To my knowledge the State of South Dakota no longer owns those rails from Miles City, eastward. They were sold to BNSF about five years ago. BNSF isn't going to be happy with anyone wanting to dive into their pool. Unless it puts some big numbers on their bottom line. I'd bet that BNSF would also question MRL participating the the cash flow. Boxcab E50
Updates to this thread Red Coulee 2013 View attachment 65349 View attachment 65350 View attachment 65351 The rails still remain on Malmstrom AFB
I might get over the hump to that side in a few weeks. Hoping to explore some places I haven't seen in ages.
Rails still remain at Malmstrom AFB Looking west towards the Great Falls, and the coal power plant for the base on the left. View attachment 65355 The end of rails, looking east towards Red Coulee, Highwood, Geraldine, Denton. Can't seem to add anymore pictures for now, will try again later maybe. (For the sake of historical reference for Milwaukee Road fans, this is an valuable thread)
I sure don't know how I missed this thread. It does bring back a lot of memories for me. I had relatives who worked for the Milwaukee Road and did run over these old routes. The old Milwaukee depot in Lewistown is part of the Yogo Inn, where we have stayed a few times. We did ride on the "Charlie Russell Choo Chew" a couple of times in recent years out of Lewistown. Spent some time years back following some of the old routes out there with relatives who got laid off when the railroad ceased operations. About 25 years ago I took a week and took a horseback trip following the route from Ringling to Toston, MT. Great post !!!
That elevator is worth some close in photos. Hard to believe that once there were big grain trains rolling, passenger trains, and....
One other pic of it is all I have This elevator was was on Whiskey Flat Road where the Milwaukee crossed about a mile or two from Lacey Tunnel
I have enjoyed this thread. I never saw MILW in action. Sad to see remnants of a once prosperous railroad melt back into landscape. Thanks to everyone who has posted pictures, comments and links.
The Geraldine Depot is still loved, as I was taking photos a lady pulled up in a car and asked if I wanted to see the interior, she would go home and get the keys. (I love MT and it's native people) I declined the offer as I didn't wish to inconvenience her.
They are indeed proud of their depot. Well done for a small community, they've proved that a large population is not needed to save such an import artifact. Too bad others of similar size out there have failed to do the same.
The end of the rails are in the grass at my feet, I'm looking northwest towards the area where the ROW left the hwy towards Big Lake and Highwood. Abandoned CMR equipment sitting at the end of rails, I assume as a barracade against running off the rails. Arrow Creek
Not sure if you're still around Rick, but Red Coulee east abutment The west side of the trestle, obviously the original abutment had an issue and the MILW replaced it with this wooden approach.
The row as it heads into Belt Creek, Lacey Tunnel is around the bend to the right, it is gated at this point so I go up the hill. I drive down a road into a grain field in hopes of finding this, the Amphitheater tunnel, not much has changed since Hemiadde2 took his hike. Lacey Tunnel and it's telltale to my left.
