American Freedom Train Moves for first time in 44 Years! || TSMGL Train Video
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- čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
- Today we take a trip to the B&O Railroad Museum on a windy October 21st, 2023, to witness American Freedom Train No. 1 (ex-Reading Railroad T1 No. 2101) being moved for the first time in a little over 4 decades, for a cosmetic restoration! Big thanks to my dad for the additional angles that he filmed of the move!
All media within this presentation are owned by me and as such, may not be reposted anywhere without strict permission.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:49 Conrail 8905 arrives at the main museum campus to retrieve AFT 1
1:48 Conrail 8905 reversing up to AFT 1
2:45 B&O 6944 arriving at the main museum campus, initially, as additional motive power
5:20 Conrail 8905 makes an attempt at moving AFT 1
6:32 Conrail 8905 makes a second attempt at moving AFT 1, with wheel slip
6:54 Conrail 8905 makes a third attempt at moving AFT 1, with additional wheel slip
7:32 B&O 6405 is moved into position to assist 8905
9:41 Fourth attempt at moving AFT 1
16:19 B&O 6405 cut away from Conrail 8905 and positioned out of the way
17:11 B&O 6944 going to Restoration Shops, no longer needed at the main museum campus
17:46 Conrail 8905 pulling AFT 1 out of the main museum campus
19:12 AFT 1 on brief display for spectators
19:28 Conrail 8905, pulling AFT 1, departs for Restoration Shops - Auta a dopravní prostředky
i stood by this engine, at full speed , in Worcester MA. I was 10,, (1975) beautiful sight. My mom and I chased it in to the city,,, was a blast! one of the engineers told me the number (2101) and i never forgot it. was still ledgable thru the blue paint at the time. I so wish, something of that nature could be done again. don't have to wait another F'n 100 years,,,, (or 200)
Here in Portland Oregon we have locomotive 4449 a former Southern Pacific locomotive which now belongs to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, pulled the Freedom Train cross country back in the mid 70s. And it's been kept up.
Watched it go past my aunt’s house in “Bidenville” Scranton, Pa. when I was 6, then toured the Freedom Train during its visit. 2101 was the first real steam locomotive I ever saw, and it started my love for them!
I am so glad to hear that this locomotive will finally be given the full restoration it really needs after sitting in the yard for decades, rusted and neglected.
That is so cool to see that Locomotive move again and the upcoming paint job. I remember that locomotive very well. I was 10 years old when my Grandfather Oliver Buswell was the Engineer of this AFT from White River Junction VT to Manchester NH on 15 April 1975. I rode in the Cab with him the entire duration, and got a huge cinder in my eye too! Oh the smells and sounds of that event I still remember; especially the smell of cast iron brake shoes being used in braking. On route to Manchester my grandfather called Ross Roland who was in the back of the train telling him they should stop for water in Franklin NH as my grandfather was the most senior still rostered steam engine qualified Engineer on the Boston and Maine RR in New Hampshire at that time. Ross told him to keep going on to Manchester. When we got into Manchester my Dad was there as he was following as fast as he could in the VW Bus to Manchester, and the Fireman got up in the Tinder after my grandfather instructed him to do so prior to taking on water -- the Tinder was completely dry sans a few puddles of water. A huge disaster was avoided! My grandfather was likely very concerned and was running scenarios thru his head to avoid a boiler explosion; he had already told me to try to wash the cinder out and to do the best I could as he was occupied operating the locomotive, and now I realize he was likely concerned about dumping the fire if he needed to. Thanks for making this video,
Amazing! Thanks for sharing!
I was on the team that restored 2101 in the B&O roundhouse back in March 1975. I road ti to Hagerstown and back before it ran as AFT1. It sure needs a paint job.
Folks,can I just make a comment from UK? Take a look at some of the locomotives now in full working order hauling steam specials over here, and compare to their condition when they were hauled out of the Barry scrapyard. Patience, dedication and enthusiasm (plus determined fundraising!) can achieve wonders.Of course this marvellous monster is restorable......hell, it's 95% complete!!
Yep, steam is making a resurgence on this side of the pond as well. Look up Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 back on the rails!
What's so sad about all this? If they had maintained her all along, she would not be in this condition that she is now. I understand there's always a cost involved but look at the cost involved now. These things should be saved, restored and put back out on the rails where they can share their heritage with everyone across the country
I agree. She should be restored to operation for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. It will be a symbol to the entire world that we can be beaten and scathed but not defeated.
It would be a true blessing to see 2101 restored to operation after 44 years. And for the ones that have seen 2101 in action ❤️❤️❤️
And I agree with you on maintaining it too. They could have at least put a tarp over her to prevent humidity. Then she won’t look as bad
Wasn’t a “maintained” situation. AFT 1 was in a roundhouse fire while in service and was traded to the museum in exchange for C&O 614. It’s always been in this condition for as long as it’s been at the museum.
@@yerkees01 I understand that but it's been setting 44 years with little to no maintenance done in all of this time. It seems like now that it's almost too late, people are interested in fixing it which is great, but they've had 44 years to possibly recondition this engine
Pity it's only a cosmetic restoration but I'm glad 2101 is still getting some love!
After sitting out in humidity and heat for over 40 years, I'd be glad too for once. 2101 should be treated better than that. Like 2102. Reading & Northern takes good care of that one.
It badly needs it. With 2102 operational, 2100 soon returning to service and 2124 looking pretty good at Steamtown, this is inexcusable for 2101 to be in this shape, ESPECIALLY in the Freedom Train livery. She needs to be a shining example of American railroading, even if she's just a static display.
They should come up with an association called The Friends of 2101 and have a fundraiser to have it restored and put back on the rails
She is ready to hit the main line! Again beautiful ❤️ shape 🚂🚂🚂
Wow that's beautiful ❤️🚂🚂🚂🚂 she looks good! Ready for another trip pulling the freedom train.
This is amazing. What a moving moment. She may have had cosmetic restoration but she is still with us. She avoided scrapping.
Once 2100 is restored to operation, and 2101 is cosmetically restored, it would be incredible if all four of the T1s were gathered together for a big event: The Ultimate Ramble. I'm just dreaming.
Yes, one can dream, though I can picture the foam fest it would be already! 😂 Thanks for watching!
In the summer of 1977, I rode behind 2101 as part of the "Chessie Steam Special" from the B&O's Barr Yard (Riverdale, IL) to Garrett, IN and back.
Good to see an effort made to help save her. Thx for the video I was one of the volunteers that helped restore 2101 in 1975
I hope the cosmetic work will inspire people to contribute to restore it to operating condition. Thanks for the great video about this!
I remember as a child seeing that train when it was all shiny and beautiful and still moved under its own power. I was in the first grade. In 1976, it stopped in Florence, South Carolina, while it was on a tour around the country. We got to go on a field trip to go and see it. They let us take a tour of the train. It makes me sad to see the condition it's in now. Hopefully, one day, it will get a full restoration. I am glad that it has survived.
My special needs son sure hopes and prays 🙏 that someday soon 2101 will be restored to operation in its Chessie System livery because he has seen films 🎥 of it pulling the Chessie System Steam Specials and would love to see it operate again. But he does not want that to be wishful thinking he wants it to be a reality! He also recommends FMW Solutions for help in restoring it because steam locomotive restoration is one of their specialties.
Hopefully you can take your son to see the 2102 running next year. And the 2100 is undergoing full restoration in the Cleaven area too. I don't think that anyone plans to do the Chessie paint job. I guess the Freedom Train is a mile marker that the museum wants to use but the Chessie Steam Special was a big mile mark too. I saw it a couple of times when it ran from Chicago to Garrett Indiana. Loved how those colors stood out on the locomotive and its train.
@@phantombrakeman4983 Thank you for your reply we appreciate it and are glad you agree God bless you 🙏✡🤴✝️🔥🥀🛡🗡🦅🕊🐑🐏😇👼 John 3:16
@@ScaniaVabis580 Well don't forget with God all things are possible and you can take that to the bank. Also if you look up 2101 on Wikipedia it crystal clearly says the damage is mostly cosmetic but it will need a complete overhaul.
It’s so amazing to see this beast being moved again after so many years. She doesn’t look to be in the best condition but hopefully after this cosmetic restoration is completed she’ll look just as amazing as she did all those years ago when thundering down the rails with her trains. Also even though it won’t happen it would be nice to see her back in operation but at least her sister 2102 is still operating but at least she’s getting some attention after just sitting for so long.
This is an impressive sight to observe, the Reading rr t1 engine 2101/ AFT 1 is receiving a cosmetic restoration and some much needed care after sitting outside for all of these decades. I am glad to see this event happen and this is the first time that this locomotive has moved in a while, it's always enjoyable to see steam locomotives be restored whether it's cosmetically or a full return to operational service.
I hope this locomotive and her country are restored to their fully functional glory!
Nice to see they're still putting their SW8 to good use.
*SW7, but yes. Always rode behind that in the early 2000s when I was younger
1975 i was 9 it went through Tioga pa. stopped behind are house got to walk through the cars. my step father at the time rode it down to Lawrenceville and we had to go get him my mother wasnt happy. years later i moved to lasvegas and the rail cars were sitting on the old blue diamond spur for years
1:36 Hey look there's me! I'm the kid with greenish hair with the red, white, and black hoodie on. You probably have to zoom in to see me. Also lemme just say your camera quality is beautiful. I love how the sky looks.
seeing yourself in videos like these is always so satisfying, i’m glad you got to see it in person
I was a nine year old boy when she made her way around America. She went by the TastyKake plant in Philadelphia. My grandfather got a couple pictures. Sad to see her like this she deserves more respect than this.
i remember it stopped in Greensboro NC at Military Park in 1976 some time..
I was going to say I've rode behind SP 4449 a few years ago when it was pulling a holiday excursion train in Portland. Id forgot that there were 3 steam locomotives that pulled the train in the 70s!
A bit shocking. I didn't know it had deteriorated to such a state. I though it was being kept up at last cosmetically. Still happy to see it getting some attention. I live close to 2102 so we get plenty of T1 action here! 🙂
It was in a roundhouse fire, and really hadn't deteriorated much after.
I’m old enough to trump all of you guys. I rode behind her or 2100 (at 77 I am allowed to forget some things) on several of the Iron Horse Rambles. Back then it was no big deal for a 13 year old to get up early and take the subway down to Reading Terminal to board the Ramble. The Rambles left early - maybe 7:00AM. I seem to remember that the steam was put on after the train left Reading Terminal, at Wayne Junction.
The Iron Horse Rambles ran from 1959 to 1964. I’ve heard varying stories about why they ended. The cover story was that all five of the engines ran out of boiler time and the boiler shop was closed. This never made sense to me as time didn’t accumulate on a stored engine and I don’t think that the 2123 was ever used. Anyway, fond memories.
The 2101 was in a severe roundhouse fire. The fact that they did cut her up is a miracle in itself. The amount of damage sustained is more than cosmetic.
For all who say she should be restored to operational status don’t really understand the severity of the damage and how much of the original fabric of the locomotive would be lost.
MY GOD!!! THE BELL!!!!!!!!
"Look daddy! A train from the days when American was free!"
"Yes son, its been rusting on a siding since we lost our freedom"
This video caught my attention. I'm stunned to see 2101 actually being moved after all these years
She needs lot of attention due to the neglect to the management of the B&O museum officers. They are letting their collection rust away
They used to do some fund raisers Like their Christmad trip like the B&O use to run, the last one I took used MA MARC rail equipment! 1309 was lucky to get out of their several years ago and restored to run on the Western Maryland Senic Rail Road.
is this the same day they sideswipe a passenger car pulling it out? Average volunteer activities
I seen her with my dad in all her glory many years ago come through my city. Hope to see it restored. 😢
Just stretching his legs after 44 years
I see the condition of. all of their rolling stock has deteriated so much since I was last their it sad to see their shape! Doesn't like they have done maintenance on anything in a long time! It would be neat to see her repaint in her Chessie steam special colors!
All other commenters acknowledged I am glad that the locomotive is now getting attention.
Let's hope the 2102 will be completely restored to operation one day!
I hope I'm still alive to see her good as new!
How dare they leave that priceless wonder outside to rust when it should be neatly parked inside the roundhouse with all the other priceless wonders of the B&O Railroad! For shame!
What a shame this beautiful engine was neglected like this. Hopefully it will look better soon. Pity that it isn't going in for an operational restoration.
I vaguely remember the freedom train, I was little kid when it came through. Sad😢
cool , was on the coaches , wonder how many brass ones were made in ho scale ?
I remember seeing her all pretty decades ago. We went to see her in Columbus, Ohio, suburb. Honestly, hadnt thought much about her since. I figured she had been scrapped long ago. Was nice that she was preserved in a museum. I'll lay odds that most commentators are of the type whowoild have asked "why are we spending $xxxxxxxxx .xx per year for an old locomotive when the money could be better spent elsewhere?"
Love how the running gear has been neglected to the point that the drivers kept locking up. Think they would have at least disconnected the pistons.
There isn't going to be much of any mechanical work done for restoration, so there is no need to disconnect the pistons. Plus the curve coming out of the display track is a tad bit tight so an SW7 isn't exactly enough for hauling a T1
@@TSMGL_CZcamsI understand it is cosmetic only, however (in the interest of preservation) it would have been a good move. I'm talking about the drivers quarter locking, not the pup.
The sw7 could have pulled it out on its own if the sanders were working. Whit out sand makes it harder to pull a load.
I'm surprised the pistons weren't disconnected for the move.
@1940limited It only traveled less than a half of a mile. The wheels were not locking up. The video makes it look that way. I moved a lot of the steam locomotives there with no problems with the pistons hook up.
So sad😔 to see it in that condition, i have Super8 movies of it in 1975 when it was on tour in Illinois, at least the front still looks halfway decent 😀😃🇺🇸🇺🇸❗
It came to Springfield Il, the railroad track are gone now, only the train station is left.
@@suicidesitter6527 ive lived in the Springfield area all my life, the Freedom Train came into Springfield from Peoria on the Chicago & Illinois Midland, which is now the Illinois & Midland, a Genesee & Wyoming subsidiary. The display track it was on was the B & O line to Beardstown, and it was removed shortly after the Freedom Train exhibition. When it left Springfield, it went to Chicago on the Illinois Central Gulf, which was formerly the Illinois Central line between Chicago & St. Louis, and the portion south of Farmersville was removed for being redundant, aside from a spur to a coal mine. The Illinois Central station in Springfield was renovated some years ago, and the clock tower has been restored to its appearance around the year 1900.
Is this the train that went through America in 1975 as part of Americas' Bi-Centennial Revolution? If so I never seen it. At that time I was in the Air Force assigned to the United States Armed Forces Bi-Centennial Caravan. We had 4 semi's that had displays in them. Traveled all across America .
This is one of 2 engines that led the train across the country in 1975-1976
I'm wondering if they're gonna repaint it back to its cheesie livery (and renumber it back to 2101) considering its sister 2100 (to be renumbered to 250) is going to be the new american freedom train in 2026.
No, 2101 is being restored as AFT 1. Additionally 2100 is going to be repainted back into RDG colors after the Country's 250th birthday.
@@TSMGL_CZcams I see.
They doinked a coach with her later on
Well aware. All that was damaged was a grab iron on the coach
At least they’re removing all that rust on 2101. Then she’ll look like something meaningful. They need to do better when it comes to having these steam locomotives on static display
It ought to be restored to its original Reading paint and number 2101.
There's already 3 other T1s preserved in, if not close to, their RDG appearances. What's wrong with having this one be restored as one of its unique appearances?
Something I hope they do when she's unveiled is blowing her whistle on air.
That would be something! Assuming the whistle is still on the engine after all these years...
@@TSMGL_CZcams Yeah. Also, I know it'd most likely be impossible, but wouldn't it be exciting to see 2102, 2100, and 4449 there?
Interesting, the more modern equipment doesn't do well with the old.
They better get Thair Butts to work on Restoring American Freedom train 1#
How nice. This symbol of the greatnes of the USA and its industrial might sits as a rusting hulk in a museum. Oh, how nice, we are going to give it a coat of pain - that is where you can see it. Underneath and in all the corners where it is not easy to access, it doesn't matter. Let the rusting continue, like 4012 and 4023 and dozens of other static engine displays. What a shame on the face of preservation that this supposedly historic, faithful engine is only worth a few dabs of paint to make it shiny again. Hey, som3guy, a cosmetic restoration isn't a display of love. It is an example of sweeping the dying engine under the rug.
Let's get these engine mechanically restored. There are enough fat cats in the USA to pay for at lease one example of every class of engine to be rebuilt, top to bottom and given an endowment to run in revenue service. They can't financially compete but they can still do the work better than most diesels, and they do it alone. It doesn't take 4 of them. You know that this cosmetic restoration, like the one at steamtown on 4012, is worth about 2 years and then the rust shows once more. But it shows because it never went away.
What would YOU do, go to see 4023 rusting away in Omaha or see 1309 or 611 tearing down the rails with 150 units behind, making the dust fly, leaving billowing white clouds of steam in its passing. Nay, why bother - go see a rusting hulk in the park. Far more fun. Look at the shiny paint, Daddy. What is that thing? Why is it sitting here, Daddy. (Father) Because no one really cares about real machinery, son, the world is too slick to care anymore.
I don't believe for one second it's not restorable to working condition. I've seen it in person and there's nothing damaged beyond repair. The sheetmetal's not even warped.
Everyone involved in this should be embarrassed with how this was handled, how badly it went, and how badly that locomotive was allowed to deteriorate. The B&O Museum is an absolute joke.
That’s reading 2101😊
is 2101 gonna be steamed .
No.
That was one of Ross Rowlands trains. What ever happend to that guy?
He's still kickin' around
What country was this in? Couldn't be the USA!
I know right, it's almost as if there are no major indicators as to where this is 😂😂
Thanks for watching!
why were they moving her, cosmetic restoration?
Read the description
Antique. Glooos vaporish roools 2 gpood
"EXTRA- Ordinary" !
Real trains no electric junk trains
They should restore the American Freedom Train and have President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania take too the rails for there campaigning in 2024 , but I think it would take longer than a yr. To restore her old number 1. But it is good to see her still around.😁👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽🗽🗽
Wouldn't be ready in time, would take atleast 20 tears to fully restore her
The Freedom Train paint scheme is awful.
It looks great
Better than the chessie one
Are they going to restore her?
Cosmetically
I remember the freedom train rolling through my town when I was younger. I'm sad it is in such bad shape. Maybe I'll get to see it after it is restored.