Are the SD45's still in Mullan helper service, or have they been sidelined? Are they being pressed back into helper service?
Believe that a couple of SD45's are still hanging around. As the new units seem to be doing more than just helper service, I'll not be surprised to see non-SD70ACe power on Mullan now and then. Boxcab E50
I was in Helena this weekend and the still a set of sd45 helpers. During the week on busy days the usually run two helper sets. It looks right now that they have one set of sd45s and one of sd70aces.
Is there any dedicated MRL web sites to peruse?Apart from the photo only sites,is there one that has the history etc of MRL?
There was one excellent site. A fellow named Tim Harris built it. A lot of us used it as reference. But this past year, a job change came about. And he moved. Has yet to put it back up. Many folks are awaiting the return. Boxcab E50
Then we could put them into helper service or general duty on our layouts and they could live on. Just a thought
Harold- Leased units. From my source, some of the old helpers will be kept available fro use inside the system, and as back-up helpers. Most of the rest will see the USA as leasers. Boxcab E50
I'ev been seeing MRL diesels in Texas on the ex-Frisco, so that's not new. I wonder if they'll be worked over & repainted, or given the "rent-a-wreck" look of a patch over the original owner's marks? Time will tell......
Bob- No. They should not be repainted! A contact at MRL would be interested in hearing if this happens. They are still MRL units. Just short term leasers. Boxcab E50
I hate rent-a-wreck paint jobs.... I just hope they (the SD45's) stay kickin' with the 20-cyl. powerplants....
Doing what they are designed to do: pushing! Bozeman Pass looms ahead with over a foot of fresh snow, and the symphony of the all-EMD lashup was music to my ears!!
A filthy set of ACes at Austin siding await the eastbound ML just exiting Blossburg Tunnel at the summit of Mullan Pass: Without further ado, an old warrior, an SD45-2 leads 3 big ACes on the MIssoula-Livingston (ML) eastbound at Austin's lower loop: This shots at a tight angle to the train clearly shows Mullan's monster grade from Austin: