Once the restoration is complete, and if the opportunity presents itself to operate the 2100 with the 2102, ASR will do what it can to make it happen. Thank you for your interest, please consider donating $37.00 to install a boiler tube. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
Doesn’t make sense to have a engine which was the on road to anthracite to burn oil, not a fan. It is what it is I guess but kind of sucks that it was brought to this decision.
Hello, emotionally it was a difficult decision for us, but in the best interests of the 2100 to be able to operate "far and wide" as well as be financially sustainable, it is what needed to be done at this time. Thank you for understanding, and please consider purchasing one of our new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
We couldn't agree more! Thank you! Please consider purchasing one of new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
@OfficialCNWYTChannel 2101 won't run again due to the Roundhouse fire in 1979, she's on display at the B&O Railroad Museum in her American Freedom Train colors
Thank you for your compliments! We have more great progress to report in next months video. Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation at our Gift Store, thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
Hello, yes it is. The I-10sa class of 2-8-0's were some of the largest consolidations ever built. Thank you for your interest in the 2100, and please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Hello, thank you for your support & understanding. You are also correct as some locations we are in discussion with had brought up on several occasions the possibility of a hot ember causing a fire. This, plus being able to operate at non-steam locations without taking financial losses, solidified our decision to burn recycled oil. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
And its already been done with US Sugar's Sugar Express operation in Clewiston, Florida with #FEC148. They use recycled cooking oil for that locomotive, and will be the same for their second locomotive, #ACL1504.
Thank you Roger, it was not an easy decision, but setting personal emotions and desires aside, it was going to be the only way for the 2100 to operate far & wide, as well as more locally and generate enough revenue to continue operation over the long term. Please consider donating to the 2100's restoration. www.americansteamrailroad.org/donate/
Hello, and thank you for your support! Was by no means an easy decision for us, but all at ASR are committed to providing the greatest amount of opportunities for the 2100 to run, and this was necessary to accomplish that. Please consider purchasing one of our new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
As I said before, I will continue to fully support the restoration and I'll probably donate a boiler tube if I have the chance but I'm still disappointed at this decision. I love the Reading T1s and I just don't think a Reading T1 can be "Reading" if it's ran on oil. As long as it doesn't have "ferroequus" on the tender it will be ok.
Hi, and thank you for your understanding and support as emotionally this was not an easy decision for any of us, but one that is in the best interests of the 2100 and ASR. It will be painted as it was under the Reading's ownership, or possibly as the American Freedom Train or Chessie Steam Special should donors come forward with the funding to do so, as well as the funding to return it to the Reading scheme afterwards. Please consider purchasing one of new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
I can’t wait to see the 2100 to run on the rails again and I understand that some of the locations will not have any coal facilities to let 2100 refill coal To it’s tender and it would be very expensive but oil firing is a little more easy
Hello Samuel, thank you for your support and understanding. Our goal is to operate the 2100 as much, and at as many places, as possible, and with enough revenue generated to maintain her over the long term. Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation from our Gift Store, thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
I fully understand why 2100 has to be converted to oil. Coal fired or oil fired, it’ll still be awesome to have another Reading T1 4-8-4 running again! Also, great progress on the restoration, as always. I have made a donation to you guys today and another one will come to you soon! Fire up 2100! 🚂🔥
Hello, thank you so very much for your support and donations. You are one of the railway preservationists making the 2100's return to steam possible, greatly appreciated!
I wish I could throw my hat in the ring with help but living in Oklahoma and having college and work I’m not sure how viable that is. I was recently invited out to become a volunteer with the Oklahoma Heritage Railway Association and given the bug when I got to work on Dierks Forest Service 207.
Hello! There are many ways one can assist ASR and the 2100, and one we hope you will do is to spread the word to as many people as possible. Thank you.
Regarding the door on the firebox, don't you have to look at the way the oil is being distributed in the firebox just like with where you blow the coal in with the stoker to make sure you don't have any cold spots in the fire so the heat is distributed equally over the crown sheet so there's no large stresses on it and problems that would cause? I've never been around any oil fired locomotives so I don't know if the oil is sprayed into the firebox or if there's a burner and if so how its set up to work. I know there has to be even heat across the crown sheet though and how would you know what the fire is doing if you can't look in at it? There's got to be some way to see what the fire is doing I'd think anyway. Maybe I'm wrong, IDK.
Hello William, oil fired locomotives only need a peep-hole, but since we already have the components and would like to visually setup the cab as it was originally built that is our preference. However, FMW is the lead on this project, and if they say the peep-hole is the better solution for safety, reliability, and/or performance, then that is what we will do. Thank you for your interest in the 2100. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Greetings, yes they are. Not only in the restoration itself, but from the "business side" as well to ensure that the organization is financially sustainable, the locomotive has enough profitable running opportunities, and non-running financial support to continue operations. Thank you for your interest, and please consider donating $37.00 to install a boiler tube. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
I know nothing is set in stone as of yet (probably) but I know everyone is excited by the idea that 2100 and 2102 will finally be back together, is that even a possibility in the cards for when she is finally moving under her own power once more?
Hi James, ASR has a great relationship with the R&N and the 2102 crew. Should an opportunity arise that can logistically be done, and is financially viable, ASR will do everything possible to make a meeting with the 2102 happen. Thank you for your interest in the 2100. Please consider making a donation or purchasing an item from our gift store. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop/
I am very happy to see the restoration is coming along. I am on the side of scared when it comes to the conversion, considering it’s what more or less nearly ruined the engine last time it was made an oil burner. Obviously the last conversion was a sloppy “toss it in and go” vs. one that had time taken to convert all of the appropriate components. I am looking forward to the day of two T1’s double heading however I don’t know what would smell better, sulfur or oil. I’d say the coal sulfur, but that’s just me.
Hello James, thank you for your encouragement. None of us here at ASR or amongst our contractors have any concerns on the oil firing, as it has been successfully done before on fireboxes even larger than this, as well as with thermic siphons. Please consider purchasing one of new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
I completely understand your reasons for why you're going for oil conversion, and it's good to hear you're keeping the coal burner parts safe in case you do convert her to burn coal again in the far future.
Hello Matthew, thank you for your support and understanding. We plan on displaying some of the coal parts for open house events, and will keep the rest properly stored. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
@@AmericanSteamRailroad I will. Your Welcome. And Good Luck! Also, I know it maybe too early to ask this, but are there any other projects you'll be working on after 2100?
@matthewpowell2429 before leasing 2100, the ASR acquired a Frisco 2-8-2 "Mikado" number 1352, which they will move to Cleveland and restore to operation after 2100 is finished and operating excursions. Beyond that, we'll have to see.
I suspect this is a decision not made lightly, and I respect it. I think as long as the conversion to oil burning is done properly and she steams well, then I have no problems with that. The last thing anyone wants is a rerun of what happened to 2100 in the past. I trust that the conversion will be done properly and with great care. Keep up the good work!
Greetings, yes, this decision to use recycled oil was done after a great deal of information was gathered and analyzed over an 18 month period, not only by ASR but our steam industry contractors and consultants. FMW, a leader in converting coal locomotives over to recycled oil, has been selected as the contractor to perform all of this work. Thank you for your support, please consider making a donation as we are 80% complete. www.americansteamrailroad.org/donate/
Hello, yes, recycled motor oil, recycled vegetable oil, bio-diesel, are all viable options. Please consider donating to the 2100's restoration. www.americansteamrailroad.org/donate/
Hi James, yes, the same concept, but this time the experts at FMW will be scientifically engineering, designing, and building the complete firing system to extract the greatest performance out of the Wootten firebox and the boiler. Thank you for your interest in the 2100. Please consider making a donation or purchasing an item from our gift store. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop/
Curious how the oil burn efficiency will be with that firebox. I don’t know much of boilers but I see the Union Pacific Big Boy’s firebox be almost similar size (compared to the firebox width of the 2100 to the firebox length of the 4014).
Hello, the Big Boy's firebox grate area is actually much larger than the 2100's, 150 sq ft vs. 94.5 sq ft. Additionally the Santa Fe had very large, and very successful, 4-8-4's and 2-10-4's that were oil burners from day one with firebox grate areas of 108 sq ft and 121.50 sq ft respectively. With the design FMW will scientifically engineer specifically for the 2100, we are all confident that it will be an exceptional firing locomotive. Thank you for your interest, and please consider donating $37.00 to install a boiler tube. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
Hello, yes, several railroads ran boosters on their 4-8-4's, including the Lehigh Valley and C&O, the 4-8-4's running today with boosters are 2102 and 4449. The issue is the additional cost to purchase and maintain them, which many railroads did not deem beneficial once factoring in those costs. Please consider donating to the 2100's restoration. www.americansteamrailroad.org/donate/
i noticed several ASRR volunteers were getting trained by the R&N steam crew on the august 13th ramble, i think that is great that R&N allows you guys to come down and hand get hands on training on how to operate and maintain steam. will that be mentioned in the next update video?
Hey ASR, Excited to see two T1s one using coal and one using oil it would be great when they unite to do comparisons of energy consumption as they are both the exact same locomotive with 2 different fuel systems. I hope you do have plans for 2100 and 2101 to be reunited and run together best wishes guys
Hello! Yes a comparison would be an interesting study for sure. Should the opportunity arise, and it can financially and logistically be done, ASR would welcome the opportunity to run with the 2102. Thank you for your interest, please consider donating $37.00 to install a boiler tube. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
Regards to the comparison from ANTHRACITE coal to oil, I hope you can HAVE some sensors in the chimney, and measure outgoing gasses like Sulphur, and final exhaust temperatures 🌡, Plus ➕ the amount of time to fire up from complete Cold 🥶, into Full HOT 🔥 🥵 Temperature 🌡, and Full Steam Pressure at about, 250 P.S.I.!!!!! OK IN SEPT., 2023A.D.
HI, if the opportunity arises, and financially and logistically it can be done, ASR will do what it can to make it happen. Thank you. Please consider purchasing one of the new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Although that would be a cool thing to see, I don't foresee 2100 going to Texas. American Steam Railroad has stated that they will primarily operate 2100 in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, and beyond that, operate into the Northeast (which is former Reading territory) and maybe deeper into the Midwest. However, you guys in Houston have a large steam locomotive that is soon to be restored in your area that I am really excited to see!
@@TRAINGUY-ey3hjit is highly unlikely that the 2100 will tour the west, let alone any steam engine at all. Huge trips like that haven't been done since the late 90s or early 2000s. And with ASR being a much smaller operation than FtWRHS, or Steam Railroading Institute, the 2100 won't get big chances like that. I'd say the farthest the 2100 would go would be to the Reading and Northern to meet up with the 2102
Hi Travis, well that would be an amazing "rail trip" for sure, and we here at ASR have always said "if an opportunity exists to operate, and it can be logistically accomplished and is financially viable, ASR will seriously consider it". Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation at our Gift Store, thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
Good decision on a proper oil conversion. 2100 will be more host railroad friendly, the closer 2100 can get to being just another train on the dispatchers time table the better. No worries about track side fires, cider cutting and the list goes on. I don't care what it burns, a running steam locomotive is better then a museum piece.
Greetings and Thank You. And yes, this decision was made not only for today, but for many years into the future to ensure the 2100 has the greatest opportunity to run far and wide at a variety of locations. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
I do not agree with the oil decision but I do understand why you would do it. I only don't agree because those burn anthercite coal instead of what every other steamer uses. There is only a handful of locomotives that burn anthercite coal. I do understand the decision.
Greetings Kirk, thank you for your understanding. This by no means was an easy decision for any of us, but with ASR going on 8 years of work and over $1,150,000 invested so far in the restoration, at this time and for the foreseeable future we needed to make sure 2100 has every possible opportunity to operate, and this decision was the best choice for that. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Hi Michael, with $170,000 in funding we can be completed and possibly doing break in running late next year, or in early 2025. It all comes down to how quickly we can get the donations needed, or sell enough items in our Gift Shop. Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation from our Gift Store, thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
Hello, the current plans are the original Reading freight black scheme. Please consider purchasing one of new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Hi Rudy, there were 2 immediate key factors: (1) the cost of coal storage, ash storage, and ash removal; and (2) several host railroads not setup for coal & ash being very hesitant to have coal burning locomotives operating on their railroads. Both would have made it financially very difficult to operate with any money left over. Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation at our Gift Store, thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
@@AmericanSteamRailroad thank you for the information. I’m happy that the 2100 is gonna be running again you have made amazing progress on her everybody that has worked on her deserves a huge thank you!
Greetings, yes, we all do here at ASR as well, but when it came to "Run more with financial means to continue doing so" vs. "Is there a place to run and can we afford to do it", the entire ASR crew both young and old were "all aboard" with Recycled Oil Firing. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you trackside in the near future! Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation from our Gift Store, thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
@@AmericanSteamRailroad Very good. I bought you some tubes (and the ubiquitous t-shirt). But now you’ll need a new fundraiser: sandbox. If you’re burning oil you’ll need to sand those flus every now and again.
Hello Jeff, thank you for your understanding and continued support. Please consider purchasing one of our new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Its a good thing that #FMWSolutions are doing the conversion from coal to oil. They've done this before (and they're doing it now) on the steam locomotives of US Sugar's Sugar Express in Clewiston, Florida, #FEC148 and #ACL1504. BTW, what kind of oil you're gonna use? Is it fuel oil or used vegetable oil?
Hello Kristoffer, yes, FMW has the expertise to perform this conversion so as to maximize the performance of the boiler. We will be using recycled oil, including recycled vegetable oil, as the fuel, and can also burn bio-diesel if needed at times as well.
As much as I hate to say it...Coal is just too much of a PITA, (not to mention very pricey). Recycled oil is just what the Doctor ordered. it's just about free, (comparatively speaking), and you can fill up at most stops that have a "Jiffy Lube", McDonalds" (or whatever), in town AND you'd be a "hero" for finding a way to permanently get-rid of that nasty old motor oil, (which doesn't go away on it's own). On the other hand, I'm 70 years old and I grew up on Steam powered excursions in Southeast Michigan back in the '60's, (GTW mostly), all of which burned coal. The aroma of coal smoke is not to be taken lightly as it embeds itself into your soul and you probably won't forget it. Only joking, but has anybody come up with "incense" that smells like "Lignite", etc. coal?
Greetings Chuck, we appreciate your understanding. To ensure the 2100 has a long and prosperous excursion career, it was the correct decision to be made at this time. I have been around steam locomotives since I can remember, as my grandfather was a PRR employee from Altoona, so I too have a "soft spot" for coal firing but from a business perspective knew this was a necessity. Please consider purchasing one of new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Greetings! The Reading built 30 4-8-4 locomotives which they numbered 2100-2129. Four still survive today, here are the numbers and where they are located as of 2023. The 2100 (Cleveland, OH), the 2101 (Baltimore, MD), the 2102 (Port Clinton, PA), and the 2124 (Scranton, PA). Thank you for your interest in the 2100.
She was restored many years ago, so it doesn't make sense to convert her, but you would have to ask the 611 guys since asr doesn't do anything with 611.
Hi David, yes, our good friends with the 611 have run "far and wide" over the years, and we are very glad to see they now have operating opportunities in Virginia as well. With that being said however, much of her past running was several years ago when things were different, or like at Strasburg where the coal and ash facilities and programs are already in place. For the 2100, several of our opportunities are at non-steam locations, and to ensure we can get contracts at some of these locations and not have operating losses, oil was going to be needed as the fuel to utilize. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts. Thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/ www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Greetings, it will be a great day for sure! Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation at our Gift Store, thank you. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
I can't wait for the day that we get a 2100 and 2102 Iron Horse Rambles doubleheader. That would be awesome!
Once the restoration is complete, and if the opportunity presents itself to operate the 2100 with the 2102, ASR will do what it can to make it happen.
Thank you for your interest, please consider donating $37.00 to install a boiler tube.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
Doesn’t make sense to have a engine which was the on road to anthracite to burn oil, not a fan. It is what it is I guess but kind of sucks that it was brought to this decision.
Hello, emotionally it was a difficult decision for us, but in the best interests of the 2100 to be able to operate "far and wide" as well as be financially sustainable, it is what needed to be done at this time. Thank you for understanding, and please consider purchasing one of our new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Well whatever is chosen, it will be great to see 2100 running again.
We couldn't agree more! Thank you!
Please consider purchasing one of new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
I cannot wait until 2100 and 2102 meet!
What about 2101
@OfficialCNWYTChannel 2101 won't run again due to the Roundhouse fire in 1979, she's on display at the B&O Railroad Museum in her American Freedom Train colors
@@shanewalters2565well never say never…
Great work gentlemen! Do what is best for the preservation of this great machine! Keep it up!
Thank you for your compliments! We have more great progress to report in next months video. Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation at our Gift Store, thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
i still think its amazing that the t-1s were built as 2-8-0s
Hello, yes it is. The I-10sa class of 2-8-0's were some of the largest consolidations ever built. Thank you for your interest in the 2100, and please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
I will contribute a donation for a tube for the locomotive
Thank you so very much Samuel! We greatly appreciate your support of the 2100's restoration.
You’re awesome!
Yes, oil is a much cleaner burn, no cinders that can start fires. This is what we call compromise.
Hello, thank you for your support & understanding. You are also correct as some locations we are in discussion with had brought up on several occasions the possibility of a hot ember causing a fire. This, plus being able to operate at non-steam locations without taking financial losses, solidified our decision to burn recycled oil. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Yes, the rail grinders have fire suppression systems. Could you burn Bio diesel or used cooking oil, 2100 will smell like French fries. Thats good!
And its already been done with US Sugar's Sugar Express operation in Clewiston, Florida with #FEC148. They use recycled cooking oil for that locomotive, and will be the same for their second locomotive, #ACL1504.
I think the conversion to oil was a wise decision While historic preservation is important, so is keeping steam viable. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Roger, it was not an easy decision, but setting personal emotions and desires aside, it was going to be the only way for the 2100 to operate far & wide, as well as more locally and generate enough revenue to continue operation over the long term.
Please consider donating to the 2100's restoration.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/donate/
Though I don’t quite like the idea of 2100 running on oil, I see why, and why it needs to be done. I’m looking forward to seeing 2100 in action again.
Hello, and thank you for your support! Was by no means an easy decision for us, but all at ASR are committed to providing the greatest amount of opportunities for the 2100 to run, and this was necessary to accomplish that. Please consider purchasing one of our new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
As I said before, I will continue to fully support the restoration and I'll probably donate a boiler tube if I have the chance but I'm still disappointed at this decision. I love the Reading T1s and I just don't think a Reading T1 can be "Reading" if it's ran on oil. As long as it doesn't have "ferroequus" on the tender it will be ok.
Hi, and thank you for your understanding and support as emotionally this was not an easy decision for any of us, but one that is in the best interests of the 2100 and ASR. It will be painted as it was under the Reading's ownership, or possibly as the American Freedom Train or Chessie Steam Special should donors come forward with the funding to do so, as well as the funding to return it to the Reading scheme afterwards.
Please consider purchasing one of new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
I can’t wait to see the 2100 to run on the rails again and I understand that some of the locations will not have any coal facilities to let 2100 refill coal To it’s tender and it would be very expensive but oil firing is a little more easy
Hello Samuel, thank you for your support and understanding. Our goal is to operate the 2100 as much, and at as many places, as possible, and with enough revenue generated to maintain her over the long term. Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation from our Gift Store, thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
Bringing a Legend back to life. #Fireup2100😊
I fully understand why 2100 has to be converted to oil. Coal fired or oil fired, it’ll still be awesome to have another Reading T1 4-8-4 running again! Also, great progress on the restoration, as always. I have made a donation to you guys today and another one will come to you soon! Fire up 2100! 🚂🔥
We appreciate your support!
Hello, thank you so very much for your support and donations. You are one of the railway preservationists making the 2100's return to steam possible, greatly appreciated!
I wish I could throw my hat in the ring with help but living in Oklahoma and having college and work I’m not sure how viable that is. I was recently invited out to become a volunteer with the Oklahoma Heritage Railway Association and given the bug when I got to work on Dierks Forest Service 207.
Hello! There are many ways one can assist ASR and the 2100, and one we hope you will do is to spread the word to as many people as possible. Thank you.
I never had issues with firing her on oil, recyclable or diesel, even with the way it was setup in that huge firebox
Regarding the door on the firebox, don't you have to look at the way the oil is being distributed in the firebox just like with where you blow the coal in with the stoker to make sure you don't have any cold spots in the fire so the heat is distributed equally over the crown sheet so there's no large stresses on it and problems that would cause? I've never been around any oil fired locomotives so I don't know if the oil is sprayed into the firebox or if there's a burner and if so how its set up to work. I know there has to be even heat across the crown sheet though and how would you know what the fire is doing if you can't look in at it? There's got to be some way to see what the fire is doing I'd think anyway. Maybe I'm wrong, IDK.
Hello William, oil fired locomotives only need a peep-hole, but since we already have the components and would like to visually setup the cab as it was originally built that is our preference. However, FMW is the lead on this project, and if they say the peep-hole is the better solution for safety, reliability, and/or performance, then that is what we will do. Thank you for your interest in the 2100. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
I ever expected a problem with burning coal in 2100.Shows how complex steam locomotive restoration is.
Greetings, yes they are. Not only in the restoration itself, but from the "business side" as well to ensure that the organization is financially sustainable, the locomotive has enough profitable running opportunities, and non-running financial support to continue operations.
Thank you for your interest, and please consider donating $37.00 to install a boiler tube.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
Looking good!
I know nothing is set in stone as of yet (probably) but I know everyone is excited by the idea that 2100 and 2102 will finally be back together, is that even a possibility in the cards for when she is finally moving under her own power once more?
Hi James, ASR has a great relationship with the R&N and the 2102 crew. Should an opportunity arise that can logistically be done, and is financially viable, ASR will do everything possible to make a meeting with the 2102 happen. Thank you for your interest in the 2100. Please consider making a donation or purchasing an item from our gift store. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop/
I am very happy to see the restoration is coming along. I am on the side of scared when it comes to the conversion, considering it’s what more or less nearly ruined the engine last time it was made an oil burner. Obviously the last conversion was a sloppy “toss it in and go” vs. one that had time taken to convert all of the appropriate components. I am looking forward to the day of two T1’s double heading however I don’t know what would smell better, sulfur or oil. I’d say the coal sulfur, but that’s just me.
Hello James, thank you for your encouragement. None of us here at ASR or amongst our contractors have any concerns on the oil firing, as it has been successfully done before on fireboxes even larger than this, as well as with thermic siphons. Please consider purchasing one of new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
I completely understand your reasons for why you're going for oil conversion, and it's good to hear you're keeping the coal burner parts safe in case you do convert her to burn coal again in the far future.
Hello Matthew, thank you for your support and understanding. We plan on displaying some of the coal parts for open house events, and will keep the rest properly stored. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
@@AmericanSteamRailroad I will. Your Welcome. And Good Luck!
Also, I know it maybe too early to ask this, but are there any other projects you'll be working on after 2100?
@matthewpowell2429 before leasing 2100, the ASR acquired a Frisco 2-8-2 "Mikado" number 1352, which they will move to Cleveland and restore to operation after 2100 is finished and operating excursions. Beyond that, we'll have to see.
Awesome
I suspect this is a decision not made lightly, and I respect it. I think as long as the conversion to oil burning is done properly and she steams well, then I have no problems with that. The last thing anyone wants is a rerun of what happened to 2100 in the past. I trust that the conversion will be done properly and with great care. Keep up the good work!
Greetings, yes, this decision to use recycled oil was done after a great deal of information was gathered and analyzed over an 18 month period, not only by ASR but our steam industry contractors and consultants. FMW, a leader in converting coal locomotives over to recycled oil, has been selected as the contractor to perform all of this work. Thank you for your support, please consider making a donation as we are 80% complete. www.americansteamrailroad.org/donate/
In the future, would the engine be able to be run on used vegetable oil and/or possibly ethanol.
How about eco-friendly fuel options?
Hello, yes, recycled motor oil, recycled vegetable oil, bio-diesel, are all viable options.
Please consider donating to the 2100's restoration.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/donate/
Carrying on Tom's legacy. It may not be the same system and design, but it's still the same concept.
Hi James, yes, the same concept, but this time the experts at FMW will be scientifically engineering, designing, and building the complete firing system to extract the greatest performance out of the Wootten firebox and the boiler. Thank you for your interest in the 2100. Please consider making a donation or purchasing an item from our gift store. www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop/
Curious how the oil burn efficiency will be with that firebox. I don’t know much of boilers but I see the Union Pacific Big Boy’s firebox be almost similar size (compared to the firebox width of the 2100 to the firebox length of the 4014).
Hello, the Big Boy's firebox grate area is actually much larger than the 2100's, 150 sq ft vs. 94.5 sq ft. Additionally the Santa Fe had very large, and very successful, 4-8-4's and 2-10-4's that were oil burners from day one with firebox grate areas of 108 sq ft and 121.50 sq ft respectively.
With the design FMW will scientifically engineer specifically for the 2100, we are all confident that it will be an exceptional firing locomotive. Thank you for your interest, and please consider donating $37.00 to install a boiler tube.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
Are there any other 4-8-4 running boosters or is this the only one? Seems such a wonderful addition to be able to pull more cars with the same loco.
Hello, yes, several railroads ran boosters on their 4-8-4's, including the Lehigh Valley and C&O, the 4-8-4's running today with boosters are 2102 and 4449. The issue is the additional cost to purchase and maintain them, which many railroads did not deem beneficial once factoring in those costs.
Please consider donating to the 2100's restoration.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/donate/
i noticed several ASRR volunteers were getting trained by the R&N steam crew on the august 13th ramble, i think that is great that R&N allows you guys to come down and hand get hands on training on how to operate and maintain steam. will that be mentioned in the next update video?
We plan on having a piece either on video or on print soon, stay tuned. Hope to see you at the next rambles...
I met them there
Hey ASR, Excited to see two T1s one using coal and one using oil it would be great when they unite to do comparisons of energy consumption as they are both the exact same locomotive with 2 different fuel systems. I hope you do have plans for 2100 and 2101 to be reunited and run together best wishes guys
2100 and 2102*
Hello! Yes a comparison would be an interesting study for sure. Should the opportunity arise, and it can financially and logistically be done, ASR would welcome the opportunity to run with the 2102.
Thank you for your interest, please consider donating $37.00 to install a boiler tube.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
Regards to the comparison from ANTHRACITE coal to oil, I hope you can HAVE some sensors in the chimney, and measure outgoing gasses like Sulphur, and final exhaust temperatures 🌡, Plus ➕ the amount of time to fire up from complete Cold 🥶, into Full HOT 🔥 🥵 Temperature 🌡, and Full Steam Pressure at about, 250 P.S.I.!!!!! OK IN SEPT., 2023A.D.
A Doubleheader with 2102 and 2100 would be the best thing in the world!
HI, if the opportunity arises, and financially and logistically it can be done, ASR will do what it can to make it happen. Thank you. Please consider purchasing one of the new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Glad to see work going on. With the conversion to oil would be nice to see a Reading T1 come down to Texas maybe run down here to Houston.
Although that would be a cool thing to see, I don't foresee 2100 going to Texas. American Steam Railroad has stated that they will primarily operate 2100 in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, and beyond that, operate into the Northeast (which is former Reading territory) and maybe deeper into the Midwest. However, you guys in Houston have a large steam locomotive that is soon to be restored in your area that I am really excited to see!
Or it could tour the entire western United States.
@@TRAINGUY-ey3hjit is highly unlikely that the 2100 will tour the west, let alone any steam engine at all. Huge trips like that haven't been done since the late 90s or early 2000s. And with ASR being a much smaller operation than FtWRHS, or Steam Railroading Institute, the 2100 won't get big chances like that.
I'd say the farthest the 2100 would go would be to the Reading and Northern to meet up with the 2102
Hi Travis, well that would be an amazing "rail trip" for sure, and we here at ASR have always said "if an opportunity exists to operate, and it can be logistically accomplished and is financially viable, ASR will seriously consider it". Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation at our Gift Store, thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
Good decision on a proper oil conversion. 2100 will be more host railroad friendly, the closer 2100 can get to being just another train on the dispatchers time table the better. No worries about track side fires, cider cutting and the list goes on. I don't care what it burns, a running steam locomotive is better then a museum piece.
Greetings and Thank You. And yes, this decision was made not only for today, but for many years into the future to ensure the 2100 has the greatest opportunity to run far and wide at a variety of locations. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
I do not agree with the oil decision but I do understand why you would do it. I only don't agree because those burn anthercite coal instead of what every other steamer uses. There is only a handful of locomotives that burn anthercite coal. I do understand the decision.
Greetings Kirk, thank you for your understanding. This by no means was an easy decision for any of us, but with ASR going on 8 years of work and over $1,150,000 invested so far in the restoration, at this time and for the foreseeable future we needed to make sure 2100 has every possible opportunity to operate, and this decision was the best choice for that. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Do you guys have a specific date on when you hope to get 2100 completed?
Hi Michael, with $170,000 in funding we can be completed and possibly doing break in running late next year, or in early 2025. It all comes down to how quickly we can get the donations needed, or sell enough items in our Gift Shop. Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation from our Gift Store, thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
I have been on 2102 in reading and Northern it's my favorite steam engine
I wonder what paint scheme they will go with? Operational colors or rambles?
Hello, the current plans are the original Reading freight black scheme. Please consider purchasing one of new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
What was the deciding factor in to the oil conversion?
The video explains everything about that.
Hi Rudy, there were 2 immediate key factors: (1) the cost of coal storage, ash storage, and ash removal; and (2) several host railroads not setup for coal & ash being very hesitant to have coal burning locomotives operating on their railroads. Both would have made it financially very difficult to operate with any money left over. Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation at our Gift Store, thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
@@AmericanSteamRailroad thank you for the information. I’m happy that the 2100 is gonna be running again you have made amazing progress on her everybody that has worked on her deserves a huge thank you!
It will be seeing 2100 running on oil again after the previous owner incorrectly converted it to oil, greatly weakening its performance.
I love the smell of coal smoke in the morning...but I understand.
Greetings, yes, we all do here at ASR as well, but when it came to "Run more with financial means to continue doing so" vs. "Is there a place to run and can we afford to do it", the entire ASR crew both young and old were "all aboard" with Recycled Oil Firing. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you trackside in the near future! Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation from our Gift Store, thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop
@@AmericanSteamRailroad Very good. I bought you some tubes (and the ubiquitous t-shirt). But now you’ll need a new fundraiser: sandbox. If you’re burning oil you’ll need to sand those flus every now and again.
Coal smoke smells fantastic, also like those cinders in your hair on fan trips, oil is stinky, but do whatever is necessary to keep steam alive.
Hello Jeff, thank you for your understanding and continued support. Please consider purchasing one of our new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Its a good thing that #FMWSolutions are doing the conversion from coal to oil. They've done this before (and they're doing it now) on the steam locomotives of US Sugar's Sugar Express in Clewiston, Florida, #FEC148 and #ACL1504. BTW, what kind of oil you're gonna use? Is it fuel oil or used vegetable oil?
Hello Kristoffer, yes, FMW has the expertise to perform this conversion so as to maximize the performance of the boiler. We will be using recycled oil, including recycled vegetable oil, as the fuel, and can also burn bio-diesel if needed at times as well.
@@AmericanSteamRailroad nice!
Where is this engine located. Is it in the reading area same as the 2102
It's over in Cleveland Ohio actually
She is currently at the old B&O Roundhouse in Cleveland Ohio. ASR is currently leasing space for the restoration work.
On Sunday Sept 10th from 11am-4pm there is an open house event, please come visit us at 2800 W. 3rd St, Cleveland OH. We hope to see you there.
As much as I hate to say it...Coal is just too much of a PITA, (not to mention very pricey). Recycled oil is just what the Doctor ordered. it's just about free, (comparatively speaking), and you can fill up at most stops that have a "Jiffy Lube", McDonalds" (or whatever), in town AND you'd be a "hero" for finding a way to permanently get-rid of that nasty old motor oil, (which doesn't go away on it's own). On the other hand, I'm 70 years old and I grew up on Steam powered excursions in Southeast Michigan back in the '60's, (GTW mostly), all of which burned coal. The aroma of coal smoke is not to be taken lightly as it embeds itself into your soul and you probably won't forget it. Only joking, but has anybody come up with "incense" that smells like "Lignite", etc. coal?
Greetings Chuck, we appreciate your understanding. To ensure the 2100 has a long and prosperous excursion career, it was the correct decision to be made at this time. I have been around steam locomotives since I can remember, as my grandfather was a PRR employee from Altoona, so I too have a "soft spot" for coal firing but from a business perspective knew this was a necessity. Please consider purchasing one of new Rambles shirts or donating $37.00 to have a new boiler tube installed. Thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Is their any 2100 locomotives left? Or all scrapped?
Greetings! The Reading built 30 4-8-4 locomotives which they numbered 2100-2129. Four still survive today, here are the numbers and where they are located as of 2023. The 2100 (Cleveland, OH), the 2101 (Baltimore, MD), the 2102 (Port Clinton, PA), and the 2124 (Scranton, PA). Thank you for your interest in the 2100.
What about the n&w 611 she is still coal fired and she ran all over the place
She was restored many years ago, so it doesn't make sense to convert her, but you would have to ask the 611 guys since asr doesn't do anything with 611.
With the price of coal, they all will be converted to oil someday.
Hi David, yes, our good friends with the 611 have run "far and wide" over the years, and we are very glad to see they now have operating opportunities in Virginia as well. With that being said however, much of her past running was several years ago when things were different, or like at Strasburg where the coal and ash facilities and programs are already in place. For the 2100, several of our opportunities are at non-steam locations, and to ensure we can get contracts at some of these locations and not have operating losses, oil was going to be needed as the fuel to utilize. Please consider donating $37.00 for a tube installation or buying one of our new 2100-2102-2124 Rambles T-Shirts. Thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/donate-37-00/
www.americansteamrailroad.org/product/reading-rambles-2100-2102-and-2124/
Can’t Wait For 2102’s Brother To Run Again (As A Vegetable Oil Burner)
Greetings, it will be a great day for sure! Please consider purchasing an item or making a donation at our Gift Store, thank you.
www.americansteamrailroad.org/shop