Producer: Pentrex
Timeframe: 1990
Locations: Helena, Greenhorn Trestle, Blossberg Tunnel
Length: One hour
Source: Video Rails
The Continental Divide in Montana. Burlington Northern and Montana Rail Link trains, need helpers to conquer the tough mountain grades. Horseshoe curves, long trestles and Mullan Tunnel. These 29 miles are Mullan Pass.
Complete coverage of the area. Cab ride across the line. BN local freight travels the area.
Video Rails was known for fine shows. Pentrex has done the conversion to DVD. There is a detailed Chapter Menu. A bonus preview section.
Jim Knight is the narrator for Video Rails. He does a fine performance. Intelligent script, that is informative, if a bit dramatic
Videography is professional. Audio is professional, as well. This is very close to watching a Pentrex original program.
Montana Rail Link crews drive all trains, under Burlington Northern operating authority.
Helena yard is the start of this territory. This is old Northern Pacific trackage. As the station is, that looks well preserved. The steep grade upward ensues.
A BN coal train . Mid train helpers cut in. Rear helpers. This MRL #212, is the SD40, that will be the Cab Ride engine.
The open country allows for panoramic views. Coal trains can use 45,000 horsepower!
A variety of terrain. Cameras seem to get most of the mileage that constitutes Mullan Pass.
One trestle has a good view for photography.
At Blossberg Tunnel. Air respirators need to be used. Worse for helpers.
The final Chapter is the cab ride on MRL 212. It is on the lead, as a helper on a BN freight. The camera pans around, to provide good viewing. That is mucho horsepower on the head end!
The tunnel entrance appearance from the cab.
Mullan Pass
A compact program. Delivers on the advertised. See BN and MRL powered trains, struggle to haul freight over, the tough Mullan Pass. Ride aboard the lead helper, on an MRL SD40, as it assists a BN local over the line.
Filmed and recorded in a professional manner. A fine narrative. What’s not to like? An enjoyable show for everyone!
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 