MRL 355 and two other EMD variants drag a H-SPOLAU into Laurel Yard on a beautiful Summer Montana morning!

Led by Montana Rail Link SD45 No. 355, MRL’s Bozeman turn approaches the U.S. Highway 89 overpass at Mission east of Livingston, Montana, on July 2, 2019.

At its peak, the MRL once owned 71 SD45's. Much like the WC, they became well known for their 20 cylinder motors. Over time the roster has been reduced to four, two in service and two in storage/s... (more)

Montana Rail Link EMD SD45 No. 355 leads the westbound gas local through the sweeping curve approaching Arlee, Montana, on the afternoon of September 27, 2007.

Three flares on the gas
Montana Rail Link’s night gas local departs Missoula, Montana, on the afternoon of September 18, 2006. Three SD45s up front lead the train out onto the main, w... (more)

As a large thunderstorm marches east, Montana Rail Link’s Bozeman turn passes the old wooden grain elevators still located at Reed Point, Montana, on the afternoon of July 2, 2019.

On a mostly stormy afternoon, a small pocket of sunshine lights up Montana Rail Link’s Bozeman turn on the curve along the Yellowstone River leaving Columbus, Montana. MRL SD45 No. 355 and SD40-... (more)

The Livingston Local no longer works out of its namesake, with all major Gallatin Valley customers located in Bozeman or west, the job now is based out of there. Last winter however, with power fa... (more)

Led by Montana Rail Link EMD SD45 No. 355, MRL’s Bozeman turn exits 3,015-foot Bozeman Pass Tunnel at West End, Montana, on July 2, 2019.

Montana Rail Link EMD SD45 No. 355 leads the Laurel to Bozeman local through the sweeping curve along the Yellowstone River approaching Elton, Montana, on the afternoon of July 2, 2019.

An SD45-SD35 combo in 2019 is quite unheard of! Digging in just west of Columbus, these two motors also saw service together on the I&M Rail Link. Definitely something special to witness.

Montana Rail Link’s Bozeman turn exits 3,015-foot Bozeman Pass Tunnel at West End, Montana, led by SD45 No. 355 on July 2, 2019.

SD45 under a rainbow
On July 2, 2019, after a rainy crossing of Bozeman Pass, Montana Rail Link’s Laurel to Bozeman local hits a pocket of late evening sunshine as it descends the west... (more)

Montana Rail Link EMD SD45 No. 355 leads the Laurel to Bozeman local out of a storm as it approaches Craver, Montana, on the afternoon of July 2, 2019.

The evening sky is glowing with pink accents as Montana Rail Link’s westbound Bozeman turn led by a venerable MRL EMD SD45 No. 355 passes the east switch at Quebec, Montana, during sunset at 9:1... (more)