In early 2022, MRL announced that it had reached an agreement with BNSF for an early termination of its 60-year lease of former Northern Pacific track in Montana. Since that time, 7idea Productions has made several trips to the Big Sky State to assemble a four-part series on this beloved regional railroad.
Part 1 covers trains running in and out of Missoula.
Part 2 shows the climb to the Continental Divide over Mullan Pass.
Part 3 explores Winston Hill, Lombard Canyon, and through the Jefferson River Canyon to Pipestone.
This final episode covers the eastern portion of the railroad from Logan to MRL’s busy yard in Laurel. In between these two points is the legendary grade of Bozeman Pass. Manned helpers based in Livingston assist both east and westbound trains over the summit and we will watch them working in summer and winter.
East of Livingston, the mountain grade gives way to fast running along the scenic Yellowstone River. Spectacular aerial footage shows the classic Northern Pacific shops in Livingston and the sprawling yard at Laurel.
2 Hours 32 MinutesWIDESCREEN DVD NTSC No Region Code
1080i Hi-Definition Blu-ray BD-R
May be viewed with or without narration
This program was shot in 2022 and 2023.
Additional footage by Christian Schultz