The sun has just cleared the mountains as SD70ACE BNSF9161 lifts an export coal load towards Mullan Pass, MT. The multiple 10 degree curves at the Austin "loops" add resistance to the heavy unit t... (more)

MRL4313 helps to lift an export coal load over Mullan Pass, MT. The multiple 10 degree curves at the Austin "loops" add resistance to the heavy unit train as it combats the compensated 2.2% grade.

BNSF 5984 now has most of the train on the 2.2% climb as it approaches Austin.

One of my favorite vantage points on Mullan Pass is the Upper Horseshoe of the Austin Loops. Screaming upgrade past the Copper King mine BNSF 6329 leads its train of export black diamonds towards... (more)

BNSF 6299 is the last unit of a DPU consist shoving hard on the rear of an export coal train climbing Mullan Pass. The manned swing helper can be seen passing between the new and old Homestead as ... (more)

MRL 4310 shoves against a westbound intermodal train with a threatening western sky...

MRL 282 leads a light helper set downgrade towards Austin. Note the huge cut that bypasses the now abandoned Iron Ridge Tunnel.

BNSF 9835 thunders around the upper loop on the climb out of Austin. I am standing on the tailings of the Copper King Mine...on a spectacular late June morning!

ATSF640 is the lead locomotive on this manifest. Mid Train MRL4313 adds more horsepower with a manned swing helper.

ATSF640 storms upgrade at Greenhorn trestle, MT. The 2.2% grade is in full effect, and the manifest could be heard for 30 min before crossing the gulch.

It is 6:50 AM and the sun has just broke over the ridge and lights up Austin, MT. The remnants of the previous nights thunderstorm can be seen dissipating in the new dry air-mass and blue sky. I ... (more)

BNSF 6329 Screams against gravity as it lifts a coal load around the Upper Austin Loop. Mullan Pass is the 2.2% ruling westward grade in Montana on the the former Northern Pacific mainline. The f... (more)