Skyliner
New Member
For my second photo essay here, I'll take you to western Montana, in the valley of five mountain ranges. Missoula is the second-largest city in Big Sky country, about 200 miles east of Spokane, and 250 miles northwest of Yellowstone National Park. Located on the Clark Fork River, the town is home the University of Montana, and has a wonderful downtown with great restaurants, shops, and recreational activities nearby. At the time, my job took me out there several times each year, and fortunately I had some time to check out the rails within walking distance of my hotel.
Looking down on the town from the north, you can see the river winding through town, and the tracks running through town from east (left) to west (right). Across the valley are the Bitterroot Mountains.
The Northern Pacific Railway reached the area in 1883, and the town was charted that same year. Over the years, the line became BN, then was spun-off in 1987 to Montana Rail Link with some controversy. This view in 2009 shows plenty of blue in the service tracks, as well as a still-operating turntable. Interstate 90 runs along the north edge of town.
Looking into the engine facility in 2008, we find a mix of power including a pair of GP35's, an SD45, and even a couple GP9's. Way in the back is #115, originally built as a GP7 for CGW in 1951.
Just across the tracks is the former Northern Pacific Depot.
Built in 1903, the station is fortunately preserved today and used as offices. The NP logos still adorn all sides.
This is the third station NP built for Missoula and is a short walk from downtown. It is built of brick salvaged from NP's canceled Olympian Hotel in Tacoma, and was designed by the same firm that created Grand Central Terminal in NY. The last passenger train left here in 1979, when Amtrak ended the North Coast Hiawatha.
Recognizing the importance of the railroads in the city's history, ten-wheeler #1356 sits on static display in front of the station. Built in 1902 by Baldwin, this locomotive served across the area, including taking a dip in 1943 after derailing into a river. She was pulled from the Tacoma dead line and donated to Missoula in 1955.
Speaking of work equipment, here's an MRL crane sitting in the yard in 2016.
And it's a chilly day in February 2019 as a crew works the yard with a remote-control locomotive. I believe the caboose houses the remote control electronics.
Ok, so maybe passenger equipment still shows up on occasion. Here's a handful of private varnish behind #253, a rebuilt SD40. Taken in 2016.
I unfortunately don't know what this train was doing in Missoula, whether it was an officers' special, fantrip, or something else. But on the rear is a Southern Railway drumhead.
One more from the yard for now. Here's Sperry inspection car #145 beneath the big "L" on Mt. Jumbo. I believe it stands for one of the local schools.
Stay tuned for more, including the big operator in town.
Looking down on the town from the north, you can see the river winding through town, and the tracks running through town from east (left) to west (right). Across the valley are the Bitterroot Mountains.
The Northern Pacific Railway reached the area in 1883, and the town was charted that same year. Over the years, the line became BN, then was spun-off in 1987 to Montana Rail Link with some controversy. This view in 2009 shows plenty of blue in the service tracks, as well as a still-operating turntable. Interstate 90 runs along the north edge of town.
Looking into the engine facility in 2008, we find a mix of power including a pair of GP35's, an SD45, and even a couple GP9's. Way in the back is #115, originally built as a GP7 for CGW in 1951.
Just across the tracks is the former Northern Pacific Depot.
Built in 1903, the station is fortunately preserved today and used as offices. The NP logos still adorn all sides.
This is the third station NP built for Missoula and is a short walk from downtown. It is built of brick salvaged from NP's canceled Olympian Hotel in Tacoma, and was designed by the same firm that created Grand Central Terminal in NY. The last passenger train left here in 1979, when Amtrak ended the North Coast Hiawatha.
Recognizing the importance of the railroads in the city's history, ten-wheeler #1356 sits on static display in front of the station. Built in 1902 by Baldwin, this locomotive served across the area, including taking a dip in 1943 after derailing into a river. She was pulled from the Tacoma dead line and donated to Missoula in 1955.
Speaking of work equipment, here's an MRL crane sitting in the yard in 2016.
And it's a chilly day in February 2019 as a crew works the yard with a remote-control locomotive. I believe the caboose houses the remote control electronics.
Ok, so maybe passenger equipment still shows up on occasion. Here's a handful of private varnish behind #253, a rebuilt SD40. Taken in 2016.
I unfortunately don't know what this train was doing in Missoula, whether it was an officers' special, fantrip, or something else. But on the rear is a Southern Railway drumhead.
One more from the yard for now. Here's Sperry inspection car #145 beneath the big "L" on Mt. Jumbo. I believe it stands for one of the local schools.
Stay tuned for more, including the big operator in town.