WE Trains

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas from WE Trains

23/11/2023

Happy Thanksgiving from WE Trains

01/11/2023

I wonder if this is the start of something bigger coming. 🤔

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reading T-1 No. 2100 to Debut as the American Freedom Train 250

Cleveland, OH — The restoration of Reading T-1 4-8-4 no. 2100 by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR), a 501c3 non-profit, will debut in a near identical American Freedom Train paint and detail scheme that was applied to T-1 no. 2101 in 1976 as it toured the Northeast as AFT 1.

“Our initial plan was to debut the 2100 in the original black Reading freight scheme, and then apply the AFT scheme as we drew closer to 2026. However, with ASR working towards the goal of having the restoration completed by the end of 2024 and break in running occurring in the spring of 2025, it didn’t make sense to have the Reading scheme paint job applied for only one year, and then to completely redo it for America’s 250th Celebration in 2026”, says Rob Gardner, President of ASR. “The 200th bicentennial American Freedom Train began its tour on April 1st, 1975, so for ASR to debut the 2100 in the American Freedom Train scheme in 2025 is also repeating the AFT 1’s preceding year debut."

Mr. Gardner continues, “The main change ASR will be making is on the front number plate and the flying number boards, which will now carry the number 250 as opposed to number 1. The original steam powered AFT had three steam locomotives used in 1975-1976 each with their own number, and we thought it fitting, especially given the announcement from the B&O Railroad Museum that AFT 1 will be receiving a full cosmetic restoration, that AFT 1 remain with ex-Reading T-1 no. 2101, with the 2100 carrying on the T-1 AFT legacy as AFT 250 for 2025-2026 and possibly beyond. We are all very pleased that AFT 1 will emerge as a magnificent display for those that visit the B&O museum in Baltimore, with AFT 250 being the traveling American Freedom Train locomotive to take the AFT steam locomotive experience to the people, which was another reason we made the decision to convert to burning recycled oil.”

Mr. Ross Rowland states, “As the Founder and CEO of the American Freedom Train Foundation I am very pleased that the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association has decided to have this magnificent steam locomotive carry the American Freedom Train paint scheme when she soon returns to service. This will allow thousands to enjoy seeing her in the paint scheme carried throughout the nation in 1975-76 by her sister locomotive AFT 1 as it pulled the Freedom Train throughout the Northeastern USA. Thank you American Steam Railroad, and here's wishing you many miles of trouble free steaming!”

Steve Wickersham, retired CMO on 2101 states, “I think it is a fitting tribute to both AFT 1 and the United States to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US and the 50th anniversary of the Bicentennial American Freedom Train. 2100 and 2101 were saved from the scrapper by Ed Striegel and oblivion by Ross Rowland for use on the Bicentennial train. 2100 had a contributing role in ‘backing up’ sister 2101 with vital parts for both the AFT and the Chessie Steam Special. Critical parts from 2101 were then donated to 2100 for her restoration in the 1980s. It can be said that a bit of 2101 can live on the nation’s sestercentennial with 2100. Numbering 2100 ‘250’ for this commemoration is appropriate in preserving AFT 1 for her unique and special role, while 2100 carries the tradition forward of Reading T-1 locomotives and their historic role in preserving and celebrating American history.”

“The key to this is raising the final funds needed to complete the 2100 / AFT 250’s restoration”, states Forrest Nace, Treasurer of ASR. “As many like to say in railway preservation, these projects move at the speed of money. While we have achieved
many significant milestones in 2023, $170,000 is still needed so we can continue non-stop throughout 2024. We have our professional contractors and parts suppliers all waiting for us to say we have the funds on hand so they can begin the work and ship the items needed, with our volunteers continuing to perform tasks such as cleaning the tender’s cistern and reinstalling the oil bunker to stay on schedule.”

Tax-deductible donations towards the restoration of the Reading T-1 no. 2100 / AFT 250 can be mailed to American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, 2800 W. 3rd St, Cleveland, OH 44113, or made online at www.americansteamrailroad.org.

Jeffrey Frangione photo.

29/10/2023

“Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people” - Steve Jobs

It’s with great honor and pleasure that we can announce that 611 has been repaired and will be back pulling the “Shenandoah Valley Limited” excursions on the Virginia Scenic Railway! We cannot thank our locomotive crew (repairing the 611 in less than 24 hours), volunteers, and staff enough for all of their hard work around the clock in getting the locomotive back in service.

We would also like to extend enormous amounts of thanks to all of our passengers, donors, supporters and fans of the 611/Virginia Museum of Transportation for their cooperation and patience while the 611 was being repaired.

20/10/2023

Glad that they’re finally doing this.

Join us this Saturday, October 21, at 10 AM in our front lot as the iconic American Freedom Train is moved from our front parking lot to our restoration facility. Our goal is to cosmetically restore the AFT 1 in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 200th anniversary of American Railroading in 2027. This locomotive captured the hearts and minds of millions on its nationwide journey in 1975 to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the United States. We welcome everyone to come watch and learn more about this important piece of American history.

To donate to the cosmetic restoration of the AFT 1, visit https://borail.online/aft

20/10/2023

Our classic SD40-2 Locomotive number 6162, donated by Southern in 2020, has been returned to its classic 1978 as-built look. A special photo event will be held in January; tickets go on sale Thursday, October 26th. Read the press release here: https://www.kentuckysteam.org/post/nw-6162

18/10/2023

PUEBLO, Colo. — A broken rail is believed to have caused the derailment of a BNSF coal train near Pueblo on Sunday that led to the death of a truck driver on Interstate 25, according to preliminary findings of the National Transportation Safety Board. The Colorado Sun news site reports NTSB invest...

30/09/2023

What am I looking at?

23/09/2023

23/09/2023

15/09/2023

11/09/2023

Never forget what happened 22 years ago today.

09/09/2023

2926 OPERATION ANNOUCEMENT!

New Mexico Heritage Rail (NMHR) is pleased to announce that for the first time since 1956, Santa Fe 2926 will return to the high-iron as it travels to the Albuquerque Rail Yards to participate in NMHR's New Mexico Railroad Days Event, taking place on September 30th & October 1st.

The event, open to the public free of charge, will take place on:
- Saturday, September 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
- Sunday, October 01, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

We encourage all NMHR supporters and fans, young and old alike, to stop by and visit us during this exciting community event. Beyond viewing 2926 in person, cab tours will be available and the official NMHR merchandise booth will be present offering the latest 2926 swag.

08/09/2023

The effort to restore Boston & Maine 4-6-2 3713 began in 1995 as a joint effort between the National Park Service and the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railway Historical Society.

30/08/2023

24/08/2023

16/08/2023

11/08/2023

Metro-North has released the second of five planned heritage units to celebrate the commuter agency's 40th anniversary.

11/08/2023

02/08/2023

It’s official! N&W 611 is going to the Virginia Scenic Railway.

FUN! Will you ride? Check the schedule here: bit.ly/43TtyTK

30/07/2023

To quote SpongeBob, “I’m Ready!”

29/07/2023

🚂📢 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙒𝘾𝙍!! We have some very 𝙀𝙓𝘾𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎! We're proud to announce that we have entered into an agreement to purchase and acquire another steam locomotive!

The locomotive is former Canadian Pacific Railway #1238, a G5c class 4-6-2 “Pacific” type steam locomotive built by the Montreal Locomotive Works in 1946.

We are excited to see #1238 fully restored and operational in Canada after it has spent so many years in the USA. Steam locomotive #1238 is currently in good condition but is in need of some restoration work in order to get it back into service.

𝙏𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠, 𝙬𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙚 $150,000.00 𝙗𝙮 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 25, 2023, in order to acquire this heritage locomotive and get started with restoration. Donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. You can click on the link below to learn more on how you can donate and help us reach our goal!

🚂 https://waterloocentralrailway.com/equipment/cpr1238/

18/07/2023

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) on April 14, 2024, will mark the first anniversary of its creation with the launch of its Final Spike Steam Tour. The 2816 Empress steam locomotive, hauling

07/07/2023

We're pleased to announce that we've acquired an ownership position in Virtual Railfan.

Established in late 2009, Virtual Railfan operates 106 live railroad cameras in 58 locations across 31 states and two countries, cementing its position as the leader in live railroad entertainment. Union Pacific has recognized Virtual Railfan as the #1 railfan website, underscoring its impact on our favorite hobby. Our shared vision and passion for real railroads and modeling make this partnership a significant milestone in our history. We anticipate great things ahead, and together, we will continue to provide exceptional models and experiences to rail enthusiasts worldwide.

04/07/2023

Happy Independence Day from WE Trains.

29/06/2023

CSX has released its third heritage unit, this time painted for Seaboard System. Once again, the unit features the standard CSX paint scheme on the front half and the heritage scheme on the back end. Thoughts?

14/06/2023

SILVIS, Ill. — BNSF Railway has donated former Santa Fe B40-8W No. 537 to the non-profit Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA). The unit was delivered to the RRHMA shop in Silvis this week. No. 537 was constructed by General Electric for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe in October 1990 as par...

10/06/2023

CSX Transportation CEO Joe Hinrichs showed off the railroad's second heritage locomotive today on LinkedIn: ES44AH No. 1973, a salute to the Chessie System.

09/06/2023

Union Pacific Big Boy returns Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 will return to the rails this week for a nearly month-long tour of Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa as it travels to Omaha, where it will be on display for the NCAA Men's College World Series in mid-June. Steam fans will have a unique opportu...

29/05/2023

Happy Memorial Day from WE Trains. Today, we remember the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

21/05/2023

11/05/2023

After years of speculation, CSX has released their first heritage unit.

09/05/2023

Tickets went on sale May 1 for three main line excursions between July and September.