BALTIMORE — The B&O Railroad Museum will unveil the newly restored American Freedom Train No. 1 on Jan. 12, 2026. The locomotive is one of three steam engines that pulled the American Freedom Train during its 1975-76 tour celebrating the U.S. bicentennial.
The event will also start a yearlong series of America 250 events at the museum that lead up to the 200th anniversary of U.S. railroading in 2027.
For nearly six months the B&O Museum has been working on a cosmetic restoration of the 1923 Baldwin Locomotive Works engine. The restoration team replaced boiler jacketing as needed, repaired wiring for headlights, class lights, and tab lights, and successfully completed rust abatement. The original paint colors were created in its modern formula. Of the three AFT steam locomotives, No. 1 is the only one remaining in its original Freedom Train paint scheme.
The seal and graphics were painted by artists David and Liné Tutwiler. David has a long relationship with the American Freedom Train. During the bicentennial, his painting “American Freedom Train” was purchased by Pepsi Co., one of the bicentennial sponsors, for display in their corporate offices. Pepsi also later hired David to ride in the cab from Ogden, Utah, to Boise, Idaho, creating additional works of the train and capturing the tour’s western portion.
“The AFT No. 1 captured the hearts and imaginations of millions during its Bicentennial tour,” says Kris Hoellen, B&O Railroad Museum executive director. “Restoring this locomotive in time for America 250 allows us to honor that legacy and share a renewed symbol of national pride and unity. We are thrilled to present this restoration as our gift to the nation during this historic milestone.”
The American Freedom Train of 1975–1976 traveled to all 48 contiguous states and visited 138 cities. The AFT along with the Freedom Train of 1947-1949 are the only two U.S. trains to travel through all 48 contiguous states. The AFT exhibited more than 500 pieces of Americana, including George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin’s handwritten draft of the Articles of Confederation, the original Louisiana Purchase, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s robes, Judy Garland’s dress from “The Wizard of Oz,” and a lunar rover. During its 21-month tour the train was viewed by more than 7 million Americans.
Built as a 2-8-0, the locomotive was rebuilt in 1945 as a 4-8-4 by the Reading Co. It was reclassified as No. 2101 and sold for scrap when retired in 1967. The locomotive became part of the Freedom Train when former Southern Pacific No. 4449 encountered restoration issues and clearance challenges in the Northeast U.S. It was determined that No. 4449 would not be ready in time to meet the train’s schedule and that, due to size, would not be able to travel in parts of the Northeast. No. 2101 and sister No. 2100 were purchased, with No. 2101 being returned to operation and No. 2100 serving as a parts supply.
The unveiling will also launch a yearlong series of programs, exhibitions, and events at the B&O Museum centered on both the AFT No. 1 and America 250. Debuting will be an exhibit devoted to the historic journey of the American Freedom Train including a multimedia presentation of the Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner song, “Here Comes the Freedom Train.” Dolly Parton’s song will be played during the unveiling ceremony on Jan. 12.
For additional information about America 250 at the B&O Railroad Museum, please visit the museum’s website. For more information on the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027, please this website dedicated to the event.
Unfortunately for railfans, while the sanding and priming of this magnificent locomotive was properly done, the final paint job was not. It is mottled and rippled instead of smooth. I am told the wrong application process was used, and the museum is apparently not going to have it corrected to the way it should be. Very unfortunate for this piece of railroading history…
The article is for Reading 2101. AND Reading 2100 is being restored at the B&O Roundhouse in Cleveland, OH, also for the 250th anniversary.
https://www.americansteamrailroad.org/
The photos and story in this article are of the AFT locomotive that is being cosmetically restored by the B&O Museum. The photos in the article were taken a few months ago at the Museum’s Restoration Shop before it was moved inside to the Restoration Shop’s paint booth. Now that the paint job is “finished,” it is currently sitting back outside until it is moved to the main part of the museum. I’m hopeful that the Reading 2101 in Cleveland will be restored beautifully.
Such a stunning locomotive and such a successful cosmetic restoration!
A genuine American rail icon, loved by millions all over the country!