[MOC] From the backshop: Pere Marquette #1225

[Glenn Holland]

I modeled Nickel Plate Road S-2 Berkshire #763 over most of 2022, and finally published it in December that year. Since then, my model of 763 has won me the Global Award for Best Steam Locomotive in the 2023 Brick Train Awards.

It wasn't originally the plan in designing and modeling such an iconic locomotive (Nickel Plate Berkshires are nothing but iconic) but shortly before publishing the finished model, I gifted the digital version to a handful of friends in hopes that some of them may be crazy enough to build their own. The Advisory Mechanical Committee (AMC) design of 2-8-4 found its way onto a number of eastern US railroads, so even a small number of Lego Berkshire models (built to the same model pattern) would be spectacular to see, especially if they were to represent the different roads which rostered the AMC design.

My friend Shane has since taken up that mantle and cemented his position as the first to do so with his model of Pere Marquette #1225.

The Pere Marquette had 39 total Berkshires following the AMC pattern. 1225 was part of the second order which made up the N-1 class, and is one of two preserved examples, and the only one in operation out of Owosso, Michigan.

Shane's original model of 1225 was also a Brick Train Awards winner - taking home the same Global win for Best Steam Locomotive in 2022. This was Shane's first steam model. Having seen it in person before its retirement and disassembly, I was definitely impressed with what Shane did. Unfortunately, and Shane can attest, it was never the top-performing engine one would expect an AMC Berkshire to be. Thankfully, this new model hits the mark.

I was happy to gift my design to Shane. He did an excellent job assembling the model and changing necessary details to reflect 1225 specifically. Shane sent me the model in early June 2024 to look over in person and fine tune before Brickworld Chicago 2024. I'm confident that I've got the model running as smoothly as 763 - if it were my own, I'd be satisfied.

Having these two models together, even briefly, has been quite gratifying and just plain awesome to see, though I'm excited to return 1225 into Shane's hands for his enjoyment. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/41032663@N08/53788324316/in/dateposted/

 

That leaves me with 763 once again. As much as I do truly love 763, I think I need another Berkshire in my roster.

More photos here: 

Short video here:

 

 

Thanks for reading.

Edited June 13, 2024 by Glenn Holland

[1963maniac]

These are masterful Lego  examples of these trains. I have been in the presence of the 1225 Pere Marquette many times. It's a real behemoth! My son at 5 years old got hoisted right up into the cab. WOW, the ground all around the thing vibrates your feet!

[Darkkostas25]

Astonishing *_* !

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Epic locomotives!
The convoys are beautiful too!

[Man with a hat]

Wow, those are two magnificent beasts.

[Glenn Holland]

On 6/13/2024 at 2:53 PM, 1963maniac said:

These are masterful Lego  examples of these trains. I have been in the presence of the 1225 Pere Marquette many times. It's a real behemoth! My son at 5 years old got hoisted right up into the cab. WOW, the ground all around the thing vibrates your feet!

A very impressive locomotive for sure. I had the pleasure of working behind 765 this past weekend - the photo run-by was quite an experience!

On 6/13/2024 at 4:02 PM, Darkkostas25 said:

Astonishing *_* !

 

On 6/16/2024 at 1:13 AM, LEGO Train 12 Volts said:

Epic locomotives!
The convoys are beautiful too!

Generic freight consists are always the way to go for superpower engines like these - just means I need more to have the proper variety!

4 hours ago, Man with a hat said:

Wow, those are two magnificent beasts.

Thanks all. Very pleased with the way Shane's copy turned out.

[Shiva]

<3 locomotives.