Lifelong Reese, MI resident, Fred Steck, is a true fan of steam. Fred restored three steam locomotives to operating condition in his back yard shop on the outskirts of the village of Reese, MI. Fred worked as a tool and die maker and fabricated many tools needed to restore three locomotives, a true genius. Now long retired and out the railroad locomotive re-building spotlight, Fred made the 75mile journey with my father, Ed, to witness the labor of others he can relate to.

Fred states "Jeremy, my eyes don't work well, my hearing is poor, but I can smell that engine....and the valves are timed well" as the SP 4449 passed by a mere 200 feet away near North Star, MI. Fred doesn't drive anymore but always has a moment to discuss rail operations in MI over an imported Canadian beer. (the best in his eyes) Fred is 92 years young.

(Fred has been my grand-parents neighbor for nearly 50 years. My dad recalls spending his childhood summers firing steam in his backyard, doing various chores and smelling that familiar coal burning.)