601]

I Love It a Lot

[@kimberlyatwood5154]

Awesome 👏 so glad they restored that beautiful train!

[@RailfanRowan]

Kimberly, thanks for watching!!!

[@SteamCrane]

An old friend, spent many hours with her back in the 1980's. Rode Ronceverte to Cass, many trips around Ohio + PA. Erie RR Kent OH to Greenville PA(?), the Pitsburgh + Shawmut trips, Horseshoe with 4070. R+N guys did a fantastic job! Exactly 1000th like!

[@RailfanRowan]

Yay!! Thanks for the like!

[@BiggHoss]

That paint job is immaculate, from an automotive painter that is so impressive. That black looks dripping wet its so glossy, I can't imagine how many hours they spent cutting and buffing this

[@MrBillCNW]

Thank you Rowan for another great video especially having steam in it. Still haven’t gone rail Fanning since we moved to our new home in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina but we’re finally getting things unpacked and put away and organize so I can finally start doing some rail Fanning, But to go rail fanning I have to drive over a hour north of me to see Norfolk Southern or CSX main lines. Oh well that’s life in the big city. Anyway take care Rowan good to hear you on KZbin. 🤓

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Bill, I appreciate your support!

[@ruralrailfan]

Good to still see that steam locomotives are still around!

[@buijs1967]

It looks amazing, the body work is spotless. Thanks for sharing and greetings from Europe.

[@matthewfawbush7731]

It is so cool to see the mighty legend Reading T1 is riding the rails that Reading Freight Hooter is music to my ears Bro All I can say is " Welcome Back, mighty legend Reading T1 2102". After 30 years, the legend T1 is back on home track She is a legend of the legend of the Reading Lines. 🤘🎸🤘 Keep on Rockin Rockstar Bro 🤘🎸🤘 Matthew

[@Mr_wayne0805]

That Loco is just amazing. what a fantastic piece of engineering. 👍

[@terrygraham5901]

Love that song beautiful train horn sound good My friend car caboose

[@bcbloc02]

That thing is a beauty with a great sounding whistle!

[@JackCarsonsRailroadVideos]

Looking forward to seeing other Steam locomotive videos you make in the future

[@RailfanRowan]

Hopefully SOOOO, you always support me Jack!

[@roberthuron9160]

Rowan,your usual excellent editorial and PROFESSIONAL camera work,is really showing up!! Having 2102,in steam,is really icing on the cake 🎂! The weather co-operated because there was nice even lighting,and it showed off the paint,and running gear,to perfection!! Cloudy weather under some circumstances helps,rather than hinders photography 📸!! Great work,and did you do some uprating on your equipment,there is a real jump in the definition department!! Thanks again for your determination and diligence!! THANK YOU 😇!!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank you as always Robert, you're awesome man. To God Be The Glory!!

[@JimPearsonPhotography]

Outstanding video! Very well put together and edited Rowan!

[@2bigrailfans724]

Sweeeeet lawd! The echo from that glorious whistle bouncing off the hills of Pennsylvania gave me the goosies! Well done Rowan...as usual.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks 2BR for the comment!

[@daniel_the_railfan]

Great vid man!! Made sure to share it!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Dan!

[@4014fan]

What a Beautiful Steam Locomotive! Thanks for sharing Rowen!

[@dwkcamman611]

Wonderful video of 2102 Rowan, glad you got to see her come alive again!!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks David!

[@jakestockmal2588]

Excellent video! Glad I could help you out with it. It was nice meeting you!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thank so much Jake, you're awesome, thanks for sharing your knowledge with all of us, it has been a huge success already! Thanks again, and see ya soon!

[@shawnpowell5876]

Great video Rowan and its amazing to think of the man power and ingenuity that went in to building a steam locomotive! They're definitely a work of art and quite a sight to see traveling the rails! Thanks again for sharing your videos along with your time and effort to get the BEST FOOTAGE!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks so much for the compliment Shawn!

[@kevp9601]

This is so much FUN !

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Thanks for being there Rowan and taking us along! That was a fast 16 minutes! I don't like to use this overused word often, but 2102 is an awesome machine. I knew it'd be back someday, it's just too good to be kept in a shed forever. Kind of like what the late Jim Boyd said when he was asked if a Big Boy would ever run again: "Of course! Why? Like Mount Everest, because it's there!" Interesting, but the general look of the locomotive reminds me very much of the unstreamlined Class J's the Norfolk & Western built during World War Two. Check out a photo of one and see what you think.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Wayne!! Because this there!!!

[@billconserva1461]

I have tons to say but will refrain to just the basics. Thank God that the 2102 has a place to operate. Unlike some other steam engines that are in the process of an overhaul. many will NOT have a place to operate. The fact that outside of Union Pacific, most railroads want nothing to do with vintage equipment operating on their line. Simple reason....... Law Suits. The Liability is huge and the cost even for the equipment to operate with insurance is ridiculously expensive and still the railroad is responsible legally on who gets hurt on their property. I know very well the 2102 and the insurance issue because my group owned it just prior to selling it to Andy Mueller. Best of Luck and it looks like a job well done, excited to see it operating once again !

[@RailfanRowan]

Super cool that you share a history with this locomotive!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Many Class 1's have no interest in operating steam or allowing others to do so on their lines as it interferes too much with regular operations. So they say. The thing they WON'T say, at least out loud is they're in the business of moving "stuff" from Point A to Point B and not in the entertainment business. Hey, I can understand, and no-one has a sacred right to run steam on the 'roads they don't own. That being said, than God for railfan-owners like Andy Mueller! It's HIS 'road, HE calls the shots, and if he want to run steam no-one can say no to him. Oh, and Union Pacific? They run steam all right, but only their own steam locomotives, no-one elses, although they will move other's steam locomotives dead in tow.

[@jerryfreudenthal2217]

N&W is not real keen on steam running on their tracks anymore. 611 is the last and it takes a lot of $ and an act of congress to run her even after the restoration. I was hoping for the 1218 to get back in running condition as well but not very likely to happen until N&W takes more pride in their past steam program. I Rember riding both 611 & 1218 when they came to Jacksonville Fl for the Swanie steam special.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@jerryfreudenthal2217 The money men run Norfolk-Southern now. As soon as Wick Mooreman, a railfan and steam fan from the get-go retired that was the end of the steam program. We should all realize that Class 1 steam operations are fragile, one big shake-up in corporate management and steam can disappear overnight. No-one's immune, it's not a given that even Union Pacific's steam program is immortal. BNSF is steam friendly for now for the simple reason Warren Buffet's a railfan, and he OWNS BNSF, no-one can tell him what to do with his railroad. All that being said, I pray God lets Andy Muller live to be an old, old man. When he goes the R&N steam program could go to, just like the Susquehanna's steam program died with Walter Rich.

[@billconserva1461]

@@jerryfreudenthal2217 611, did not operate on N&S under it's own power, it was under steam, but did not operate. When it was shipped as "Freight" to Strasburg.

[@williamschlenger1518]

Great video.At 79yrs.old , it's great to see steam running again 👍

[@stepvanjoe3469]

Great job capturing what you did Rowan look forward to more on this

[@Ozarkrailfanprod8098]

Awesome, I love Steam. it’s So Cool that there’s Still those Locos Today, and Sorry I’m Late Commenting on This Video.

[@RailfanRowan]

You're cgood, thanks for watching!!

[@Ozarkrailfanprod8098]

@@RailfanRowan no problem 😉

[@jordonfreeman166]

I’m coming all the way from northern Georgia (Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum member. Really want to see Lookout Mountain. Wish it had gone to the TVRM instead of the RBMN to reunite it with Man O’ War, 4501, 630, and some other pieces of the Southern Steam Program Excursion consist.) in August to ride behind 2102, along with hitting up Steamtown, Strasburg, and Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

[@naturalnaynay6185]

Thanks for sharing, it was really awesome. What a beautiful Train 🚆

[@duck1946]

From the UK, Beautifull !!! magnificent looking locomotive,and the echo in the mountains from that hooter is Spooky! Well done ASR and R&N.

[@jeffbrewer9515]

2102. What a fantastic loco, great paint job, just love the shiny black. GREAT video Rowan. Greetings from the UK

[@RailfanRowan]

Greetings, looking forward to the rest of the paint!

[@frankiecrocker]

What a beautiful, living thing she is!

[@RailfanRowan]

Agreed!

[@charleslegette2979]

That fall color train will be one helluva ride this fall

[@PANortheasternRailfan]

The video turned out great! Awesome job from your friend, visitor #6!!

[@RailfanRowan]

Aaaaahhhh, VISITOR #6!!! You're awesome man, thanks for being a aprt of my day that day!

[@PANortheasternRailfan]

@@RailfanRowan Thanks man, you’re awesome too! It was great to meet you and made the chase even better

[@kevp9601]

This is gonna be GREAT !

[@raymiller9391]

Just beautiful! Thanks for posting Rowan.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks, you're welcome Ray!

[@SoCalOCRailfan]

This is a fantastic video! Love to see steam come alive against after years in storage.

[@RailfanRowan]

That's right!!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks man!

[@richardpeters7136]

Rowan: Once again a fantastic video and great commentary!!!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Mr Peters!

[@gabbyb9632]

another great video rowan , thank you

[@jordanielridgway-bent]

Awesome video, Rowan. I can see the additional quality you now get and your techniques as a cameraman get the best shots. Thank you.

[@bart3531]

WOW! that says it all! Terrific video, thank you!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks for Watching Steve!

[@thomasavensjr.2790]

Great to see the Reading rr 2102 back in operation, there are 4 class T1 locomotives left in existence & now one example is back in service. Later on this year hopefully the 2100 will see operation after it's rebuild has been completed.

[@tadpole7]

Good to see you back From Australia

[@brendantensiethoff9973]

Amesome video and great phototarghy

[@kentonkloos3490]

Great job on the vid! I bought a ticket to ride for July 2nd. I can't wait. The paint job is gorgeous!.( Riding the Western Maryland 1309 on the 1st). It looks very similar to Milwaukee Road 261. Not a big fan of the shrill whistle, I loved the Frisco 1522's throaty, mournful whistle . I helped restore that ole 1926 Mountain type in 1988. Kenton Kloos, Affton Mo.

[@LukeLovesTrains-Mr.RailYard]

It was so cool to see her running. More steam videos Rowan.

[@RailfanRowan]

Yes please l!!

[@erlangerrailfanner2056]

Great video, been a fan and subscriber for almost 6 years now love ur channel and everything that u post Ik you’ve caught all 20 heritage units I’m working on getting number 10 but keep up the great work Rowan

[@RailfanRowan]

WOW! Thanks so much for sticking with me for that long, and for welcoming me into your home!

[@johnpinckney4979]

Excellent! Great to see a reastored steam locomotive that doesn't need a Diesel to assist!

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Nice to see you back. Great video.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks Robert!

[@thomasmackowiak]

Thank you for documenting this initial run of the Reading steam locomotive and its restoration. I really enjoyed watching this video! I hope that you can get to capture the first revenue passenger excurtion on this steam locomotive.

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks as always Thomas! Love seeing your comments!

[@toddlarmon3708]

Rowan! What a great surprise. Your content never ceases to amaze me. Absolutely beautiful steam engine. Love, love, love the whistle. Has a sort of european sound. Only thing missing is rowan behind the throttle. Its good to see a post from you brother. Take care and God bless, and remember TGBTG!

[@RailfanRowan]

Thanks bruva

[@RDG179]

Nice job on this 2102 video . I like the Drone shots . Gotta get one of those.

[@gsrailfann5025]

Loving that whistle!

[@nathantatosian280]

Cool see T1 back in service