Anyone have some current history for Reading T-1 4-8-4 #2100? What ever happened to this engine. I hear a rumor now and then. But...? Boxcab E50
Ken, this is off the top of my pointy head, so probably wrong. One of the T-1's, the one purchased by a Canadian gentleman, converted to oil, and labeled "Ferroequinology" or something like that, has recently been moved on a flatcar from Ontario to BC. It is destined for an operation in Tacoma, WA, but as far as I know it is held up for paperwork in Vancouver, BC. I THINK it's 2100 but not sure. [ November 04, 2005, 09:52 PM: Message edited by: fitz ]
2100 is currently owned by Golden Pacific Railroad, Inc. based in Tualatin, Oregon. Apparently GPR is serious about maintaining and operating 2100.
Interesting info. I had heard rumors. But that area's railfan grapevine is remarkably silent. One of the rumors suggest it operating on a line that I don't see can support it's weight. An ex-Milwaukee Road track, on which they'd never operate S-3 #261. And the 2100 weighs ten tons more! Boxcab E50
Wow, what a coincidence!! I just came across a thread on Railroad forums.com that they have been talking for awhile about this and now it's in Everett,WA. and it's heading my way!! I have not heard a thing about it till now! They want to have her steamed up and ready to roll by Turkey Day!! She's gonna run over the Tacoma Rail, hopefully up "the gulch" towards Mount Ranier. Awesome, and it's in my backyard,(ten miles away), I'll keep ya'all posted!
Hey! It's officially in Tacoma now!! I drove down to the Tacoma Rail yard and there she was, though too far away for pics. There's also 4 or 5 passenger cars with her. Painted silver with a blue band up the sides. Also, over at CEECO, is an Amtrak baggage car sittin there.
She is now on the rails!! And what's more important, she's steamin!! At 10:35 AM this morning on the way to the train show my Dad and I went to go see her, and low and behold, when we pulled up, I saw a little wiff of smoke from the stack, smelled good!! Stayed for 5-10 minutes and she built up a good head of steam. Probably doin' boiler tests. Nice plume of black smoke by the time we left!!
I can't remember tonight. Is 2100 a coal burner? Or oil? Seems as though it would be coal. Coming from anthracite country? Boxcab E50
Ken, she was a coal burner when I saw her and her sister 2101 at an Ironhorse Ramble in Reading, PA back in '60.
Hank- OK. Now I'm wondering if she was converted to help with environmental concerns? Or operating costs? Neither seems to be a 100% plausible picture. As Milw 261 is still proudly burning coal. And I sure hope nobody alters her! Boxcab E50
Dunno about 2100, but UP swapped 844 and 3985 back and forth a few times, I assume depending on which mine or refinery gave the best contracts.....
Kurt, according to posts on another site, they will be running Monday, Nov. 28, One way to Fredrickson from the Tacoma freighthouse at 11AM as a test, but they are selling tickets on Ticketmaster. You have to find your way back by yourself. Get pictures, please.
Just as a side note, this is Reading #2102 dressed up in D&H colors for the Sesquicentennial Annv. Postcards {Memorabilia} - DHVM Website
I am looking forward to finally seeing a Reading T-1 running! I did see 2124 at Steamtown ten years ago.
Heard from a friend who went down yesterday, and looked it over closely. He didn't care much for the paint scheme chosen. But otherwise was impressed. Boxcab E50
Ya', I was wondering what's up with that paint scheme too. I'm not into the Reading to much. Is that the normal paint job on the steamers? Cause it sure would better suite us around here if it was painted GN, NP, or any of the local old lines! Milwaukee Road would be ideal since it's gonna run on the former's tracks!
