Helena-based helpers have cut-off from the headend and are out of view... Leaving two badass SD45's, the leader being of Great Northern heritage, on the point of a high priority rail train bound for Tokio, Washington and BNSF's Lakeside Subdivision expansion project. This train would streak across the 3rd Subdivision at a ramming speed of 35mph, change crews in Missoula and continue West. But, until then, they still have the challenge of crawling down the West Slope of Mullan Pass. While not as steep as the East Slope's 2.2% grade, the West-side's 1.4% descending grade in spots is still a tough task for the engineer to hold back trains. It takes the right amount of air, and the right amount of dynamic braking, too much of either and you'll stop, not enough of either and it could result in going too fast down the hill.
