Hey guys!

Well, my wife got her birthday present from me today.

She got to be the fireman for a half an hour and engineer for a half an hour on the Pere Marquette 1225 Berkshire (a.k.a. Polar Express loco).

It's funny to see some of the responses from people who are surprized by her passion and knowledge of steamers. I gave her this present because it's an opportunity to operate one of the biggest and most powerful steamers still running.

To say she had a blast would be an understatement and a half.

Here's a few pics I took











Brian Briggs

Outstanding!
Congratulations to one lucky lady.
She looks real good going by.
And real happy.
Thanks for posting.

I'm glad you two had a great time I worked very hard on Friday getting the 1225 serviced and ready for the weekend. We have several women that volunteer at the SRI in the backshop. My fireman for bringing the engine out for water and coal on Friday was Diane Francis who is a pretty good fireperson.
Ron

quote:

Originally posted by ChooChooDennis:
Outstanding!
Congratulations to one lucky lady.

lucky lady? LUCK GUY! great pics ... any gal who knows steam is most definitely a keeper!

whole new meaning to getting into some hot-water!

Wow! What agreat experience you gave her. Congrats!!!

I dare not let Mrs Mullan see this!

Ed

quote:

Originally posted by Ed Mullan:
I dare not let Mrs Mullan see this!

Ed

Give me a break, Ed - You'd be foaming just as much as she would and you know it.

Thanks guys,

I'm one lucky guy for sure.

Ron: Thanks for your hard work, 1225 was performing great! I did see a couple of those volunteers, even in overalls. Were you there Saturday?

Ed: Why not let Mrs. Mullan see this?

Brian B.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DTI989,

That must be an oil-burner. Either that or your wife wins the prize as the cleanest fireman in railroad history! You can sure tell she was enjoying the experience. A great present!

Bob,

It's a coal burner. But the auger does most of the work...only need to shovel to fill in the cold spots.

I think she had more soot on her teeth from smiling so much!

Brian B.

Ma Mullan has become my railfannin' sidekick..and she loves steam! I'm afraid she might wanna run that engine too. That trip out there would break our bank!
I know Brian will tell you the same thing..it sure is nice having your best friend and wife along when you're out and about railfanning.

Ed

Ed,

You are quite correct I feel very lucky to have found my wife. We have been quite a few places railfanning together. In fact we were in your backyard earlier this year. We spent a night at the Holiday Inn in Cumberland and swung down to Keyser because of the picts you've posted here. You must feel lucky to be so close to the Western Maryland Scenic (which your wife must like). Funny thing about their 734 engine, I worked with a guy whose dad worked for 30 years with the LS&I in Marquette, Michigan back when those engines ruled supreme. Most likely he rode old 34 back then. My friend has kept tabs on where all the former LS&I steamers have gone.

Brian B.

No Bryan I wasn't there on Saturday. I was there on Friday and had to be there on the following Wednesday to operate the locomotive for Lionel. They were there to record the steam sounds for the new 1225 coming out in August.
Ron

I WOULD DIE FOR A BIRTHDAY PRESENT LIKE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!