In 1957, Pere Marquette number 1225 was
pulled off the scrap Project 1225 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 marvellous years of steam railroading again thrill
to the bark of exhaust and the raucous whistle's call.