NKP 765 & Pere Marquette 1225 Show Off

The Pere Marquette #1225 a 2-8-4 Berkshire locomotive is the sister locomotive to the Nickle Plate Road’s #765.

The historic Nickel Plate Road once had 80 of these powerful Berkshire locomotives which were supplied by both the American Locomotive Works and the Lima Locomotive Works in 1941 through 1944.

The 2-8-4 wheel arrangement allowed an increase in the size of the fire box which in turn allowed more coal combustion and fire output. This increased the steam developed which in turn increased the horsepower of the locomotive.

Called Berkshire “Super-power” locomotives, they provided fast freight and passenger service on the Nickel Plate Railroad which stretched from Chicago, Illinois, to Buffalo, New York.

Let us know if you have ever taken a ride on the Pere Marquette #1225 or NKP 765. Would love to hear your experience on this classic pieces of history!