On a rainy May 18, 2013, Montana Rail Link’s infrequent local down the Bitterroot Branch (also known as the Darby Branch) trundles out of Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville, Montana. Low clouds and rain sock in the Bitterroot Mountains to the west as two GP9s take the train as far as Victor. At the time, this branch operated on Saturday as needed with Paradise Local power that was in Missoula for servicing on weekends. Unfortunately, later in 2013, service on this branch was suspended, and the light, jointed rail south of Missoula hasn’t seen a train since.
