Difference between revisions of "Steam Railroading Institute"
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==Steam Railroading Institute History== | ==Steam Railroading Institute History== | ||
− | The Steam Railroading Institute is an organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historical railroad equipment and items. It operates a heritage railroad | + | The Steam Railroading Institute is an organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historical railroad equipment and items. It operates as a heritage railroad utilizing the Great Lakes Central railroad, offering occasional passenger excursion trains using steam locomotives: Pere Marquette Railway No. 1225, visiting engines of various sizes, and Chicago & Northwestern Railway No. 175 which is currently under restoration. |
The Steam Railroading Institute, dedicated to educating the public about steam-era railroad technology, is the product of the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation Inc. For many years, the MSTRP centered on a single steam locomotive, former Pere Marquette Railway No. 1225. After 1225's retirement, the locomotive was donated to Michigan State University. Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Chairman Cyrus Eaton thought that the University College of Engineering ought to have a piece of real equipment to work on and convinced the MSU University Trustee Forest Akers that this was a good idea. Eaton didn't like seeing these relatively new locomotives cut up for scrap. The Dean of the College of Engineering was not convinced, so then University President John Hannah, accepted the engine as a contribution to the MSU Museum. It arrived on campus in 1957. There it sat, getting an occasional coat of paint and was opened to the public on football weekends until 1969 when a group of students took an interest in the locomotive. The Michigan State University Railroad Club was formed by student rail fans who were interested in Trains and Locomotives in general. In 1970 at the suggestion of Randy Paquette, they adopted the ambitious goal of restoring 1225 and using it to power excursion trains that would bring passengers to football games at the university. After toiling away at the locomotive for many years, the Michigan State University Railroad Club evolved as the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation after then MSURRC President Chuck Julian discussed the subject of how this engine would run when finished, with then University President Edgar Harden. Harden proposed that they form a 501(c)(3) that would allow the University to give the Trust the locomotive. MSU had no interest in running a steam locomotive. The MSTRP started its corporate run in July 1979. Harden kept his promise and had the University donate the locomotive to this new organization. | The Steam Railroading Institute, dedicated to educating the public about steam-era railroad technology, is the product of the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation Inc. For many years, the MSTRP centered on a single steam locomotive, former Pere Marquette Railway No. 1225. After 1225's retirement, the locomotive was donated to Michigan State University. Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Chairman Cyrus Eaton thought that the University College of Engineering ought to have a piece of real equipment to work on and convinced the MSU University Trustee Forest Akers that this was a good idea. Eaton didn't like seeing these relatively new locomotives cut up for scrap. The Dean of the College of Engineering was not convinced, so then University President John Hannah, accepted the engine as a contribution to the MSU Museum. It arrived on campus in 1957. There it sat, getting an occasional coat of paint and was opened to the public on football weekends until 1969 when a group of students took an interest in the locomotive. The Michigan State University Railroad Club was formed by student rail fans who were interested in Trains and Locomotives in general. In 1970 at the suggestion of Randy Paquette, they adopted the ambitious goal of restoring 1225 and using it to power excursion trains that would bring passengers to football games at the university. After toiling away at the locomotive for many years, the Michigan State University Railroad Club evolved as the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation after then MSURRC President Chuck Julian discussed the subject of how this engine would run when finished, with then University President Edgar Harden. Harden proposed that they form a 501(c)(3) that would allow the University to give the Trust the locomotive. MSU had no interest in running a steam locomotive. The MSTRP started its corporate run in July 1979. Harden kept his promise and had the University donate the locomotive to this new organization. | ||
Line 45: | Line 45: | ||
|1941 | |1941 | ||
|Ex-PM 1225. | |Ex-PM 1225. | ||
− | |In active service. Main locomotive for excursions. | + | |In active service. Main steam locomotive for excursions. |
Previously was on display at Michigan State University from 1957 to 1981. Model for locomotive in the motion picture "Polar Express." | Previously was on display at Michigan State University from 1957 to 1981. Model for locomotive in the motion picture "Polar Express." | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 100: | Line 100: | ||
Listed for sale in 2022. Proceeds from sale will go to “City of Ashland" sleeper restoration. | Listed for sale in 2022. Proceeds from sale will go to “City of Ashland" sleeper restoration. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | |[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5879789 MSTX | + | |[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5879789 MSTX 4620] |
|Combination Coach | |Combination Coach | ||
|1934 | |1934 | ||
|Ex-[http://www.trainweb.org/elizabeth/05polar32.JPG CNW 462]/CGW 462/CO 462. | |Ex-[http://www.trainweb.org/elizabeth/05polar32.JPG CNW 462]/CGW 462/CO 462. | ||
|Serviceable. | |Serviceable. | ||
− | Used as a concession car. | + | Used as a concession car., Renumbered to 4620 with the arrival of former Northern Pacific dining car 462. |
|- | |- | ||
|[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=6244308 MSTX 462] | |[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=6244308 MSTX 462] | ||
Line 146: | Line 146: | ||
|1953 | |1953 | ||
|Ex-AMTK 1363/USAX 89639. | |Ex-AMTK 1363/USAX 89639. | ||
− | |Out of service. Was used as a gift shop car. | + | |Out of service. Was used as a gift shop car. Used as storage. |
Former kitchen car, converted to a [http://www.trainweb.org/elizabeth/05polar53.JPG baggage car] by Amtrak. | Former kitchen car, converted to a [http://www.trainweb.org/elizabeth/05polar53.JPG baggage car] by Amtrak. | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 153: | Line 153: | ||
|1943 | |1943 | ||
|Ex-C&O 1615. | |Ex-C&O 1615. | ||
− | |Stored OOS | + | |Stored OOS. |
− | + | Used as storage. Privately owned by SRI member and volunteer. | |
|- | |- | ||
|[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5230611 MSTX 2624] | |[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5230611 MSTX 2624] | ||
Line 200: | Line 200: | ||
|Diner | |Diner | ||
|1954 | |1954 | ||
− | |Ex-[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5796862 ADIX 3037]/VIA | + | |Ex-[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5796862 ADIX 3037]/VIA 3037/CN 5600. |
− | |Acquired Summer 2023 from ADIX. | + | |Acquired Summer 2023 from ADIX. Shipped to Owosso as MSTX 3211. |
To be rebuilt into an open-air car. | To be rebuilt into an open-air car. | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 207: | Line 207: | ||
|Coach | |Coach | ||
|1954 | |1954 | ||
− | |Ex-[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5796857 ADIX 3211] | + | |Ex-[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5796857 ADIX 3211]/VIA 5610/CN 3211/CN 5610. |
|Acquired Summer 2023 from ADIX. | |Acquired Summer 2023 from ADIX. | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 367: | Line 367: | ||
Donated by Chessie System in 1985. | Donated by Chessie System in 1985. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | |[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4578844 MSTX | + | |[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4578844 MSTX 5112] |
|Auxiliary Water Car | |Auxiliary Water Car | ||
− | | | + | |1940's |
|Ex-CRIP. | |Ex-CRIP. | ||
|Operational. Used as an auxiliary water car for #1225. | |Operational. Used as an auxiliary water car for #1225. | ||
− | Originally a tender from a CRIP | + | Originally a tender from a CRIP 5100-series 4-8-4 steam locomotive. |
|- | |- | ||
|[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5230589 DT&I 15027] | |[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5230589 DT&I 15027] | ||
|Burro Crane | |Burro Crane | ||
− | | | + | |1940's |
|Ex-GTW 15027/DT&I 15027. | |Ex-GTW 15027/DT&I 15027. | ||
|Used for light lifting jobs at the SRI. | |Used for light lifting jobs at the SRI. | ||
Line 385: | Line 385: | ||
|19?? | |19?? | ||
|Ex-GTW 54211. | |Ex-GTW 54211. | ||
− | |Used for storage. | + | |Used for storage. Originally GTW boxcar. |
|- | |- | ||
|[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=6243340 GTW 54263] | |[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=6243340 GTW 54263] | ||
Line 391: | Line 391: | ||
|19?? | |19?? | ||
|Ex-GTW 54263. | |Ex-GTW 54263. | ||
− | |Used for storage. | + | |Used for storage. Originally GTW boxcar. |
|- | |- | ||
|[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4867512 GTW 584388] | |[http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4867512 GTW 584388] | ||
Line 397: | Line 397: | ||
|192? | |192? | ||
|Ex-GTW 584388/GTW 58332. | |Ex-GTW 584388/GTW 58332. | ||
− | |Currently used as the | + | |Currently used as the volunteer break room. |
Acquired in 2007 from Bluewater NRHS. | Acquired in 2007 from Bluewater NRHS. | ||
|- | |- |
Revision as of 03:05, 12 February 2024
- ARR Reporting Marks - MSTX.
- Official Website
Contents
- 1 Steam Railroading Institute History
- 2 Steam Railroading Institute Locomotives
- 3 Steam Railroading Institute Passenger Cars
- 4 Steam Railroading Institute Freight Cars
- 5 Steam Railroading Institute Cabooses
- 6 Steam Railroading Institute Miscellaneous Equipment
- 7 Former Steam Railroading Institute Equipment
Steam Railroading Institute History
The Steam Railroading Institute is an organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historical railroad equipment and items. It operates as a heritage railroad utilizing the Great Lakes Central railroad, offering occasional passenger excursion trains using steam locomotives: Pere Marquette Railway No. 1225, visiting engines of various sizes, and Chicago & Northwestern Railway No. 175 which is currently under restoration.
The Steam Railroading Institute, dedicated to educating the public about steam-era railroad technology, is the product of the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation Inc. For many years, the MSTRP centered on a single steam locomotive, former Pere Marquette Railway No. 1225. After 1225's retirement, the locomotive was donated to Michigan State University. Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Chairman Cyrus Eaton thought that the University College of Engineering ought to have a piece of real equipment to work on and convinced the MSU University Trustee Forest Akers that this was a good idea. Eaton didn't like seeing these relatively new locomotives cut up for scrap. The Dean of the College of Engineering was not convinced, so then University President John Hannah, accepted the engine as a contribution to the MSU Museum. It arrived on campus in 1957. There it sat, getting an occasional coat of paint and was opened to the public on football weekends until 1969 when a group of students took an interest in the locomotive. The Michigan State University Railroad Club was formed by student rail fans who were interested in Trains and Locomotives in general. In 1970 at the suggestion of Randy Paquette, they adopted the ambitious goal of restoring 1225 and using it to power excursion trains that would bring passengers to football games at the university. After toiling away at the locomotive for many years, the Michigan State University Railroad Club evolved as the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation after then MSURRC President Chuck Julian discussed the subject of how this engine would run when finished, with then University President Edgar Harden. Harden proposed that they form a 501(c)(3) that would allow the University to give the Trust the locomotive. MSU had no interest in running a steam locomotive. The MSTRP started its corporate run in July 1979. Harden kept his promise and had the University donate the locomotive to this new organization.
In the past thirty-five years the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation and its Steam Railroading Institute have grown tremendously, now housing two steam locomotives, a fleet of passenger cars, and numerous pieces of rolling stock.
Situated on the site of the old Ann Arbor Railroad's steam backshop and roundhouse, the Steam Railroading Institute exhibits the intricacies of working steam locomotives.
The Steam Railroading Institute hosted both Train Festival 2009 and Train Expo 2014.
New Buffalo Turntable
The turntable is an original 90 foot PM turntable built in 1919 to serve the Pere Marquette railyard in New Buffalo, Michigan. It operated and served a 16 stall roundhouse for many years until Chessie System took over in 1984 and ceased operations at the New Buffalo yard. The SRI acquired the turntable and had it relocated to the site. Upon purchasing, the SRI added an additional 10 feet to the turntable to better accommodate larger rolling stock like the PM 1225. Still functioning like it did during the steam era, the turntable was used by the 1225 during its service years on the PM many times despite its short length.
SRI Visitor Center
The SRI Visitor Center is located inside a renovated freight warehouse used by the Ann Arbor Railroad. Its construction date is unclear but the foundation dates back to the 1880s. It is speculated that the original one burned down in the 1920s and the existing structure was built. Originally a creamery, the Ann Arbor used for freight storage for things like grain. Bruckman's Moving and Storage then leased the building from the railroad for storage use. The SRI purchased the building in 2004 and renovated it as their Visitor's Center containing exhibits, a model train layout, and the museum's artifact and archives collection.
Steam Railroading Institute Locomotives
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Steam Railroading Institute Passenger Cars
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Steam Railroading Institute Freight Cars
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Steam Railroading Institute Cabooses
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Steam Railroading Institute Miscellaneous Equipment
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Former Steam Railroading Institute Equipment
|
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