Reading 2101 (Chessie Steam Special)
Working with brass detail parts, battery power installs, and new approaches are the core ideas behind Bulgarino Locomotive Works, and this project is the prime example of that!
The client asked me to modify a model of Reading 2101 to its appearance during the Chessie Steam Special excursions of 1977-1978. The model started as an Overland Reading T1 and needed a new motor mount, brass detail parts, and the installation of the battery power electronics.
The smokebox front of 2101 is heavily modified compared to its Reading days. Flying number boards, Pyle National headlight, and NYC style class light were added for the American Freedom Train. These changes were left on for the Chessie Steam Special. On the prototype, the headlight has a hood with number boards flush to the side. There is no commercially available casting of this arrangement. A brass casting with winged number boards was modified to have the window flush against the side. The headlight is lower when compared to the original Reading placement, so modeling putty was used to fill the hole.
The next step was to work on the radiator grill. It was off-center and needed the pump height adjusted. The cover on top was also damaged from shipping, and needed to be straightened out and soldered into place on two small tabs.
The model had the original gear box and motor, but the motor mount, transmission, and support were missing. These components were constructed out of brass, with a new brass universal joint added to the transmission.
My favorite part of this project is the auxiliary tender. The prototype had an aux tender with a backup light which was controlled independently of the locomotive tender backup light, which the client wanted modeled. I was inspired by photos of the prototype which showed two water pipe ( one on each side of the coupler) running between engine and aux tenders. Using single-pin connectors, I took two outputs (FX3 and Function Common) and ran them from the main tender to the aux, modeling the water lines.
When the aux tender is not in operation, the wires can be stored by plugging the male connector back onto the car. The wires clear the motion of the coupler on curves, should they not be plugged in during operation.
The client asked if I could make the roof on the car, but wanted to paint and decal this model. It was made from sheet brass, curved to the coal boards (as was the prototype), and soldered it in place.
Above, you can see the finished brass work on the tender. The Ajax style brake wheel with the EMD style light mount are present. One light bulb powers the casting.
We were very happy with how the locomotive turned out. The performance was exceptional, and there’s something special about seeing this engine run since no manufacturer has made this prototype. It’s truly a unique piece.
