Easing over rails that once carried Northern Pacific's renowned North Coast Limited, BNSF ES44C4 8119 arrives at Pipestone, MT, with an empty ballast train bound for reloading at Conda Mining's Pipestone Quarry. This train is operating over a surviving section of the beloved Homestake Pass, a line that has been largely embargoed since 1983. Following BNSF's acquisition of the MRL in early 2024, only a once-a-week local from Logan and increasingly rare ballast trains use the line, with the latter being the sole traffic west of Whitehall. Despite the sparse traffic, the stretch between Whitehall and Pipestone offers a breathtakingly rugged backdrop as these ballast trains ascend the Continental Divide, making their way to the quarry load-out at Pipestone.

Earlier in the day, I missed the train as it departed Manhattan for Pipestone, along with all the scenic shots through Jefferson Canyon. The clouds had been highly unpredictable, adding to the challenge. When I thought all hope was lost, I made a "Hail Mary" drive from Logan to Pipestone. As I arrived, I spotted the train in the distance, and the clouds began to clear, giving way to golden evening light. The race to Pipestone had paid off.

Loading comments...

Loading contexts...

Make:	Hasselblad
Model:	L2D-20c
Exposure:	0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperture:	f/4.0
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	12.3 mm
Lens:	24.0 mm f/2.8