SP5103 Wrote:
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> BN/BNSF then decided to set rates that weren't
> attractive to using the UP Silver Bow MW Garrison
> MRL routing, so almost overnight most of MW's
> overhead traffic dried up. There was a clash
> between owners and employees, and the employees
> went union. The owning families sued BN/BNSF over
> the lost traffic and they ended up settling and
> buying the railroad back.
>
> I'm not sure, but I think BNSF kept Montana
> Western as a subsidiary. It made it easier and
> likely cheaper just to accept the existing union
> contracts and keep the same crews working out of
> Butte. The last I knew a couple BNSF geeps were
> assigned and rotated out via MRL for repair or
> inspection.

BNSF didn't buy the Montana Western willingly, they were forced to take it over as part of the court ruling. Part of the ruling stated something to the effect BNSF has to operate it for a set number of years. Since it was determined BNSF was at fault for most all the Montana Western problems they are not proud of the fact they now have to operate it. BNSF's Montana Western doesn't show up on any company maps or publications.

The Montana Western has all their crews based locally in the Butte area.