The Real Polar Express

[Chuck Most]

This was the actual locomotive that inspired the story- the Pere Marquette 1225. It was one of several N-class 2-8-4 locomotives built by Lima Locomotive Works in 1941, and one of only two remaining examples today. This locomotive was sold for scrap in the '50's, but saved and put on display at Spartan Stadium. That's where Chris Van Allsburg saw it, and was inspired to write the story "The Polar Express". Actual sound recordings of its horn were used in the movie based on the book. I got to see it come through Ashley, Michigan this year. Quite an impressive machine.

[chunkypeanutbutter]

Nice to see old steamers resurrected, like what is happening with MEC 470, the last steam train to run in Maine.

[Petetrucker07]

I really like to see those old locomotives when they pass through here. Id kinda like to take a vacation and go on those steam engine rides in Williams Az, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. Thats a really pic and an awesome sight. Things just arent built the way they were back then, STEEL!

[High octane]

Awesome, as I bought a Lionel O Gauge Polar Express train set to go around our Christmas tree for our new grandson. He really likes it and I have to run it a few laps for him every time he comes over. When the tree comes down, the track layout will get bigger.

[unclescott58]

Late stream is still some of best stuff.

Scott

[Pete J.]

If you haven't heard yet, the Big Boy is coming! On May of this year Union Pacific 4014 was towed into the UPs restoration yard in Cheyenne, Wyoming where it will be restored to running order and operated a part of a living museum . https://www.up.com/aboutup/special_trains/steam/photos_videos/bigboy/2014_may.shtml This is the last of the "Big Boys". The largest steam locomotives in the world. I am truly looking forward to seeing the behemoth on the tracks again!

[Custom Hearse]

That is awesomely cool Chuck! I wouldn't mind seeing that train come rolling through!!!

When I was 13 they had the Bicentennial celebration going on, I got to see the Freedom Train. That was something I'll remember!!!

[chunkypeanutbutter]

Always loved the Chessie Steam Special.

[Pete J.]

These steam locomotives were living, breathing things. If you have never stood near one in operation, you would be in for a treat. They are a little like a camel in that they hiss and spit. They creak and groan like an old man. They belch and fart like your weird uncle and oh do they know how to whistle. I remember cold nights in Nebraska and you could hear these things(Challengers in my case) crossing the plains from 20 miles away. They had a unique sound that one can never forget. I was lucky back in the good old days to stand by the tracks between Cheyenne and Laramie when the Big Boys came through. The ground shook beneath your feet and the size and power of them just took your breath away. I am so happy they are keeping a few of these as working running engines. Good on ya Union Pacific.

Edited December 23, 2014 by Pete J.

[Chuck Most]

You should hear 1225 let off a blast- I was about a quarter mile away the first time I heard it and I still had to cover my ears.

[slusher]

Great to see those pictures Chuck, thanks for posting...

[Greg Myers]

[Pete J.]

Nice photo! Not complaining but it is interesting how they put it together and photoshoped it for speed. I've been playing with Photoshop for a little while now and I like to see what some people do to create the illusion of motion and speed.

[Roadrunner]

I just watched The Polar Express a couple of weeks ago for the very first time, and loved every minute of it.