Reading & Northern 2102: The Race to Nesquehoning | Iron Horse Rambles 2026 [4K]

As the radiating heat of summer takes hold of Pocono Mountains, the thunderous roar of steam rambling along the Reading & Northern's Lehigh Division returns. As part of a heavy operating schedule for 2026, Reading & Northern 4-8-4 T-1 #2102 is tasked with leading a series of Iron Horse Rambles excursions. Departing from Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania earlier in the afternoon, we join the mighty Northern in Pittston as the locomotive is prepared and turned for the journey to Nesquehoning, aiming to arrive just before the sun dips below the horizon. The T-1 makes easy work of the unwavering grade, reaching nearly 2.2% at some points, especially with an unusually short train in tow. Sit back, relax and witness 2102 in "The Race to Nesquehoning" by Keystone Rail Productions! History of Reading & Northern 2102: Reading & Northern 2102 was constructed by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925, initially as a 2-8-0 class I-10sa Consolidation and numbered 2044. By 1945, the Reading Railroad was in need of more powerful and capable locomotives. Rebuilt in Reading’s very own shops, the components of 30 of the I-10sa Consolidations were utilized to construct new 4-8-4 "Northerns," classified as T-1s. These locomotives were designed with the modernity to haul long, heavy freight trains and fast passenger trains. They had a colorful yet brief career hauling long strings of hoppers at speed along miles of mountainous track. However, their career was relatively short, as the Reading’s steam operations ended in 1956, and all T-1s were stored serviceable by 1958. The future looked dark for 2102, as she was solemnly used as a steam generator for a steel plant. A year later, new hope for the T-1s would emerge, as four would be saved from the scrapper’s torch to be used as the power for the Reading’s legendary "Iron Horse Rambles" excursions, which spanned from 1959 to 1964. The four locomotives saved for the excursions were 2100, 2101, 2124, and, of course, 2102. Once the Rambles ended, she remained active along the Northeast region of the U.S., operating under many different roads. In 1985, 2102 was purchased by Andy Muller, the owner of the Blue Mountain & Reading Railroad. In 1991, she made her final run under steam and was stored dormant, patiently waiting for a return to steam. Finally, in 2016, a new restoration effort began by the skilled crews of the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad steam shops. After six years, thousands of hours of work, and nearly 2.4 million dollars, the locomotive would finally operate under her own power and make her long-awaited return to the high iron in 2022. Since then, 2102 has established a cult following from enthusiasts and passengers alike for powering some of the most exciting steam excursions in the United States. Locations: 0:00 Pittston Yard Office - Opening 0:52 Pittston Yard 1:57 Reversing past the Wig Wags 2:35 Oak Street, Pittston 3:38 Solomon's Gap 4:40 Penobscot - Departure 6:45 Keenapple Curve 7:46 Tannery 8:37 Nesquehoning - A Volcanic Arrival 10:22 Nesquehoning - Conclusion To learn more and support the Reading & Northern's Passenger operations, please visit: https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/ Special Thanks To: Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad Reading & Northern Passenger Department The Crew of 2102 The KRP Family Filmed on Saturday, June 27, 2026 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Follow the official Keystone Rail Productions page! @keystonerailproductions on Instagram and @KeystoneRailProductions on Facebook. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ © Keystone Rail Productions 2026 All Rights Reserved COPYRIGHT POLICY: This may not be copied or reproduced without exclusive permission from Keystone Rail Productions. We work hard to create these videos, and they are not be re-uploaded/distributed without permission, or will be taken down in accordance with international copyright law. Thank you for understanding. Apologies for the ads, however they help fund for more trips like these.