Join us as we move the iconic American Freedom Train from our front parking lot to our restoration facility! To donate to the cosmetic restoration of the AFT No. 1, visit borail.online/AFT
About the American Freedom Train
Built in 1923, by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, the AFT No. 1 was originally numbered as the Reading No. 2101 and remained in service until 1965.
In 1975, locomotive became one of three locomotives to pull the American Freedom Trains of 1975/1976 - a steam-powered event that toured the nation to celebrate the bicentennial of the United States. The B&O’s Riverside Roundhouse was used to repaint the locomotive into its American Freedom Train scheme, renaming it the AFT No. 1.
In 1977, the AFT No. 1 was repainted to become the Chessie Steam Special and set off for a two-year system wide tour of the Chessie System on May 7, 1977.
On March 1979, fire struck the roundhouse in Silver Grove, Kentucky where the locomotive was stored and it suffered extensive damage. Later that year, the AFT No. 1 was donated to the B&O Railroad Museum.
The American Freedom Train No. 1 is a symbol of patriotism and unity and captured the hearts and minds of millions of Americans during its nationwide tour. “Our goal is to cosmetically restore this iconic piece of American history in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027,” says Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum.
20 окт 2023
