In the American west, one place holds a special allure to those who have discovered its splendor...Montana. If you listen closely, you just might hear the pulse of a regional railroad that has been beating strongly for nearly a quarter of a century: The Montana Rail Link. Rolling on over 900 miles of former Northern Pacific track through Montana, Idaho and Washington State, the MRL passes through some of the most splendid scenery the NP had to offer. MRL serves as a bridge line for BNSF Railway between Laurel, Montana and Spokane, Washington. BNSF trains make up the majority of traffic seen here, although they are operated by MRL crews. In Part 1 of our two-part video series, we cover the First and Second Subdivisions between Jones Junction and Helena, Montana. The railroad follows the Yellowstone River west to Livingston, then up over Bozeman Pass, through Lombard Canyon and over Winston Hill before arriving at Helena. Thrill to the sight and sound of genuine 20 cylinder SD45's shoving heavy unit trains over Bozeman Pass! Watch MRL and BNSF trains at several scenic locations in both summer and winter. Catch 125 car coal trains, grain trains, mixed manifests, locals and the special Boeing 373 train. The combination of great scenery and raw horsepower makes this an exciting video to see and hear!
This program was shot in January and July of 2011.
1 hour 56 minutes
WIDESCREEN DVD NTSC No Region Code
May be viewed with or without narration
This program was shot in January and July of 2011.
1 hour 56 minutes
WIDESCREEN DVD NTSC No Region Code
May be viewed with or without narration
Customer Reviews
👍 4 found this helpful
- 4 of 5
This was my first video visit to the MRL and seeing it in Blu-Ray with this production made it quite a treat. The production unfolds in segments making it easy to watch over several sessions. The producers incorporated enough time compression along with seasonal contrast, like summer and winter, to make for a very fine production. One can appreciate what the Northern Pacific faced and accomplished previously. My wife is not a heavy duty rail fan but greatly enjoyed this one as we watched over several evening meals after long days at work.
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? Definitely.
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👍 3 found this helpful
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- 2 of 5
As usual with 7 Ideas the photography is stunning, as befits this scenic area. It was great to see Montana Rail in action with SD40's and 45's as well as their modern SD70ACE's. However, as a friend who watched it said, "Great scenery boring trains". I also found that the 7 Ideas crew spent to long in the same location, on occasions with the same three-quarter wedge shot of the trains. Perhaps this was due to the lack of trains or distances or difficult access.
However, all that said there are some stunning shots in the video but the lack of variety soon gets a little boring.
However, all that said there are some stunning shots in the video but the lack of variety soon gets a little boring.
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Fair.
Recommend? Only if really interested.
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👍 3 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
This video is a must have for anyone interested in the Montana Rail Link. It is very complete and quite complete. I have traveled up and down the MRL from Laurel Yard to Sand Point, ID several times and was really impressed with the various video shots of all I have seen in person. I like the winter and summer format and I know that was a lot of work for the field people. I would recommend th video to anyone interested in Rail Rosding.......jwl
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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👍 3 found this helpful
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- 5 of 5
Those programs are the best products form 7Idea!
I have other two programs from Pentrex about MRL, but those are the best ones: 5/5 - To be still better, maybe have a little cab-ride scenes!
I suggest that you buy the two programs!
I have other two programs from Pentrex about MRL, but those are the best ones: 5/5 - To be still better, maybe have a little cab-ride scenes!
I suggest that you buy the two programs!
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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👍 3 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
If you like heavy main line action shot in spectacular scenery vivid color and are a fan of the MRL and BNSF this is a must have DVD for you. The action here is nothing short of awesome, everything from intermodial freights and coal trains are all here for you to see. And speaking of coal trains sit back and watch as these monster trains need three sets of power to keep them moving, as an added bonus most of the mid train helpers on these coal trains are four to five unit lash ups of SD40s,SD40-2s,SD45s and SD45-2s, Just awesome in 2011 to see and here these classic EMD locomotives still at work and mixing it up with the latest Gevo's and SD70ACes to keep these massive coal trains moving. An A++++ must have DVD. mysp7377
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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👍 3 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
This is a great show, the camera work is excellent and you have the option of narration on or off. If i had to list a dissapointing part of this show is that i thought it would have shown a lot more MRL action, The show is sold as MRL and you would have thought you were getting a program based solely on MRL but it has a lot of BNSF trains in the show. The beauty of it is that you get the latest BNSF horsepower working hard along with some older EMDs from MRL as well as their fleet of SD70's. Besides the fact that i would have liked to see a lot more MRL trains, these are excellent DVDs and i wouldnt hesitate recommending them, they can be watched and enjoyed over and over again and the footage dosnt become boring as multiple locations are featured and the scenery is great. A must have for MRL and BNSF fans.
Additional comments:
Narration can be turned off.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Good value.
Recommend? Definitely.
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👍 3 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
The best picture quality I have seen, extremely well done video. If you like mountain railroading/scenery and Montana Rail Link than this is a "must have" video
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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