I have seen the 1225 i Owosso , Michigan, currently it's home base, several tines. I even had the chance to operate the 1225 during "Engineer For an Hour". It was a fun experience even though it just back an forth in their yard. I also performed the fireman's duties, which were more fascinating than being the "engineer". I was taught how to shovel coal, operate the mechanical stoker, and how water is "injected" into the boiler.
Great video! Great editing, great naration keep up the good work there are so many other engines that have such interesting history to them, merry christmas!!!
When I was a child in the '50s, Grand Trunk, was still using some steam on freight. There were several times that I noticed that an old boxcar had Pierre Marquette markings on it. I asked my dad about them. He told me of the defunct line. He used to see Pierre Marqutte locomotives when he was young. Those boxcars were from the 1930's and still being used in 1956-8.
BTW: If I remember correctly they had wooden exteriors. There were still a few wooden boxcars being used back then. They were quite rare. Grand Trunk ran a little steam switcher that I used to watch, until 1960. I was originally from So.Bend, In. My grandfather helped lay first G .T. tracks there early 1910's. 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. $30 week in cash.
Beautiful tribute to one of the greatest engines of all time. I do believe that God, for one reason or another, was smiling down on her when she was bestowed the number 1225. While I've been a longtime fan of the Berkshires and know a bit about them, I never knew 1225's individual story. Bless the heart of C&O's chairman: from one train lover to another now long passed on, thank you. I cannot wait to ride behind her myself too someday. A Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a Happy New Year. :D🎄🥂🚂
Pere Marquette no 1225 will always be known as The Polar Express and speaking of Pere Marquette no 1225 and the other 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotives, we have a former South African 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive numbered 3620 in preservation on a heritage railway along the coast near Geelong in Australia.
I have ridden behind 1225 a number of times. I was on a double heading trip with 1225 & 765, what a great trip and time that was. Luckily I videotaped the whole excursion.
Here’s a clue, become a member of Steam Railroading Institute and you get a 2 day advanced notice of ticket sales before they go on sale the to general public.
Few corrections here. MSU Railroad Club, also known as Project 1225, was founded in 1969 by a gathering of MSU students in the Student Union on campus. The idea of restoring 1225 was not the main reason for the initial meeting. There was never a connection between the locomotive number and Christmas until the film was made. I have seen that statement before and those of us who worked on the loco decades before the movie never associated it with Christmas. I understand he loco was just first out on a dead line when the C&O switch crew was told to get a loco for preservation. 1225 was first moved under it's own power in 1986 at the former Ann Arbor shops in Owosso, MI. I am in the group picture at time 4:06, front row, second from left, which was taken October 5 1975 on the occasion of the first fire up of the locomotive since it left service. MSURRC / Project 1225 celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 5 2019 with a trip from Mt Clemens MI to Cadillac and return. I am pleased the locomotive has a strong following and a revenue stream that will provide for the care of the machine.
1225 in 2023: I wish i could run again A year later 1225: YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHH!!!!! I AM FINALLY RESTORED TO OPERATE AND I WILL MEET MY BROTHER 765!!!1!1!1!1!1!1!
This year i rode the polar express it wasent run by the 1225 this year it was run by a eletric engine because of issues next year it will be in service It runs through Owosso Michigan through ashley michigan its about an hour and fifteen minute ride to get there on the train but it would be worth it!
@bricktrooper8236 yep she will be running this weekend for the frist time since 2021 I also got in contact with the Steam Railroading Institute and asked if they could put the Polar Express lettering on 1225s tender
Pere Marquette 1225 Will Not Coming Back Because He Eventually Passed Away Last Year His Death is His Cause of Death Boiler Explode He Died January 20 2022
