It saddens me to hear that this 90 mile line from Helena to Great Falls may succumb to the trails folks. (see flimsies) It is the only North/ South rail corridor in Montana I believe.

This is one of the most breath taking scenic corridors in all of Montana. I have never ridden the train there but have traveled by bus many times during my college days in Helena.

It would be a great tourist ride. I hope that Montana Rail Link will pick the line up if BNSF really wants to get rid of it.

It would be a great place for a medium size steam locomotive to romp with some grades too. The 10 wheeler in Beaty park in Helena would look nice on that line in my opinion.

Maybe Joel King can keep us informed on any developments since he lives there.

Take care,

JD Johnson, Morehead and North Fork Railroad Historian

I agree completely. This would be a beautiful location for a steam operation. Plenty of scenery and the trackage through Wolf Creek Canyon is really spectacular.

My understanding is that the place(s) where the track has failed is north (on the Great Falls side) of the canyon so if necessary I guess you could even run push-pull from Helena into the canyon and back.

An NP S-4 class would be perfect. You mentioned the 1382 in Helena. I think that the 1356 in Missoula may be in better condition and has just finished a cosmetic restoration. There is an S-4 class (1364) currently undergoing full restoration in Yakima, Washington but due to some nasty politics may have nowhere to run when finished.

Wouldn't it be great to cooperate with the Yakima folks and have a win-win!

The trails advocates in Helena and Great Falls are already organized and making noise in the papers. This is one to watch.

Scott