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The Polar Express
The steam locomotive that was the inspiration for the train featured in the movie "The Polar Express" makes one of its runs from Owosso to Ashley, MI.
The Pere Marquette 1225′s blueprints were the prototype for the locomotive image, and its sounds were used in the 2004 film The Polar Express. The film was based on the Caldecott Medal winning book of the same name. The children’s book was written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, who grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and as a child attended every home football game at Michigan State, next to which this engine was on static display.
After 1225’s retirement, the locomotive was donated to Michigan State University in 1957. Displayed as an icon of the steam-era, it sat at MSU until 1969, when a group of students took an interest in the locomotive. The Michigan State University Railroad Club was formed at that time with the ambitious goal of restoring 1225 and using it to power excursion trains that would bring passengers to football games at the university. After toiling away at the locomotive for many years, the Michigan State University Railroad Club evolved as the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation. The locomotive was moved to Owosso to former Ann Arbor Railway Backshop in 1982, and restoration of the locomotive continued until 1985, when it moved under its own power for the first time in 34 years.
The Polar Express
The steam locomotive that was the inspiration for the train featured in the movie "The Polar Express" makes one of its runs from Owosso to Ashley, MI.
The Pere Marquette 1225′s blueprints were the prototype for the locomotive image, and its sounds were used in the 2004 film The Polar Express. The film was based on the Caldecott Medal winning book of the same name. The children’s book was written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, who grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and as a child attended every home football game at Michigan State, next to which this engine was on static display.
After 1225’s retirement, the locomotive was donated to Michigan State University in 1957. Displayed as an icon of the steam-era, it sat at MSU until 1969, when a group of students took an interest in the locomotive. The Michigan State University Railroad Club was formed at that time with the ambitious goal of restoring 1225 and using it to power excursion trains that would bring passengers to football games at the university. After toiling away at the locomotive for many years, the Michigan State University Railroad Club evolved as the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation. The locomotive was moved to Owosso to former Ann Arbor Railway Backshop in 1982, and restoration of the locomotive continued until 1985, when it moved under its own power for the first time in 34 years.