1225 Polar Express info

[Pie39]

To the best of my knowledge, tomorrow 1225 is running a Polar Express out of Owosso at 6PM. That's all I know.

So if I may ask, where does it go to? Is GLC providing a helper, do they have to go in reverse the way back? I'm pretty in the dark, and I'll be in the dark by the time they leave, so any additional info is greatly appreciated.

[Norm]

Google is your friend.

[Pie39]

Actually sat down and read the site info, that helps. Good trick to learn info.

So I guess I'm just looking to see if they'll have a diesel helper, since it appears that there is no wye to turn it.

[Saturnalia]

Actually sat down and read the site info, that helps. Good trick to learn info.

So I guess I'm just looking to see if they'll have a diesel helper, since it appears that there is no wye to turn it.

Yup. Diesel helper on the return.

[Ypsi]

The diesel helpers main job is to be the leader SB, didn't seem to be doing any work on the NB run at all last weekend. If you drive right and have a decent idea of how to chase you can get 4-5 shots each way during the trip plus arrivals and departures. I managed departure from Owosso, 4 intermediate shots, and arrival at Ashley. That was with snow on the ground too. They departed very close to he advertised last weekend, 11am meant 11am.

[Raildudes dad]

It's been a number of years since I was involved but back then the diesel just trailed a ways back and didn't couple on until time to pull the consist south.

[Ypsi]

Here are a couple grabs (video stills) from the trips last Saturday, 1225 in the lead GP38-2 397 on the trail.. Thankfully the Bi Level coaches were on the rear of the consist, however I kind of wish the cabooses were back there as well, it is a little strange to see three cabooses first out. But I didn't mind, the snow was nice (nothing like that this weekend probably!). Practice safe and smart chasing, even in the snow lots of people were out.

[SW]

I kind of wish the cabooses were back there as well, it is a little strange to see three cabooses first out.

One of the caboose car hosts actually works at the same company I do, and we have lunch occasionally. He mentioned several reasons the cabooses are up front (as I thought it odd as well); can't remember all of them, but one main reason is because they want to keep them far from the generator car, which is extremely noisy.

[KenB]

Would have been nice to have the PM buggy behind the tank than you could crop out the AA vans and it would look like a waycar hop.

[Pie39]

Thanks for the help guys! It was dark and I didn't have much idea what I was doing while chasing, but I had a fun time anyway. Next year I'll bring more flashes

Here's one of my shots: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.p ... 329&nseq=0

[Ben Higdon]

Great photo!

[SD80MAC]

Here's one of last Sunday's 3 pm trip.

The North Pole Express by Jonathon Leese, on Flickr

[Pie39]

Great photo!

Thanks! SD80, that shot is great! I wish I could chase in the daytime this year, but I guess always next year. My schedule hardly ever lines up with the 1225's, otherwise I wouldn't be driving in the middle of a part of Michigan I've never visited...at night...

[Super Chief]

While waiting to get the Polar Express off to Ashley last night waited for a GLC unit grain train/manifest going EB to hand off to the Annie. On the front were the 2 CN and 1 maroon passenger cars that have been in Mt. Pleasant for a number of years. Any idea who bought and destination they would be going? If I heard correctly the grain cars were off the Middleton branch?

[Zxzm83]

Got this on 11/29/15.

[Dan Cluley]

Great shot!

[Michael]

Well done!

[Todd_F]

Got this on 11/29/15.

KILLER SHOT!!!

I was on King Rd that day too - Did ya see the foamer filming from atop his car?? Question is, which one of the vehicles were you in that I photographed pacing the train? I'll try to post my pics after work. Again, well done on that awesome grab!

[Todd_F]

1225 at King Rd 11/29/15

[George Dines]

Engineer John Barnett brings Pere Marquette 1225 into Ashley, Michigan during the December 6th North Pole Express trip.