North Coast Limited, Bozeman Pass to Mississippi River

Here is the story of the Northern Pacific’s flagship train, the North Coast Limited, between Bozeman, Montana, the Mississippi River and finally Chicago Union Station. You’re on board and trackside for two round trips in summer between Bozeman and Livingston. Climb the west slope in winter and see big steam (4-6-6-4’s and 2-8-8-4’s) on the east slope. These steamers crawl between round house, coal tipple and water plug, then hammer at the 1.8% grade to Bozeman Summit. There is a side trip to Yellowstone Park and around the Gardiner Loop in steam.

We follow the Yellowstone River for 340 miles through the heart of Montana cattle country and then into the Badlands. Eastbound the North Coast Limited covered the next 660 miles to St Paul in darkness for most of the year. Scenes of the Mainstreeter are used to illustrate parts of this segment. From St Paul the North Coast sped 330 miles beneath the palisades that hold the Mississippi between its banks. We get to see the train on a bright spring day as it runs along the Mississippi. This extraordinary journey ends at Chicago’s Union Station.

Narration. Sunday River Productions programs may feature Color film, B&W film, Music, Dubbed Sound and still photos.