Pere Marquette 1223

Pere Marquette 1223

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Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Lima Locomotive Works Serial number 7837 Build date 1941
Specifications Configuration 2-8-4 UIC class 1′D2′ h2 Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Driver diameter 69 in (1,753 mm) Length 101 ft 8 in (30.99 m) Adhesive weight 278,000 lb (126,000 kilograms; 126 tonnes) Loco weight 436,500 lb (198,000 kilograms; 198.0 tonnes) Loco & tender weight 794,500 lb (360,400 kilograms; 360.4 tonnes) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 44,000 lb (20,000 kilograms; 20 tonnes) Water cap 22,000 US gal (83,000 L; 18,000 imp gal) Fuel consumption 1 short ton (0.91 t; 0.89 long tons) of coal per 12 miles (19 km) travelled (1 tonne every 21 km) Boiler pressure 245 psi (1.69 MPa) Firegrate area 90.3 sq ft (8.4 m2) Cylinders Two Cylinder size 26 in × 34 in (660 mm × 864 mm)
Performance figures Maximum speed 70 mph (113 km/h) Power output 3,000 hp (2.24 MW) Tractive effort 69,350 lbf (308.5 kN)
Career Operators Pere Marquette Railway → Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Class PM N-1 C&O N-1 Number in class 8 of 12 Numbers PM 1223 C&O 2657 Locale Michigan Retired 1951 Restored 1981 Current owner City of Grand Haven Disposition Static display
Pere Marquette Railway Locomotive #1223
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location	Chinook Pier Park, Jackson Ave., Grand Haven, Michigan
Coordinates
Area	less than one acre
Architectural style	steam locomotive
NRHP Reference #	00001490
Added to NRHP	December 7, 2000

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. No parts from 1223 were used to restore sister engine 1225 to operating condition, due to the objections of the Michigan Railroad Club, then unofficial custodians of the engine. The MSU Railroad Club did hold some successful fundraising events at the 1223 during the State Fair. That money was used in the restoration of the 1225.

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. The money for that was provided by the donations collected by school children around the Detroit Area.

In 1980, Michigan 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.

The 1223 has been cosmetically restored. Considering the number of years that it has stood out in the elements, it would be an expensive and time consuming project to restore it to operation. Such a restoration is unlikely since sister locomotive #1225 has been restored to operating condition.

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

Trivia

• 1223 never visited Grand Haven while in service due to her weight ().
• 1223 is displayed next to a previously abandoned Grand Trunk Western Railroad coal tower on an out-of-service industrial rail spur.
• 1223 is missing its driving pistons. These were removed before the engine was taken to the fairgrounds in 1960.