American Steam Railroad achieved a significant milestone in the past 14 days, and has the following major announcements to make after hosting an extremely successful Legends of Steam fundraiser with keynote speaker Gary Bensman, which raised $8,389.00 for the 2100's restoration.

1. The FRA conducted its internal boiler inspection of the 2100 on April 20, 2023, and reported the boiler shell's interior to be "in very good condition". ASR charted and provided some 1,980 UT readings of the flues, all above the minimum allowable wall thickness. The FRA inspectors did not have any exceptions to the flue bundle conditions observed. ASR is now approved to begin re-tubing the boiler, with the flues remaining.

2. ASR is pleased to announce that all funds needed to purchase the 291 new 2" tubes have now been raised, totaling $34,988.00, delivered. We expect the new tubes to arrive within 6 week's time. Once the $10,780.00 is raised to install the tubes, ASR will schedule our contractors to complete this next step. ASR will then perform the FRA witnessed hydro test to complete the firebox and boiler testing with UT documentation for 2100's new certification. Please consider donating $37.00 to have a tube installed!

3. Working closely with our dear friend and 2100 supporter Ross Rowland, and coupled with a generous private donation from Mr. Wes Camp, the original 2-cylinder booster engine for the 2100, removed in the 1980's, has now been acquired by ASR and should be delivered to Cleveland before the end of May. ASR will be pursuing grants for it to be rebuilt or refurbished as needed, providing additional power should contracts be presented to ASR necessitating its' need.

ASR would like to thank Gary Bensman for providing our attendees some amazing inside stories of locomotive restorations done in the 1980’s, as well as recently, enhanced by over 400 slide images shown from his private collection.

ASR appreciates all who have contributed to the 2100’s progress to date, and invites anyone to join as a member, make a donation, or purchase 2100 merchandise contributing to one of the most amazing steam locomotive restorations in recent years.

Lastly, stay tuned for announcements regarding the next Legends of Steam fundraiser, which is already in the works!

Best Regards,
Rob Gardner - ASR President
www.americansteamrailroad.org

That booster takes the tractive effirt from 68,000 lbs (less than the donor 2-8-0, a BIG 2-8-0) to 79,400 lbs, just under an N&W J.

Phil Mulligan