Pere Marquette 1225 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pere Marquette 1225 |
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| Pere Marquette No. 1225 on an excursion in 2008 | |
| Power type | Steam |
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| Builder | Lima Locomotive Works |
| Serial number | 7839 |
| Build date | October 1941 |
| Rebuild date | 1971–November 1985 |
| Configuration | 2-8-4 |
| UIC classification | 1′D2′ h2 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Driver diameter | 69 in (1,753 mm) |
| Length | 101 ft 8 in (30.99 m) |
| Weight on drivers | 277,600 lb (125,900 kg) |
| Locomotive weight | 442,500 lb (200,700 kg) |
| Locomotive and tender combined weight | 805,900 lb (365,600 kg) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Fuel capacity | 44,000 lb (20,000 kg) |
| Water capacity | 22,000 US gal (83,000 L; 18,000 imp gal) |
| Fuel consumption | 1 short ton (0.89 long tons) of coal per 12 miles traveled (1 metric ton per 21 km) |
| Boiler pressure | 245 psi (1.69 MPa) |
| Fire grate area | 90.3 sq ft (8.4 m2) |
| Cylinders | Two |
| Cylinder size | 26 in × 34 in (660 mm × 864 mm) |
| Valve gear | Baker |
| Power output | At cylinders: 2,979 hp (2.22 MW) |
| Tractive effort | 69,368 lbf (308.6 kN) |
| Factor of adhesion | 4.00 |
| Number in class | 10 of 12 |
| Nicknames | "The Real Polar Express" |
| Locale | Michigan |
| Retired | 1951 |
| Preserved | 1957 |
| Restored | 1975 (test fired) November 30, 1985 (movable) |
| Current owner | |
| Disposition | Operational, based on Owosso, Michigan |
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Pere Marquette Railway Steam Locomotive No. 1225
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| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | 600 Oakwood Ave, Owosso, Michigan |
| Built | 1941 |
| Built by | Lima Locomotive Works |
| NRHP reference No. | 94000744 |
| Added to NRHP | July 31, 1994 |
Pere Marquette 1225 is a famous steam locomotive. It was built in 1941 for the Pere Marquette Railway by Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio. This powerful engine is a "Berkshire" type, known for its 2-8-4 wheel arrangement.
No. 1225 is one of only two Pere Marquette 2-8-4 locomotives that still exist today. The other one, No. 1223, is on display in Grand Haven, Michigan. Pere Marquette 1225 is especially famous because it was the inspiration for the train in the 2004 movie, The Polar Express.
The Pere Marquette Railway used No. 1225 for regular service from 1941 until 1947. After that, it was used by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) until 1951. Instead of being scrapped, the locomotive was saved by Michigan State University in 1957.
In 1971, a group of students began working to bring No. 1225 back to life. Their hard work paid off, and the locomotive made its first trip in 1988. Today, No. 1225 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It pulls special excursion trains in Michigan, giving people a chance to experience a real steam engine.
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The Early Years of Pere Marquette 1225
No. 1225 was built in 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works (LLW). The Pere Marquette Railway ordered many locomotives like this. They bought them in three groups between 1937 and 1944. Building No. 1225 cost $200,000 in 1941.
The locomotive was finished on December 6, 1941. It was then delivered to the Pere Marquette Railway. These engines were used to move important freight, like steel, especially during wartime. They traveled between cities like Detroit, Saginaw, Flint, and steel mills in northern Indiana.
In 1947, the Pere Marquette Railway joined with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O). The locomotives were given new numbers. However, No. 1225 and No. 1223 were kept and not scrapped.
Saving and Restoring a Giant
After years of service, No. 1225 was retired in 1951. It was almost sent to be scrapped. But in 1955, a university trustee named Forest Akers suggested that Michigan State University (MSU) could take the locomotive. The university president, John Hannah, agreed.
The idea was for engineering students to study the old engine. However, the engineering department wasn't interested. So, the locomotive was given to Dr. Rollin Baker, who directed the MSU Museum.
No. 1225 arrived at the MSU campus in 1957. It was placed on display near Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. It stayed there for over ten years.
The Polar Express Connection
While the locomotive was on display, a young boy named Chris Van Allsburg would often see it. He passed by the engine on his way to football games with his father. Years later, Chris Van Allsburg became a famous author. He said that this very engine was the inspiration for his book, The Polar Express.
It's a fun coincidence that the locomotive's number, 1225, is also the date of Christmas (December 25). This connection became even more popular after his book was published.
Students Bring the Engine Back to Life
In 1969, some MSU students formed the Michigan State University Railroad Club. At first, they just shared photos of trains. But in 1970, they decided to try and restore No. 1225. They started working on it in 1971 with permission from Dr. Baker.
The students worked hard, even though the university leaders were unsure at first. They were told that as long as they kept working, the locomotive would be safe. In 1975, the students successfully fired up the boiler. They blew the 1225's whistle for the first time in 20 years!
The students needed parts for the restoration. They tried to get some from No. 1223, another Pere Marquette engine. But they were not allowed, so they had to make new parts instead.
Moving to a New Home
By 1977, the engine was almost ready to run. The university decided it didn't want to operate a locomotive. The university president, Dr. Edgar Harden, suggested the students form their own group. If they did, he would give them the engine.
The university also planned to remove the train tracks near the campus power plant. This meant the locomotive needed to be moved soon. The students worked with the university to move the engine from its display track. They had to clean up the site afterward.
In 1978, the students and supporters formed the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation (MSTRP). This new group was given ownership of No. 1225 by Michigan State University. In 1983, the MSTRP moved the locomotive to a former train shop in Owosso, Michigan. This new location had the tools needed to finish the restoration.
Pere Marquette 1225 Today
On November 30, 1985, No. 1225 moved under its own power for the first time since 1951. Its first public trip was in 1988, a 17-mile journey.
The Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation now uses the name Steam Railroading Institute (SRI). This name better shows their goals. The SRI continues to operate and care for No. 1225.
In 2009, No. 1225 was part of the Train Festival in Owosso. It was there to help raise money for its next big maintenance check. During the festival, some parts of the engine needed repair, so it was on display for visitors to see up close.
In 2010, No. 1225 began a major inspection and repair project. This was required every 15 years to keep it running safely. Many people donated money and time to help. About $900,000 was spent on the repairs. The work was finished in October 2013. This means No. 1225 can run for another 15 years, until 2028.
Since 2014, No. 1225 has continued to pull special trains several times a year. These trips often go from Owosso to other towns in Michigan. Around Thanksgiving and December, it pulls popular winter trips to Ashley, Michigan. These are known as the "North Pole Express" rides.
Images for kids
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Nickel Plate Road 765 and Pere Marquette 1225 during Trainfestival 2009.
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Pere Marquette 1225 passing through Alma, Michigan
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PM No. 1225's builder's plate
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