In the film ‘Polar Express’, what model is the train?
The sound, and the model for the locomotive, was taken from Pere Marquette engine 1225. It’s a 4-8-4 “Berkshire”, a big mainline steam locomotive. It was originally picked for preservation by someone who noticed “12-25″ is Christmas. In 1957 it was parked as a static display in the Michigan State University student union. In 1970, some students said “Hey, let’s go start it!”
Heh.
In the late 70s enough work had been done just to fire up the boiler. Then they got told “The nearby rail spur is being removed, get that engine out of here now or it’ll be landlocked forever!” They searched for a new home and found the intact, fully equipped Ann Arbor Railroad steam locomotive shops. A match made in heaven! In 1987, “IT MOVED!” proclaimed the Project 1225 newsletter.
Since then, the locomotive has run frequent successful excursions in and around Michigan. You can ride behind it today. You can also work on it, they’re always seeking volunteers!
Polar Express Train Layout
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One Dozen (12) Train Conductor Rubber Duck Party Favors All aboard the ducky express! Dressed like train “conducktors”, these vinyl rubber duckies can ride in a kid’s own toy train or preside over a shelf. Fun to find in a goody bag at a train theme party, Ducky collectors will prize them, too. Measure 2″x2″. Duckies do not float upright. Safety tested for all ages…. |
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