Steam Rises Again: Reading 2100 Comes to Life After a Decade of Restoration

There’s nothing quite like the sound of steam under pressure—the hiss, the heat, the heartbeat of a locomotive brought back from silence. On April 3rd and 4th, 2025, railfans got the moment they’ve been waiting nearly a decade for: Reading Company 4-8-4 No. 2100 was fired up for the first time since the early 2000s.

After more than ten years of restoration work in Cleveland, Ohio, this powerful piece of American rail history roared back to life thanks to the tireless work of the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASRPA). The milestone marks a massive leap forward in the journey to return the locomotive to excursion service—and eventually to the main line.

“After nearly ten years of dedicated volunteer and professional labor totaling more than $1.6 million and countless unexpected obstacles, we’ve done it,” said Rob Gardner, President of ASRPA. “Ten years ago, none of us expected it to take this long, but we stayed the course. No corners were cut. Every detail was addressed.”

The recent test fire allowed contractors and volunteers to evaluate key systems including the boiler, piping, and water delivery setup. With the test fire complete, attention now turns to final assembly, running gear work, and—you guessed it—a fresh coat of paint. But not just any paint job.

Photo Credit: Nick Martin

Reading 2100 will be repainted in a special livery inspired by sister locomotive No. 2101, which pulled the American Freedom Train in the 1970s. In honor of America’s upcoming 250th birthday in 2026, the locomotive will proudly wear the number 250 when it hits the rails again.

The team is now working hard to raise the final $139,050 needed to begin break-in runs before year’s end. Every dollar gets us closer to seeing this iron giant stretch its legs once more.

A Roast with a Mission: Supporting the 2100/AFT 250 Project

At Railfan Coffee Works, we believe rail preservation isn’t just about remembering the past—it’s about building a legacy for the future. That’s why we’re proud to support the return of Reading 2100 through the sale of our Reading 2100 Medium Roast coffee.

Profits from every bag sold go directly to the Reading 2100 / American Freedom Train 250 Project. Whether you’re a lifelong steam fan or just love the idea of drinking a cup that fuels something bigger, this roast delivers in more ways than one.

It’s bold. It’s classic. And it powers preservation, one cup at a time.

Want to help bring 2100 (soon to be 250) back to the rails? Make a donation directly to the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association:📬 2800 W. 3rd St, Cleveland, OH 44113💻 www.americansteamrailroad.org

And don’t forget to grab your bag of Reading 2100 Medium Roast—because steam runs on water, but preservation runs on passion.