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Rick Erben's Collection
 
4/19/2024
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Viewing Album:  An autumn album, 2010
 
By:Rick Erben
Dates:9/28/2010 - 12/21/2010
Album Info:Railroading in Autumn
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In Dynamics
Title:  In Dynamics
Description:  Making really good time across the vast high plains and the Hi Line, BNSF 4410 drops downgrade into Chester, MT at track speed.
Photo Date:  9/29/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:04:51 PM
Location:  Chester, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4410(C44-9W) BNSF 8276(SD75I) BNSF 6124(ES44AC)
Views:  508   Comments: 0
All mans things become small
Title:  All mans things become small
Description:  The swell of the plains engulfs everything, even the elevator and the approaching hotshot.
Photo Date:  9/29/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:10:26 PM
Location:  Devon, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4410(C44-9W) BNSF 8276(SD75I) BNSF 6124(ES44AC)
Views:  431   Comments: 0
Cooling its heels
Title:  Cooling its heels
Description:  The 4410 West eases back approaching Shelby and a crew change.
Photo Date:  9/29/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:11:54 PM
Location:  Shelby, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4410(C44-9W) BNSF 8276(SD75I) BNSF 6124(ES44AC)
Views:  419   Comments: 1
The nose says it
Title:  The nose says it
Description:  BNSF or not, the unit nose is definitely GN
Photo Date:  9/29/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:07:31 PM
Location:  Chester, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  215   Comments: 0
Life on the Hi-Line
Title:  Life on the Hi-Line
Description:  Along the seemingly infinite stretch of US 2 that parallels the old GN across much of North Dakota and Montana, someone in Hinsdale, MT has encapsulated the integral aspect of the railroad to the environs.
Photo Date:  9/29/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:00:07 PM
Location:  Hinsdale, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  209   Comments: 0
Muddy Feet
Title:  Muddy Feet
Description:  BNSF 4339 and mate seem to have been up to no good as they strain against the geography with an eastbound intermodal between Grizzley and Spotted Robe. There is just a touch of snow way up high.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 11:10:49 PM
Location:  Spotted Robe, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4339(C44-9W) BNSF 4526(C44-9W)
Views:  300   Comments: 1
Popular spot
Title:  Popular spot
Description:  If Two Medicine Creek bridge is adjacent to the most photographed barn in Montana, surely this must be the most photographed lake with its imposing backdrop and rail action.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:59:24 PM
Location:  Bison, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4871(C44-9W) CSX 5360(ES44DC) BNSF 4727(C44-9W)
Views:  850   Comments: 5
Morning comes late
Title:  Morning comes late
Description:  It takes awhile for the sun to intrude upon the deep shadows of the Flathead valley this time of year; and what nicer development than for an eastbound to appear after Ive finished my coffee at the Izaak Walton Inn? Here the 4871 East comes across Goat Lick Trestle; set against the vastness of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:51:58 PM
Location:  Essex, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4871(C44-9W) CSX 5360(ES44DC) BNSF 4727(C44-9W)
Views:  457   Comments: 1
Where the high plains meet the mountains
Title:  Where the high plains meet the mountains
Description:  The CSX unit makes a nice contrast to the BNSFs on this outfit. It seems a bit strange to see the bare mountain peaks with the aspen this far advanced. Must be indian summer.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 11:07:32 PM
Location:  Spotted Robe, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4871(C44-9W) CSX 5360(ES44DC) BNSF 4727(C44-9W)
Views:  467   Comments: 0
Going Up
Title:  Going Up
Description:  Here comes the 4871 East through Java East, launching its attack upon mountain grade.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 10:55:39 PM
Location:  Java Creek, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4871(C44-9W) CSX 5360(ES44DC) BNSF 4727(C44-9W)
Views:  498   Comments: 1
Good medicine at Two Medicine
Title:  Good medicine at Two Medicine
Description:  There is that barn!
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 11:03:35 PM
Location:  Glacier Park, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4871(C44-9W) CSX 5360(ES44DC) BNSF 4727(C44-9W)
Views:  355   Comments: 0
Closer at sundown
Title:  Closer at sundown
Description:  In the last rays of light on the last day of September, BNSF 5100 approaches Bison. Time to head out for some Moose Drool and beef at Ramseys Firebrand.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:14:32 PM
Location:  Bison, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5100(C44-9W) BNSF 4732(C44-9W) BNSF 8215(SD75M)
Views:  421   Comments: 0
Coming round the corner
Title:  Coming round the corner
Description:  The east slope of Marias Pass is considerably less steep than the west; however 1.2% is still a worthy challenge for three units leading an intermodal train west.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:50:40 AM
Location:  Summit, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5244(C44-9W)
Views:  234   Comments: 0
Slow but steady
Title:  Slow but steady
Description:  BNSF 5244 struggles up the remaining mile and a half to the summit.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:53:03 AM
Location:  Summit, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5244(C44-9W)
Views:  268   Comments: 0
BNSF 5288
Title:  BNSF 5288
Description:  Yet another grain empty (they seem about as frequent as intermodals this season) climbs the west slope of Marias Pass. I doubt those peaks will be snowless for much longer.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:43:28 AM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5288(C44-9W) BNSF 4607(C44-9W) BNSF 4529(C44-9W)
Views:  451   Comments: 0
If at first you dont succeed
Title:  If at first you dont succeed
Description:  It helps to have DPUs when the sun angle prohibits head-on shots. BNSF 5718 and 6364 are at the rear of eastbound coalies and have just exited Shed No.7 on their climb up Marias Pass.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:31:28 AM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6364(ES44AC) BNSF 5718(ES44AC)
Views:  591   Comments: 2
Colors of an autumn afternoon
Title:  Colors of an autumn afternoon
Description:  BNSF 7841 prods upgrade west of Bison with grain; two more units are on the rear.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:12:54 AM
Location:  Bison, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 7841(ES44DC) BNSF 1109(C44-9W)
Views:  293   Comments: 0
About time you showed up
Title:  About time you showed up
Description:  And old Wyoming railroader like myself knows about the havoc the wind can wreak upon traffic; as evidenced by this windbreak installed on the mountain side of the trestle at Glacier Park. BNSF 7841 has been a long time coming, but will afford a nice chase west for awhile.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/7/2010 11:15:19 PM
Location:  Glacier Park, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 7841(ES44DC) BNSF 1109(C44-9W)
Views:  524   Comments: 0
Hi Line Vista
Title:  Hi Line Vista
Description:  BNSF 7841 West clings to the edge of the mountain as it negotiates a tight curve between Sheds 8 and 7 west of Blacktail on the descent from Marias Pass toward the Flathead river valley. From the look of some of those boulders, it appears the slide fence has been useful over time.
Photo Date:  9/30/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 11:23:43 AM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 7841(ES44DC) BNSF 1109(C44-9W)
Views:  973   Comments: 7
Slow but steady
Title:  Slow but steady
Description:  BNSF 4694 knocks down the signal at Bison East.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 1:53:52 AM
Location:  Bison, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4694(C44-9W)
Views:  245   Comments: 0
In The "OS"
Title:  In The "OS"
Description:  BNSF 4694 moves through the OS point at Bison East.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 1:55:42 AM
Location:  Bison, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4694(C44-9W)
Views:  295   Comments: 0
An autumn vista in the Rockies.
Title:  An autumn vista in the Rockies.
Description:  BNSF 4694 winds its way down Marias Pass.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:12:01 AM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  194   Comments: 0
Steady as she goes
Title:  Steady as she goes
Description:  Can you almost smell the brakeshoes rubbing on steel wheels?
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:18:58 AM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  RollingStock,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  175   Comments: 0
The acrid scent of brakeshoe smoke
Title:  The acrid scent of brakeshoe smoke
Description:  Suddenly the quiet mountain scene is full of the rumbles, squeals and groans of a passing freight.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:17:17 AM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,RollingStock,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  201   Comments: 0
Leaning into the grade
Title:  Leaning into the grade
Description:  BNSF 4694 cruises through Glacier Park, MT.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 1:46:24 AM
Location:  Glacier Park, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4694(C44-9W) BNSF 5416(C44-9W) BNSF 5434(C44-9W) BNSF 4684(C44-9W)
Views:  380   Comments: 1
At long last a manifest
Title:  At long last a manifest
Description:  No mixed freights the previous day; but the Essex helpers followed Amtrak east toward Browning, forecasting something. Finally along about 2:30pm a westbound shows.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 1:44:44 AM
Location:  Glacier Park, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4694(C44-9W) BNSF 5416(C44-9W) BNSF 5434(C44-9W) BNSF 4684(C44-9W)
Views:  379   Comments: 0
Dwarfed by the landscape
Title:  Dwarfed by the landscape
Description:  BNSF 4694 begins the descent of the west slope of Maris Pass.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:08:03 AM
Location:  Marias Pass, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4694(C44-9W)
Views:  276   Comments: 1
The dark side
Title:  The dark side
Description:  Shadows or not, it is quite a sight.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:09:50 AM
Location:  Marias Pass, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4694(C44-9W)
Views:  273   Comments: 0
What a thrill
Title:  What a thrill
Description:  The long manifest is actually making pretty good time and setting air as it exits Shed No.8 and drops toward the Flathead River valley.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:14:35 AM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4694(C44-9W)
Views:  232   Comments: 0
Go with whatcha know
Title:  Go with whatcha know
Description:  When traffic is generally sparse, of course the thing to do is stay with a known quantity. BNSF 4694 almost has the summit made as it passes beneath a nicely preserved cantilever at the Summit control point.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 1:59:43 AM
Location:  Summit, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4694(C44-9W)
Views:  347   Comments: 1
Into the setting sun
Title:  Into the setting sun
Description:  BNSF 4849 was apparently held at West Belton for an eastbound and then let go. So I got the photo of the nice manifest before the shadows enclosed the scene. The 4694 West is still back there somewhere to follow.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:32:55 AM
Location:  Belton, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4849(C44-9W)
Views:  254   Comments: 1
Yeah, right!
Title:  Yeah, right!
Description:  Of course all of this stuff never shows up when you are where you want to be. It is kind of like fishing, and one never knows when he (or she) is going to get a bite. Just be happy.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:29:49 AM
Location:  Belton, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  210   Comments: 1
Is it just me?
Title:  Is it just me?
Description:  At times I am still unable to accept the lack of a caboose. But the 4920 does not look bad bringing up the rear of BNSF 4694. It just lacks the appeal of a friendly wave from the cupola and a little smoke from the stove as, who knows, the conductor cooks up a bacon and egg sandwich or some coffee. But that was long ago now.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:24:52 AM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4920(C44-9W)
Views:  244   Comments: 0
Dark to light
Title:  Dark to light
Description:  BNSF 5279 has yet another grain empty, exiting Shed No.7.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 1:12:14 PM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5279(C44-9W)
Views:  268   Comments: 1
Is this cool or what
Title:  Is this cool or what
Description:  Power against geography makes for some thrilling shows.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:43:08 PM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5279(C44-9W)
Views:  312   Comments: 2
Ramrods
Title:  Ramrods
Description:  That was a colloquial reference to helpers on the Pennsy. Here an Essex helper set ramrods BNSF 639 East up Marias Pass on a gorgeous October morning.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:57:32 PM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5434(C44-9W)
Views:  226   Comments: 0
Catch of the day
Title:  Catch of the day
Description:  BNSF 639 with an eastbound intermodal is threading the sheds of Marias Pass.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:46:20 PM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 639(C44-9W)
Views:  341   Comments: 2
A long way from the old trails
Title:  A long way from the old trails
Description:  Warbonnets and snowsheds were not intended to be synonymous, but then came the 90s round of mergers.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:50:00 PM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 639(C44-9W)
Views:  306   Comments: 0
Somewhat worse for wear
Title:  Somewhat worse for wear
Description:  BNSF 639 still looks good in virtually its original scheme but for that patch.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/9/2010 12:52:17 PM
Location:  Blacktail, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 639(C44-9W)
Views:  274   Comments: 1
A run of westbounds
Title:  A run of westbounds
Description:  Wouldnt you know that just as the shadows get long, the traffic starts to roll! A grain train has gotten past the 4694 while the helpers cut-off at Essex.
Photo Date:  10/1/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 2:27:13 AM
Location:  Belton, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  187   Comments: 1
Easing on down
Title:  Easing on down
Description:  BNSF 5484 eases its manifest consist down the steep mountain grade at West Austin.
Photo Date:  10/2/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:05:43 AM
Location:  Austin, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5484(C44-9W) BNSF 4452(C44-9W) NS 6669(SD60)
Views:  261   Comments: 0
A classic touch
Title:  A classic touch
Description:  When MRL extended Austin siding up the hillside a couple of years ago, it retained the NP-style searchlights. Nice touch!
Photo Date:  10/2/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:20:56 AM
Location:  Austin, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5484(C44-9W) BNSF 4452(C44-9W) NS 6669(SD60)
Views:  257   Comments: 0
Not the Hi Line
Title:  Not the Hi Line
Description:  BNSF 5484 descends Mullan Pass crossing Skyline Trestle on a warm October afternoon.
Photo Date:  10/2/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:01:19 AM
Location:  Skyline, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4452(C44-9W) NS 6669(SD60)
Views:  262   Comments: 0
Come on baby
Title:  Come on baby
Description:  Yeah, that looks good. Another eastbound manifest drops down from Mullan Pass
Photo Date:  10/2/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:08:38 AM
Location:  Austin, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 796(C44-9W) BNSF 4426(C44-9W) BNSF 4582(C44-9W) MRL 255(SD40-2XR)
Views:  524   Comments: 0
Every bit as steep as it looks
Title:  Every bit as steep as it looks
Description:  An awesome sight, if you would ask me.
Photo Date:  10/2/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:12:37 AM
Location:  Austin, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 796(C44-9W) BNSF 4426(C44-9W) BNSF 4582(C44-9W) MRL 255(SD40-2XR)
Views:  482   Comments: 0
Eastbound in the late afternoon
Title:  Eastbound in the late afternoon
Description:  Coming out of the 150 degree arc at Austin, the railroad reverses direction to gain altitude. This affords nice opportunity to catch an eastbound in good light at 6pm. But that will be all for daylight. Time to head up to the Marysville House for a killer good T-Bone.
Photo Date:  10/2/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:16:25 AM
Location:  Austin, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 796(C44-9W) BNSF 4426(C44-9W) BNSF 4582(C44-9W) MRL 255(SD40-2XR)
Views:  670   Comments: 1
Roll yourself by
Title:  Roll yourself by
Description:  Yep, a crew can roll their own consist by to an extent here. BNSF 796 hits the relative flatlands coming out of the curve at Austin.
Photo Date:  10/2/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 3:31:43 AM
Location:  Austin, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  181   Comments: 0
Three levels
Title:  Three levels
Description:  MRL 4310 drops down from Skyline.
Photo Date:  10/3/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 12:08:49 PM
Location:  Austin, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  158   Comments: 0
Heading to Helena
Title:  Heading to Helena
Description:  The helper set off the grain train drops through Austin at a point where the former eastward A block for the siding stood.
Photo Date:  10/3/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 12:05:01 PM
Location:  Austin, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  MRL 4310(SD70ACe)
Views:  237   Comments: 1
Meet two and go
Title:  Meet two and go
Description:  BNSF 5140 rapidly gets its consist underway after meeting MRL 332 and BNSF 5990. This is the sixth loaded grain train today.
Photo Date:  10/3/2010  Upload Date: 10/12/2010 12:25:19 PM
Location:  Bozeman, MT
Author:  Rick Erben
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5140(C44-9W) BNSF 8200(SD75M)
Views:  354   Comments: 0

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