Well, I made it up to Port Clinton, PA today to the Reading and Northern open house / 20th anniversary celebration. Wow, the R&N is really a class act. All of the facilities and equipment were great and the employees and volunteers were friendly and helpful.
Anyways, I took lots of digital pictures today (over 200) and put up a quick web page with pictures of the steamers that were on display.
The 425 was minus all tubes and flues. They are in the process of rebuilding it, which is a good sign. An employee told me that they'd like to have it running by next year.
The 2102 didn't look too bad. The leading cab windows were cracked and the tender needs a good rebuild, but I honestly don't know anything about the mechanical state of the locomotive. The attached picture is the inside of the 2102's firebox, and yes that's a coke can in there.
The 614 was a sad sight out there in the open. Paint is peeling from the jacketing and there is plant growth there too.... :-(
Oh well, they are all in pretty good shape compared to a lot of stuff out there and they are definitely safe where they are.
Enjoy.
JimE
JimE's R&N Picture Page
jrevans@accusort.com