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Title: |
In Dynamics |
Description: |
Making really good time across the vast high plains and the Hi Line, BNSF 4410 drops downgrade into Chester, MT at track speed. |
Photo Date: |
9/29/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:04:51 PM |
Location: |
Chester, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4410(C44-9W) BNSF 8276(SD75I) BNSF 6124(ES44AC) |
Views: |
585 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
All mans things become small |
Description: |
The swell of the plains engulfs everything, even the elevator and the approaching hotshot. |
Photo Date: |
9/29/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:10:26 PM |
Location: |
Devon, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4410(C44-9W) BNSF 8276(SD75I) BNSF 6124(ES44AC) |
Views: |
484 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Cooling its heels |
Description: |
The 4410 West eases back approaching Shelby and a crew change. |
Photo Date: |
9/29/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:11:54 PM |
Location: |
Shelby, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4410(C44-9W) BNSF 8276(SD75I) BNSF 6124(ES44AC) |
Views: |
458 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
The nose says it |
Description: |
BNSF or not, the unit nose is definitely GN |
Photo Date: |
9/29/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:07:31 PM |
Location: |
Chester, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
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Locomotives: |
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Views: |
236 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Life on the Hi-Line |
Description: |
Along the seemingly infinite stretch of US 2 that parallels the old GN across much of North Dakota and Montana, someone in Hinsdale, MT has encapsulated the integral aspect of the railroad to the environs. |
Photo Date: |
9/29/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:00:07 PM |
Location: |
Hinsdale, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
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Locomotives: |
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Views: |
222 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Muddy Feet |
Description: |
BNSF 4339 and mate seem to have been up to no good as they strain against the geography with an eastbound intermodal between Grizzley and Spotted Robe. There is just a touch of snow way up high. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 11:10:49 PM |
Location: |
Spotted Robe, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4339(C44-9W) BNSF 4526(C44-9W) |
Views: |
346 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Popular spot |
Description: |
If Two Medicine Creek bridge is adjacent to the most photographed barn in Montana, surely this must be the most photographed lake with its imposing backdrop and rail action. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:59:24 PM |
Location: |
Bison, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4871(C44-9W) CSX 5360(ES44DC) BNSF 4727(C44-9W) |
Views: |
920 Comments: 5 |
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Title: |
Morning comes late |
Description: |
It takes awhile for the sun to intrude upon the deep shadows of the Flathead valley this time of year; and what nicer development than for an eastbound to appear after Ive finished my coffee at the Izaak Walton Inn? Here the 4871 East comes across Goat Lick Trestle; set against the vastness of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:51:58 PM |
Location: |
Essex, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Bridge,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4871(C44-9W) CSX 5360(ES44DC) BNSF 4727(C44-9W) |
Views: |
520 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Where the high plains meet the mountains |
Description: |
The CSX unit makes a nice contrast to the BNSFs on this outfit. It seems a bit strange to see the bare mountain peaks with the aspen this far advanced. Must be indian summer. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 11:07:32 PM |
Location: |
Spotted Robe, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4871(C44-9W) CSX 5360(ES44DC) BNSF 4727(C44-9W) |
Views: |
534 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Going Up |
Description: |
Here comes the 4871 East through Java East, launching its attack upon mountain grade. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:55:39 PM |
Location: |
Java Creek, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4871(C44-9W) CSX 5360(ES44DC) BNSF 4727(C44-9W) |
Views: |
542 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Good medicine at Two Medicine |
Description: |
There is that barn! |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 11:03:35 PM |
Location: |
Glacier Park, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Bridge,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4871(C44-9W) CSX 5360(ES44DC) BNSF 4727(C44-9W) |
Views: |
395 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Closer at sundown |
Description: |
In the last rays of light on the last day of September, BNSF 5100 approaches Bison. Time to head out for some Moose Drool and beef at Ramseys Firebrand. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:14:32 PM |
Location: |
Bison, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 5100(C44-9W) BNSF 4732(C44-9W) BNSF 8215(SD75M) |
Views: |
480 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Coming round the corner |
Description: |
The east slope of Marias Pass is considerably less steep than the west; however 1.2% is still a worthy challenge for three units leading an intermodal train west. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:50:40 AM |
Location: |
Summit, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 5244(C44-9W) |
Views: |
276 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Slow but steady |
Description: |
BNSF 5244 struggles up the remaining mile and a half to the summit. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:53:03 AM |
Location: |
Summit, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 5244(C44-9W) |
Views: |
309 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
BNSF 5288 |
Description: |
Yet another grain empty (they seem about as frequent as intermodals this season) climbs the west slope of Marias Pass. I doubt those peaks will be snowless for much longer. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:43:28 AM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 5288(C44-9W) BNSF 4607(C44-9W) BNSF 4529(C44-9W) |
Views: |
518 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
If at first you dont succeed |
Description: |
It helps to have DPUs when the sun angle prohibits head-on shots. BNSF 5718 and 6364 are at the rear of eastbound coalies and have just exited Shed No.7 on their climb up Marias Pass. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:31:28 AM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 6364(ES44AC) BNSF 5718(ES44AC) |
Views: |
645 Comments: 2 |
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Title: |
Colors of an autumn afternoon |
Description: |
BNSF 7841 prods upgrade west of Bison with grain; two more units are on the rear. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:12:54 AM |
Location: |
Bison, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 7841(ES44DC) BNSF 1109(C44-9W) |
Views: |
331 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
About time you showed up |
Description: |
And old Wyoming railroader like myself knows about the havoc the wind can wreak upon traffic; as evidenced by this windbreak installed on the mountain side of the trestle at Glacier Park. BNSF 7841 has been a long time coming, but will afford a nice chase west for awhile. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/7/2010 11:15:19 PM |
Location: |
Glacier Park, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Bridge,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 7841(ES44DC) BNSF 1109(C44-9W) |
Views: |
567 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Hi Line Vista |
Description: |
BNSF 7841 West clings to the edge of the mountain as it negotiates a tight curve between Sheds 8 and 7 west of Blacktail on the descent from Marias Pass toward the Flathead river valley. From the look of some of those boulders, it appears the slide fence has been useful over time. |
Photo Date: |
9/30/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:23:43 AM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 7841(ES44DC) BNSF 1109(C44-9W) |
Views: |
1013 Comments: 7 |
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Title: |
Slow but steady |
Description: |
BNSF 4694 knocks down the signal at Bison East. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 1:53:52 AM |
Location: |
Bison, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4694(C44-9W) |
Views: |
274 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
In The "OS" |
Description: |
BNSF 4694 moves through the OS point at Bison East. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 1:55:42 AM |
Location: |
Bison, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4694(C44-9W) |
Views: |
345 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
An autumn vista in the Rockies. |
Description: |
BNSF 4694 winds its way down Marias Pass. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:12:01 AM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
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Views: |
216 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Steady as she goes |
Description: |
Can you almost smell the brakeshoes rubbing on steel wheels? |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:18:58 AM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
RollingStock,Action |
Locomotives: |
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Views: |
195 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
The acrid scent of brakeshoe smoke |
Description: |
Suddenly the quiet mountain scene is full of the rumbles, squeals and groans of a passing freight. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:17:17 AM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,RollingStock,Action |
Locomotives: |
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Views: |
225 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
At long last a manifest |
Description: |
No mixed freights the previous day; but the Essex helpers followed Amtrak east toward Browning, forecasting something. Finally along about 2:30pm a westbound shows. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 1:44:44 AM |
Location: |
Glacier Park, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Bridge,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4694(C44-9W) BNSF 5416(C44-9W) BNSF 5434(C44-9W) BNSF 4684(C44-9W) |
Views: |
430 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Dwarfed by the landscape |
Description: |
BNSF 4694 begins the descent of the west slope of Maris Pass. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:08:03 AM |
Location: |
Marias Pass, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4694(C44-9W) |
Views: |
310 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
The dark side |
Description: |
Shadows or not, it is quite a sight. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:09:50 AM |
Location: |
Marias Pass, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4694(C44-9W) |
Views: |
313 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
What a thrill |
Description: |
The long manifest is actually making pretty good time and setting air as it exits Shed No.8 and drops toward the Flathead River valley. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:14:35 AM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4694(C44-9W) |
Views: |
266 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Go with whatcha know |
Description: |
When traffic is generally sparse, of course the thing to do is stay with a known quantity. BNSF 4694 almost has the summit made as it passes beneath a nicely preserved cantilever at the Summit control point. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 1:59:43 AM |
Location: |
Summit, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Signal,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4694(C44-9W) |
Views: |
379 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Into the setting sun |
Description: |
BNSF 4849 was apparently held at West Belton for an eastbound and then let go. So I got the photo of the nice manifest before the shadows enclosed the scene. The 4694 West is still back there somewhere to follow. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:32:55 AM |
Location: |
Belton, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4849(C44-9W) |
Views: |
294 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Yeah, right! |
Description: |
Of course all of this stuff never shows up when you are where you want to be. It is kind of like fishing, and one never knows when he (or she) is going to get a bite. Just be happy. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:29:49 AM |
Location: |
Belton, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
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Views: |
227 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Is it just me? |
Description: |
At times I am still unable to accept the lack of a caboose. But the 4920 does not look bad bringing up the rear of BNSF 4694. It just lacks the appeal of a friendly wave from the cupola and a little smoke from the stove as, who knows, the conductor cooks up a bacon and egg sandwich or some coffee. But that was long ago now. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:24:52 AM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4920(C44-9W) |
Views: |
287 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Dark to light |
Description: |
BNSF 5279 has yet another grain empty, exiting Shed No.7. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 1:12:14 PM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 5279(C44-9W) |
Views: |
311 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Is this cool or what |
Description: |
Power against geography makes for some thrilling shows. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:43:08 PM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 5279(C44-9W) |
Views: |
355 Comments: 2 |
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Title: |
Ramrods |
Description: |
That was a colloquial reference to helpers on the Pennsy. Here an Essex helper set ramrods BNSF 639 East up Marias Pass on a gorgeous October morning. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:57:32 PM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 5434(C44-9W) |
Views: |
246 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Catch of the day |
Description: |
BNSF 639 with an eastbound intermodal is threading the sheds of Marias Pass. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:46:20 PM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 639(C44-9W) |
Views: |
383 Comments: 2 |
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Title: |
A long way from the old trails |
Description: |
Warbonnets and snowsheds were not intended to be synonymous, but then came the 90s round of mergers. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:50:00 PM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 639(C44-9W) |
Views: |
345 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Somewhat worse for wear |
Description: |
BNSF 639 still looks good in virtually its original scheme but for that patch. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:52:17 PM |
Location: |
Blacktail, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 639(C44-9W) |
Views: |
306 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
A run of westbounds |
Description: |
Wouldnt you know that just as the shadows get long, the traffic starts to roll! A grain train has gotten past the 4694 while the helpers cut-off at Essex. |
Photo Date: |
10/1/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:27:13 AM |
Location: |
Belton, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
|
Views: |
205 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Easing on down |
Description: |
BNSF 5484 eases its manifest consist down the steep mountain grade at West Austin. |
Photo Date: |
10/2/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:05:43 AM |
Location: |
Austin, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 5484(C44-9W) BNSF 4452(C44-9W) NS 6669(SD60) |
Views: |
310 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
A classic touch |
Description: |
When MRL extended Austin siding up the hillside a couple of years ago, it retained the NP-style searchlights. Nice touch! |
Photo Date: |
10/2/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:20:56 AM |
Location: |
Austin, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Signal,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 5484(C44-9W) BNSF 4452(C44-9W) NS 6669(SD60) |
Views: |
302 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Not the Hi Line |
Description: |
BNSF 5484 descends Mullan Pass crossing Skyline Trestle on a warm October afternoon. |
Photo Date: |
10/2/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:01:19 AM |
Location: |
Skyline, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Bridge,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 4452(C44-9W) NS 6669(SD60) |
Views: |
303 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Come on baby |
Description: |
Yeah, that looks good. Another eastbound manifest drops down from Mullan Pass |
Photo Date: |
10/2/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:08:38 AM |
Location: |
Austin, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Signal,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 796(C44-9W) BNSF 4426(C44-9W) BNSF 4582(C44-9W) MRL 255(SD40-2XR) |
Views: |
601 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Eastbound in the late afternoon |
Description: |
Coming out of the 150 degree arc at Austin, the railroad reverses direction to gain altitude. This affords nice opportunity to catch an eastbound in good light at 6pm. But that will be all for daylight. Time to head up to the Marysville House for a killer good T-Bone. |
Photo Date: |
10/2/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:16:25 AM |
Location: |
Austin, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Signal,Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 796(C44-9W) BNSF 4426(C44-9W) BNSF 4582(C44-9W) MRL 255(SD40-2XR) |
Views: |
745 Comments: 1 |
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Title: |
Roll yourself by |
Description: |
Yep, a crew can roll their own consist by to an extent here. BNSF 796 hits the relative flatlands coming out of the curve at Austin. |
Photo Date: |
10/2/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:31:43 AM |
Location: |
Austin, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
|
Views: |
199 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Three levels |
Description: |
MRL 4310 drops down from Skyline. |
Photo Date: |
10/3/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 12:08:49 PM |
Location: |
Austin, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
|
Views: |
175 Comments: 0 |
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Title: |
Heading to Helena |
Description: |
The helper set off the grain train drops through Austin at a point where the former eastward A block for the siding stood. |
Photo Date: |
10/3/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 12:05:01 PM |
Location: |
Austin, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Scenic,Action |
Locomotives: |
MRL 4310(SD70ACe) |
Views: |
269 Comments: 1 |
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|
Title: |
Meet two and go |
Description: |
BNSF 5140 rapidly gets its consist underway after meeting MRL 332 and BNSF 5990. This is the sixth loaded grain train today. |
Photo Date: |
10/3/2010 Upload Date: 10/12/2010 12:25:19 PM |
Location: |
Bozeman, MT |
Author: |
Rick Erben |
Categories: |
Action |
Locomotives: |
BNSF 5140(C44-9W) BNSF 8200(SD75M) |
Views: |
395 Comments: 0 |
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