PROJECT 1225

In 1957, Pere Marquette number 1225 was pulled off the scrap line at Buffalo, Michigan, and taken to the C&O shops to be cosmetically restored. It was then placed on static display on the campus of Michigan State University as a monument to the “Age of Steam” on Michigan railroads.

In 1969, a group of Michigan State students expressed interest in returning 1225 to service. Project 1225 was born and restoration began in the spring of 1971. On November 30, 1985, the Lima Locomotive Work’s “Super Power” 2-8-4 moved under her own steam for the first time since 1951. Restoration work continued until Saturday morning October 8, 1988. On this day 1225 pulled her first public excursion since rebuilding began 17 years ago.

Join us trackside on the Shiawassee Valley Railroad for the inaugural runs of Pere Marquette number 1225 between Chesaning, St. Charles and Owosso, Michigan.

Enjoy the marvelous years of steam railroading again thrill to the bark of exhaust and the raucous whistle’s call.