Pere Marquette Railway 2-8-4 Berkshire Locomotives By James Kehn
Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society has just published a new book on Pere Marquette Railway's (PM) largest and most modern steam locomotive, the "Berkshire" type 2-8-4s. They were built between 1937 and 1944 were the premier fast freight haulers on the PM's lines in Michigan, including the heavily trafficked Detroit-Grand Rapid-Chicago routes. One of these, No. 1225 was preserved and became famous in the motion picture "The Polar Express. It is in operating condition and is cared for by the Michigan State Trust for Railroad Preservation in Owosso, Mich.. The 96 page book not only tells the complete story of these superb locomotives between 1937 and 1952, but also sets their use in context with other engines used by the Pere Marquette in the era. It has much about their mechanical design as well as operations. Includes 200 photos, diagrams, mechanical drawings, tables and other illustrations. great history about one of Michigan's premier steam locomotives one of its most important railways. The PM became part of the Chesapeake & Ohio in 1947.
