Pere Marquette #1225 With A Full Head Of Steam

Published Jan 21, 2019 By Robert Blue

Winter running with Pere Marquette #1225!

Seen here roaring through the countryside, she lays down a beautiful smoke and steam signature along with her distinctive whistle.

The Pere Marquette 2-8-4 locomotive is the only surviving Berkshire Class locomotive still operational. She is owned by the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation and is used for rail excursions on the Great Lakes Central Railroad.

This is the same locomotive that inspired the book and Warner Brother’s movie The Polar Express!

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

Quick Facts

Rail Line: Great Lakes Central Railroad
Train Name: Pere Marquette #1225 (Berkshire)
Power type: 2-8-4 Steam Locomotive class N-1
Builder: Lima Locomotive Works 1941
Locomotive and tender weight: 727,300 lbs
fuel type: coal

If you’ve ever taken a ride on the Pere Marquette #1225 excursion or a train like this let us know in the comments below! Would love to hear your experience on this classic piece of history!