On Saturday, September 21st, 2019, American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, Inc hosted an event, An Evening with a Legend of Steam: Ross Rowland, to benefit the ASR’s “Fire Up 2100” campaign for the restoration of Reading T-1 class steam locomotive 2100. Brick Model Railroader attended the event to display our soon to be released custom LEGO® model of 2100 and support the restoration.

The event was held at the Midwest Railway Preservation Society, inside the former Baltimore & Ohio roundhouse in Cleveland, Ohio where the restoration of Reading 2100 is being performed. Special activities during the event included a catered dinner, raffle prizes, and a short ride in the Pullman car Mt. Baxter, which was pulled by the Midwest Railway Preservation Society’s ALCO RS-3

Of course Reading 2100 was on full display, highlighting the restoration work done so far.

Also on display were two live steam models, a Reading Camelback, and a C&O 2-10-4.

The highlight of the night though was a special presentation by the legendary Ross Rowland. Ross Rowland talked about his life long passion for steam locomotion, his organizing of the Golden Spike Centennial Limited, the Chessie Steam Special, and the American Freedom Train. Mr. Rowland also discussed his involvement with several of the surviving Reading T-1 locomotives over the years, and revealed plans for the American Freedom Train 2.0 project. At the end of the night Ross posed for photos with guests in front of 2100 along with talking to many guests one on one. 

BMR Reading T-1

As mentioned earlier, Brick Model Railroader was at the event displaying our upcoming model kit for the Reading T-1. American Steam Railroad has been a invaluable resource, providing much historical information and allowing us access to 2100 to gather reference photos and other details. It was a pleasure for us to attend and help support the event and the restoration of 2100.

This event was the first time our T-1 model has been publicly displayed in the full Reading Rambles scheme and with redesigned rods and valve gear for greater detail and appearance. The model displayed represents the finalized model design we will be providing in the kit.

Along with the T-1, our Reading Rambles cars made their first public appearance. We also had models of our USRA 55-Ton Two Bay Hopper, and International Car Company Extended Vision Caboose in Reading liveries as well as Glenn Holland’s own BC&G 13 and BC&G Hopper.

As hinted at in our last update, we have been working on an official date to open preorders. We are happy to say that the date for opening preorders for our T-1 steam locomotive kit will be October 4th, 2019. On that day you will be able to reserve your T-1 kit, as well as the Premium Instruction Kits for the Reading CV class Combine, and PB class Coach cars. We plan to keep preorders open until Early December, for the T-1 kit, with shipping to start after the preorders close. The Reading Passenger Car Instruction Kits are projected to start shipping toward the end of October.

Both T-1 model, and Reading Passenger car models are in their final cases of development. The models have been finalized, instructions books will soon be ready for proofing and final edit, and production elements are being finalized.

We will be offering several options to customize your T-1 kit to your liking and budget. And will also offer several decal sets for the Reading passenger cars to letter the models for, Reading, Central New Jersey, Boston & Maine, Maine Central, and a selection of tourist railroads using the cars to this day. Full details, along with review videos of the T-1 and Reading passenger cars will be coming with the opening of pre orders on October 4th.

Until then, Play well, and thank you for supporting BMR.

Cale & Glenn