American Steam Railroad achieved a significant milestone in the past 14 days, and has the following major announcements to make upon hosting an extremely successful Legends Of Steam fundraiser with keynote speaker Gary Bensman, which raised $8,389 for the 2100's restoration.

1) the FRA conducted its internal boiler inspection of the 2100 on 4/20/23, and reported the boiler shell's interior to be "in very good condition". ASR charted and provided 1,980 flue UT readings 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 new 291 2" tubes have been raised, totaling $34,988 with delivery. We expect the new tubes to arrive in 6 weeks. Once the $10,780 is raised to install the tubes, ASR will schedule our professional contractors to perform this 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 professionally installed!

3) Working closely with our dear friend and 2100 supporter Ross Rowland, and due to a generous private donation from Mr. Wes Camp, the booster for the 2100 which was removed in the 1980's, has 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 awarded to ASR necessitating its' need. ASR extends its deepest thanks and appreciation to Ross and Wes for making this possible.

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

ASR appreciates all that 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.

And, 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