Montana Railroads
Photography by Tom Trencansky, Dryden, NY

Majestic mountains.  Montana.  Magical.  Magnificent.  Montana.

Railfanning Montana is an experience that surpasses almost anything I could have imagined.  A look at a map will quickly make you realize just how large a state it is.  It would appear nearly impossible to adequately travel the state to cover all the railroad lines that pass through it.  My visits have been relatively brief but each time I have come away with a strong desire to return for another rail photography adventure.  If you've ever thought you might like to go, my suggestion is to do it, and take lots of film with you.  Around every hill, in every valley and with each turn of the railroad tracks, there's another view.  Some will take your breath away.  Montana is huge.  But, generally speaking, if you are from New York State, and if you talk about going to Montana, most people think of Glacier National Park.  Why not start your visit there?  As it turns out, that particular area is spectacular for a railfan photographer.  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) The former Great Northern Railway, now operated by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe, has a major mainline through the south side of the area.  The line comes off the eastern tundra of Montana and the locations from Browning to Whitefish, MT allow excellent opportunities.  The climb over Marias Pass to Summit, MT is a difficult one for the railroad, with helper sets of locomotives assigned to many trains.  See the Railfan's Guide to Marias Pass: www.newyorkrailroads.com/montana/guide.

Izaak Walton Inn.  Three words that means excellence.  This hotel was once a Great Northern facility, located in a small town of Essex, MT.  The owners have transformed the Inn into a year round resort for all travelers although "ideal" for railfans.  The Inn is adjacent to the BNSF Essex yard, home to several sets of helper units.  Activity past the hotel is heavy, day and night.  The Inn has excellent food and lodging as well as a railroad motif bar/lounge downstairs.  The Izaak Walton hosts several railfan-oriented events during the year.  During early October, the annual Alta-Mont Railfan Weekend brings fans from across both countries to the friendly atmosphere of the Inn to meet and photograph trains during the day, and to talk trains and view slides at night.  Contact the Izaak Walton at 406-888-5700, or follow the link below to their website.

Montana Rail Link (MRL).  Another major east-west mainline passing through the state exists in the southern part of Montana.  The former Northern Pacific route, formerly a part of Burlington Northern, is now operated by Montana Rail Link.  Operations across MRL include many BNSF trains as well those of the line's own.  Activity is generally high and the scenery, while similar in some respects to parts of the BNSF line, is diverse and equally spectacular.  The NP line was signaled with semaphores and several still exist into the year 2000 although saturated on the line west of Missoula.  The signals time is limited and they could be replaced at any time.  Trains on the MRL are powered by sets of MRL and BNSF motive power, adding color and interest to almost any train movement. 

Montana Railroads Photograph Albums

Marias Pass Railfan's Guide

BNSF Marias Pass - October, 2000

BNSF Marias Pass – March, 1997

BNSF/BN Marias Pass Album

Montana Rail Link

Izaak Walton Inn

Alta-Mont Railfan’s Weekends

Montana Links:

This website was created by Tom Trencansky, of Dryden, NY.  To find other similar websites
 created by Tom, or to find his links page to other interesting locations,
visit: www.newyorkrailroads.com 

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