In the 1 minute video above, we again see a drone being used to capture Pere Marquette #1225 as if charges north toward Ashley, Michigan. Wikipedia reports that:

“Pere Marquette #1225 is a 2-8-4 (Berkshire) steam locomotive built for Pere Marquette Railway by Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio. #1225 is one of two surviving Pere Marquette 2-8-4 locomotives, the other being #1223 which is on display at the Tri-Cities Historical Society near the ex-Grand Trunk Western coaling tower, in Grand Haven, Michigan. Nickel Plate #765 (operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society) is also a Lima built Berkshire very similar in appearance and specifications to the Pere Marquette engines.”

Last year, during the weekend of June 20th to 22nd, the Steam Railroading Institute of Owosso, Michigan hosted “Train Expo 2014”. One of the many activities were half day trips to Alma, Michigan and return. These excursions were pulled by either Nickel Plate Road #765 or the  Pere Marquette #1225.  In the 19 minute video below, railfans follow the #1225 as it travels to Alma and return.

#1225 was the prototype for the locomotive used in the book and movie – Polar Express. Recordings of #1225 were used to provide the sounds for the Polar Express locmotive.

#1225 went out of service in 1951. The fascinating story of its journey since then which eventually led to its restoration to tourist train service is told in this Wikipedia article.