As a Cub Scout, we made a trip to a Michigan State University football game to act as ushers for one section of the stadium. There was a full size steam engine on static display in the front of the stadium. The Scout Leader had to drag me and one of my Lionel fan buddies away from that steam engine, which had far more importance to us than a football game.
Later, as I understand the story, Mr. Kevin Keefe (Kalmbach Executive and writer) and a group of his fellow MSU students obtained permission from the MSU President to begin restoring that engine to operating condition. Although the students were unable to finish the job before graduation, the Pere Marquette No. 1225 steam locomotive was ultimately restored to full operating condition. From the SRI website:
"The locomotive continued in regular service until its retirement in 1951 in favor of newer and less costly diesel locomotives. In 1957, 1225 was saved from the scrap yard by officials at Michigan State University who sought an outdoor monument to commemorate the steam-era. In 1969, a band of students set out to restore the locomotive to operable condition...Today, former PM 1225 is used for excursion service and during other special events to help educate the public about steam railroading in Michigan and the greater United States."
I have had the opportunity to go on several steam trips on the 1225, all very enjoyable. Here is the description of the No. 1225 from the Steam Railroading Institute's website:
http://michigansteamtrain.com/collection
By the way, the special features on the Polar Express DVD are very likely worth the price of admission for any fan of Real Trains.
