With air temp just slightly over freezing, #4449 is charging out of Whitefish, MT on its way to Spokane. The sun has yet to rise in Montana's Northern Latitudes although it is after 8 AM MDT

When it comes right down to it, trips like 4449s most recent cross-country journey are not about a 411-ton steam engine, but rather the people who put their lives on hold to bring that engine to t... (more)

A father holds his son as he gazes at the massive machine that is Southern Pacific Daylight 4449, having just arrived in Whitefish, Montana during its cross-country excursion.

Just a bit off the advertised, the Empire Builder arrives in Whitefish to a crowd waiting to board (including me).

Heading up the west slope of Marias Pass in the early morning sunlight

The eastbound Builder makes its usual run over the middle fork of the Flathead

Beautifully painted GN 181 graces the Whitefish MT depot.

BNSF 5250 leads a westbound Z train into Whitefish in the late evening light. Fuji Provia 100F

BN 7048 leads train #104 as it approaches Whitefish yard.

Rare GN NW-3 rests on display just wet of the Whitefish depot.

Static display at Whitefish Amtrak depot. Taken during short stop of the Empire Builder.

As car attendants monitor last-minute boarding, the eastbound Empire Builder prepares to resume its journey, some three hours off the advertised. A green GP39 resting in the yard preserves some o... (more)

Busy scene at the Whitefish Amtrak station with the arrival of the Empire Builder.

One of seven built exclusively for the Great Northern, #181 survives as a display in Whitefish, Montana. Here, dressed up for the Holidays. Sister unit #179 is rumored to be operational, right h... (more)

A beautiful summer evening comes to a close as the crossbucks sit silently, waiting for another train while Venus shines brightly in the background. 4 second exposure with flash.