Polar Express Inspiration

When I was coming back from Niagara falls in 2018 we stopped for some dinner in Durand, Michigan I said "lets go for a walk while we wait for food".So me and my dad went for a walk and when we walked around a corner, I couldnt believe my eyes, there was an actual Pere Marquette 1225. That was the train that played the Polar Express. The film makers actually used this train as their inspiration for the train in the movie. Then we came rushing back for food and tell everyone the exciting news.That was one of best adventure with my dad!