Pere Marquette 1225 Holiday Charity Cab Ride Auction

Timed auction by Rail & Road Auctions

Starts Nov 6, 2026 12:00 PM EST. Ends Nov 22, 2026 8:00 PM EST

Pere Marquette No. 1225 Cab Ride – Charity Auction PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. BIDDING BEGINS NOVEMBER 6, 2026, AT 10:00 AM EASTERN. Opening Bid: $500 All proceeds benefit the Steam Railroading Institute. The Steam Railroading Institute (SRI) is pleased to offer railroad enthusiasts a rare opportunity to ride in the cab of one of America's most celebrated operating steam locomotives — Pere Marquette No. 1225! Made famous as the inspiration for the locomotive featured in The Polar Express, Pere Marquette No. 1225 is a remarkable survivor of the steam era and one of the most recognizable operating steam locomotives in the country. This special charity auction offers ONE (1) spot aboard the locomotive for the 10:00 AM excursion on Sunday, December 13, 2026, traveling from Owosso, Michigan, to Ashley, Michigan, as part of the Steam Railroading Institute's holiday excursion operations. The successful bidder will experience the sights, sounds, and excitement of riding inside the cab of a working steam locomotive as No. 1225 makes its way through the Michigan countryside. An Experience Beyond the Cab Ride In addition to the cab ride, the successful bidder will receive: A Steam Railroading Institute shirt and cap of their choice from SRI's regular gift store inventory. A signed copy of Kevin Keefe's book, Twelve Twenty Five: The Life and Times of a Steam Locomotive. Lunch with the Steam Railroading Institute's Executive Director at the Village of Ashley during the train's layover. All proceeds from this charity auction benefit the Steam Railroading Institute, supporting its ongoing efforts to preserve, maintain, and operate historic railroad equipment for future generations. Auction Information Registration is now open through Rail & Road Auctions. Opening Bid: $500 Bidding will begin on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time and conclude on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. All bidders must be fully registered and approved by Rail & Road Auctions prior to 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Standard Time on Sunday, November 22, 2026. All required registration documentation must be received before this deadline. No new registrations will be processed after 12:00 PM Eastern on November 22, 2026. A 2.75% buyer's premium will be added to the final hammer price. Payment is due immediately following the auction and must be completed by certified funds (wire transfer, certified check, or money order) within 96 hours of the auction's close. Once payment has been received and cleared, the successful bidder's contact information will be provided to the Steam Railroading Institute, which will coordinate the remaining details of the experience. Steam Railroading Institute Participation Requirements All auction winners/riders must: Be at least 18 years of age at the time of the ride and provide proof of age. Arrange for their own travel and lodging to and from Owosso, Michigan. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time for a mandatory safety briefing. Be physically capable of boarding the locomotive cab without assistance using a vertical ladder from track level, rather than a passenger platform. Remain seated in the designated jump seat during the trip. Standing behind the locomotive crew while the locomotive is in motion is not permitted. Be prepared to withstand high temperatures inside the locomotive cab, which can exceed 140°F. Wear appropriate clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, and non-skid, closed-toe shoes. Safety glasses and hearing protection will be provided by the Steam Railroading Institute. Understand that only the successful bidder will be contacted with specific details of the trip, including boarding instructions and other arrangements. Sign a waiver of liability provided by the Steam Railroading Institute, as well as a photo and video release. Understand that photography and video recording are prohibited while the locomotive is in motion due to insurance and liability requirements. Comply with all directions provided by Steam Railroading Institute staff. Failure to comply may result in removal from the experience without a refund. Important Operational Conditions The Steam Railroading Institute reserves the right to alter, modify, reschedule, or cancel this cab ride experience at its discretion. While every effort will be made to adhere to the planned itinerary, circumstances beyond SRI's control, including mechanical issues, weather conditions, safety considerations, or other operational requirements, may necessitate changes. In the event the experience is canceled, the winning bid amount will be refunded, less any expenses incurred by Rail & Road Auctions and the Steam Railroading Institute. All bidders are strongly encouraged to carefully review the complete Conditions of Sale and Steam Railroading Institute Terms and Conditions before registering or placing a bid. This is an opportunity to experience Pere Marquette No. 1225 from a perspective few railroad enthusiasts ever get to enjoy, while directly supporting the preservation of steam railroading history.

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