MRL still ruled the rails two years ago around this time with combinations of first and second-generation EMD power able to be captured.

After running around their train and completing their work in town, the MRL's Helena Local departs from Townsend, Montana behind an SD45 and GP9 to head back to the yard in Helena. As the train le... (more)

MRL's 840 local's power heads to the house in Helena.

MRL's 844 local departs the west end of Louisville after meeting an eastbound.

Another favorite railroad has passed into the history books. As 2023 draws to a close so does the lease of the old Northern Pacific mainline through the Rockies by Montana Rail Link. One of the ne... (more)

In the last few weeks, Montana Rail Link has been doing some housecleaning before the BNSF takeover at the end of the year. Several locomotives were scrapped at Livingston, including EMD SD45 Nos.... (more)

We made a big family vacation to Yellowstone in June. The boys hope to see the MRL for the 1st time before it is gone. I figured the Bozeman Turn was a good bet to try and get the 1 evening we had... (more)

With a 16:00 departure from Laurel, this Laurel to Bozeman local is pretty popular chase on the MRL 2nd Sub. Back in May 2002 the job has a green signal at West Rapids so the engineer pours on the... (more)

With a 16:00 departure from Laurel, this Laurel to Bozeman local is pretty popular chase on the MRL 2nd Sub. Back in May 2002 the job pokes along following a grain train west, while meeting a few ... (more)

Montana Rail Link’s 840 local, the Helena local, returns from the cement plant at Montana City and is approaching East Helena, Montana on July 7, 2022. MRL EMD SD45 No. 355 and EMD GP9 No. 109 a... (more)

Montana Rail Link's Helena local works Ash Grove cement in beautiful late afternoon light on a cold first day of March. This will be the last March that sees MRL as an independant railroad.

After working Montana City, the MRL's Helena Local heads back up the 13th Subdivision through East Helena, Montana to get back on the mainline and head towards Townsend. In the lead is MRL 355, th... (more)

The Montana Rail Link's "Bozeman Bullet" descends Bozeman Pass during the final hours of light with 355 on the point.

Racin’ home. MRL 355 is in the lead of the Helena local, as they crest Winston Hill at East Winston.

Bozeman turn over the top
Led by SD45 No. 355, Montana Rail Link’s Bozeman turn descends Bozeman Pass at West End, Montana, on a rainy afternoon of July 2, 2019.