Montana Rail Link: Mission Complete - C. Vision’s Tribute to MRL

In this final edition of Montana Rail Link coverage, C. Vision Productions pays tribute to the most successful regional railroad in modern history, as we explore the entire length of MRL’s mainline from Jones Junction, near Huntley, Montana, to Sandpoint, Idaho. As an added bonus, we'll see a trio of MRL SD45s operating on BNSF's Hi Line between Havre, Montana and Shelby, Montana. Our coverage begins in 1990, as videographer Dan Hadley takes an in-depth look at Montana Rail Link’s operations, featuring three cab rides, a tour of the Livingston Shops, and a visit to the dispatchers’ office in Missoula. As we progress through the video, we’ll also include scenes from MRL’s final decade, providing you with a deeper perspective of this fascinating railroad. Trains are seen battling Bozeman Pass, Mullan Pass, Winston Hill, and Evaro Hill, with many other worthwhile locations visited along the way. Montana Rail Link is mountain railroading at its best, with much credit going to the employees that have made this operation what it is. Farewell, MRL. Thanks for the memories.
If you enjoyed this video and want to see more comprehensive Montana Rail Link coverage, be sure to check out the links below:
Montana Rail Link SD45 Renaissance Vol. 1, The East End - FULL VIDEO (2016)
• Montana Rail Link SD45...
Montana Rail Link Vol. 2, The West End - Updated FULL VIDEO (2016)
• Montana Rail Link Vol....
Montana Rail Link Vol. 3, The Final Countdown: GP9, SD40-2XR, and SD45 Locomotives
• Montana Rail Link Vol....

[@0fficialdregs]

RIP good buddy. the SD40-2 are the ones that got me interested in the railroad

[@CVisionProductions1]

And rightfully so. They are incredible locomotives. Thank you for the comment.

[@0fficialdregs]

@@CVisionProductions1 you are most definitely welcome

[@kenpalmer1965]

I don't blame you! They were beasts on the rails and were awesome all-around! I liked them best when they were climbing hills and grades. That sound was unmistakable! I miss them dearly along with the SD-45's! God bless them all!

[@0fficialdregs]

@@kenpalmer1965 everything about the SD40-2 is the king of the modern rails. the newer diesels cannot compare at all

[@kenpalmer1965]

That's for sure!@@0fficialdregs

[@andrewcrumb8027]

Some of the scenes Dan Hadley took in 1990 were also in the Pentrex program, "Montana Rail Link," which I happen to have on DVD. This is awesome.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You are absolutely correct, Andrew. We also used many scenes that Pentrex left out. That’s one of the benefits to working with the raw footage. You find scenes that have never been released to the public that would otherwise have been lost to time. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@andrewcrumb8027]

@@CVisionProductions1 You're welcome, my friend.

[@Nicola636128]

Simply WOW!!! 😱😱 From 1:29:00 to 1:33:00 the return of "black fog" ...

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! Prior to 2009-2010, Mullan Tunnel was slightly longer and had tighter clearances. Combine that with older locomotives (and often more locomotives per train), and you’d get impressive displays of “black fog” billowing out of the west portal, as seen in the video. Thank you for pointing out that scene in the video.

[@Nicola636128]

​@@CVisionProductions1 Interesting; but doesn't the gallery have a forced ventilation system to expel excess fumes?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Mullan Tunnel did have a system in place to flush exhaust in MRL’s early days. It has since been dismantled. Today, natural air movement is what the railroad relies on to expel exhaust fumes from the tunnel.

[@SpecificationR]

What a surprise Detroit Diesel serenade at 25:16 !! love the video!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!! Much appreciated.

[@midwestrails8317]

Man, that’s crazy that they’d just kick 15-20 cars at a time.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Old school railroading at its finest!!!

[@Apoptart]

Good vid love watching those emds thrash up the steep grades!!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! And yes, the steep grades of the Montana Rail Link give locomotives a serious workout! It’s always a treat when older EMD power is seen working up and over those Montana mountains…

[@Apoptart]

It really is!

[@jamesdmehl]

Thank You for doing MRL right in the history of the railroad!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome. Montana Rail Link certainly was worthy of the attention it received. We appreciate the comment.

[@montanarailfanproductions8002]

Wow. I thought MRL on the Hi-Line was only possible in a dream. Absolute kudos to you guys at C-Vision for capturing that footage. You guys are truly the G.O.A.T.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much! That truly does mean a lot to us. The year 2014 really was a dream. Heading north for those SD45s on the Hi Line was a last second decision, but we’re glad that we did it. Keep up the good work on your end as well!

[@montanarailfanproductions8002]

​@@CVisionProductions1 That hill at 02:18:07 is where my grandpa used to live. His house was right near where the camera was. I remember being so excited when I heard a train in The Valley!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Right there on the east side of Shelby? That’s really neat! We spent an hour and a half at that spot waiting for the train to depart. Such a nice view from up there…

[@metalheadrailfan]

Really sucks we have to say goodbye to Montana Rail Link and Kansas City Southern at pretty much the same time.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, two more popular railroads lost… A good reminder to shoot and experience everything you can, because you never know when it will pass into history. Thank you for the comment.

[@DASCO2136]

2:10:04 i believe the Northern Pacific used this bridge to shoot promotional/advertisement shots of the North Coast Limited and Mainstreeter passenger trains

[@CVisionProductions1]

That would absolutely make sense. Noxon is an incredible location. Thank you for sharing that historical information.

[@gp3829]

Hi, I'm in the UK and a big fan of the CSS and IHB short-lines, but this has knocked me out. Fantastic footage and commentary. I recently picked-up a pair of Athearn B/Box BN green GP50s, one with a white and the other with an orange Cab windshield surrounds. It was great to see examples of these in action. Also seeing the towns and Depots as the trains passed thru. Thank you for producing and posting this video.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome! Thank you for watching, and glad to hear that you enjoyed the video.

[@ellisjackson3355]

It's cool to hear that, as I grew up not too far from IHB and CSS. I really like IHB too

[@derrickwong5337]

Wow! That's a final edition of Montana Rail Link: Mission Complete is the end. Thank you, Montana Rail Link! Happy tribute to MRL!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for watching, Derrick! And yes, this is the end. But it’s been a fantastic run!

[@michaelthayer643]

Excellent!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much, Michael!

[@TNRailProductions_01]

Great Program. The Semaphore scenes are wonderful

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for appreciating those scenes. Semaphores had become a rarity by 1990. Quite amazingly, MRL kept a few sets in service into the mid-2000s.

[@TNRailProductions_01]

@@CVisionProductions1 very cool.

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

Montana rail link was one favorite with bnsf it was good company I was really happy watch grow up it's awesome I am pleased seeing all this grow up now Montana rail link thank u

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@AlikStansberry]

BNSF acquired them didn’t they? Well if this is the end of MRL, I give them my goodbyes. I’ll miss their paint scheme and the power they’ve ran. Thank you for the tribute.

[@yankeesforlife24]

Bnsf reacquired the lease they sold to MRL in 1987. It’s official. The feds okayed the merge last month. MRL won’t exist after Jan 1st.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome, Alik. Thank you for watching. And yes, BNSF bought out MRL’s lease on their mainline from Jones Junction to Sandpoint. Sounds like BNSF has been granted trackage rights over MRL’s branch lines as well.

[@trevorhawkins1626]

Yes however MRL should still be operating until January 1st of 2024 when BNSF will officially take over.

[@AnontheGOAT]

@@trevorhawkins1626 You sure? They took over all 1200 of their staff and their equipment as well.

[@trevorhawkins1626]

@@AnontheGOAT Yeah as of Jan 1st they took over. Still running under MRL rules as of now thoigh until Feb 15th

[@andrewdiesel4014]

We sure do Gonna miss the Montana Rail Link because of the BNSF Take over

[@CVisionProductions1]

They will be missed dearly. There’s a lot of love out there for the Montana Rail Link, that’s for sure.

[@liverymakerguy7206]

alright heres something a bit intersting, at 24:51 TBCX 4900 can be seen in the shops. 4900 is owned by the Boeing company, 4900 was used along with 4901 in the testing of the Peacekeeper Rail Garrison. The Rail Garrison was capable of firing " Peacekeeper " ICBM's. so theres a little bit of history for any of you who come across this comment.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We noticed that unit. Very interesting to hear its story. Thank you for sharing that information.

[@grantbassett2048]

What a Great a video, great action. The Engineer in the rear locomotive, i hope he had his windows closed!!! Some serious smoke coming out of them tunnels 🤣. Loved watching the hole thing!!👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much!!! We’re glad that you enjoyed the video. And yes, the helper crews were definitely operating in some thick exhaust while passing through the tunnel. Looking at an MRL timetable, it appears that helper crews were required to wear self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) while passing through Mullan Tunnel on the older locomotives. However, their use was not required on MRL’s SD70ACe fleet due to the cabs being sealed more effectively on those units. Emergency respirators are still a requirement for SD70ACe locomotives while in helper service on Mullan Pass.

[@grantbassett2048]

@CVisionProductions1 👍 Great, thanks for the Info, that does make sense. Health and safety wise. There's no major tunnels like that over here in Yorkshire! No trains that bloody big neither!!!🤣

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome. Thanks again for the nice comment. Greetings from Minnesota!

[@brandonreeves5979]

Man this saddens me. I don’t know what it is but I always get excited whenever I see videos that include MRL. Nice tribute CVisions! 😉👍🏻🎥💯

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Brandon! It saddens us to see them go as well, but they certainly made their mark in the railroad industry. The Montana Rail Link will not be forgotten.

[@brandonreeves5979]

@@CVisionProductions1 I completely agree with you! I’m gonna miss seeing those blue and white EMD’s. 😢😭

[@tracksidemike]

Fantastic ride along great video all the way 🚂😎

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much, Mike! We’re glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@kenpalmer1965]

I love the segment at 13:44! Those thunderheads in the background is my kind of weather while railroading! I can see it is during the summer months(July). Great stuff and video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Ken! July is a great month to be out along the rails. Those summer thunderheads are just so beautiful. We appreciate you watching.

[@kenpalmer1965]

Yes they are! As a matter of fact, I like riding trains on rainy or snowy days for some reason. But I am also a huge fan of summer thunderstorms to begin with being I used to live in Central Florida as a child from 1969 to 1971. We had them almost every day during both the spring and summer months.@@CVisionProductions1

[@CVisionProductions1]

We are big fans of weather here at C. Vision, so you are in good company! Thank you for sharing, Ken.

[@DL541]

Awesome footage!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! We’re glad that you enjoyed it.

[@TOPWOP999]

Wicked video! Loved it!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Nick! We appreciate the comment.

[@vicstevens1186]

Thank you once more for a very enjoyable and informative video. Please keep them coming.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome, Vic. Thank you for watching. We’ll do our best to continue pumping these videos out.

[@JohnS-jj9by]

Really enjoyed the video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Glad to hear it! Thank you for watching.

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

At 2:19:38 is a noted loco. Former Erie Lackawanna SDP45. EL 3657 and 3667 were wrecked by sabotage in Windham , OHIO in 1973. A 7 and 8 year old threw and locked a mainline switch for a siding, resulting in 1 train crewman killed. The two locos were rebuilt into SD45-2 standards, however they retained their SDP45 fuel tanks. 332 is the former 3657, the lead loco in the wreck. I saw her as EL just after the CR merger. (They carried non typical EL number boards, resulting from the rebuild) 332 worked the Cincinnati Eastern for a couple years and last year was seen heading westward into Chicago.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much for the detailed history of those SDP45s, Jeffrey. That was a very tragic and senseless wreck. MRL 332 was quite the unique locomotive, for better or worse. We were always reminded that 332 wasn’t a true SD45-2 whenever its Flexicoil trucks started to squeak…

[@ellisjackson336]

RIP to that trainman. He had no idea that would happen

[@williammcclain8438]

What a beautiful video .I especially liked the video clip starting at 2:09:45 everything is just so perfect thank you so much for all of your super hard work

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, William! That shot of the Oakways at Noxon is one of our personal favorites. The sound of those SD60s powering their way across the bridge in the 8th notch was pretty spectacular, in our opinion. We appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

Great Job.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! We appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@EntertainmentWorldz]

nice train video bro❤❤❤❤

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!!!

[@lorenwillis425]

I remember when those LMX locomotives first started showing up in Montana. So clean and sharp looking.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! Those LMX units really did have a great design. Thank you for watching the video.

[@ndbro5026]

Good job broo

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!!

[@AMPProductionsVideo]

lots of great footage

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much, AMP Productions!

[@AnontheGOAT]

1:03:26 "The heck are you doin!?" "This guy has got permission to ride Bob!" 😂

[@CVisionProductions1]

That interaction was priceless! We made sure to include that clip in the video. Also worth mentioning, the westbound engineer stopped right on the mark next to the eastbound’s lead unit. Not the easiest thing to do while coming off a mountain grade. The Montana Rail Link employed some incredible railroaders. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@bigd510]

At 50:50 and many other places is SD45M 355. I took a picture of it on Tehachapi Loop in November 2009. Looks like it made its way back to Montana. Love the Montana Rail Link, will miss it.

[@CVisionProductions1]

The 355 really got around. And yes, it was seen many times in this video. Who knows how much longer it will last in service on BNSF? Only time will tell… Thank you for watching the video.

[@pauljung7611]

Awsome

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Paul!

[@fabriciobengozi9650]

Very Nice

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!! We appreciate you watching.

[@ellisjackson336]

All of the scenes were interesting. That being said, the shop scenes were very interesting to me in particular. I’ve also never seen GE slugs before 28:26

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! There was a lot going on at the shops in Livingston back in 1990. MRL had plenty of locomotives to maintain in those days, and it appeared that LRC’s business was booming. As for the GE B-units, it looks like the Burlington Northern rostered 120 B30-7AB locomotives, numbered 4000-4119. As always, we appreciate the comment.

[@Eli_J_G]

Was 346 scrapped or stored? Sad to see it gone. 355 is currently on the Helena Local.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hello, Eli. 346 is currently in storage. It will be interesting to see what BNSF chooses to do with that locomotive.

[@austenrhoads]

35:07 - What an incredible scene!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for appreciating it!

[@azrailfan2717]

5:50. Open racks with f-150s 😎. Sweet

[@CVisionProductions1]

We made sure to include that in the video. Thank you for noticing. Classic equipment and classic vehicles!

[@Interesting_Banana]

I'm sure the MRL employees are not looking forward to being class I employees :/

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’d say that you’re correct on that assumption. MRL employs a great group of railroaders. We’re hoping things don’t change too drastically under BNSF, but only time will tell.

[@consanna]

The ghost of the worst BN CEO Darius Gaskins Jr. who leased the west end of Montana to MRL. They took it and ran with it. Only when West Coast traffic overwhelmed the Northern Route was the light turn on at BN to reopen Stampede Pass seek to end the lease, and expand capacity with the new bridge at Sand Point.

[@CVisionProductions1]

It’s interesting to track decisions made by the railroads throughout the years. Looking back, some of those decisions didn’t quite add up. But, as always, hindsight is 20/20. Thank you for the comment.

[@cobraspottedwolf8791]

4:00 that intermodal yard in Billings closed a few years ago

[@CVisionProductions1]

That’s a shame. We recall it being fairly active in the not-so-distant past. The Z-CHCLAU immediately comes to mind. Thanks for the update.

[@RailPreserver2K]

The Highline I'm hearing a mentioned in the comments, was that the part of the railroad they used when they made the movie Breakheart pass? Because I heard it was filmed on their trackage

[@CVisionProductions1]

That would be a different line. Breakheart Pass was filmed on the Camas Prairie Railroad in Idaho.

[@RailPreserver2K]

@@CVisionProductions1 ah, you know I think it'd be neat to show how much those locations have changed in the 50 years since the film was made plus the scenery up there is beautiful

[@CVisionProductions1]

It truly is. If only the Camas Prairie was still operating…

[@ethanfrank9059]

Will these videos be available to purchase. Love the narration

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for asking. This particular video most likely will remain exclusive to KZbin. However, a few other of our online programs may eventually be available on DVD and Blu-ray. It’s still in the planning stages, so please stay tuned. We appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@ellisjackson3355]

I didn't know those SD45s had the updated horns that the sd70aces have

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, sir! MRL 329 ended up with one of those K5LLA horns. As far as we know, that was the only MRL SD45 so equipped.

[@RioGrandeUSRA2-8-8-2]

It seems Burlington Northern SD40-2 6806, 7802 and 7829 are similar to SD40-2 locomotive! However 7829 is a scrap around 2016.

[@CVisionProductions1]

7829 was involved in a December 2001 collision in Arminto, Wyoming. Very unfortunate. The unit was eventually sold to NRE in Silvis, Illinois. As you mentioned, it appears to have been scrapped.

[@RioGrandeUSRA2-8-8-2]

@@CVisionProductions1 Yes, I told you!

[@Robbi496]

So why did BNSF let this section go and why did thy want it back???

[@trevorhawkins1626]

BN let it go due to some contract issues and some weird stuff in 1987. BNSF wants it back to get more traffic running at a faster rate. MRL is much faster then the Hiline and with BNSFs budget they can do a ton to the MRL sub to make it even better.

[@MrDgwphotos]

24:48 3003 is an odd number for an MRL engine.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Well, there’s a story behind that. 3003 was in a group of former CGW (CNW) SD40s being rebuilt by LRC for use in Corporate Leasing Incorporated’s lease fleet. Both LRC and CLI were in the same corporate family as the MRL. Things didn’t pan out for CLI, and soon those 3000-series SD40s were transferred to the Montana Rail Link, where they were later renumbered 220-223. Hopefully that explains it! Thanks for watching.

[@ChrisCarpenter-d5e]

Anchorman @1:40:57🤣🤣🤣

[@CVisionProductions1]

He definitely has the look! Thanks for the comment.

[@Hogger280]

Yup BNSF used them up and tossed them out. This isn't the first time BN used a short line to spiff up a territory for them and then took it back over for you know, Greed. They did the same thing to the Yellowstone Valley RR between Glendive and Snowden - when the fracking took off BN bought them out and then regretted it a couple years later when the bottom fell out!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You really got us thinking on this one. Nebraska Northeastern immediately comes to mind. Washington Central on the Stampede Pass route is another good example. The Southwestern Railroad’s Carlsbad operation also falls into the same category, but BNSF had a good reason to take that territory back. We appreciate you watching the video and sharing your insights.

[@Hogger280]

@@CVisionProductions1 Yeah, I'm very familiar with the Washington Central and its sometime lessee Temple family; they were idiots and its amazing they had it as long as they did. They did not know how to treat customers. I worked on the Yellowstone.

[@jerrysimon793]

Which dvd is misson complete on can't find it thank you

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hi there. This video is not available on DVD. It is a “KZbin exclusive”. Thank you for watching!

[@kelvintorrence5994]

Well i guess this is and old video,b.n.s.f has gotten their track back ,and.m.r.l is no more.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hello. This is our tribute video to MRL. It is classic footage from two videographers that we edited together and released in April of 2023. The oldest footage in the video was taken way back in 1990, with the newest scene captured on June 3, 2019. From what we’ve heard, January 1, 2024 will be the day BNSF officially takes over. They already have approval from the STB, as stated in the video. Thanks for watching, and for the comment.

[@TrainsAreReallyCool]

2023, so far, has a bad year for railfans.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You got that right. Hopefully 2024 will be a little better.