A view from inside the cab of the Pere Marquette 1225 as our crew finishes up assembling the train for today’s North Pole Express. | Steam Railroading Institute

All aboard the North Pole Express! The Pere Marquette 1225 took a test run to Ashley on Thursday and is ready for the 2025 North Pole Express season, which kicks off today at 5 p.m. OWOSSO — After a year on the sidelines for repairs, Pere Marquette 1225 returned to the rails Thursday, Nov. 20, fully coupled and ready to lead the North Pole Express on its annual holiday trips beginning this weekend. Community members gathered at the Steam Railroading Institute, 405 S. Washington St. in Owosso, fo

Pere Marquette No. 1225: Facts on a Classic 📹 Credit: @ike_62 (Check out on Instagram for more fantastic content) 1. Built to Last: Constructed in 1941, No. 1225 is a "Berkshire" steam locomotive, a design prized for its balance of power and efficiency. 2. Saved from the Scrapyard: Retired in 1951, it narrowly avoided being scrapped when donated to Michigan State University in 1957. 3. Brought Back to Life: Restoration work began in 1971, spearheaded by the Michigan State University Railroad Cl

Pere Marquette 1225 is a large restored steam locomotive, based at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. Each year, the locomotive pulls excursion trips through Central Michigan to the delight of many. 1225 is perhaps most well known for being the inspiration for the train in both the book and the movie version of The Polar Express. In this scene, the train pulls a recreated 1950s passenger train as part of a special photography event. #trains #polarexpress #Michigan #railroads #t

Pere Marquette steam locomotive No. 1225 is undergoing some of the most extensive mechanical restoration work in over 70 years. Visit with the Steam Railroading Institute and FMW Solutions and learn about the in-depth process of renewing the running gear of one of Central Michigan's beloved railroad attractions. | Steam Railroading Institute

The first night departure for the 2021 North Pole Express. Gotta love that whistle. SAFETY REMINDER: Everyone should STAY BACK 25 FEET from the railroad tracks and DO NOT TRESPASS on railroad or private property. | Steam Railroading Institute

Pere Marquette 1225 getting ready for the second North Pole Express of the year. SAFETY REMINDER: Everyone should STAY BACK 25 FEET from the railroad tracks and DO NOT TRESPASS on railroad or private property. | Steam Railroading Institute

The Pere Marquette 1225 doing a little switching to put the train together for today’s North Pole Express at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. | Steam Railroading Institute

The Pere Marquette 1225 leaving the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan on Sunday evening 12/12/21 | Steam Railroading Institute