Reading 2100 Medium Roast – Reigniting the Iron Horse
 
Reading T-1 No. 2100 was born out of wartime ingenuity—outshopped on September 11, 1945, by the Reading Company using components salvaged from 2-8-0 No. 2045 due to World War II-era restrictions on new locomotive construction. One of 30 T-1 class locomotives rebuilt in-house, 2100 was built to move heavy freight through the heart of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal country and did just that until the mid-1950s.
 
But steam wasn’t done yet. In 1960, 2100 was called back into service to pull the legendary Reading Rambles—passenger excursions that gave thousands the chance to experience steam once more. After her final Ramble in 1964, 2100 was sold for scrap but spared the torch, beginning a long journey of rebirths and revivals.
 
In the 1970s, 2100 helped keep steam alive again—this time as a parts donor for sister engine 2101, which powered the American Freedom Train and the Chessie Steam Special. After years of storage, 2100 was restored to operating condition in the late 1980s under Ross Rowland and Bill Benson’s “2100 Corporation.” Though several excursion dreams fell short, the locomotive made its way from Ohio to Canada and eventually to Washington state, even running limited excursions as recently as 2008.
 
Today, 2100 is in the hands of the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association and undergoing a full restoration in Cleveland, Ohio. The team has already returned her to coal-burning configuration and is steadily working to bring her back to mainline steam service. It’s a massive effort fueled by skilled hands, volunteer passion, and public support.
 
This medium roast coffee honors the resilient spirit of Reading 2100—balanced, bold, and smooth, just like the machine that refuses to be forgotten. With every sip, you’re helping power a true American original back to life. 100% of profits go directly to 2100’s restoration.
 
Raise your mug to the Rambles, the rebuilds, and the relentless drive to steam again—because history isn’t just something we remember. It’s something we ride with.