American Freedom Train No. 250 Running Gear Fundraising Begins
Nick Stewart | November 19, 2025
CLEVELAND — The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR) has begun a fundraising campaign for American Freedom Train steam locomotive No. 250’s running gear, including the rods, bearings, rigging, valve gear and more. Named the “Making Moves” campaign, the first phase has set a goal of $15,000 to replace the locomotive’s rod brasses that are unsuitable for continued use.
“With 2026 approaching and work on the locomotive’s boiler nearing completion, it is time to shift focus to the running gear,” said Nick Martin, ASR’s Social Media Chairperson. “This $15,000 goal for the rod brasses is the first of additional goals to come in the Making Moves campaign, and if we continue to meet those goals, No. 250 could make its first moves under steam as soon as spring of 2026.”
The "Making Moves" phases to follow will cover projects including the straightening of bent main rods, roller bearing inspections, cylinder cock repairs, Alemite gun, a main bearing temperature monitoring system and the alignment or “tramming” of the frame, rods, wheels and running gear.
After a satisfactory FRA-witnessed steam test is completed, work on the running gear is expected to be the last major mechanical project before No. 250 can move under its own power. From there, the focus will turn to electronics, insulation, jacketing, final paint, other fine details and break-in running to prepare it for excursion service.
“Fundraising is especially critical now, as the running gear work relies significantly more on professional contractors and vendors than the boiler work did,” Martin continued, “but if just 60 generous people donated $250 or more, we would reach or exceed our $15,000 goal.”
In 2005, a group of engineers, businessmen, and railroaders came together to establish the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In 2015, ASR surprised the railroad preservation industry by signing a multi-year lease for Reading Company steam locomotive No. 2100 and completing a 2,200-mile move to Cleveland, Ohio. It has become one of the most ambitious steam locomotive restorations in the United States, with over 24,000 volunteer hours committed, and most recently, a successful steam test in April 2025.
Upon its debut, locomotive No. 2100 will be adorned in the striking red, white and blue colors of the American Freedom Train and renumbered to No. 250. Based on conversations with rail tourism consultants, it is conservatively estimated that ASR’s steam locomotive operation program will attract 15,000 to 25,000 visitors annually to Greater Cleveland and other locations it visits, generating between $2.25 million and $3.75 million in economic growth each year.
Tax-deductible donations towards the restoration of AFT No. 250 / Reading No. 2100 can be mailed to American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, 2800 W. 3rd St, Cleveland, OH 44113, or made online at www.americansteamrailroad.org/donate.