Reading 2100 will mark its 80th birthday on October 11 at Cleveland when the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association throws an open house for viewing its restoration and enlisting the help of supporters.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Reading 2100 anniversary celebration and restoration
The event will be held at the Midwest Railway Preservation Society’s roundhouse and will support the ongoing restoration of the Northern. Courtesy Photo.

Reading 2100 history and preservation journey

Reading Company constructed 2100 in 1945 by expanding a 2-8-0 Baldwin into an 4-8-4 Northern behemoth. It remained in operation into the 1960s before being acquired by Ross Rowland as part of the 2101 locomotive.

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Rowland refurbished 2101 for the American Freedom Train but 2100 became a donor engine. It later transferred between Ontario and Washington State and worked for a short time in the early 2000s. Efforts at restoration never bore full success.

In 2015 the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association relocated 2100 to Ohio. Volunteers stoked up the boiler in 2025, and the visionaries hope to return the engine back into service in 2026.

Reading 2100 restoration and anniversary event

ASRPA will resub number the locomotive as 250 on America’s 250th birthday and repaint the engine the American Freedom Train colors. It’s seen as an indicator of patriotism for the country.

Rob Gardner, president of the ASRPA, indicated the open house will bring people history side by side. “We’re excited to allow fans the opportunity to see this mythical engine in person,” he clarified.

Tickets begin at $15 person, children under the age of three free. Anyone 16 and younger must accompany a ticketed adult. Pre-register at www.americansteamrailroad.org/visit-events.

It interweaves preservation, the community, as well as heritage. It reveals how passionate volunteers continue the heritage of the American steam by providing an educational experience for the railfans as well as the families.

Source: railfan.com

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What is Reading 2100?

Reading 2100 was an 4-8-4 steam locomotive constructed in 1945. It was later preserved by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association in Cleveland.

What time is the Reading 2100 anniversary event?

It runs October 11 at the roundhouse of the Midwest Railway Preservation Society in Cleveland.

Are Reading 2100 restoration sites open for visitors?

Yes. It enables the fans so see the locomotive itself and hear about developments. ASRPA also updates fans through its own official website.

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