Montana Rail Link (MRL) 4311 - EMD SD70ACe
Photo Gallery
With effect from 1st January 2024, this route is once again part of the BNSF group. Not known if any of the locomotives will transfer to the BNSF roster.
MRL helpers cross the Skyline trestle
The M-L manifest descending from Mullan Pass.
Carter Drive at 1219.
The ML threads its way out of Helena at 1219.
Built July 2005.
A short LM is stretched out in the curve at Austin, following the coal drag on a restricted proceed at 1749.
The Laurel-Missoula is next into the yard at 0922.
Multiple 4-unit sets of MRL SD70ACes await their next helper assignment to charge up Mullan Pass. The middle set will soon be sandwiched in the middle of a heavy grain train.
Four MRL ACEs return to Helena after helping a grain train over Mullan Pass.
MRL 4311 leads the helpers back down the hill late in the day.
All ready to go!
Connecting the hoses.
Releasing the handbrake.
The BNSF units are just about to couple to this helper MRL. Then they will recouple to the train. The extra power is needed to drag the train over Bozeman Pass.
The BNSF coal train is going to add 4311 to their locomotive consist.
The clean 4405 makes 4309 look pretty bad. I like the red F on 4405.
Everything except the front two wheelsets need a good washing.
Helper sets being moved around in the Livingston Yard.
MRL 4314 and company at sunset
A set of Montana Rail Links' newest locos assist an eastbound BNSF freight as it begins its climb to Mullan Pass
4311 leads the LM past the old!water tower at Logan. The track in the foreground is the 5th sub.
Helpers off the coal train return to Helena.
MRL 4311 leads the mid-train helper set on BNSF 5860 West.
MRL 4300 and 4311
5 MRL SD70ACe assist mid-train on BNSF 9629
1 of 5 mid-train helpers on a westbound coal train heading up Mullan Pass.
Mid-train Helpers
Mid-train Helpers on a unit grain train
A neat shot of the helper on the BNSF grain train.
A quartet of helpers came east to Townsend from Helena for an assist on this coal train.
Bringing up the rear of unit grain train on Mullan Pass.
The two MRL Ace's hopped off a coal train on Mullan Pass & got on the point of PASKCK back into Helena.
C-SPBBKM climbs out of Helena with helpers in the middle & bringing up the rear. Here, it's grinding into the grade towards Birdseye.