Features:

Montana Rail Link • by Kyle Brehm — Thirty-five years ago, Montana Rail Link began operations on the former Northern Pacific and soon became a fan favorite.

Portfolio: MRL Inside Out • by James House — Photographer and dispatcher James House has spent a decade photographing Montana Rail Link during what many would consider its most exciting era.

Missoula Locals • by David A. Franz — Engineer David A. Franz shares a view from the cab during Montana Rail Link’s early years when timber was still king and kept the railroad’s Missoula-based locals busy.

The Battle for Mullan Pass • by Justin Franz — Since the beginning, Mullan Pass has been one of Montana Rail Link’s greatest stages. Justin Franz joins a helper crew as they move a heavy coal train during MRL’s final summer.

Departments:

Departures/commentary: Alexander Benjamin Craghead

High Iron/railroaders share their stories: Chad Jolley

LocoNotes/diesel spotters: Kenneth M. Ardinger

Markers/additional thoughts from your editors

On The Menu/railroad dining, art, and culture: James D. Porterfield

Parting Shot/Justin Franz

Preservation/the world of railway preservation: Otto M. Vondrak

Railnews/top news stories and photos from our readers

Railroadiana/new product, book, and video reviews

Through My Lens/trackside memories: Kevin EuDaly

Timetable/railroad event listings submitted by our readers

Transit Currents/transit news: Bob Gallegos