Montana By Steam

Index by Locations

• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 2:19:45 PM Hope ID Passing through Hope, ID next to Lake Pend Oreille. Sandpoint, ID is at the far left of the picture and the Schweitzer ski area is in the mountains behind.

• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 2:53:52 PM Kootenai ID At the Kootenai, ID siding, we went in for the last few miles of our trip. At the Montana Rockies Rail Tours siding, we stopped and let everyone off. This is a shot of Craig Thorpe and his wife Kathy and the nice couple from upstate New York....our dome mates.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 2:56:39 PM Kootenai ID The MRRT staff showing us the red carpet for the last time.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 2:56:54 PM Kootenai ID Unloading at Kootenai, ID.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 3:15:31 PM Kootenai ID As a special treat we did one last run by in the siding at Kootenai. For this run by Bob Bateman of MRL got to try his hand at running the SP&S 700 for a run by....and of course he did an awesome job!!

• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 8:39:54 AM Arlee MT Stampede!!
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 8:40:42 AM Arlee MT Horses observe our passage through Arlee.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 8:42:39 AM Arlee MT West of Arlee the fall colors look awesome! Coming down the west side of Evaro Hill, the MRL 392's dynamic brake failed so we proceeded down the hill like a steam powered train should....in a fog of blue brake shoe smoke.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 8:42:44 AM Arlee MT West of Arlee the fall colors look awesome! Coming down the west side of Evaro Hill, the MRL 392's dynamic brake failed so we proceeded down the hill like a steam excursion should....in a fog of blue brake shoe smoke.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 8:42:54 AM Arlee MT West of Arlee the fall colors look awesome! Coming down the west side of Evaro Hill, the MRL 392's dynamic brake failed so we proceeded down the hill like a steam excursion should....in a fog of blue brake shoe smoke.

• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 12:53:36 PM Austin MT At Austin, MT the climb up Mullan Pass takes a switchback turn. In fact two switch backs!!! Shot from the lower switchback, the two other levels can be seen in this shot.
• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 12:55:06 PM Austin MT Rounding the sharp turn at Austin and beginning the climb up the middle switchback.
• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 12:55:17 PM Austin MT Rounding the sharp turn at Austin and beginning the climb up the middle switchback.
• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 12:55:39 PM Austin MT Rounding the sharp turn at Austin and beginning the climb up the middle switchback.

• Page 1    Image    10/19/2002 7:47:48 AM Belgrade MT The second morning of the trip found temparatures in the high 20's. Here the train is making a neat steam plume as we blow through Belgrade, MT.
• Page 1    Image    10/19/2002 7:49:20 AM Belgrade MT Excited livestock near Belgrade.

• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 11:48:04 AM Big Timber MT The SP&S 700 rounds a curve east of Big Timber with the Crazy Mountatins in the background.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 11:49:40 AM Big Timber MT Entering downtown Big Timber with the Absorka Mountains in the background.

• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 1:33:29 PM Blossburg MT After passing through Mullan Tunnel under diesel power, we stopped at Blossburg to hand off our airpacks to an eastbound train to take back to Helena. Here's the rear of the train in the OS as east Blossburg with the 3893' Mullan Tunnel in the background

• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:25:09 PM Childs MT Across the river from the 'Blue Slide' area, the train leaves most public roads for a nice ride along the Clark Fork. Just west of here a bald eagle paced the train over the placid waters of Noxon Reservoir.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:25:19 PM Childs MT Across the river from the 'Blue Slide' area, the train leaves most public roads for a nice ride along the Clark Fork. Just west of here a bald eagle paced the train over the placid waters of Noxon Reservoir.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:29:52 PM Childs MT Fall colors and steam smoke from the dome near Childs, MT.

• Page 1    Image    10/19/2002 8:42:08 AM Clarkston MT After we entered the Missouri River canyon at Three Forks, MT we stopped at Clarkston, MT for a photo runby. Because of this remote location there were NO railfans there to witness our runby. This photo show the entire train the crowd that has lined up for the runby.
• Page 1    Image    10/19/2002 8:48:35 AM Clarkston MT After we entered the Missouri River canyon at Three Forks, MT we stopped at Clarkston, MT for a photo runby. Because of this remote location there were NO railfans there to witness our runby. Here's the SP&S 700 in all of her glory on a cool fall morning.
• Page 1    Image    10/19/2002 8:52:30 AM Clarkston MT Station sign Clarkston.

• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 9:18:09 AM Columbus MT Just before the east siding switch at Columbus we smoked up the hillsides.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 9:52:20 AM Columbus MT The first photo runby of the trip was held in Columbus, MT. We all unloaded on the controlled siding and walked across the mainline while the train backed into position. This is where the entire train load of people were introduced to the loud vocal cords of the SP&S 700.

• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 10:30:51 AM Craver MT After the runby at Columbus we got our chance at the dining car Yellowstone Park. While eating in the diner, we went to the siding at Craver, MT and met an eastbound stack train.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 10:31:13 AM Craver MT After the runby at Columbus we got our chance at the dining car Yellowstone Park. While eating in the diner, we went to the siding at Craver, MT and met an eastbound stack train.

• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 7:48:07 AM DeSmet MT Just out of DeSmet, MT the train started the climb up Evaro Hill. Here the train can be seen on a sweeping left turn.

• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 8:03:03 AM Evaro MT The train is just starting to make its turn into the Coriacan Defile and continue towards the summit of Evaro Hill.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 8:08:08 AM Evaro MT Near the Marent trestle, the train continues it's climb to Evaro.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 8:35:06 AM Evaro MT Just over the top of Evaro Hill the fall colors and in fully swing.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 8:36:35 AM Evaro MT Just over the top of Evaro Hill the fall colors and in fully swing.

• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 1:15:43 PM Greenhorn MT When we arrived at the curved Greenhorn trestle, the railfans in our dome couldn't help themselves...they all had to have a picture.
• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 1:15:59 PM Greenhorn MT Here's a shot of the train as we are passing over Greenhorn.

• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 11:46:17 AM Greycliff MT Between Quebec and Greycliff sidings, the helicopter is hovering over the train. The Crazy Mountains appear in the background.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 11:46:27 AM Greycliff MT Skyfire helicopter near Greycliff, MT

• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 11:57:48 AM Helena MT This is a photo of the dome car we rode in all three day. Now named City of Livingston, she was originally owned by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and was used on the Twin Cities Zephyr from her construction in 1947 until transfer to Amtrak in 1971. She was originally named Silver Scene.

• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 12:23:45 PM Helena Jct. MT Just west of Helena the climb up Mullan Pass begins. Here the helper for a westbound grain train following our train wait at Helena Jct. to be cut into the train.

• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 1:01:18 PM Heron MT The Clark Fork River between Noxon and Heron.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 1:01:25 PM Heron MT The Clark Fork River and fall colors between Noxon and Heron.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 1:01:38 PM Heron MT The Clark Fork River and fall colors between Noxon and Heron.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 1:30:56 PM Heron MT Between Noxon and Heron, on board services manager Mike Phillips realized we were going to be early into Sandpoint. Because of this Bob Bateman (MRL pilot) requested to have the train put in the siding at Heron and have the grain train following us run around. So we made our first trip into a siding at Heron and let the grainer around us.

• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 2:01:46 PM Livingston MT The train stopped in Livingston for two hours so we could all tour the historic Livingston depot and visit downtown Livingston. While we were all off the train two photo runbys were held. This is a shot of the SP&S 700 backing down the main for the first runby.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 3:15:03 PM Livingston MT After the Livingston depot stop the SP&S 700 began the first of four major hills she'd climb on the westbound trip. Here she is just out of Livingston attacking the 1.9% grade of Livingston hill. It was here in the war years of the 1940's that Steve's Great Uncle Bill ran helper engines to Bozeman.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 3:24:29 PM Livingston MT All along the way the livestock was quite excited about the unusual sounds made by the steam engine. Here a horse pays close attention as we pass.

• Page 1    Image    10/19/2002 7:52:48 AM Logan MT Horses stand at attention near Logan, MT.
• Page 1    Image    10/19/2002 7:53:36 AM Logan MT Horses stand at attention near Logan, MT.

• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 10:00:25 AM Lombard MT Along the Missouri River at Lombard, MT.
• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 10:05:29 AM Lombard MT Rounding the sharpest mainline curve on MRL west of Lombard.
• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 10:05:42 AM Lombard MT Rounding the sharpest mainline curve on MRL west of Lombard, MT

• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 6:37:08 AM Missoula MT Northern Pacific Railway monads in the Missoula depot before sun up.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 6:50:06 AM Missoula MT The SP&S 700 rolling into the Missoula depot before sun up on the thrid day of the trip.

• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 3:28:31 PM Muir MT At the summit of Bozeman hill lies the Bozeman tunnel. Here the SP&S 700 has just about shut down before diving into the tunnel. The MRL 392 F45 was used in the tunnel for motive power.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 3:28:49 PM Muir MT At the summit of Bozeman hill lies the Bozeman tunnel. Here the SP&S 700 has entered the tunnel leaving a haze of smoke for the rest of us to enjoy. The MRL 392 F45 was used in the tunnel for motive power.

• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:54:00 PM Noxon MT Here's an overview shot of Noxon, MT from the elevated track above town.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:57:08 PM Noxon MT Approaching the west siding switch Noxon. It was here that I had my first railfan experience in the early 1970's. While visiting Grandma Ina in Noxon, Dad would bring me down to the depot in Noxon and we would walk up and down the tracks hoping something would come along.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:57:23 PM Noxon MT Approaching the west siding switch Noxon. It was here that I had my first railfan experience in the early 1970's. While visiting Grandma Ina in Noxon, Dad would bring me down to the depot in Noxon and we would walk up and down the tracks hoping something would come along.

• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 10:10:21 AM Paradise MT At Paradise, MT the train stopped for a reenactment photo replacating a photo of the SP&S 701 which was taken in the 1940's when it went to Livingston for repairs. Here we are sitting on the Clark Fork River bridge while the train is positioned for the photo.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 11:05:46 AM Paradise MT At Paradise, MT the train also peformed a photo runby. Since it was our lunch time we did the runby from the dining car "Yellowstone Park". Here's the SP&S 700 smokin' it up for the fans.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 11:06:50 AM Paradise MT At Paradise, MT the train also peformed a photo runby. Since it was our lunch time we did the runby from the dining car "Yellowstone Park". Here are all the cars stopped at the Montana 200 road crossing.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 11:08:08 AM Paradise MT At Paradise, MT the train also peformed a photo runby. Since it was our lunch time we did the runby from the dining car "Yellowstone Park". Some of the railfans from the train taking photos of the runby.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 11:08:14 AM Paradise MT At Paradise, MT the train also peformed a photo runby. Since it was our lunch time we did the runby from the dining car "Yellowstone Park". Some of the railfans from the train taking photos of the runby.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 11:25:42 AM Paradise MT A horse just west of Paradise, MT.

• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 9:04:43 AM Park City MT As with most excursions the pack of railfans was thick. Tammy thought it would be nice to get a photo of this setup. The guy in the back of the pickup is videoing the train while his wife drives. At another point in the trip we saw another guy driving an videoing, so we have to give this couple points for smarts.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 9:10:59 AM Park City MT Rounding the curve west of Park City.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 9:15:51 AM Park City MT Here's a shot as the train pulls along the Yellowstone River west of Park City.

• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 9:12:33 AM Perma MT Steam view near Perma, MT
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 9:14:42 AM Perma MT West of Perma, MT we join the Flathead River for a few miles into Paradise, MT.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 9:23:33 AM Perma MT West of Perma, MT we join the Flathead River for a few miles into Paradise, MT.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 9:23:57 AM Perma MT West of Perma, MT we join the Flathead River for a few miles into Paradise, MT.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 9:24:00 AM Perma MT West of Perma, MT we join the Flathead River for a few miles into Paradise, MT.
• Page 2    Image    10/20/2002 9:33:56 AM Perma MT After passing over the Perma Bridge we get a view of the train from the other side of the Flathead River.

• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 8:27:15 AM Shilo MT Steam from the dome between Billings and Laurel
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 8:28:08 AM Shilo MT Judy and Coy in the dome.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 8:28:40 AM Shilo MT Steve & Tammy in the dome.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 8:30:29 AM Shilo MT Skyfire video productions shot video of both the east and west bound trips. Here their helicopter is returning to where it dropped the camera man to retrieve him for the next shot.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 8:30:38 AM Shilo MT Skyfire video productions shot video of both the east and west bound trips. Here their helicopter is returning to where it dropped the camera man to retrieve him for the next shot.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 8:31:12 AM Shilo MT At Shilo, MT (just east of Laurel yard), the BNSF line to Great Falls (Laruel Subdivision) diverges. Here SP&S 700 rounds her first curve and gives us a view of the engine.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 8:31:29 AM Shilo MT At Shilo, MT (just east of Laurel yard), the BNSF line to Great Falls (Laruel Subdivision) diverges. Here SP&S 700 rounds her first curve and gives us a view of the engine.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 8:34:09 AM Shilo MT At Shilo, MT (just east of Laurel yard), the BNSF line to Great Falls (Laruel Subdivision) diverges. Here the Sperry Rail Services rail detector car waits on the west leg of the wye while the Skyfire camera man gets a shot of us passing.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 8:34:21 AM Shilo MT Close up of the helicopter and camera man from Skyfire.

• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 12:07:27 PM Springdale MT Along the Yellowstone River with the Absorka Mountains in the background just east of Springdale, MT.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 12:08:42 PM Springdale MT Fall colors abound as we round the curve just east of Springdale, MT
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 12:09:35 PM Springdale MT One of the locations made famous by Warren McGee's photography, the train makes its way around the sweeping curve at MP 90 in Springdale.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 12:09:46 PM Springdale MT One of the locations made famous by Warren McGee's photography, the train makes its way around the sweeping curve at MP 90 in Springdale.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 12:10:06 PM Springdale MT One of the locations made famous by Warren McGee's photography, the train makes its way around the sweeping curve at MP 90 in Springdale.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 12:10:25 PM Springdale MT One of the locations made famous by Warren McGee's photography, the train makes its way around the sweeping curve at MP 90 in Springdale.
• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 12:10:37 PM Springdale MT One of the locations made famous by Warren McGee's photography, the train makes its way around the sweeping curve at MP 90 in Springdale.

• Page 1    Image    10/18/2002 8:54:24 AM Spurling MT Mom & Dad were interviewed by the Skyfire crew for the video production.

• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 11:49:00 AM Thompson Falls MT Along the Clark Fork River between Eddy and Thompson Falls.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 11:49:07 AM Thompson Falls MT Along the Clark Fork River between Eddy and Thompson Falls.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 11:49:18 AM Thompson Falls MT The Skyfire helicopter races along the train shooting more video over the Clark Fork River between Eddy and Thompson Falls.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 11:59:15 AM Thompson Falls MT Along the Clark Fork River between Eddy and Thompson Falls with the fall colors looking good!
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:15:12 PM Thompson Falls MT After a brief stop in Thompson Falls to get some other people onto the SP&S 700 we smoke it up along Montana 200 with the usual string of cars pacing the engine.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:15:31 PM Thompson Falls MT After a brief stop in Thompson Falls to get some other people onto the SP&S 700 we smoke it up along Montana 200 with the usual string of cars pacing the engine. The Bitteroot mountain range is in the background.

• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 12:52:17 PM Tobin MT This group of horses didn't even notice the train climbing the 2.2% grade of Mullan Pass.

• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:33:33 PM Trout Creek MT The SP&S 700 has just passed one of the few remaining semaphores west of the Childs, MT siding (MP49.1). It currently shows clear.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:33:44 PM Trout Creek MT After the train passes, the signal (MP 49.1) dropped to the stop position as it appears here when the dome is passing.
• Page 3    Image    10/20/2002 12:40:04 PM Trout Creek MT Another semaphore near Trout Creek, MT.

• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 12:59:40 PM Weed MT Just below the old station site of Weed lies a homestead which looks to be abandon intact. The fill for the track on the upper switchback can be seen just above the old farm.
• Page 2    Image    10/19/2002 12:59:51 PM Weed MT In the mid-1960's the Northern Pacific decided the maintenance on the Iron Ridge Tunnel was too much, so they daylighted it by making a cut through the ridge seen here. The old tunnel is in place under the ridge and can be seen from the train.