American Freedom Train No. 250 to Be Under Steam for Summer Event
CLEVELAND — The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR) will fire up American Freedom Train steam locomotive No. 250 for its first public event in the summer of 2026. The event, named the Cleveland Railroad Festival, is being held on Saturday, June 27, in collaboration with the Midwest Railway Preservation Society (MRPS) and Cleveland History Days (CHD).
“This is the first time in nearly 20 years that locomotive No. 250 will be fired up for a public event,” said ASR Social Media Chairperson Nick Martin. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate with MRPS and CHD to steam up this patriotic engine for the public this summer, showcasing what the last 11 years of generous support have made possible.”
“Midwest Railway is excited to collaborate with American Steam Railroad in conjunction with the Annual Cleveland History Days celebration to showcase a live steam locomotive against the historic backdrop of the B&O roundhouse in Cleveland's industrial flats,” said MRPS Secretary Ken Yandek.
The Cleveland Railroad Festival will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jun 27, featuring locomotive No. 250 under steam and on public display. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in special activities, such as cab tours and whistle demonstrations, available for an additional charge. The event will also include tours of the historic Baltimore & Ohio Railroad roundhouse, which has been in continuous use since its opening in 1907.
Ticket proceeds will jointly benefit ASR and MRPS. Admission is $25.00 for ages 13 and up, $10.00 for children ages 5–12, and free for children ages 4 and under. Tickets will be available both online and at the door.
Additional events and activities will be announced on ASR’s website and social media platforms in the coming weeks. Due to the ongoing restoration process, locomotive No. 250’s operating status may change without notice.
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.
