MRL Montana Mainline, Part 2

We return to Helena in the dead of winter as Montana Rail Link trains prepare to do battle with Mullan Pass. A strong Canadian storm system slammed into the Rockies sending the mercury below zero while a quintet of MRL’s EMD SD70ACe’s put on a fantastic show shoving heavy trains to the summit. This is a mountain railroading at its best with 2.2% grades, numerous curves and high trestles. Shot in January and July of 2011, you will see the MRL taking on Mullan Pass in all types of weather as it climbs to the continental divide at Blossburg via the famous Mullan Tunnel.

The action doesn’t stop there, as trains race west along the 3rd, 4th and 10th subdivisions through the fantastic scenery that is the hallmark of Montana. Catch trains as they follow the course of the Clark Fork River and scale high above the treetops on Evaro Hill. Our tour concludes as we head west through the Bitterroot Mountains along the banks of the Clark Fork to Sandpoint, Idaho where MRL joins BNSF’s busy “Funnel.” A great variety of trains run over the line including coal, grain, mixed manifests and MRL’s daily gas train. From perfect sunny skies, through thunderstorms and winter’s arctic chill, this is a trip to MRL country you won’t soon forget! Raw horsepower and beautiful scenery combine again for two great hours of entertainment.