Reading 2100 to Debut as American Freedom Train "250" for U.S. Sestercentennial
- trp162
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
In an exciting development for steam fans and history lovers alike, the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR) has announced that Reading T-1 No. 2100 will return to operation wearing a stunning red, white, and blue paint scheme inspired by the American Freedom Train. The restored locomotive will be renumbered 250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
Originally built in 1945 from parts of older locomotives due to wartime material restrictions, No. 2100 has lived many lives—from Reading Railroad freight hauler to excursion star, to storage case, to restoration project. Now based in Cleveland, Ohio, the locomotive is on track to begin test runs in early 2025, with its full operational return aligning perfectly with the lead-up to the nation's sestercentennial celebration.
A New Coat of History
While No. 2100 itself never pulled the original American Freedom Train, it played a crucial behind-the-scenes role. During the Freedom Train’s 1975-76 national tour, sister locomotive No. 2101—renumbered AFT 1—served as one of three steam engines powering the patriotic rolling exhibit. During that time, 2100 contributed key components to keep her sister running. Later, in a poetic reversal, 2101 returned the favor, donating parts during 2100's early restoration efforts in the 1980s.
ASR originally intended to debut the restored 2100 in the classic black Reading freight scheme before switching to the AFT livery for 2026. However, given the projected restoration timeline—completion by late 2024, with spring 2025 break-in runs—the group decided to launch directly into the AFT-inspired livery for efficiency and historical synergy.
"It didn’t make sense to have the Reading scheme paint job applied for only one year, and then completely redo it,” said Rob Gardner, ASR President. “We thought it fitting that 2100 carry on the T-1 AFT legacy as AFT 250 for 2025–2026 and possibly beyond.”– Railfan & Railroad Magazine
Honoring a Shared Legacy
The visual tribute will be nearly identical to the 1975 scheme of 2101, with one symbolic twist: 2100 will carry the number 250, honoring both America's 250th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Train’s bicentennial journey.
Even Ross Rowland, legendary steam impresario and founder of the original American Freedom Train Foundation, supports the decision:
“This will allow thousands to enjoy seeing her in the paint scheme carried throughout the nation in 1975-76 by her sister locomotive AFT 1... Thank you, American Steam Railroad, and here’s wishing you many miles of trouble-free steaming!”
Two T-1s, One Vision
In a beautiful convergence of preservation efforts, the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore is also restoring 2101 cosmetically to its AFT 1 appearance. That means by 2026, steam fans will have the rare opportunity to see two Reading T-1s, each honoring the Freedom Train in their own way—2101 as a static exhibit, and 2100 as a mainline ambassador.
“2100 and 2101 were saved from the scrapper by Ed Striegel and oblivion by Ross Rowland,” said Steve Wickersham, retired Chief Mechanical Officer for 2101. “It can be said that a bit of 2101 will live on in 2100.”– ASR Press Release, October 2023
Help Bring AFT 250 to Life
As of now, $170,000 in funding is still needed to complete Reading 2100's restoration and debut as AFT 250. These funds will allow ASR to hire contractors, order essential parts, and maintain momentum as the volunteer team presses forward.
🛠️ Every donation helps move this historic project forward. As they say in the world of rail preservation, “these projects move at the speed of money.”
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