MRL Mountain Railroading on Mullan Pass

On Montana Rail Link's 3rd Subdivision, trains must cross the continental divide by battling the notorious Mullan Pass. Mullan Pass is located just west of Montana's capital city, Helena, where the Montana Rail Link SD70ACe helper sets are based to assist heavy trains on their westward climb up the pass. The steep grades and manned helper sets make Mullan Pass arguably the most interesting operation on the system, and I was lucky enough to spend some time capturing trains here.

[@scotty4579]

great catches enjoyed seeing those heavy coal trains work hard

[@JohnNyren65]

wow, great footage!

[@jeremykuehn1027]

Goodbye Montana Rail Link

[@denault3985]

Austin, it doesn't look like Texas? Just kidding, the video was great!
I wondered why they would send a heavy coal train up this route?

[@Coaster3001]

Thanks! I think most, if not all, of these coal trains are export loads headed to Roberts Bank, BC, making the Montana Rail Link the best way to get coal between the mines in Eastern Montana and Wyoming to the Pacific Northwest.