The Rambler by joshieboy12 on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Originally built as a 'I10a' class 2-8-0 by Baldwin in 1923, Reading Company consolidation number 2003 was rebuilt and upgraded into a 'T-1' class 4-8-4 'Northern' number 2103. Until the arrival of diesel locomotives in the mid 1950s, the 2103 along with thirty sister engines were normally assigned for dual service haul freight and passengers on the Reading Company system. Among the surviving 'T-1's kept in storage at the roundhouse of Reading, Pennsylvania, 2103 was also stored but under some minor repairs after some incidental issues on the mainline. As the Iron Horse Rambles dawned in 1959, the Indian Valley Railroad purchased the fourth-constructed 'T-1' in hopes of finishing the repairs that had been postponed last year. Once under steam again at Logan Wash, Pennsylvania, the 2103 entered service as a frequent choice for hauling the President's Special train on the IVRR system. Named after the five-year Reading's Iron Horse Rambles, Rambler is since kept in serviceable condition, mainly working on mainline freight and excursions primarily.

Original photograph of Reading 2102 by: Doug Kroll circa two years on July 2nd