East of Townsend MRL 260 leads this eastbound local.

MRL 260 leads this eastbound local through Townsend.

Slowing moving through the controlled siding with the crew in position on the pilot discussing their upcoming switching move of setting out an empty lumber car on a spur track, MRL's "840" local a... (more)

After working a local industry, MRL's 840 Local accelerates eastbound through the Townsend Siding with MRL GP9 116 and SD45-2 308 in charge.

This location along Austin-Mullan Pass road is perhaps one of easiest accessed locations on Mullan Pass. The small canyon makes a great backdrop as trains ascend the grade. On this visit BNSF was ... (more)

1960's muscle lowers the Missoula originated manifest down the east slope of Mullan. The road here was once a important military road, used to ferry troops and supplies between forts long before t... (more)

48 years old and still earning a keep on the Montana Rail Link. Former NW1566 has spent most of its life conquering mountains on both sides of the continent. On this day the fine looking SD35 bri... (more)

A rare EMD SD35 brings its work train down Winston Hill. Built in 12/65 for the Norfolk & Western, this veteran of mountain grades battles on in the Rockies...

A local returns to Helena making good time as the sun sets on this day.....

Pushing up Winston Hill
The power for Montana Rail Link’s 840 local out of Helena has the additional duty of helping out a struggling westbound BNSF coal train up Winston Hill west of T... (more)

MRL's 840 Helena Local departs Townsend after switching several industries and meeting the westbound Q-DENTAC intermodal train. Power for today's local is made up of two MRL SD40-2XR's.

The returning Helena Local begins the westbound climb of Winston Hill after crossing the Missouri River just outside Townsend, Montana. This local works to Logan and then west up the 5th Sub to e... (more)

Classic EMD profile.

Men's muscles are still required for track work in 2008, and will probably remain so for many years.

A westbound loaded coal train strains at the grade in the Canyon Ferry Lake valley. The train is accelerating from a meet in Townsend, and the sound reverberates off the Big Belt Mountains.