American Steam Railroad Association Converts 2100 to Oil Burning

The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association recently announced its decision to convert the Reading 4-8-4 2100 locomotive from a coal burner to an oil burner. This conversion is being made to address the economic and operating challenges associated with acquiring and burning coal. The locomotive is currently undergoing restoration in Cleveland.

FMW Solutions has been contracted to design an oil firing system that can be installed in the locomotive’s Wooten firebox, which was originally designed for burning Anthracite coal. The association is committed to properly storing the unused coal components, ensuring that the external firebox and inside cab appearance remain as they were originally built.

Switching to oil as a fuel source offers several advantages. The expense and logistics of transporting, storing, loading, and disposing of coal are eliminated. Additionally, using liquid fuel is in-line with modern railroad practices and reduces emissions. Wolfgang Fengler, Vice President of Engineering of FMW, expressed confidence in the adaptability of the firebox design, stating that with the right components, it will produce excellent steaming capabilities and performance burning recycled oil as fuel.

In addition to the conversion, the association has taken delivery of 291 new boiler tubes, which are essential for completing the restoration of the locomotive’s boiler. A fundraiser has been launched to raise the remaining funds needed to install the tubes. Donations can be made through the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association’s website or by mail.

The association is also selling tickets to its upcoming Legends of Steam fundraiser in Cleveland, featuring Steve Wickersham as the keynote speaker. Wickersham is known for his work as Ross Rowland’s “right-hand man” on the American Freedom Train and Chessie Steam Specials in the 1970s.

The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, founded in 2005, is dedicated to the restoration of steam locomotives. In 2008, it acquired Frisco 2-8-2 1352, and in 2014, it secured a multi-year lease for the Reading 2100. Since then, the association has been working tirelessly on the restoration of the locomotive.