Pere Marquette 1225: 20 Years of the Polar Express (4K)

Merry Christmas everyone! On November 10th, 2024, the famous Christmas Movie, Polar Express, celebrated its 20th anniversary. On November 21st, & 22nd, I had planned to chase the 1225 in a last minute decision, for this year's North Pole Express, which was also celebrating 20 years. However, in the late hours of the 20th, it would be leaked prior, from a passenger that 1225 would not be operating. Due to a Super Heater issue, that would sideline the engine for the rest of the North Pole Express Season, and indefinite future. Confirmed by a few volunteers that morning, so I packed up and headed home. However I still wanted to commemorate one of the best Christmas movies ever. While it isn't my favorite (Home Alone is. Die Hard, Muppets Christmas Carol, Santa Claus, Christmas Vacation, Scrooged & Elf are on that list), I recognize it for the classic it is. With 1225 being my favorite Berkshire for other reasons, I wanted to make some sort of video celebrating the movie that made it famous. So enjoy this video, using night time shots from 2021 & 2024, and enjoy the Real Polar Express on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas Everyone, and Happy Holidays!
As a kid, I remember many teachers would read us the book. It became one of my favorite Christmas books. In 2003, I remember seeing the Previews for this movie while going to see Elf with my mother. But by the time the movie came out in 2004, I had no interest. I was 13, and in 7th Grade. National Treasure was all the rage, and the movie everyone was still talking about was Napoleon Dynamite. I remember seeing bits and pieces of it on TV, after that. Even with my Sister, I never sat down and fully saw the whole thing, until last year. When I finally decided, well I like the engine it was based on, so I might as well see it. I did like the movie, and can understand why so many people like it. It still is not one of my favorites. However, it is a classic. That being said, enjoy my last video from 2024!
The Pere Marquette #1225 is an N-1 2-8-4, Berkshire Type Steam Locomotive built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1941. It would operate for the Pere Marquette & Chesapeake & Ohio Railway until 1951. It was then donated to Michigan State University, in East Lansing, Michigan. It is here where Chris Van Allsburg, author of The Polar express would see the Locomotive as a kid. Starting in the early 70s, the locomotive would under go a restoration to operation, which would be completed in the 80s. In the early 2000s Warner Brothers would contact the Steam Railroading Institute to get the Blueprints, and record Audio of the 1225 to be used in the Movie the Polar Express. Today the 1225 operates under the Institute on Great Lakes Central Railroad.
While I was hoping to have another Christmas train video, I could not sell myself to go out the second weekend of December. After #113 had a Mechanical issue that sidelined it. While I do wish, I would have done a mini Pennsylvania Christmas Train tour, I am glad I did not with the weather we got that weekend. Anyhow, as we look towards 2025. I've already got some ideas. The past week with the weather in my area, I am looking at Florida and US Sugar #148 and of course next year, 765 is in my plans, as well as Woodstown Central 9, Strasburg, #401 #630 #4501 and #1702 are in my plans. But we will see what does pan out! As we get ready, for the Best of #2024 and 2024 in review season, stay tuned! If you like these videos, please like & subscribe for more train content. If you want to stay up to date with my adventures, please follow my socials below.
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