RailRoadFan.com

Sounds like the SRI plans to run the NPE without 1225 due to the running gear rebuild. Sounds like the plan is to have it pulled by diesels.

https://www.facebook.com/steamrailroadinginstitute/

Is facebook making you sign in to see everything now?

Here's the full press release:

"Hello Friends of MSTRP/SRI —

If you have been following the Steam Railroading Institute (SRI) on Facebook and other social media this year, you know that we are in the midst of a major rebuild of Pere Marquette 1225’s running gear. These components have not been completely inspected, refurbished, and replaced since the 1940’s, and it is work that definitely needed to be done.

Unfortunately, restoration work takes time, and it can be difficult to predict how long it will take. In spite of the best efforts of our staff, contractors, and material suppliers, we will not have Pere Marquette 1225 reassembled and ready to run for the North Pole Express season this year. We did explore steam replacements for 1225, but none of those plans were feasible, either. So, this year’s North Pole Express trips will be powered using leased Diesel locomotives from Precision Locomotive Leasing & Sales, LLC.

While this news may be disappointing, the work that will be completed on PM 1225 will ensure it will be in excellent operating condition for many years to come. The on-board experience on our North Pole Express trains and in the Village of Ashley’s “Country Christmas” will be the same, or in some cases better, than what you have enjoyed in the past. We also intend to have PM 1225 on a display track near our Visitor’s Center in Owosso for our guests to photograph before or after boarding the train.

Our website will be updated with pricing and details for this year’s North Pole Express excursions in the next few days, and we will send you another email when that information has been posted. That message will also include the date tickets will go on sale later in September.

For more information about the Steam Railroading Institute, including opportunities to volunteer or donate, please visit our website www.michigansteamtrain.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

All of us at SRI thank you for your support and interest in PM 1225 and the North Pole Express, and we look forward to seeing you this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Dean Pyers
Executive Director"

Edit: David requested his post be deleted

David Collins wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 17, 2022 12:42 pm

Edit: David requested his post be deleted.

You know what they say about assuming...

1225's running gear rebuild is taking longer than anticipated. Diesel locomotives will be leased from Precision Locomotive. Their relationship with GLC has improved. Tickets for this year's NPE go on sale September 22.

Sigh

PNCX 7471 in western Maryland Fireball paint is said to be coming to SRI as we speak.

Unless it was repainted, it is in the "Speed Lettering" scheme.

BnOEngr wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 17, 2022 9:49 pm

Unless it was repainted, it is in the "Speed Lettering" scheme.

It is in Speed Lettering. It was setout for pickup earlier today, so it is confirmed enroute.

PNLX 7471 not PNCX if you go looking for pictures

Am I safe to assume this is HEP equipped?

Wow how cool the last time i seen the black and gold WM paint and lettering was on train GR87 between Saginaw and Grand Rapids in 1979 it was a F7B unit it was bracketed by two Baltimore and Ohio GP9s roaring along Niagara Street in Saginaw.

Saturnalia wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 17, 2022 11:04 pm

BnOEngr wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 17, 2022 9:49 pm

Unless it was repainted, it is in the "Speed Lettering" scheme.

It is in Speed Lettering. It was setout for pickup earlier today, so it is confirmed enroute.

Shared service with GLC as well from what I gathered on the book.

my bad. I know very little about WM paint and should have double checked the marks.

JBaxter wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 18, 2022 10:34 am

Am I safe to assume this is HEP equipped?

It is not, but the other unit that's coming most likely is...

BnOEngr wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 19, 2022 3:51 pm

JBaxter wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 18, 2022 10:34 am

Am I safe to assume this is HEP equipped?

It is not, but the other unit that's coming most likely is...

Oh hi MARC.

NS3322 wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 19, 2022 9:57 pm

Oh hi MARC.

You did not just make a "The Room" reference, did you? Lolz



Also, photo of PNLX 7471 to reference:

Maybe Maryland Area Rail Commuter in relation to the heritage of the HEP equipped unit they will be getting(or got)?

~Z~ wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 20, 2022 7:17 am

You did not just make a "The Room" reference, did you? Lolz

Absolutely. Best worst movie ever.

DaveO wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 20, 2022 8:23 am

Maybe Maryland Area Rail Commuter in relation to the heritage of the HEP equipped unit they will be getting(or got)?

Yep! PNLX owns 4 ex-MARC GP40-2WHs. I believe PNLX 57 will be sent to Owosso (as it is the only HEP equipped unit listed as being in service/blue carded on the PNLX website).

https://www.pnlxrail.com/locomotives

LansingRailFan wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 18, 2022 11:18 am

Saturnalia wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 17, 2022 11:04 pm

BnOEngr wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 17, 2022 9:49 pm

Unless it was repainted, it is in the "Speed Lettering" scheme.

It is in Speed Lettering. It was setout for pickup earlier today, so it is confirmed enroute.

Shared service with GLC as well from what I gathered on the book.

Which means they’ll be using it on ostn