In the film 'Polar Express', what model is the train?

Question

In the film 'Polar Express', what model is the train?

Answer 1

It's kind of interesting, now that you know the answer. The locomotive they used would never have been used in express passenger service back in its heyday.  It's a freight engine.

Answer 2

"Badlwin 2-8-4 S3 Class Berkshire-type Steam Locomotive

built in 1931 at the Baldwin Locomotive Works..."

Steven D has the spot on which train it is, this is just in case you wanted what that Know it All kid said it was.

Answer 3

Typical 1940's era passenger train. That was the golden age of rail travel.

Answer 4

Here's the original! It was a Berkshire, built by Lima Locomotive works.

http://www.mstrp.com/1225.html

It's still in service.

Answer 5

jinty,

The steam locomotive in the Polar Express is based directly from a surviving Berkshire class steamer with a 2-8-4 wheel arrangement, the Pere Marquette #1225, built by Lima Locomotive Works of Lima, Ohio in 1941 (2-8-4 stands for a single front axle pilot consisting of two wheels, four driving axles consisting of eight wheels and two trailing axles consisting of four wheels).  

#1225 has been in continuous operation since the 1970s and is owned by the Steam Railroading Institute where she is often used in excursion service.  If you are familiar with the Nickel Plate Road #765, another famous large steam locomotive, it is the same type (Berkshire class) as #1225.

Answer 6

The sound, and the model for the locomotive, was taken from Pere Marquette engine 1225.  It's a 4-8-4 "Berkshire", a big mainline steam locomotive.   It was originally picked for preservation by someone who noticed "12-25" is Christmas.  In 1957 it was parked as a static display in the Michigan State University student union.  In 1970, some students said "Hey, let's go start it!"

Heh.

In the late 70s enough work had been done just to fire up the boiler.  Then they got told "The nearby rail spur is being removed, get that engine out of here now or it'll be landlocked forever!"  They searched for a new home and found the intact, fully equipped Ann Arbor Railroad steam locomotive shops.  A match made in heaven!  In 1987, "IT MOVED!" proclaimed the Project 1225 newsletter.  

Since then, the locomotive has run frequent successful excursions in and around Michigan.  You can ride behind it today.  You can also work on it, they're always seeking volunteers!