American Freedom Train No. 250 Completes FRA-Witnessed Steam Test
CLEVELAND — Witnessed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR) has completed a satisfactory two-day steam test on American Freedom Train steam locomotive No. 250. The FRA’s inspector noted no exceptions during the test, allowing ASR to complete the historic locomotive’s $2 million restoration to operating condition.
Conducted on February 26 and 27, 2026, the test involved steaming the boiler to its maximum allowable working pressure of 240 PSI and setting the safety relief valves under FRA observation. This also allowed contractors to test the boiler, piping, water delivery systems and throttle under full steam pressure. The test was carried out successfully to the satisfaction of the FRA and ASR’s professional contractors.
The FRA’s inspection report stated, “No exception taken during observation of satisfactory test of safety relief valves.”
During the steam test, volunteers were given the opportunity to witness the locomotive in steam and blow the whistle after more than a decade of work. ASR’s restoration crew consists of many young faces, with 33% of the crew under the age of 30. These enthusiastic volunteers help ensure the legacy of steam railroading and No. 250 continues for future generations.
With the FRA-witnessed steam test complete, the next steps for No. 250 include running gear work, final plumbing and gauge installation, electronics, insulation and jacketing of the boiler, and painting the locomotive into American Freedom Train colors. The running gear work is the focus of the ongoing “Making Moves” campaign, involving rod brass replacement and machining, rod straightening, roller bearing inspections, cylinder cock repairs, acquisition of an Alemite grease gun, a main bearing temperature monitoring system and the alignment or “tramming” of the frame, rods, wheels and running gear.
In 2005, a group of engineers, businessmen, and railroaders came together to establish the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, a 501c3 non-profit 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 26,000 volunteer hours committed.
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.
