Good morning sunshine! After a day of dark, overcast conditions, our Lerro Productions Charter opens it's second day with breaking clouds and just a little bit of sun on the nose as the 400-ton behemoth #1225 makes and eastbound charge across the wooden trestle at Baker Creek, just a half mile or so northwest of the town of Carland.
Pere Marquette #1225 is a 2-8-4 "Berkshire" type locomotive, built in 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio. Primarily intended for heavy freight use, these massive "Berks" were among the last generation of steam locomotives built in the United States are their careers were rather short. In 1225's case, she lasted only 10 years before being retired. Saved from the scrap heap by the caring CEO of the C&O Railroad, the 1225 became a static display at Michigan State University (MSU), where students eventually took an interest in preserving and caring for the locomotive. In the 1980s, the MSU Railroad Club and some interested parties formed a trust to ensure the longevity of the engine and its eventual operation. This trust has morphed into what is now known as the Steam Railroading Institute, which owns and operates the engine in excursion service out of the former Ann Arbor Railroad shop facilities in Owosso, MI.
Landscape photography is difficult due to the challenge of combining good light and good scenery. Good railroad photography enters another level of complexity since it requires the first two while there is a train in view.
The Van Swearingen Brothers standarized freight power for their railroads with nearly identical 2-8-4 Berkshires. Two of these engines are still in excursion service.
Images from two Lerro Productions events, 10 years apart: 2009 and 2019. The 2009 featured a 31-car freight and NKP 765. The 2019 trip showcased just the 1225 with the Steam Railroading Institute's passenger consist.
