History

Owosso Train Expo celebrates planes, trains and cars

WKAR Public Media | By Scott Pohl

Published June 18, 2014 at 11:38 AM EDT

1 of 6

Train Expo coordinator Terry Bush climbs aboard the 1225 locomotive. Hollywood modeled 'The Polar Express' on the 1225.

WKAR/Nicole Strobel

2 of 6

The Steam Railroading Institute houses an extensive train museum in Owosso.

WKAR/Nicole Strobel

3 of 6

A Shiawassee County Jail work release program provides help with tasks like sanding paint off a rail car.

WKAR/Nicole Strobel

4 of 6

The Train Expo will go through a lot of coal.

WKAR/Nicole Strobel

5 of 6

A handcar serves as a staging area for preparations.

WKAR/Nicole Strobel

6 of 6

Kevin Mayer is director of operations and chief mechanical officer with the Steam Railroading Institute. This mural of the 1225 locomotive graces the interior of the museum.

WKAR/Nicole Strobel

The sound of trains can be commonly heard in Owosso. This weekend, steam whistles will be added to the clickety-clack of steel wheels during the Steam Railroading Institute’s Train Expo 2014.One of Owosso’s claims to fame is that it’s home to the 1225 locomotive used as the model for the film version of “The Polar Express”, but that’s just a small fraction of what’s in store for the train enthusiast. Along with the steam engines, the four-day Train Expo goes further, with events related to cars and airplanes, too.

Current State’s Scott Pohl went to Owosso for a preview of the events.