|
|
Line 284: |
Line 284: |
| |Boxcar | | |Boxcar |
| |1946 | | |1946 |
− | |Displayed Also used for storage and photo freights. | + | |Ex-PM 72332. |
| + | |Displayed. Also used for storage and photo freights. |
| Donated by the Chessie System in 1981. | | Donated by the Chessie System in 1981. |
| |- | | |- |
Revision as of 23:17, 23 December 2023
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 over Great Lakes Central tracks, which offers occasional passenger excursion trains using steam locomotives: ex-Pere Marquette Railway Steam Locomotive No. 1225, visiting tank engines, and Chicago & Northwestern Railway 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
|
Number
|
Model
|
Year Built
|
History
|
Notes
|
Steam Locomotives
|
CNW 175
|
4-6-0
|
1908
|
Ex-CNW 175.
|
Currently under restoration.
From Hancock, Michigan.
|
PM 1225
|
2-8-4
|
1941
|
Ex-PM 1225.
|
In active service. Main locomotive for excursions.
Previously was on display at Michigan State University from 1957 to 1981. Model for locomotive in the motion picture "Polar Express."
|
Diesel Locomotives
|
MSTX 1 "Mighty Mouse"
|
25 Tonner
|
1940s
|
Ex-Shelby Grain & Feed/Barbary Coast Steel 2-43.
|
Operable. Shop switcher.
Purchased at auction in 2008 from an elevator in Shelby, Ohio. Unknown heritage. Built as a 25 Ton and rebuilt in the 90s by Plymouth.
|
PNLX 57
|
GP40WH-2
|
1968
|
Ex-MPEX 57/MARC 57/KCS 766/CR 3138/PC 3138.
|
Operable. Being leased by the SRI until Spring 2028 (5-year lease).
First arrived on property in late 2022.
|
MSTX 1155
|
SW1200
|
19??
|
Ex-CE 1200.
|
Operable. Donated by Consumers Energy in December 2023. Not yet on property.
Originally operated at Dan E. Karn Generating Plant in Essexville, MI.
|
|
Steam Railroading Institute Passenger Cars
|
Number
|
Model
|
Year Built
|
History
|
Notes
|
MSTX 147
|
Coach
|
1950
|
Ex-BOMX 147/MARC 147/MTA/SEMTA 107/PRR 147 "Norristown Inn."
|
In active service. Purchased after 16-year lease from B&O Railroad Museum in 2017.
Leased to FWRHS for the 2022 and 2023 seasons of the Indiana Rail Experience.
|
RPCX 372
|
Sleeper
|
1954
|
Ex-RPCX 372/RBBX/AMTK 372/NP 372.
|
Stored. Purchased in 2019. Listed for sale in 2022.
Proceeds from sale will go to “City of Ashland" sleeper restoration.
|
MSTX 462
|
Combination Coach
|
1934
|
Ex-CNW 462/CGW 462/CO 462.
|
Serviceable.
Used as a concession car.
|
MSTX 462
|
Diner
|
1957
|
Ex-MSTX 8550/AMTK 8550/AMTK 8506/AMTK 8048/NP 1296/NP 462.
|
In active service.
Acquired in 2019.
|
MSTX 575
|
Hi-Level Lounge
|
1956
|
Ex-AMTK 39970/ATSF 575.
|
In active service.
Acquired in 2019.
|
MSTX 580
|
Hi-Level Lounge
|
1956
|
Ex-AMTK 39975/ATSF 580.
|
In active service.
Acquired in 2019.
|
MSTX 762
|
Diner-Lounge
|
1952
|
Ex-TSBY 762/VIA 762/CN 762.
|
Purchased from TSBY in 2005. Was stored pending floor, car body repair, and design of a new interior.
Being parted out and scrapped as of Winter 2023.
|
MSTX 736
|
Hi-Level Transition Coach
|
1964
|
Ex-AMTK 9936/ATSF 736.
|
In active service.
Acquired in 2019.
|
MSTX 1363
|
Baggage Car
|
1953
|
Ex-AMTK 1363/USAX 89639.
|
Out of service. Was used as a gift shop car.
Former kitchen car, converted to a baggage car by Amtrak.
|
C&O 1615
|
Coach
|
1943
|
Ex-C&O 1615.
|
Stored OOS in the GLC yards in Owosso.
Parts source?
|
MSTX 2624
|
Sleeper
|
1950
|
Ex-C&O 2624 “City of Ashland.”
|
Stored pending restoration.
Was used only for crew accommodation.
|
MSTX 5447
|
Coach
|
1953
|
Ex-GLC 5447/TSBY 5447/VIA 5447/CN 5447.
|
In active service.
Acquired from GLC in 2019.
|
MSTX 5482
|
Coach
|
1950
|
Ex-ADIX 5430 "Tupper Lake"/VIA 5482/CN 5482.
|
Acquired Summer 2023 from ADIX.
|
MSTX 5485
|
Coach
|
1954
|
Ex-ADIX 5485/VIA 5485/CN 5485.
|
In active service.
Acquired in 2022 from ADIX.
|
MSTX 5576
|
Coach
|
1950
|
Ex-TSBY 5576/VIA 5576/CN 5576.
|
In active service.
Acquired from TSBY in 2005.
|
MSTX 5581
|
Coach
|
1952
|
Ex-TSBY 5581/VIA 5581/CN 5581.
|
In active service.
Acquired from TSBY in 2005.
|
MSTX 5600
|
Diner
|
1954
|
Ex-ADIX 3037/VIA 3211/CN 5600.
|
Acquired Summer 2023 from ADIX.
To be rebuilt into an open-air car.
|
MSTX 5610
|
Coach
|
1954
|
Ex-ADIX 3211/AC 5610/VIA 5610/CN 3211/CN 5610.
|
Acquired Summer 2023 from ADIX.
|
MSTX 5646
|
Coach
|
1952
|
Ex-TSBY 5646/VIA 5646/CN 5646.
|
In active service.
Acquired from TSBY in 2005.
|
MSTX 8532
|
Diner
|
1956
|
Ex-AMTK 8532/AMTK 8716/AMTK 5016/CBQ 4739.
|
In active service. Named "Silver Halter."
Acquired in 2019.
|
|
Steam Railroading Institute Freight Cars
|
Number
|
Model
|
Year Built
|
History
|
Notes
|
MSTX 129
|
Tank Car
|
194?
|
Ex-DM/GATX.
|
Displayed. Also used for photo freights.
Donated to the SRI by RailAmerica in 2007.
|
AA 1128
|
Boxcar
|
1922/1941
|
Ex-AA X4646/AA 1128/WAB 82xxx/WAB 23xxx.
|
Displayed. Also used for photo freights.
Donated by GLC in 2007.
|
AA 1314
|
Boxcar
|
1957
|
Ex-AA 1314.
|
Displayed. Also used for photo freights.
Acquired by SRI in 1984.
|
POX 2124
|
Tank Car
|
194?
|
Ex-DM/GATX.
|
Displayed. Also used for photo freights.
Donated to the SRI by RailAmerica in 2007.
|
DM 3514
|
Gondola
|
1947
|
Ex-DM 3514.
|
Displayed. Also used for MOW and photo freights.
Donated to the SRI in 2007 by RailAmerica. Was used as an idler car for loading the Chief Wawatam car ferry.
|
C&O 31527/PM 18400
|
Gondola
|
1939
|
Ex-CSX/CO 31527/CO 31262.
|
Displayed. Also used for photo freights.
Donated to SRI in 2007 from Bluewater NRHS and repainted to a dual PM/C&O scheme in 2008.
|
PM 72332
|
Boxcar
|
1946
|
Ex-PM 72332.
|
Displayed. Also used for storage and photo freights.
Donated by the Chessie System in 1981.
|
WAB 82583
|
Boxcar
|
1922/1941
|
Ex-AA 1138/WAB 82583/WAB 23xxx.
|
Donated to the SRI by the State of Michigan in 1983. Used for storage and photo freights.
|
|
Steam Railroading Institute Cabooses
|
Number
|
Model
|
Year Built
|
Notes
|
PM A909
|
Caboose
|
1937
|
Operable. Donated by C&O in 1983. It is used on certain excursions for the SRI and on photo freights. Trucks replaced in 2017.
|
AA 2838
|
Caboose
|
1952
|
In active service. Sold to the SRI in 2007 by the Bluewater Chapter of the NRHS. 2838 has been restored to the “DT&I/ Compass” scheme, as it appeared in the mid-1960’s.
|
AA 2839
|
Caboose
|
1952
|
In active service. Came to SRI in 2004 and was restored by the volunteers in 2005 to the “Wabash/ Flag” scheme as when delivered in 1952.
|
CO 3674
|
Caboose
|
1941/1970
|
In active service. Donated to SRI in early 2023, after being privately owned by Mike Burgett in Sebewaing, MI since 1988.
|
|
Steam Railroading Institute Miscellaneous Equipment
|
Number
|
Model
|
Year Built
|
Notes
|
MSTX 7
|
Auxiliary Power Car
|
1943
|
In active service. Ex-D&M 7.
|
MSTX 1701
|
Tool Car
|
1943
|
In active service. Ex-C&O 361/PM 1701.
|
MSTX 5000
|
Auxiliary Water Car
|
1929
|
Operational. Used as an auxiliary water car for #1225. Originally a tender from a CRIP 5000-series 4-8-4 steam locomotive.
|
DT&I 15027
|
Burro Crane
|
194?
|
Donated to the SRI in the 1990's by the GTW. It’s used for light lifting jobs at the SRI. Ex-GTW 15027/DT&I 15027.
|
GTW 54211
|
Flatcar
|
19??
|
Used for storage.
|
GTW 54263
|
Flatcar
|
19??
|
Used for storage.
|
GTW 584388
|
Bunk Car
|
192?
|
Sold to the SRI in 2007 by the Bluewater Chapter of the NRHS. The car is now back in its intended use as a foreman’s office.
|
|
Former Steam Railroading Institute Equipment
|
Number
|
Model
|
Year Built
|
|
Notes
|
Locomotives
|
D&M 10
|
44 Tonner
|
1942
|
Ex-D&M 10/MSTL D742.
|
Sold to Southern Michigan Railroad. Stored in Clinton, MI.
|
MSRW 76
|
2-8-0
|
1920
|
Ex-Gettysburg 76/Mississippian 76/SLSF 76/JLC&E 40.
|
Was to be restored to operation by the SRI. Sold in 2018 to the Oakland Railroad Museum in Oakland, MD.
|
LTEX 310
|
F40PHR
|
1985
|
Ex-LTEX 310/SLC 310/AMTL 310/VRE V31/AMTK 392.
|
Leased for 2021 NPE season. Returned. Currently on Midland Railway as of 2022.
|
GLLX 4428
|
GP9
|
1954
|
Ex-GTW 4428/GTW 1752.
|
Leased to SRI from 2019 until early 2023. Returned to GLLX. Now on West Michigan Railroad in Hartford, MI.
|
PNLX 7471
|
SD40-2
|
1966
|
Ex-GCK 7471/HLCX 9044/MKCX 9044/CSX 8422/WM 7571/WM 7471.
|
Leased to SRI for 2022 NPE season. Returned to PLNX in early 2023.
|
Rolling Stock
|
D&M 2
|
Business Car
|
1911
|
Ex-D&M 2.
|
Was only stored at the SRI, never owned. Sold by private owner to RJ Corman.
|
RPCX 194
|
Diner
|
1948
|
Ex-AMTK 8551/AMTK 8500/AMTK 8051/CBQ 194.
|
Leased from FWRHS for 2022 North Pole Express season. Named "Silver Diner."
|
BMCX 856
|
Passenger Car
|
1947
|
Ex-AMTK 6031/AMTK 3220/RFP 856.
|
Leased from Bluewater NRHS for 2005 Polar Express season.
Now on Branson Scenic Railway, Branson, MO as RPCX 856.
|
RANX 1494
|
Passenger Car
|
1942
|
Ex-Randolph Petroleum Company #1494 "Hummingbird"/Broadway Dinner Train/Amtrak 8039/ATSF.
|
Only stored at the SRI. Departed the grounds in 2018. Now stored in Lebanon, Ohio.
|
PPCX 1610
|
Passenger Car
|
1953
|
Ex-PPCX 1610/Tennessee Bicentennial Train/AMTK 1610/USAX 89516.
|
Sold in 2011 to the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. Stored in New Haven, IN.
|
PPCX 1614
|
Passenger Car
|
1953
|
Ex-PPCX 1614/Tennessee Bicentennial Train/AMTK 1614/AMTK 1404/USAX 89552.
|
Sold in 2011 to the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. Stored in New Haven, IN.
|
|
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