Manned Helpers on MRL's Mullan Pass – 12/30/2023

A day before the official BNSF takeover of Montana Rail Link, I spent time along MRL's Mullan Pass. You'll enjoy a few different locations and some drone video on a day that produced lots of action.

I started the day in Helena and chased a westbound grain train as it climbed the ruling 2.2% grade up the eastern slope of the pass. I then moved to Iron Ridge near Austin, where an eastbound oil empty was waiting for the grain train to pass, and another westbound – this time a coal train – followed soon after. All 3 helper sets got a workout, and you'll see each of them at different points either in-train or returning to Helena lite.

After spending some time at Iron Ridge, I relocated to the west side of the pass, but I didn't quite make it in time to catch the head end of an eastbound coal empty that was racing towards the continental divide. Luckily, the roar of 8 locomotives and nearly 35,000 HP was heard soon after, and before last light, another westbound loaded coal train crested the divide.

I chased the loaded coal train to Elliston, but an eastbound mixed freight was parked, blocking my view of the helpers cutting out. Nonetheless, I was able to record the eastbound departing. I decided to call it quits there, but on the west end of Elliston siding, I drove past an eastbound empty grain train as it started to creep forward. Clearly, the westbound coal train created a bit of a traffic jam, and the dispatcher opted to park the two eastbounds end-to-end.

I hope you enjoy all the moments from my time railfanning one of Montana Rail Link's final days!

-Cam