Brian Smith

American Steam Railroad Receives Large Donation to Finish Staybolt Project

A longtime supporter of the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association has helped bring a recent fundraising campaign to a close. Louis Schillinger, president and CEO of United Shortline Insurance Services Inc., has donated $1,000 to help complete the forging and machining of the 560 new staybolts needed for Reading Company T-1 4-8-4 2100’s firebox. “I American Steam Railroad Receives Large Donation to Finish Staybolt Project

February 2020 Restoration Update

American Steam Railroad's Forrest Nace and Rob Gardner explain all the work done in our latest video update. Highlights include: The first test samples of the 560 staybolts needed for the firebox were forged and machined. Metal brackets in the tender that held in the fuel oil tank were removed, and surfaces cleaned. The stoker ... February 2020 Restoration Update

January 2020 Restoration Update

– Removal of the brake stand and other items attached to the cab floor. This is the first step in creating a new floor that will allow the stoker auger to be linked through the firebox door. -The continued removal of the tender brackets that are no longer needed. -The stoker auger U-bolts were removed. January 2020 Restoration Update

December 2019 Restoration Update

American Steam Railroad’s Forrest Nace explains all the work done in our latest video update. Highlights include: – Tours given during the holiday open houses at the Midwest Railway Preservation Society. – The stoker trough auger continued to receive work. – The bolts holding the smoke box doors were loosened to help with the internal December 2019 Restoration Update

Enter for your chance to win Big!

Hello Friends and Supporters,      Thank you for supporting American Steam Railroad’s annual raffle that featured a Broadway Limited Reading T-1 and brass caboose. This year’s winner was Joseph Kurilla of Willow Grove, Penn.     Building on the interest and success of our past raffles, ASR is campaigning to do monthly raffles throughout 2020. The Enter for your chance to win Big!

2019: Year in Review

It’s been a busy year for one of the largest steam locomotive restorations in the country. American Steam Railroad’s volunteers and contractors have been making progress on Reading 2100, with volunteers contributing over 1,000 hours to the project. The 1945 built northern is inching closer to boiling water once again, with several milestones accomplished within 2019: Year in Review

November 2019 Restoration Update

American Steam Railroad’s Forrest Nace explains all the work done in our latest video update. Highlights include: -On both sides of the firebox, measurements were taken of the area between the side sheets. This will allow us to cut the material needed for the 554 staybolts. -Old grease and oil were removed from the crosshead November 2019 Restoration Update

October 2019 Restoration Update

American Steam Railroad’s Forrest Nace explains the work that has been done in October. – The remaining cylinder cock valves were removed and inspected. Damage was detected with the spring pin inserts needing to be fixed. – The cylinder barrels and piston rods were polished. A light coat of oil and grease applied to protect October 2019 Restoration Update

September 2019 Video Update

American Steam Railroad’s Forrest Nace explains all the work done in our latest video update. Highlights include: -Our big event this month was the Ross Rowland dinner, where we hosted over 50 guests that came to listen about Ross’ experiences on the high iron behind steam. We like to extend a big thank you to September 2019 Video Update

August 2019 Video Update

American Steam Railroad’s Forrest Nace explains all the work done in our latest video update. Highlights include: -Removal of the 5,000-gallon oil tank from the tender. -Wood shims and metal supports for the tank in the tender were removed. -Side rods were checked for straightness and brasses inspected for wear by a professional contractor. -Burrs August 2019 Video Update