In April of 2005, I went with my step-daughter and her family to help them move from Colusa, CA to Billings, MT. The previous October, I had gotten my first taste of MRL while chasing #4449 with the Montana Steam II trip so I was more than willing to go. After reaching Billings, I spent the next few days shooting MRL between Billings and Missoula. Unfortunatly, the "Big Sky" was full of big clouds, rain, and some snow. I never thought I would say this, but it was great to hear six or seven 645's, both 16 and 20 cylinder,in action again.


Eastbound approaching Avon, MT, with the ML (Missoula to Laurel)local SD40 #215 (ex-BN #6320), SD45 #361 (ex BN #6525), and SD40 (ex-CGW #409) #225. April 25, 2005.



SD45-2 #306 (ex-CRR #3622) leads SD45's #343 (ex-ATSF #1862) and #8941 (ex-SBD #8941) and three
BNSF Warbonnets (SD75's I think) with a Westbound coal train into Helena. April 23, 2005



Arriving Garrison, MT, SD40 #211 (ex-BN #6308) leads the LM Local into the yard, the 2nd and 5th
units will be set out to work as Eastbound helpers.



Cut out of the Westbound LM, SD45 #7545 (ex-SP) and F45 #392 (ex-BN #6642,exx-Trancisco 1002)
are coupled to what will become part of the day's ML.