Weekend Steam

"Uploaded by shafferfox on Nov 28, 2008

An excursion run leaving Owosso, Michigan, late in the afternoon on November 28, 2008. The train is pulled by the 800,000 pound (including tender) Pere Marquette 1225 locomotive ― the largest operating steam engine locomotive in Michigan. Steven Spielberg's production company filmed the exterior sights and sounds of the 1225 for the computer rendering of the movie, "Polar Express," and Lionel Model Trains has also recorded the sounds of the 1225 for its new electric toy model train, "The 1225" ― the namesake of Owosso's 1225.

Owosso, Michigan, is the headquarters of the Steam Railroading Institute, which includes a museum and other facilities. The institute's 3.5 acre grounds also hold a roundhouse, the Pere Marquette 1225, the 82,000 pound Flagg Coal Company steam switch engine, the 136,000 pound Mississippian steam locomotive (under restoration), plus many train cars and other rolling stock from railroads in the United States and Canada.

The Owosso-based Steam Railroading Institute was the location of TrainFestival 2009, which was celebrated from July 24th thru July 26th, 2009. The festival drew approximately 36,000 visitors to Owosso from around the world. On display were additional steam-era equipment, including the 1225's sister steam locomotive - Nickel Plate Road's 765 - and The Southern Pacific Number 4449: The Daylight.

Owosso, Michigan, is also the headquarters of the Great Lakes Central Railroad, which provides freight service to Northern and Southern Michigan, and chartered passenger rail service. The Great Lakes Central Railroad will soon be providing daily commuter rail passenger service in Michigan as well."



"Uploaded by ndisbro on Nov 26, 2007

Pere Marquette 1225 Polar Express on the way to Saginaw County Fairgrounds and Santa's Workshop."