As the Michigan State University Railroad Club soldier

As the Michigan State University Railroad Club soldier on in the restoration of Pere Marquette 1225, friendships were made in the form three angels who were ready to help.

Don Childs (Photo 1), supervisor in the Division of Engineering Research at MSU, was in charge of the machine shop in the basement of the Engineering building on campus that also had a wealth of knowledge on all things mechanical. Under his supervision, work began on the 1225’s parts in his shop where Club members came to see Childs as a mentor and a teacher.

Rollin Baker (Photo 2), the director of the MSU Museum at the time, was in charge of the 440 ton artifact in the collection.  Having a soft spot for the locomotive and believed it to be an important piece in mechanical history, Baker gave the club his blessing. The support he gave made him a very good friend to the 1225.

Ken Pelton (Photo 3), former boilermaker on the Pere Marquette Railway, was no stranger to a Berkshire’s boiler. On a cold-turkey field trip to the C&O yard in Wyoming one night, Club members were told about Pelton and that he was still on the payroll for the railroad. Being very enthusiastic and supportive, he ended up performing thousands of dollars in boiler work during the restoration for virtually nothing. “His generosity was stunning.” – Kevin P. Keefe

Together these three angels have our thanks, and utmost respect. #ThrowbackThursday #50th Photos from Steam Railroading Institute, MSU Archives, and John B. Corns