LANSING, Mich. — On behalf of the Steam Railroading Institute (SRI), you’re invited to witness Michigan railroad history in the making. Pere Marquette steam locomotive No. 1225, the pride and joy of the SRI collection, will operate a private excursion out of Owosso with a train full of Santa Clauses on October 4. This 3 rd annual event will be in conjunction with the locomotive’s official debut of SRI’s 2019 schedule.
The 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization of Owosso, Michigan will welcome 300 Santa Clauses from around the world. This is part of the famous Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School of Midland that specializes in the training of Santa’s, Mrs. Clauses, and elves in preparation for the busy holiday season. It’s only fitting as part of the training to ride behind the worldfamous steam locomotive; renowned for its role in the 2004 Warner Bros. 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!
We encourage all invited press to arrive at the Steam Railroading Institute by 1:00 pm, the train will depart at 2:00 pm for the one-hour, round trip excursion. The VIP passengers will be treated to hot cocoa, cookies and Holiday singing provided by the SRI’s carhost volunteers.
In addition; the Pere Marquette 1225 will operate an all-day public excursion from Mount Pleasant to Cadillac on the 5th followed by a Hands on the Throttle Experience at the SRI grounds on the 6th. These events coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Michigan State University Railroad Club who began the first restoration of the 1225 back in 1969.
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