LM crawls into Helena Yard with coal empties waiting to head east. This train had to be set out in Townsend with power issues, so a helper set ran down to bring it in.

The Harrison local nears the end of the approximately weekly journey to the agribusiness in Harrison. Today's catch was 2 loads of fertilizer inbound and one empty outbound. It's hard to believe... (more)

LM is picking up some cars and helpers at the junction, requiring them to pull clear of the signals. The extra power up front will be sent all the way to Missoula to assist in helper service for ... (more)

A second "LB" utility job was sent from Laurel to clean up Livingston Yard, which was essentially 80% auto racks. After meeting the standard LB west, this job heads east. The two 4400'... (more)

The Bozeman Helpers shove on the rear of a long ML to get it over the hump at the west end of Bozeman Tunnel.

Working up the 2.2 percent grade of Mullan Pass, a set of four Montana Rail Link EMD SD70ACes being used as a manned helper, leans into an oil train passing through Iron Ridge cut between Austin a... (more)

Manifest LM crosses Skyline Trestle on the way to the summit of Mullan Pass.

Local returning from Livingston.

Reaching the top of their assist with a loaded coal train and falling snow.

An eastbound Montana Rail Link helper set of the usual four EMD SD70ACes, drops downgrade out of Weed, Montana, and through Iron Ridge cut on MRL’s main line over Mullan Pass on June 29, 2022. T... (more)

Winston Hill is a great spot to watch storms form over the mountains and move about. A perfectly sunny day gave way to thick clouds later in the afternoon. As much as I wanted sun, I think this tu... (more)

Into the storm
With four cars for Helena Yard, Montana Rail Link’s Helena local climbs Winston Hill past milepost 215 and toward some stormy weather east of Winston Montana, on the af... (more)

Helpers and local power include the famous SD45 #355, facing east, which is used on the 840 local.

LM is working its way towards Helena. The lead motor keeps shutting down so the train will be tied down in Townsend to await helpers. This locomotive was originally built as a 4308 for BHP. Cam... (more)

A helper set ran to Logan with a westbound train in order to drop off a motor swap with the local crew then assist a heavy eastbound back, taking with it the ailing motor from Logan. This is one ... (more)