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by Autie » Thu Jul 25, 2019 9:55 pm
Here in (Owosso), MI, we have the Pere Marquette 1225 and is a 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive which was once part of the railroad's Class N. Its well known today for its role/inspiration in the movie Polar Express (12 25 get it? Dec 25th/Christmas). I always used to tell a story about climbing on a steam engine that was located on the MI State Fairgrounds in Detroit, located by the grand stands back in the early 70's. Just out in the open w/no limitations. Wherever you could squeeze into was allowed. Then one time I went back, it was gone. For years everyone I told this story to, thought I was nuts and never believed me that there was a locomotive at the Fairgrounds. Me and the family took a ride on the 1225 a couple of years ago in a 40's? era passenger car (caboose was more money) and what an experience! Majestic. While riding the 1225, I told one of the staff about the great mystery train I played on year after year when I was a kid and boy was I surprised and happy to hear when he told me that was the sister locomotive to the 1225. It's designation was the Pere Marquette 1223. After retirement, 1223 was moved to New Buffalo, Michigan to be scrapped. However she was repainted and moved in 1960 for display at the state fairgrounds in Detroit. The money for that was provided by the donations collected by school children around the Detroit Area. In 1980, Michigan state fair officials wanted to expand the grandstands but 1223 stood in the way. The city of Grand Haven won the bidding process. With the help of the Michigan National Guard as well as Grand Trunk Western and Chessie System railroads, 1223 was moved to Grand Haven. The 180 mile trip took place on September 1, 1981 and is on permanent display there. And nope, can't climb on it like I did as a kid. Never would have guessed as a kid, while playing on that locomotive, that I would one day be riding in it's sister loco. How cool. (My wife still thinks I am nuts)