Precision Locomotive Leasing #57 backs off the Steam Railroad Institute turntable at Owosso, Michigan, as it prepares for a day of pulling the North Pole Express to Ashley, Michigan on December 16th, 2023, while in the background the crew on Pere Marquette 1225 works at dumping the ash from the locomotive as both trains prepare for a day of pulling passengers .
According to their website, Pere Marquette 1225, the largest and most impressive piece in the Steam Railroading Institute’s collection, is one of the largest operating steam locomotives in Michigan. The 1225 was built in October of 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio for the Pere Marquette Railway. It’s part of the National Register of Historic Structures and is renowned for its role in the 2004 Warner Brothers Christmas Classic, THE POLAR EXPRESS™. 1225’s blueprints were used as the prototype for the locomotive image as well as its sounds to bring the train in the animated film to life!
Precision Locomotive Leasing is the locomotive leasing and sales subsidiary of Precision Locomotive Services, a locomotive repair and service company, based in Staunton, Virginia. The company mainly serves the Eastern United States.
Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/2.8, 1/250, ISO 800.