By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The group that operates Pere Marquette 2-8-4 1225 in Michigan said the locomotive is ready for a busy season of operation after receiving its first complete running gear overhaul since the steam era. 

In 2022, the Steam Railroading Institute teamed up with FMW Solutions to restore the running gear of the Berkshire locomotive known as the inspiration for the engine the 2004 film “The Polar Express.” The work took over a year and was completed in late 2023, just in time for the locomotive to lead 21 of 22 North Pole Express trips on the Great Lakes Central. 

“We worked some long days to get ready for the North Pole Express and she ran great,” said SRI Executive Director Dean Pyers. 

Pyers said the group is now looking to 2024 and hopes to run a busy schedule this year, including various fall color trips. “There are quite a few things in the mill,” he said. 

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