1225 was built by Lima in 1941, was on display at Michigan State University, restored and now runs out of Owosso, MI. for the Steam Railroad Institute. 1225, as most people know, was the engine used in the movie Polar Express.
The whistle sounds very beautiful, too bad it's real owner, CNR 5588 "Spirit Of Windsor" doesn't run anymore. If 5588 were restored to operation, the whistle would sound even better on it's own steam engine. So far, SRI's "Guest Whistle Program" allows us to hear great whistles like this one especially from across the river.
The man who wrote The Polar Express book went to MSU . While there he saw PM 1225 on static display. He wrote the story because of that locomotive display.
Love the whistle, I went to trainfest expecting the 1225 but I got a broken flue then four years wait. And to Paullubliner, many teens (incuding me) are barley on their computers, they are out watching trains almost every day, Too bad that number is dwindling. But I will reamain a train man forever!
@criind From what I've read, for awhile there 1225 borrowed the whistle from N&W #1218, known as a "hooter whistle" because it has a deep pitch to it. This is probably the correct whistle for #1225. Sounds pretty good to me! There are some vids on here of the 1225 with the deeper whistle. I think it had it when pared with the other NKP Berkshire.
@Hendo56 Yes sir....I have a video of the doubleheader from back in 2009. The 1225's whistle definately has a deeper pitch in that vid. I was standing in just the right spot during one run-by and they blew the whistle just a few feet before they passed me. I only have a handful of videos on youtube, but that one is by far my favorite. :)
This whistle is actually shockingly similar to the Cumbres and Toltec #487. Nowadays, this locomotive 1225 is just known as the real-life Polar Express. Just shows you what Hollywood can do with publicity.
The rules at SRI is that you have to be 16 to volunteer, but you start out sweeping floors and helping with the museum, the work your way up. I talked to TJ Gaffney about it. I still have two more yrs to go. So I know how you feel badboyIII
@paullubliner well I'm 16, tried to volunteer at the Henry Ford...to young. Tried at SRI..too young. If you can find a place near me that will let me help out, let me know. Till then, my statement it a fact.
