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David Collins wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 21, 2021 8:50 am

So me and a few buddies of mine are chasing 1225 on the 4th, anyone got any good suggestions for video and photo locations? I’ve obviously got the Carland Grain Elevator down but other than that I’ve got nothing, I’ve only seen him in one spot but have never actually chased it…

kd_1014 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 22, 2021 8:46 am

Not sure if they are going to be regularly doing this, but they flagged the crossing at Carland yesterday due to trespassing incidents, so that also gives you more time to get to wherever you need to be.

David Collins wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 22, 2021 8:57 am

kd_1014 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 22, 2021 8:46 am

Not sure if they are going to be regularly doing this, but they flagged the crossing at Carland yesterday due to trespassing incidents, so that also gives you more time to get to wherever you need to be.

They’re also going to be running at 10 mph, if people want to ruin a lot of peoples’ weekend by getting the train canceled by trespassing, getting too close, etc, they’re a good job unfortunately…

thatcheb wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 23, 2021 11:20 am

Planning ahead for safe chasing is always a good idea. Google maps can be very useful in planning a chase route and stops. Those planning to shoot photos or video need to remind themselves that it is no longer 1941, when steam was part of the everyday landscape and it was easy to get a shot of just the locomotive and train. Today, mainline steam is fairly scarce and we do live on a populated planet. Most photographic vantage points are going to have people in them - get used to it.

The Jackass Nation convention at Carland Road did nobody any favors. Incidents such as this can easily (and rightfully) lead to no more steam excursions in Michigan - ever.

To all readers who want to continue the enjoyment of riding, photographing or just watching a steam locomotive excursion, please exhibit the self-discipline of maintaining the minimum safe distance (aim for 25 feet) from the railroad track. I came "of age" riding steam excursions in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Photographers generally self-sorted into one or more angled photo lines a safe distance from the track. There is no reason this cannot be done nowadays. Also - respect other people's private property.

If somebody is encroaching on railroad property to get a photo or to "just look," politely remind them of the risk to steam excursion operations mentioned above. If they choose to remain at the edge of the track (let alone ON the track), feel free to call 911. All of the law enforcement agencies have been briefed on the NPE schedules, route and safety concerns.

We have been operating North Pole Express excursion trains since 2004, and the grade crossing problems seem to be getting worse. So, I ask all of you to help in maintaining a safe environment for bystanders - so we can continue to offer these excursions to the public.

Bob Thatcher, Safety Officer
Steam Railroading Institute

David Collins wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 21, 2021 8:50 am

So me and a few buddies of mine are chasing 1225 on the 4th, anyone got any good suggestions for video and photo locations? I’ve obviously got the Carland Grain Elevator down but other than that I’ve got nothing, I’ve only seen him in one spot but have never actually chased it…

Dan Cluley wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 30, 2021 3:30 am

This is my basic chasing route, it is all paved roads, with a minimum number of turns, and you should be able to get 4-5 shots while still driving like a responsible adult.

Start with any shot in Owosso - There's at least one good angle at every crossing, so just explore a little.

Head west out of town on Main st (M-21) and turn North on Delaney Road

The tracks cross Delaney right at the intersection with Mason Road. - This spot is often kind of crowded

Continue north 3 miles on Delaney to Juddville road and turn left (West)

After 4.5 miles on Juddville Road you will cross the tracks again.

After this shot, continue West on Juddville until it dead ends at Meridian Road. Turn right (North)

It's about 2 miles to the crossing on Meridian and then you continue a little over a mile and turn left (West) on Maple Rapids Road (right before the pavement ends on Meridian). Take Maple Rapids Road 1 mile, and turn North again onto Hollister Road. Hollister changes names & becomes Mason Road. Take this 5 miles and then turn left (West) onto Cleveland Road (M-57)

It is almost 4 miles to the tracks on M-57 just South of Ashley. You can do the shot there, or take either of the next two roads to the right and go into town in Ashley to get the train arriving. Getting into Ashley & parking will take a bit of time, so if the train is close, M-57 or McClelland Road is safer.


If the roads are dry, you can add one more shot in between Meridian Road & Ashley. When northbound on Mason Road, turn West onto Wilson Road (there should be sign pointing to the town of Bannister). There are a couple of crossings in Bannister to choose from, or Grenland Road, just North of town. In any case, you take 1st st/Berry Road north from Bannister to M-57 and then West again.


If there is snow, you may not be able to get this many shots. These are country roads, and may not be plowed early, well, or at all !



That is the easy level These are some alternate ideas.

Instead of stopping at the Delaney Road crossing, you can go 1 mile North & 1 mile West to Wilkinson & Smith Roads. If you take Wilkinson Road back East to Delaney and continue North from there, I believe you can still catch the train at Juddville.

If you want to do Carland, that would replace the Juddville Road shot. Turn North about 1/2 a mile West of the tracks on Juddville to get to the Elevator. Carland will be crowded, so plan for time to park & walk to the tracks & find a spot. You can go North out of Carland and then West to get to Meridian Road, but all the options involve unpaved roads, so you may want to go back South to Juddville instead.