Two Montana Rail Link remote switchers work simultaneously at the east end of MRL’s large yard at Laurel, Montana, on the morning of October 8, 2023. For many years, former cabooses carried remo... (more)

MRL's Rock Train eases its way through the valleys of Montana's 5th subdivison mountains with MRL 256 leading towards Whitehall, Montana.

With amount of money poured into capital improvements in 2018, the demand for ballast is high. Luckily the MRL services a pit in the middle of their line on the 5th Sub at Pipestone. Here a matchi... (more)

A westbound Montana Rail Link ballast train slowly moves past maintenance-of-way forces working on track at Lombard, Montana, on June 20, 2014. The train is powered by two rebuilt SD40s that MRL l... (more)

An eastbound Montana Rail Link work train crosses Dog Creek and Lime Quarry Hills Lane east of Elliston, Montana, on May 15, 2013.

A short Montana Rail Link work train heads eastbound through Jens, Montana, on May 15, 2013, powered by MRL SD40-2XR No. 256.

Montan Rail Link’s day gas local heads east along the Clark Fork between Weeksville and Plains, Montana, on September 28, 2013. Powering the train is SD40 (SD40-2XR) No. 256 and SD70ACe No. 4312... (more)

Passing gas
Montana Rail Link’s day gas local passes the DPU of a westbound BNSF coal train in the siding at Plains, Montana, on September 26, 2013. MRL SD40-2XR No. 256 is 34 years o... (more)

Montana Rail Link’s gas local descends Evaro Hill near Nagos, Montana, on September 28, 2013. Rebuilt SD40 No. 256 (now labeled a SD40-2XR) leads newer SD70ACe No. 4312 for power.

Sprinting eastbound with Montana Rail Link’s day gas local, EMD SD40-2XR (SD40 rebuilt by Livingston Shops) No. 256 heads for Missoula between Dixon and Ravalli, Montana, on September 28, 2013.

Some subtle autumn color is seen along the Flathead River along Montana Rail Link’s Tenth Subdivision as the Day Gas Local traverses some curvy rails east of Perma, Montana, on the afternoon of ... (more)

Built in 1971 for the Burlington Northern, the MRL 256 enters the 305-foot long Tunnel #5.5 on MRL's 4th Subdivision between Alberton and Cyr; with the daily "Night Gas" local in tow.

Montana Rail Link’s Gas Local crosses one of the interesting steel bridges over the Clark Fork River.

The Dixon Senior Center has a great price on a hot meal, if you don't mind eating early...

Nice SD40 frame (former BN 6317).