hehe yup am right What was this loco before it became Freedom Train?

lets see

Reading 2101
AFT #1
Chessie System 2101
Freedom train 1

also breifly masqueraded as a D&H locomotive for a while if I'm not mistaken

ha, now I feel dumb, should have looked through your gallery before commenting about the model!

Have a nearly identical shot of the family hanging in my living room. She's just so photogenic!

Little tidbit of history for those who don't know: the American Freedom Train was originally to run entirely behind Southern Pacific 4449, however clearances and turns at some points wouldn't allow such a bulky locomotive on parts of the route. Reading 2101 was found alongside her sister 2100 and using parts from 2100, 2101 was rebuilt and made operational in the span of one month, which was somewhat of a feat. During the middle of the tour, while 4449 headed the train, 2101 (then #1) was able to go through a more in-depth restoration and was given the paint most think of her being in for the AFT.

oh i know all about that, i have the DVDS on the whole train

I figured you would know. I just have a [possibly] bad habit of throwing history tidbits out for the general public when I can. The museum I worked at for a while had the 2 VHS set of the official documentary, I watched it over and over when I could. lol.

Royal Hudson steam engine on your shirt? I was lucky enough to ride in that one. Nice pic.

i got to go in 2860s cab

Wow. This is after they restored it I think? I bet it was like going back in time. Could you imagine having the job of coal shoveler? =P

hahah im sure there is an auto stoker

Ah! Man! I havn't been close to those big steamers since I was 12 years old. Lucky you!