Pere Marquette 1223

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Pere Marquette 1223
Power type Steam
Builder Lima Locomotive Works
Serial number 7837
Build date 1941
Configuration 2-8-4
Gauge ft 8½ in (1435 mm)
Driver size 69 in (1.75 m)
Length 101 ft 8 in (30.99 m)
Weight on drivers 278,000 lb (126,100 kg)
Locomotive weight 436,500 lb (198,000 kg)
Locomotive and tender combined weight 794,500 lb (360,400 kg)
Tender capacity 22,000 U.S. gallons (83,000 L) of water, 22 short tons (20 metric tons) of coal
Fuel consumption 1 short ton of coal per 12 miles travelled (1 metric ton every 21 km)
Boiler pressure 245 psi (1.70 MPa)
Fire grate area 90.3 ft² (8.39 m²)
Cylinders 2
Cylinder size 26 in (660 mm) diameter x 34 in (864 mm) stroke
Top speed 60 mph
Power output 3,000 hp (2.24 MW)
Tractive effort 69,350 lbf (308.5 MN)
Career PM, C&O
Class N-1
Number in class 12
Number PM 1223, C&O 2657
Locale Michigan
Retired 1951
Restored 1981
Current owner City of Grand Haven

The Pere Marquette 1223 is a steam locomotive on permanent display in Grand Haven, Michigan. She is one of two surviving Pere Marquette 2-8-4 (Berkshire) engines. Parts from 1223 were used to restore sister engine 1225 to operating condition.

Built in 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works for $90,000 ($1.2 million in 2006 dollars), 1223 hauled freight between Toledo and Chicago in the years immediately before and after World War II.

When Pere Marquette was absorbed by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, 1223 was assigned number 2657 but never had the new number painted on her. The locomotive was not paid off at the time and the merger agreement stated that equipment still under trust remained in Pere Marquette livery.

1223 was retired from service in 1951.

After retirement, 1223 was moved to New Buffalo, Michigan to be scrapped. However she was repainted and moved in 1960 for display at the state fairgrounds in Detroit.

In 1980 state fair officials wanted to expand the grandstands but 1223 stood in the way. The city of Grand Haven won the bidding process.

With the help of the Michigan National Guard as well as Grand Trunk Western and Chessie System railroads, 1223 was moved to Grand Haven. The 180 mile trip took place on September 1, 1981.

1223 was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 7, 2000.

[edit] Trivia

  • 1223 never visited Grand Haven while in service due to her weight (400 tons).
  • 1223 is displayed next to a previously abandoned Grand Trunk Western Railroad coal tower on an out-of-service industrial rail spur.

[edit] References