Author Chris Van Allsburg grew up in East Grand Rapids, and went to many MSU home football games with his father. Van Allsburg has recounted how, as a child, he would walk past the locomotive, and climb onto it on game days. In 1985, Van Allsburg published the Christmas book “The Polar Express,” later made into a movie with the same name, all inspired by the Pere Marquette 1225.
In 1969, a group of MSU students took an interest in restoring the train, forming the Michigan State University Railroad Club. In 1982, the train was moved to the former Ann Arbor Railroad steam backshop - a repair shop - in Owosso to continue the restoration work, and three years later, was finally able to move again under its own power.
In 1969, a group of MSU students took an interest in restoring the train, forming the Michigan State University Railroad Club. In 1982, the train was moved to the former Ann Arbor Railroad steam backshop - a repair shop - in Owosso to continue the restoration work, and three years later, was finally able to move again under its own power.
thank you Gary!
This is how you know when your University has too much money. Private steam locomotive. : )
ReplyDeleteoh just a minute... I made sure to be clear in the title, it was donated. Then restored by students... so, probably not much budget by the university.
DeleteDid you read my posts about B-17s being donated to Universities and hi schools after WW2? https://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2022/03/its-been-awile-since-ive-learned-of.html